Calgarian Chronicle

[Padraig Rua]

 

Today the Provisional Government of the Calgarian Federation has announced that the city of Edmonton shall become the new capital of the Federation, purporting an already developed governmental infrastructure. It was originally intended that Calgary would become the capital of the new state. However, critics pointed out that the city lies directly on the border with California, a neighboring nation, and could not be adequately defend if ever a war arose. Even with Calgary deprived of capital-status it will be remembered as the city where the Federation was proclaimed and established, and shall remain significant in the memory of the people forever and enshrined in the name of the state.

The Provisional Government also announced the creation of a new federal government. A constitution has been ratified and awaits approval. It officially establishes that the federal government shall be the central government of the Calgarian Federation. Based on the American Commonwealth model, it will be headed by an executive branch consisting of a president elected by direct popular vote from all citizens. The legislative branch shall be composed of the Senate (Upper House) and the General Assembly (Lower House). There will be 40 Senators from Alberta and 35 from British Columbia elected by their individual state assemblies. The General Assembly shall be elected by direct popular vote with one representative from each municipality within a state of the Federation (there being only two at the moment). A census shall be conducted every year in order to determine the voting power of each municipality which shall be based upon its population. Finally a federal court system shall be established to enforce and determine federal laws.
 

On an individual level the government of the state of Alberta is organized as a parliamentary democracy with a unicameral legislature. Its unicameral legislature—the State Assembly—consists of eighty-seven members elected first past the post from single-member constituencies. The government of the state of British Columbia is also organized in the same manner, except with a seventy-five member State Assembly.

In other news the state assemblies and provisional government have approved of an initial budget for now. Elections are being prepared and the citizens of the Federation look forward to their first taste of democracy.

[Padraig Rua]

The Provisional Government of the Calgarian Federation has announced that the national militia shall henceforth become the standing military force of the Federation. The Provisional Government also announced that the military is now recruiting from among the citizenry of the Federation in order to create a defensive force.

 

In other news election results are in. The final results of the presidential election have been counted with Christopher Archibald, of the Federal Party, winning a landslide victory of over 3 million votes out of a total of roughly 5 million voters. The Federal Party holds a majority in the General Assembly, followed by the Liberal Party and the Western Party. However, the Liberal Party holds a majority in the Senate, followed by the Federal Party and Western Party.

 

The main issues of the new government will now concern the development of the economy and the services provided by the state, such as free education and healthcare.

[Padraig Rua]

In order to develop the economy of the Calgarian Federation President Archibald has been working closely with key economic advisers and Secretary of the Treasury, Igor Bogomolov, in drawing up a plan to develop the economy of the state. This plan has been named the Economic Development Programme or NDP.

Grants have been issued to indigenous firms and entrepreneurs within the Federation. The President hopes that by doing so citizens will be encouraged to set up new industries in the state, while foreign companies will hopefully be attracted to the Federation by the promise of low taxes on their profits and grants to help with building costs. To be precise the Corporation Tax of the Federation has been lowered to 7% to attract multinational businesses. Growth is also being encouraged by the relaxing of regulations for businesses. However, being that the Federations indigenous firms are relatively new to the market the government has decided to protect them, for a limited amount of time, from foreign competition by putting tariffs on imports until they become firmly established in the market.

 

Funding has also been provided to farmers throughout British Columbia and Alberta to help in the establishment of a strong agricultural sector. The government has provided grants for the purchase of new farming equipment to increase production.
 

Earlier today the President was interviewed about the NDP. He stated that he was pleased to see the federal government, as he put it, ‘busily engaged in the idea of building up our economy, by developing agricultural and industrial production and exports, and providing jobs to keep our young men and women at home’.

 

Great results are expected from this initiative by the President. Many have applauded him for his zeal in the matter. With time the Federation may become an economic power in the North American market.

 

[Padraig Rua]

Thousands of people have joined the newly created Calgarian Federal Army (CFA) after a nationwide recruitment campaign. Current numbers have the army size at approximately 25,000 fully trained and armed men and women. The CFA will be under the direct control of President Archibald, who acts as Commander in Chief.

 

It's intended that the CFA will consist of a highly mobile field army backed up by local defence units. The purpose of the army is to defend the national territory, and its military strategy will employ the use of the mountainous terrain of the Canadian Rockies, the heavily forested lands of the Alberta and British Columbia and the numerous lakes within both states to wear down an aggressor, instead of attempting to hold the attacking army on the frontier.

Financial investment in the CFA will increase once the federal government has fully been consolidated. Until then the CFA will continue to accept new recruits.

[Padraig Rua]

With the federal government firmly established the main priorities of the state would now be aimed at the development of the federations natural resources for the good of the people. Due to the numerous amount of lakes and rivers in the state of Alberta economic activities such as fishing and water sports are being encouraged with friendly government policies towards them.

 

Due to the majority of the northern half of the province, and its south western border, being covered with boreal forest, lumbering and other forestry related industries are being given priority. But most of all the Athabasca region is having its economic potential fully utilized. The federal government is investing a large amount of money into its development in the hopes of providing a sufficient amount of oil to the federation and perhaps a surplus to sell.

 

Grain and dairy farming are being encouraged in Alberta's short grass prairie regions in order to grow food and build cattle stocks. After a sufficient amount of time the federation may become independent of energy and food needs.

 

Meanwhile, in British Columbia, the mountainous nature of the terrain is being used to promote ecotourism and outdoor adventures in an attempt to develop tourism in the region. Small sectors of its forested regions are also being used for forestry related industries, but the rest is being used for tourist activities. President Archibald believes that the development of the Calgarian Federations natural resources along with relaxed business regulations, and economic incentives to multinational companies, will greatly develop the federations economy, providing much employment.

[Padraig Rua]

Many changes have taken place recently in the Calgarian Federation. Infrastructural improvements have occurred, along with military expansion. The federations energy supply has been steadily pulled off coal to a mixture of oil, gas, solar power, wind power, and hydro power.

Large wind farms have been created in non-forested, non-fertile and non-inhabited regions of the federation, while solar farms have been constructed and scattered throughout the country. Hydro power is being drawn from the many rivers of British Columbia and Alberta. While this may seem detrimental to the environment it should be known that all these energy facilities have been constructed in less attractive areas of the federation, and any damaged caused during construction has been corrected. This is so because the public does not want the natural beauty of the federation to be stained. Large amounts of energy are being created from these new power sources. So much so that the federation has become self-sufficient in energy needs. However, this may change as the federation marches into the future.

As this power switch occurred new railways were constructed throughout the federation connecting all the major cities, while previously existing railways and motorways were restored across the states of Alberta and British Columbia.

Finally the Federal Army has been increased to 80,000 active men and women. They've been properly trained and armed and are ready to defend the federation from any hostile nation.

Edited November 7, 2013 by Padraig Rua

[Padraig Rua]

Great celebrations were held throughout the federation today to mark the unification of the state of British Columbia with it's southern lands. Families, friends and general kinsmen once divided by the boundaries of nations have been reunited once again, sparking much joy and happiness in the state. The government of the American Commonwealth and the government of the Calgarian Federation are working closely together to ensure that a smooth unification is achieved. The southern lands of British Columbia are being integrated into the political system of the state. Constituencies are being established and elections are being held to help these new citizens voice their opinions in the state assembly and national assembly.

 

President Archibald in a speech earlier today praised the American Commonwealth for allowing the people of British Columbia to determine the course of their future through these elections. He said " The American Commonwealth, our friends in the south, truly emobdy the definition of democracy and freedom."

[Padraig Rua]

The Federal Army has been reduced in size from eighty-thousand personnel to sixty five-thousand personnel, and ten-thousand in reserve. The Military High Command thought it best to invest money in a smaller, more professional, defensive force to protect the people of the Federation. President Archibald found himself in agreement with this policy change. He was quoted to have said that it would contribute to the development of a professional force of soldiers defending " our homeland ". He also said that this action freed up more money to be invested in social welfare projects and the economy, which benefits everyone.

 

Meanwhile, in economic news, increased investment from Japanese firms has been reported in the markets. This is no doubt a direct result of President Archibald's Economic Development Programme and recent diplomatic talks held with the Japanese Foreign Minister. A rise in Japanese tourist numbers coming to British Columbia and Alberta has also been noted. The economic benefit of their presence will soon reveal itself, developing the Calgarian economy even further.

 

In other news a new, partially state-owned, company known as the Athabasca Oilfields Corporation was opened today. The necessary facilities to extract the oil have been built, as has a pipeline to the harbor of Prince Rupert to handle oil exports to the Pacific Ocean. The company is now open to public/private investment.

 

Furthermore, a Calgarian-Japanese military research facility has been built in the harbor of Prince Rupert.

 

 

[Padraig Rua]

Weather - Meteorologists have reported a large cold front descending from northern and eastern Canada which will settle over the Federation in the coming days. There is expected to be large snowfall throughout the Calgarian Federation and the surrounding American Commonwealth protectorates. This will be accompanied by heavy mists, thunder and lightening. The federal government has warned local authorities and citizens throughout the country to prepare for this particularly upcoming harsh winter weather. Citizens have been suggested to gather supplies and essentials in preparation for this front and to have the necessary items to keep warm.

 

The Elderly Protection Program (EPP) has been put into operation by all local authorities at the command of President Archibald. This program moves elderly couples or individuals living on their own into family houses or the houses of volunteers for the duration of the winter in order to keep them safe.

 

Citizens living in northern municipalities have been encouraged to have weapons at hand in case bears, wolves or any other dangerous animals coming down south escaping the weather or trying to find food come in close proximity to their properties.

 

Northern municipalities - There has been a significant escalation in the amount of disappearances in the territories of northern British Columbia and Alberta. Local authorities are trying to find out what has happened to these individuals and are asking for any information relating to the matter. Local police have also issued warnings to citizens, suggesting that they should not travel alone.

[Padraig Rua]

British Columbia and Alberta

 

The recent snow storm which gripped the country has subsided. It has been learned that recent events were caused by an individual of considerable unknown power who unleashed a horde of unidentified creatures and brainwashed individuals upon the people of the Federation. Former Member of Parliament turned hermit, Tiber Gauldurson, fortunately defeated the "supernatural" individual with the aid of other companions. In honor of his service Tiber has been declared Emperor of the Federation.

 

He has dissolved the Calgarian Federation and has proclaimed the establishment of the Albertan Dominion in it's place. The Emperor declared that the Dominion will do its best to "uphold the peace and stability of North America".

 

Private

 

The Albertan Dominion was officially formed by Tiber Gauldurson with the conscent of the people, but the administrative structures it inherited were in need of change and modernistation. The country had barely begun its transition from a Federation to a fully-fledged Empire capable of defending itself, its interests and the interests of its allies and the stability of the region. At this point in time the Dominion had virtually no allies, though the Dai-Tōhoku was rather friendly and Tiber hoped to build on that. The same situation also applied to the American Commonwealth.
 

The Dominion inherited from the Calgarian Federation a cohesive and hard-working society, an extensive tax collection system, an efficient law enforcement apparatus, a well-connected communication network, and a well-built transportation network. Its economy was fairly stable and growing, thanks to the economic policies of President Archibald, and investment from Dai-Tōhoku. The Federation was ruled on a decentralized level, with power lying in municipalities and provincial assemblies. It seemed that the major task lay in consolidating the local and regional governments into a highly-centralized national government.

Tiber decided that the Dominion would maintain the status quo for the time being, slowly and steadily centralizing government power in the hands of Edmonton, the capital of the Dominion. By doing so it would make conversion to a system of strong government less of a shock to the citizens of the Dominion. In the meanwhile, Tiber would detail out the organisation of the central government of the Dominion, including the position of Emperor, the formation of an Imperial Council, the establishment of an Imperial Diet, and the Imperialization of the country. He would, for the time being, form and maintain the image of democracy in the Dominion.

To begin with, the Emperor contacted former magistrates and administrators from thoughout the country who he knew to be of high regard, and summoned them to meet in Edmonton. The purpose of the meeting was to sanction the establishment of the post of Emperor with public support, and to place the task of Imperialization on the magistrates and former federal administrators. In addition to that, the meeting was to establish a national legislature and set the stage for nationwide elections that would populate the legislature with members.

The meeting went well. The magistrates and administrators not only approved the formation of the post of Emperor, but they agreed on the formation of a unicameral Imperial Diet to represent their interests, as well as the accompanying elections. They also agreed to place their respective police forces under the control of the Imperial central government (specifically the proposed Ministry of the Interior). The administrators would continue to maintain control of their police forces in their areas of jurisdiction, and the central government would be allowed to assume control over them when necessary.

When the meeting adjourned the basic contours of a centralized Imperial government were in the process of establishment. Tiber prepared to call for national elections. He also went on to establish an extrajudicial security apparatus. In an informal meeting with his supporters, the Emperor sanctioned the establishment of the Commission for the Preservation of the Imperial Dominion (COPRID). In turn, two organizations were formed under COPRID: Dominion State Intelligence (DSI) and the Penitus Oculatus. Both organizations, as well as COPRID as a whole, would report directly to the Imperial Council and the Emperor.

Imperial State Intelligence was to serve as the Dominion’s intelligence agency; it was tasked with collecting information (public and secret) for the Imperial government as well as conducting espionage and surveillance on both external and domestic targets (individuals, groups, etc). In turn, the Penitus Oculatus was tasked with law enforcement, independent of local and regional government authority. It was to serve as a 'muscle' for the Imperial government through the fact that it had broad powers of arrest and detainment in accordance with orders from COPRID and the Imperial government. However, both organizations would have to start small, as dedicated personnel with appropriate expertise would have to be found.

While the security apparatuses were being formed in secrecy, and while elections were being prepared, and as Tiber settled down to his new position as Emperor, Imperialization duly began. Its immediate effects were the raising of a new Flag across the country:

 

[Padraig Rua]

Public News

 

Emperor Tiber Gauldurson issued the first Decree of the Albertan Dominion. The Decree on the Daily Administration of the Albertan Dominion sanctioned the formation of the Imperial Council, which in turn officially authorized the Emperor to appoint Council positions. With this Decree came the establishment of a new position in the Imperial government: High Chancellor.

The High Chancellor is the second highest office in the Dominion after the Emperor. The holder of the office will be tasked with the day-to-day administration of the Albertan Dominion and its rapidly growing bureaucracy. The High Chancellor will head the Imperial Council on the behalf of the Emperor. S/he cannot appoint or fire any of its members without the Emperors permission. The High Chancellor can be appointed or relieved by the Emperor at any time for any matter or reason. Not only is the High Chancellor tasked with overseeing the various government ministries, bureaus, and offices that comprise the Albertan Dominions bureaucracy, but he/she will function as a personal assistant and adviser to the Emperor. The High Chancellor will also function as head of the Imperial Diet once it is established and populated by Imperial Representatives after the planned national elections. The High Chancellor will serve as a member of the Elder Council, to be elaborated below.

The Elder Council will consist of the Emperor, his Imperial Council, and the High Chancellor. However, other important government and military positions such as the Commander-in-Chief and Justiciar are included in the Elder Council. Under the Emperor, the Elder Council will serve as an administrative body of the Dominion. However, it will not serve as a substitute of the Imperial Diet once it takes power. But in the case that the Emperor is unable to serve his position, is incapacitated, dies, or resigns, the Elder Council will serve as an executive body alongside the Imperial Diet.

Lastly, the Decree outlined the Ministry positions to be included in the Imperial Council, to be appointed by the Emperor himself:

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs
Minister of Defense
Minister of Finance

Minister of Justice
Minister of the Interior
Minister of Industry
Minister of Communications
Minister of Health
Minister of Public Relations
Minister of Transportation
Minister of Agriculture
Minister of Commerce
Minister of Labor
Minister of Science and Technology
Minister of Energy
Minister of Social Services
Minister of Corrections

 

The Ministers have the power to issue resolutions relating to their organizations. Although they can be overruled by the Emperor or Imperial Diet.

[Padraig Rua]

Classified

With the basis of a secret police established, the details of certain government institutions laid out and planned national elections for the Imperial Diet in motion, the Imperial government turned its attention on reorganizing and strengthening the military of the Dominion. The Emperor issued a second Decree, the Decree on the Formation of the Imperial Army of the Dominion. He detailed out how the re-organization of the Imperial Army should be implemented by the Defense Ministry as well as any qualified military officials. It took into account the military's administrative system, its command hierarchy, the number and size of the army and the military ranks from highest to lowest.

The Emperor focused on the Imperial Army first, the Decree established the Imperial Army High Command (IAHC). The Imperial Army was to be placed under the command of a council of senior army generals led by the Army Chief of Staff. The council, formally known as the National Council of the Imperial Armed Forces (NC-IAF), will report to the Supreme Commander of the Army through the Army Chief of Staff and in turn to the Defense Minister and ultimately the Emperor. Imperial Army High Command was to form part of the overall Imperial High Command (IHC), which would include branches for the Air Force and future Navy.

Officially named the Imperial Albertan Army (IAA), or simply the Imperial Army, was to consist of 100,000 troops in both active and reserve roles. However, this target of 100,000 would have to be reached over time as the Dominion was currently only in the position of raising 22,000 men.The Decree specified the ranks for the Imperial Army from highest to lowest:
 

Supreme Commander of the Army
Field Marshal
General
Brigadier
Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
Major
Captain
Lieutenant
2nd Lieutenant
Officer Cadet
Command Sergeant
Sergeant Major
First Sergeant
Master Sergeant
Sergeant First Class
Staff Sergeant
Sergeant
Corporal
Private First Class
Private

 

Imperial Army officers and soldiers are required to undergo training in military academies, boot camps, and training camps at select locations across the Dominion immediately.

Finally, the Decree established several national recruitment offices, namely the Imperial Army Recruitment Office (IARO). Officials of the IARO, known as Imperial Recruiters, would be tasked with recruiting citizens of the Dominion into the Imperial Army. They, in addition to selling weapons, equipment, and supplies to soldiers and personnel based on their rank and processing paperwork, would have the power to arrest and detain upon any citizen who refused his/her sworn duty to serve the Dominion.

[Padraig Rua]

Classified

With the Imperial Army now established, the Emperor decided to turn his focus on the Air Force. In accordance with his Decree on the Formation of the Imperial Armed Forces, the Imperial Albertan Air Force (IAAF), or simply the Imperial Air Force, was to be established.

The IAAF was to be placed under the command of the Ministry of Defense and form part of the overall Imperial High Command. It would be commandeered by the National Council of the Imperial Albertan Air Force (NC-IAAF) led by an Air Force Chief of Staff, as a part of the Imperial Air Force High Command (IAFHC), otherwise known as the Air Command. The NC-IAAF would report to the Supreme Commander of the Air Force, and in turn to the Defense Minister and the Emperor.

The plan outlined by the Decree was for the IAAF to have a large air force comprising of aircraft's of all calibers, including fighters, strike-fighters, interceptors, military transport aircraft's, cargo aircraft's, reconnaissance aircraft's, and support aircraft's such as EWACs and AWACs. Overall, the IAAF was projected to have approximately 1000 aircraft in total (600 various fighter-craft, the rest comprising of transport, cargo etc). The Decree also stipulated that all air force bases such as airfields, hangars, and refueling centers across the Dominion be brought into operation immediately.

Like the Army, the Decree set forth the ranks for the Air Force, from highest to lowest:

 

Supreme Commander of the Air Force
Air Force Marshal
Air Marshal
Air Commodore
Group Captain
Wing Commander
Squadron Leader
Flight Lieutenant
Flying Officer
Pilot Officer
Officer Cadet
Warrant Officer
Sergeant
Corporal
Aircraftman

 

To assist in the planned expansion of the Air Force, the Imperial Air Force Recruitment Office (IAFRO) was established, with the same level of powers and duties as the IARO. IAFRO recruiters would have the power of arrest and detainment over any citizen who refuses his or her duty to serve the Dominion.

 

Next, the growing military-industrial complex would play a role in the establishment of the Air Force. Defense contractors, technological companies, and military industries across the Dominion received orders, along with funding, from the Imperial government to begin producing aircraft's and related technology, whenever and wherever possible.