Billy
@billyidles.bsky.social
Vancouver. Local Politics. Less Local Politics. Tech stuff.
Reposted by Billy
Remarkable performance.
Sir Ian McKellen performing a monologue from Shakespeare’s Sir Thomas More on the Stephen Colbert show. Never have I heard this monologue performed with such a keen sense of prescience. Nor have I ever been in this exact historical moment.TY Sir Ian, for reaching us once again.
#Pinks #ProudBlue
#Pinks #ProudBlue
February 5, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Remarkable performance.
Reposted by Billy
Every few months we get someone new to the housing discourse misinterpret some statistics and get mislead into believing it's not a housing shortage.
Fortunately that idea falls apart simply by asking why some markets seem to be immune to financialization.
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Fortunately that idea falls apart simply by asking why some markets seem to be immune to financialization.
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
February 5, 2026 at 3:21 AM
Every few months we get someone new to the housing discourse misinterpret some statistics and get mislead into believing it's not a housing shortage.
Fortunately that idea falls apart simply by asking why some markets seem to be immune to financialization.
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Fortunately that idea falls apart simply by asking why some markets seem to be immune to financialization.
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Reposted by Billy
It's much easier to oppose hotels when you're the sort of person who has your own guest room for friends and family to come visit.
But here in Vancouver in 2026, most of us do not have an extra bedroom.
But here in Vancouver in 2026, most of us do not have an extra bedroom.
So it’s broadly recognized that Vancouver needs more hotel rooms, that high room rates driven by high occupancy are a drag on the local economy, that the city needs to facilitate the construction of more hotels. All of this is true
I want speak to the human importance of hotels
I want speak to the human importance of hotels
February 4, 2026 at 5:14 PM
It's much easier to oppose hotels when you're the sort of person who has your own guest room for friends and family to come visit.
But here in Vancouver in 2026, most of us do not have an extra bedroom.
But here in Vancouver in 2026, most of us do not have an extra bedroom.
Reposted by Billy
Worth noting that BC Policy solutions, which split from the CCPA, are not supply denialists.
bcpolicy.ca/2025/12/16/h...
bcpolicy.ca/2025/12/16/h...
This is why BC’s housing crisis hasn’t been solved yet
The magnitude of the housing shortage is huge, the problems chronic, but the housing crisis is solvable.
Throughout the province and country, the housing crisis is marked by high rents and prices, ...
bcpolicy.ca
February 4, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Worth noting that BC Policy solutions, which split from the CCPA, are not supply denialists.
bcpolicy.ca/2025/12/16/h...
bcpolicy.ca/2025/12/16/h...
Reposted by Billy
Pieces like cause the left to lose young people. It fails to recognize:
1. Housing needs change as populations age. e.g. A society with a lot of older widowers will need more homes per capita.
2. Shoebox condos house fewer people than larger homes.
1. Housing needs change as populations age. e.g. A society with a lot of older widowers will need more homes per capita.
2. Shoebox condos house fewer people than larger homes.
The numbers don’t lie: The housing crisis is not caused by a supply shortage - CCPA
Financialization, not demographics, caused the cost of housing to explode
www.policyalternatives.ca
February 3, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Pieces like cause the left to lose young people. It fails to recognize:
1. Housing needs change as populations age. e.g. A society with a lot of older widowers will need more homes per capita.
2. Shoebox condos house fewer people than larger homes.
1. Housing needs change as populations age. e.g. A society with a lot of older widowers will need more homes per capita.
2. Shoebox condos house fewer people than larger homes.
Reposted by Billy
"There is no visible trace left of a plot just outside the main cemetery set aside for Canadian UN peacekeepers. Inside the main graveyard two whole sections of graves have been razed, of more than 100 allied soldiers killed in the second world war..."
The Israeli army bulldozed parts of a cemetery in Gaza which houses the graves of Allied solders, including dozens of British and Australian soldiers, from World War II.
The IDF has falsely claimed that the dismantling was done out of self defense due to it being an "active combat zone".
The IDF has falsely claimed that the dismantling was done out of self defense due to it being an "active combat zone".
Revealed: Israel bulldozed part of Gaza war cemetery containing allied graves
Satellite images and witness testimony show destruction as IDF claims it was forced to take defensive measures
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 4:33 PM
"There is no visible trace left of a plot just outside the main cemetery set aside for Canadian UN peacekeepers. Inside the main graveyard two whole sections of graves have been razed, of more than 100 allied soldiers killed in the second world war..."
The dynamic that I think everyone in Alberta understands is that the only path to victory for the NDP is the UCP splintering. The separatists are exploiting this.
(Models for Subscribers)
Alberta Provincial Polling:
UCP: 50% (-3)
NDP: 37% (-7)
ABP: 4% (+3)
ALP: 2% (+2)
RPA: 2% (New)
GPA: 1% (-)
WLC: 1% (+1)
Leger / Jan 26, 2026 / n=823 / Online
(% Change w 2023 Election)
Check out AB model details from @338canada.bsky.social here: 338canada.com/alberta
Alberta Provincial Polling:
UCP: 50% (-3)
NDP: 37% (-7)
ABP: 4% (+3)
ALP: 2% (+2)
RPA: 2% (New)
GPA: 1% (-)
WLC: 1% (+1)
Leger / Jan 26, 2026 / n=823 / Online
(% Change w 2023 Election)
Check out AB model details from @338canada.bsky.social here: 338canada.com/alberta
February 3, 2026 at 9:33 PM
The dynamic that I think everyone in Alberta understands is that the only path to victory for the NDP is the UCP splintering. The separatists are exploiting this.
Years ago I once saw Ward Churchill give a talk (I know, I know) and someone in the audience brought up “Pacifism as Pathology.” I don’t remember the exact question but I think it was sort of fishing for ways to win an argument against people who promote nonviolence.
February 3, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Years ago I once saw Ward Churchill give a talk (I know, I know) and someone in the audience brought up “Pacifism as Pathology.” I don’t remember the exact question but I think it was sort of fishing for ways to win an argument against people who promote nonviolence.
Feel like I shouldn’t have to do this in 2026 and yet
February 3, 2026 at 7:48 AM
Feel like I shouldn’t have to do this in 2026 and yet
I’m very frustrated that a lot of folks in the NDP seem to basically treat it as a completely obvious fact that the NDP lost so many seats in the last election because they didn’t talk about grocery prices enough.
February 3, 2026 at 2:58 AM
I’m very frustrated that a lot of folks in the NDP seem to basically treat it as a completely obvious fact that the NDP lost so many seats in the last election because they didn’t talk about grocery prices enough.
Reposted by Billy
I don't support Canada getting the bomb (whatever gains we get to national security by it- and IMO it would be less than we think- destroying whatever's left of non-proliferation is going to make everything else much worse) but it's pretty telling that this is where Eyre's head is at.
"We will never have true strategic independence, absent our own nuclear deterrent."
Canada should keep options open on acquiring nuclear weapons, former top soldier says
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Canada should keep options open on acquiring nuclear weapons, former top soldier says
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Canada should keep options open on acquiring nuclear weapons, former top soldier says
Retired general Wayne Eyre says the question of whether to develop a nuclear deterrent is not an immediate concern
www.theglobeandmail.com
February 3, 2026 at 1:02 AM
I don't support Canada getting the bomb (whatever gains we get to national security by it- and IMO it would be less than we think- destroying whatever's left of non-proliferation is going to make everything else much worse) but it's pretty telling that this is where Eyre's head is at.
Reposted by Billy
there is an incredible amount of mgp lore coming out of sw washington and portland right now
February 2, 2026 at 4:40 PM
there is an incredible amount of mgp lore coming out of sw washington and portland right now
Reposted by Billy
"What's the point of majoring in English?"
February 1, 2026 at 5:40 PM
"What's the point of majoring in English?"
Reposted by Billy
On August 12, 2017, Heather Heyer was killed by a neo-Nazi in Charlottesville.
On August 17, 2017, Noam Chomsky told the Washington Examiner that antifa was “a gift to the far right”.
In between those dates he met with Jeffrey Epstein in Tuscon.
On August 17, 2017, Noam Chomsky told the Washington Examiner that antifa was “a gift to the far right”.
In between those dates he met with Jeffrey Epstein in Tuscon.
January 31, 2026 at 11:06 AM
On August 12, 2017, Heather Heyer was killed by a neo-Nazi in Charlottesville.
On August 17, 2017, Noam Chomsky told the Washington Examiner that antifa was “a gift to the far right”.
In between those dates he met with Jeffrey Epstein in Tuscon.
On August 17, 2017, Noam Chomsky told the Washington Examiner that antifa was “a gift to the far right”.
In between those dates he met with Jeffrey Epstein in Tuscon.
One thing I can't help but notice is almost all of the weird bullies on here have some sort of link to give them money in their bio.
January 31, 2026 at 7:05 PM
One thing I can't help but notice is almost all of the weird bullies on here have some sort of link to give them money in their bio.
Reposted by Billy
I'm no europhile but "Europe mocks us when they're one election away from electing Nazis" is such a weird American dunk. We are like, 2 elections into electing Nazis. We have liberal intelligentsia who say it's an embarrassment for liberals that the cordon sanitaire hasn't been dropped far enough
January 31, 2026 at 5:52 AM
I'm no europhile but "Europe mocks us when they're one election away from electing Nazis" is such a weird American dunk. We are like, 2 elections into electing Nazis. We have liberal intelligentsia who say it's an embarrassment for liberals that the cordon sanitaire hasn't been dropped far enough
Reposted by Billy
Hornby Street in downtown Vancouver has seen 4 recent incidents of driver incursions onto the sidewalk, one of which killed an infant. We're calling on the City to install bollards on Hornby to prevent this from continuously happening, and to serve as a pilot for expanded sidewalk protection.
Vision Zero Vancouver requests a sidewalk bollard pilot on Hornby
The stretch of Hornby street between Pacific and Dunsmuir is a vibrant hub in the heart of downtown Vancouver, bustling with pedestrians going to work or enjoying the various cultural attractions l…
visionzerovancouver.ca
January 31, 2026 at 6:23 PM
Hornby Street in downtown Vancouver has seen 4 recent incidents of driver incursions onto the sidewalk, one of which killed an infant. We're calling on the City to install bollards on Hornby to prevent this from continuously happening, and to serve as a pilot for expanded sidewalk protection.
Reposted by Billy
Disgusting take and policy. I met a refugee in downtown Toronto with trench foot — a WWI disease — that he contracted while living unsheltered in the rain. Refugees are not why the system is failing; they're the people we have failed and are now scapegoating. www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: It is the right time – socially and economically – to scale back extended health benefits for refugees
It’s one small step toward rebuilding trust in Canada’s immigration system
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 30, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Disgusting take and policy. I met a refugee in downtown Toronto with trench foot — a WWI disease — that he contracted while living unsheltered in the rain. Refugees are not why the system is failing; they're the people we have failed and are now scapegoating. www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Never mind the jobs you had, tell me five classes you took in postsecondary:
1. Europe in the era of Religious War 1559-1715
2. Canadian Cities and Canadian Identity
3. Canadian Environmental History
4. Introduction to International Finance
5. Distributed Systems
1. Europe in the era of Religious War 1559-1715
2. Canadian Cities and Canadian Identity
3. Canadian Environmental History
4. Introduction to International Finance
5. Distributed Systems
Never mind the jobs you had, tell me five classes you took in college:
1. Origins of Nazism
2. Dante’s Divine Comedy
3. Behavioral Ecology & Conservation Biology
4. Principles of Evolution
5. Thinking and Speaking About Thinking and Speaking
1. Origins of Nazism
2. Dante’s Divine Comedy
3. Behavioral Ecology & Conservation Biology
4. Principles of Evolution
5. Thinking and Speaking About Thinking and Speaking
Never mind the jobs you had, tell me five classes you took in college:
1. Introduction to Islamic Studies
2. Introduction to Rock Music
3. African Music
4. Arabic 101
5. Southern Politics
1. Introduction to Islamic Studies
2. Introduction to Rock Music
3. African Music
4. Arabic 101
5. Southern Politics
January 31, 2026 at 6:24 PM
Never mind the jobs you had, tell me five classes you took in postsecondary:
1. Europe in the era of Religious War 1559-1715
2. Canadian Cities and Canadian Identity
3. Canadian Environmental History
4. Introduction to International Finance
5. Distributed Systems
1. Europe in the era of Religious War 1559-1715
2. Canadian Cities and Canadian Identity
3. Canadian Environmental History
4. Introduction to International Finance
5. Distributed Systems
Reposted by Billy
Poilievre just told #CP26 "There's never been a referendum crisis or a national unity crisis when Conservatives have been in power It's an interesting coincidence isn't it" False. BQ was the product of Mulroney's time in office. Borden - WWI conscription crisis. Sir John - Louis Riel. C'mon man.
January 31, 2026 at 2:42 AM
Poilievre just told #CP26 "There's never been a referendum crisis or a national unity crisis when Conservatives have been in power It's an interesting coincidence isn't it" False. BQ was the product of Mulroney's time in office. Borden - WWI conscription crisis. Sir John - Louis Riel. C'mon man.
Reposted by Billy
Breaking - Jim Pattison Developments say the sale of their warehouse for use as a proposed ICE facility will not be proceeding
January 30, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Breaking - Jim Pattison Developments say the sale of their warehouse for use as a proposed ICE facility will not be proceeding
The way this country has treated international students, first as a cash cow and then as a scapegoat, is shameful.
If you read one thing on migration in Canada this week—this month!—read this.
This is everything: it is smart and heartbreaking and lays it out there.
shado-mag.com/articles/opi...
This is everything: it is smart and heartbreaking and lays it out there.
shado-mag.com/articles/opi...
Bye, Canada: I’m going back to where I came from
The author speaks about navigating Canada's hostile immigration policies and anti-migrant public sentiment.
shado-mag.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:35 PM
The way this country has treated international students, first as a cash cow and then as a scapegoat, is shameful.
Reposted by Billy
Conservative Convention Night 1 Summary:
January 30, 2026 at 2:15 AM
Conservative Convention Night 1 Summary: