Pierre Trudeau

The National Energy Program was intended to ensure Canadian oil security, increase Canadian ownership of the resource, and capture for all Canadians some of the huge windfall increases in oil revenue.

Don't be surprised if we soon hear Trudeau uttering, as another tough old pol a lot of Canadians liked once did: "Just watch me!"

Yesterday's announcement puts Canada's opposition in an uncomfortable spot. But when it comes to talking points, modern Conservatives can turn on a dime.

It's pretty hard to argue this situation isn't an example of the oil industry's continued domination of the Alberta government.

The appointment to cabinet of former Tory Sandra Jansen, who crossed the floor to the NDP last year, is designed to win hearts and minds in Calgary, likely to be the key electoral battleground.