IT'S NOT LIKE THERE'S A UNION ARMY TO RESTORE ORDER:

Klein willing to defy Ottawa (KATHERINE HARDING and GLORIA GALLOWAY, 3/02/06, Globe and Mail)

Alberta's sweeping health-care proposals aren't "written in stone," Premier Ralph Klein said yesterday, but warned he would not shy away from a fight with Ottawa to get what he wants.

Mr. Klein said he doesn't know yet how much of his 10-point plan will remain intact after a public consultation period, scheduled to last a month. If the subsequent legislation breaches federal health rules, however, he's ready to do battle with the new Conservative government.

"It may violate the Canada Health Act," he told reporters.