Ben Atkinson, PhD
@benatkinsonphd.bsky.social
PhD Economics with 25+ years experience in public, private, and academic sectors. Expertise in International Economics and Industrial Organization, including transportation and retail gasoline pricing. Proud Calgarian and life-long lover of rock n' roll.
Natasha Bulowski: “The federal government is working on a flood hazard mapping program to create maps of higher-risk areas so Canadians can access this information.” www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/21/n...
Extreme storms, atmospheric rivers and wildfires drove billions in insured losses last year
The country recorded more than $2.4 billion in insured losses in 2025, part of a trend that has seen them nearly triple from one decade to the next — rising from $14 billion in the ten years before 20...
www.nationalobserver.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Natasha Bulowski: “The federal government is working on a flood hazard mapping program to create maps of higher-risk areas so Canadians can access this information.” www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/21/n...
Max Fawcett: "When your movement’s willingness to defend your country is lower than the willingness from supporters of a literal separatist party, you don’t get to claim the mantle of patriotism and national pride." www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/20/o...
Canada’s fifth columnists are showing their hand
Donald Trump is threatening to invade Greenland, and Canada might be next. It's time to look around and figure out who would fight back — and who would surrender.
www.nationalobserver.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Max Fawcett: "When your movement’s willingness to defend your country is lower than the willingness from supporters of a literal separatist party, you don’t get to claim the mantle of patriotism and national pride." www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/20/o...
Kevin Martin: “Darryl Flett pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in connection with the attack last May 14 on then-67-year-old Amarjit Grewal.
“His brother, Curtis Baker Spence, pleaded guilty Monday to robbery in connection with the same assault.” calgaryherald.com/news/crime/d...
“His brother, Curtis Baker Spence, pleaded guilty Monday to robbery in connection with the same assault.” calgaryherald.com/news/crime/d...
Calgary brothers plead guilty in brutal attack on city bus driver
Second of two brothers pleads guilty of hitting bus driver in Falconridge with a baton and an edged weapon while demanding his phone.
calgaryherald.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Kevin Martin: “Darryl Flett pleaded guilty to aggravated assault in connection with the attack last May 14 on then-67-year-old Amarjit Grewal.
“His brother, Curtis Baker Spence, pleaded guilty Monday to robbery in connection with the same assault.” calgaryherald.com/news/crime/d...
“His brother, Curtis Baker Spence, pleaded guilty Monday to robbery in connection with the same assault.” calgaryherald.com/news/crime/d...
“I am not envious to be in [Carney's] position, but he has the expertise, intelligence, and resources to rise above threats to Canadian sovereignty if he tunes out the people who insist nothing has changed on the world stage since 1994.” wallsandbridges.substack.com/p/is-canada-...
Is Canada "Selling Out" to China?
Right now, I say "no", but we need to be careful.
wallsandbridges.substack.com
January 21, 2026 at 2:11 PM
“I am not envious to be in [Carney's] position, but he has the expertise, intelligence, and resources to rise above threats to Canadian sovereignty if he tunes out the people who insist nothing has changed on the world stage since 1994.” wallsandbridges.substack.com/p/is-canada-...
I love the second line: “Myers devotes a full chapter to Candy’s CFL excursion. One wonders how well that part of the comedian’s life translates to American readers who wouldn’t know a Rough Rider from a Roughrider.” www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/book...
Writing his book on John Candy, author Paul Myers wrestled with the amount of Canadian content to include
The biography of the beloved comedian comes with lots of references to Candy’s Canadian roots
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:08 PM
I love the second line: “Myers devotes a full chapter to Candy’s CFL excursion. One wonders how well that part of the comedian’s life translates to American readers who wouldn’t know a Rough Rider from a Roughrider.” www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/book...
I want to add that previous reports were that the $1 billion membership fee only applies if we want to remain a member for longer than 3 years. Less than three years: no fee. But that could change. Regardless, one second on this board is time wasted on it. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
Carney cautious about Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ invitation as Champagne rules out $1-billion payment
World leaders have balked at the hefty price tag and list of countries Trump has invited to participate
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:02 PM
I want to add that previous reports were that the $1 billion membership fee only applies if we want to remain a member for longer than 3 years. Less than three years: no fee. But that could change. Regardless, one second on this board is time wasted on it. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
Robyn Urback: “The world has suffered for years for overestimating Mr. Trump... Canada cannot take the risk that he won’t pursue the dumbest, most dangerous, once-inconceivable path when it comes to our sovereignty, too.” www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: On our sovereignty, Canada must assume Trump will pursue the riskiest, dumbest path possible
The message to the Prime Minister of Norway confirms the security of the world hinges on a man who is all id
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:54 PM
Robyn Urback: “The world has suffered for years for overestimating Mr. Trump... Canada cannot take the risk that he won’t pursue the dumbest, most dangerous, once-inconceivable path when it comes to our sovereignty, too.” www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
These are good things. Now I want his words to be turned into actions with both domestic and foreign policies. He does not need to call out Trump directly, but he needs to make it clear he will no longer turn the other cheek. www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Carney leaving Davos without meeting Trump after speech on U.S. rupture of world order
Trump to deliver address to World Economic Forum amid global uproar over U.S. threats to annex Greenland
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 21, 2026 at 12:46 PM
These are good things. Now I want his words to be turned into actions with both domestic and foreign policies. He does not need to call out Trump directly, but he needs to make it clear he will no longer turn the other cheek. www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
My thoughts on Prime Minister Carney's recent speech in Davos. wallsandbridges.substack.com/p/my-thought...
My Thoughts on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos
Now we're talking!
wallsandbridges.substack.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:46 PM
My thoughts on Prime Minister Carney's recent speech in Davos. wallsandbridges.substack.com/p/my-thought...
Trump says “nobody” wants Macron on the board, even though Trump personally invited him to be on the board. So does Trump consider himself a “nobody”?
Also, "Trump confirmed Monday night that Putin had been invited." www.npr.org/2026/01/20/n...
Also, "Trump confirmed Monday night that Putin had been invited." www.npr.org/2026/01/20/n...
Trump's Board of Peace has several invited leaders trying to figure out how it'll work
It's unclear how many leaders have been asked to join the board, and the large number of invitations being sent out, including to countries that don't get along, has raised questions about the board's...
www.npr.org
January 20, 2026 at 12:51 PM
Trump says “nobody” wants Macron on the board, even though Trump personally invited him to be on the board. So does Trump consider himself a “nobody”?
Also, "Trump confirmed Monday night that Putin had been invited." www.npr.org/2026/01/20/n...
Also, "Trump confirmed Monday night that Putin had been invited." www.npr.org/2026/01/20/n...
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed U.S. relations with Europe “have never been closer”, presumably after ingesting a considerable amount of hallucinogens. www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl...
Bessent tells EU leaders to ‘take a deep breath’ over Greenland and tariff threats
At World Economic Forum in Davos, U.S. Treasury Secretary says U.S. and Europe have ‘never been closer’
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 20, 2026 at 12:02 PM
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed U.S. relations with Europe “have never been closer”, presumably after ingesting a considerable amount of hallucinogens. www.theglobeandmail.com/world/articl...
If true (and knowing Trump, I have little doubt), this is more evidence that Carney’s participation in this bullshit “board of peace” is not only a waste of time, but also embarrassing for Canada. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Kremlin says Putin has been invited to join Trump’s Gaza ‘board of peace’
Russia says it is seeking to ‘clarify all the nuances’ of offer it claims Washington has made before responding
www.theguardian.com
January 20, 2026 at 12:16 AM
If true (and knowing Trump, I have little doubt), this is more evidence that Carney’s participation in this bullshit “board of peace” is not only a waste of time, but also embarrassing for Canada. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
Reposted by Ben Atkinson, PhD
Does anyone remember the classic "ICE vs The Viking in a Bathtub" sketch on Monty Python? Good times!
January 19, 2026 at 7:37 PM
Does anyone remember the classic "ICE vs The Viking in a Bathtub" sketch on Monty Python? Good times!
Shannon Phillips: “Heather has turned Edmonton Strathcona into the strongest NDP seat in the country - she is well aware of what we’ve done in Lethbridge at the provincial level, and she and I both know a strong, unlikely NDP seat in Alberta doesn’t happen by accident.”
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
An open letter to my NDP friends in Lethbridge and across western Canada: why I'm supporting Heather McPherson for Leader of Canada's NDP
Rebuilding the federal party starts with building on, not going to war with, the strength of our provincial parties
substack.com
January 19, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Shannon Phillips: “Heather has turned Edmonton Strathcona into the strongest NDP seat in the country - she is well aware of what we’ve done in Lethbridge at the provincial level, and she and I both know a strong, unlikely NDP seat in Alberta doesn’t happen by accident.”
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
Reposted by Ben Atkinson, PhD
I'm honestly less mad at the President, who is clearly not well, that I am at his outriders and enablers.
They see messages like this and then, with straight faces, go on television or write op-eds retroactively constructing grand strategy justifications.
Pathetic.
They see messages like this and then, with straight faces, go on television or write op-eds retroactively constructing grand strategy justifications.
Pathetic.
January 19, 2026 at 7:38 AM
I'm honestly less mad at the President, who is clearly not well, that I am at his outriders and enablers.
They see messages like this and then, with straight faces, go on television or write op-eds retroactively constructing grand strategy justifications.
Pathetic.
They see messages like this and then, with straight faces, go on television or write op-eds retroactively constructing grand strategy justifications.
Pathetic.
Reposted by Ben Atkinson, PhD
Pretty fuckin’ good!
January 18, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Pretty fuckin’ good!
This is not satire, exaggeration, or reading between lines.
Trump really did write a letter to the Norwegian PM, in which he revealed that his threats to Greenland are because he did not win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Even peacekeeping is transactional to this dope. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Trump really did write a letter to the Norwegian PM, in which he revealed that his threats to Greenland are because he did not win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Even peacekeeping is transactional to this dope. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Donald Trump links threats to seize Greenland to Nobel prize snub in letter
US president says he no longer feels the need to think ‘purely of peace’ in letter to Norwegian prime minister
www.theguardian.com
January 19, 2026 at 1:14 PM
This is not satire, exaggeration, or reading between lines.
Trump really did write a letter to the Norwegian PM, in which he revealed that his threats to Greenland are because he did not win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Even peacekeeping is transactional to this dope. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Trump really did write a letter to the Norwegian PM, in which he revealed that his threats to Greenland are because he did not win the Nobel Peace Prize.
Even peacekeeping is transactional to this dope. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Ben Atkinson, PhD
Economists Are Studying the Slowing Job Market—and Feeling It Themselves
Newly minted Ph.D.s tend to work for universities, government agencies and big white-collar companies. It’s not a great hiring time for any of them. www.wsj.com/economy/jobs...
Newly minted Ph.D.s tend to work for universities, government agencies and big white-collar companies. It’s not a great hiring time for any of them. www.wsj.com/economy/jobs...
Economists Are Studying the Slowing Job Market—and Feeling It Themselves
Newly minted Ph.D.s tend to work for universities, government agencies and big white-collar companies. It’s not a great hiring time for any of them.
www.wsj.com
January 18, 2026 at 11:05 PM
Economists Are Studying the Slowing Job Market—and Feeling It Themselves
Newly minted Ph.D.s tend to work for universities, government agencies and big white-collar companies. It’s not a great hiring time for any of them. www.wsj.com/economy/jobs...
Newly minted Ph.D.s tend to work for universities, government agencies and big white-collar companies. It’s not a great hiring time for any of them. www.wsj.com/economy/jobs...
This is the right direction to proceed. Build on it.
______________________________
“The officials told The Globe and Mail that the Canadian Armed Forces are awaiting final political approval from Prime Minister Mark Carney before sending the soldiers.” www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
______________________________
“The officials told The Globe and Mail that the Canadian Armed Forces are awaiting final political approval from Prime Minister Mark Carney before sending the soldiers.” www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Canada plans to send soldiers to Greenland as show of NATO solidarity with Denmark, officials say
Move could anger U.S. President Trump, who has threatened new tariffs on European countries that sent personnel there
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 19, 2026 at 12:27 PM
This is the right direction to proceed. Build on it.
______________________________
“The officials told The Globe and Mail that the Canadian Armed Forces are awaiting final political approval from Prime Minister Mark Carney before sending the soldiers.” www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
______________________________
“The officials told The Globe and Mail that the Canadian Armed Forces are awaiting final political approval from Prime Minister Mark Carney before sending the soldiers.” www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Robyn Urback: “WestJet has made this change, which now allows for up to 180 seats on a single plane, because it is one of the two airlines that constitute Canada’s airspace duopoly. Or in other words: Because it can.“ www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: WestJet’s reconfigured planes are perfect – if you’re a toddler, or a glutton for punishment
Enjoy all of the features of an ultra-low-cost carrier, without the actual ultra-low-cost fare
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 18, 2026 at 12:01 PM
Robyn Urback: “WestJet has made this change, which now allows for up to 180 seats on a single plane, because it is one of the two airlines that constitute Canada’s airspace duopoly. Or in other words: Because it can.“ www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Yet more proof that no matter how much world leaders kiss Trump’s ass, he will always find new and creative excuses to hurt us all. Just quit trying to make “deals” with him, already! globalnews.ca/news/1161654...
Trump says he may tariff countries that don’t ‘go along’ with Greenland plans - National | Globalnews.ca
U.S. President Donald Trump for months has insisted that the U.S. should control Greenland, a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark.
globalnews.ca
January 17, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Yet more proof that no matter how much world leaders kiss Trump’s ass, he will always find new and creative excuses to hurt us all. Just quit trying to make “deals” with him, already! globalnews.ca/news/1161654...
This is so embarrassing. Carney basically agreed to be officially subordinate to Trump.
_________
“Prime Minister Mark Carney will accept a role on U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly formed Gaza ‘Board of Peace,’ according to a senior Canadian government official.” nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
_________
“Prime Minister Mark Carney will accept a role on U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly formed Gaza ‘Board of Peace,’ according to a senior Canadian government official.” nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
Mark Carney to accept role on Trump's Gaza 'Board of Peace'
Prime Minister Mark Carney has accepted a role on U.S. President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace," according to a senior government official.
nationalpost.com
January 17, 2026 at 12:52 PM
This is so embarrassing. Carney basically agreed to be officially subordinate to Trump.
_________
“Prime Minister Mark Carney will accept a role on U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly formed Gaza ‘Board of Peace,’ according to a senior Canadian government official.” nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
_________
“Prime Minister Mark Carney will accept a role on U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly formed Gaza ‘Board of Peace,’ according to a senior Canadian government official.” nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
Andrew Coyne: "In the longer term, in the mounting chaos of the coming decades, the conclusion seems inescapable: Our interests – our unity, our territory, our way of life – will only be secured by becoming a great power ourselves." www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: In seeking to deepen trade with China, Canada is hedging its bets
We face the risk of Finlandization – nominal independence, but subordinate to a superpower
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 16, 2026 at 12:43 PM
Andrew Coyne: "In the longer term, in the mounting chaos of the coming decades, the conclusion seems inescapable: Our interests – our unity, our territory, our way of life – will only be secured by becoming a great power ourselves." www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Jack Cunningham: “Finally, seeing the current task as one of outlasting Trump rather than drastically reducing reliance on the US engenders learned helplessness and failure to take achievable steps towards that end.” opencanada.org/how-to-defen...
How to Defend Greenland and NATO - Open Canada
It’s time for NATO members to take more concrete actions against Trump’s threats, which if continued will inevitably lead to the invocation of NATO’s Article Four.
opencanada.org
January 15, 2026 at 1:48 PM
Jack Cunningham: “Finally, seeing the current task as one of outlasting Trump rather than drastically reducing reliance on the US engenders learned helplessness and failure to take achievable steps towards that end.” opencanada.org/how-to-defen...
"He ended the post with a pointed question directed at supporters of the current administration: ‘YOU VOTED FOR THIS??’“ metalinjection.net/news/tom-mor...
TOM MORELLO Calls Out Department Of Homeland Security & DONALD TRUMP Administration Over Use Of Nazi-Era Slogan - Metal Injection
Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello criticizes DHS after a slogan linked to Nazi reprisals appeared at a Kristi Noem press event.
metalinjection.net
January 14, 2026 at 12:20 PM
"He ended the post with a pointed question directed at supporters of the current administration: ‘YOU VOTED FOR THIS??’“ metalinjection.net/news/tom-mor...