Chris Erl
@chriserl.ca
#HamOnt forever • writer, researcher, nerdy queer • He/Him • McMaster+TMU+McGill alum. • Newsletter @ theincline.email • https://linktr.ee/ChrisErl
Reposted by Chris Erl
Canadian friends: today is *the very last day* to buy a membership in the NDP and have a say in who the party's next leader will be.
Only members can vote in March.
On climate and economic justice, we need a strong third party.
Don't sit it out!
act.lewisforleader.ca/become-an-nd...
Only members can vote in March.
On climate and economic justice, we need a strong third party.
Don't sit it out!
act.lewisforleader.ca/become-an-nd...
Join the NDP to Vote for Avi
Become a member of the NDP! Members can vote in the party's leadership race to elect a new leader.
act.lewisforleader.ca
January 28, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Canadian friends: today is *the very last day* to buy a membership in the NDP and have a say in who the party's next leader will be.
Only members can vote in March.
On climate and economic justice, we need a strong third party.
Don't sit it out!
act.lewisforleader.ca/become-an-nd...
Only members can vote in March.
On climate and economic justice, we need a strong third party.
Don't sit it out!
act.lewisforleader.ca/become-an-nd...
Reposted by Chris Erl
I’ve been away from Substack, and other social media platforms for almost three months.
Here’s why.
open.substack.com/pub/margaret...
Here’s why.
open.substack.com/pub/margaret...
January 23, 2026 at 2:24 PM
I’ve been away from Substack, and other social media platforms for almost three months.
Here’s why.
open.substack.com/pub/margaret...
Here’s why.
open.substack.com/pub/margaret...
Reposted by Chris Erl
For CBC Arts, I wrote about why I think Canada needs to revel in the beauty of its weirdest impulses www.cbc.ca/arts/canadia...
OPINION | Canadian TV needs to get weird again | CBC Arts
In the ‘80s and ‘90s, English Canadian screens were filled with bizarre, fever dream-like shows. Writer Niko Stratis argues that we need to back to that
www.cbc.ca
January 21, 2026 at 8:42 PM
For CBC Arts, I wrote about why I think Canada needs to revel in the beauty of its weirdest impulses www.cbc.ca/arts/canadia...
From a Canadian military publication: hybrid warfare includes "cyber warfare, economic coercion/blackmail...disinformation campaigns & psychological warfare"
When will our federal gov't show the courage to recognize the imminent threat we face and take steps to isolate the rogue state to our south?
When will our federal gov't show the courage to recognize the imminent threat we face and take steps to isolate the rogue state to our south?
Trump posts an image depicting Canada and Greenland as part of the United States
January 20, 2026 at 2:30 PM
From a Canadian military publication: hybrid warfare includes "cyber warfare, economic coercion/blackmail...disinformation campaigns & psychological warfare"
When will our federal gov't show the courage to recognize the imminent threat we face and take steps to isolate the rogue state to our south?
When will our federal gov't show the courage to recognize the imminent threat we face and take steps to isolate the rogue state to our south?
Reposted by Chris Erl
Today on The Incline → David Lewis's early political campaigns in #HamOnt, Avi Lewis's run for the leadership of the #NDP, and politics in this messy moment.
theincline.email/p/a-sea-of-c...
theincline.email/p/a-sea-of-c...
A sea of change
David Lewis in Hamilton, Avi Lewis in the race, and politics in this messy moment
theincline.email
January 17, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Today on The Incline → David Lewis's early political campaigns in #HamOnt, Avi Lewis's run for the leadership of the #NDP, and politics in this messy moment.
theincline.email/p/a-sea-of-c...
theincline.email/p/a-sea-of-c...
Reposted by Chris Erl
Under my leadership, the next time the NDP holds the balance of power in parliament, we’ll have one demand: proportional representation.
Sous ma direction, la prochaine fois que le NPD détiendra la balance du pouvoir au Parlement, nous n'aurons qu'une exigence : la représentation proportionnelle.
Sous ma direction, la prochaine fois que le NPD détiendra la balance du pouvoir au Parlement, nous n'aurons qu'une exigence : la représentation proportionnelle.
January 11, 2026 at 7:47 PM
Under my leadership, the next time the NDP holds the balance of power in parliament, we’ll have one demand: proportional representation.
Sous ma direction, la prochaine fois que le NPD détiendra la balance du pouvoir au Parlement, nous n'aurons qu'une exigence : la représentation proportionnelle.
Sous ma direction, la prochaine fois que le NPD détiendra la balance du pouvoir au Parlement, nous n'aurons qu'une exigence : la représentation proportionnelle.
Reposted by Chris Erl
Today on The Incline → When it comes to crime in #HamOnt, it's a case of feelings vs. facts. And with #YHMvotes2026 on the horizon, some on the city's political right are going all-in on feelings.
theincline.email/p/crime-story
theincline.email/p/crime-story
Crime Story
In an election year, some are hoping feelings beat facts about crime.
theincline.email
January 8, 2026 at 6:06 PM
Today on The Incline → When it comes to crime in #HamOnt, it's a case of feelings vs. facts. And with #YHMvotes2026 on the horizon, some on the city's political right are going all-in on feelings.
theincline.email/p/crime-story
theincline.email/p/crime-story
Reposted by Chris Erl
Co-sign.
Given this & the long-standing neglect of Canada’s post-secondary system, it’s hard not to think that spending billions to attract foreign researchers is more about assuaging Canada’s epic inferiority complex (look how many real scholars we got!) than advancing the Canadian research sector.
Given this & the long-standing neglect of Canada’s post-secondary system, it’s hard not to think that spending billions to attract foreign researchers is more about assuaging Canada’s epic inferiority complex (look how many real scholars we got!) than advancing the Canadian research sector.
As this ramps up and we are asked to cheerlead for it, I remain genuinely shocked that Canada, once again, under the banner of a **nation-building**, has created a funding program that excludes Canadian students and researchers based on presence in Canada. /1
universityaffairs.ca/news/feds-la...
universityaffairs.ca/news/feds-la...
Feds launch $1.7 billion international talent attraction program - University Affairs
The program will provide funding to bring 100 top-tier international research chairs and their teams to Canada.
universityaffairs.ca
January 8, 2026 at 11:37 AM
Co-sign.
Given this & the long-standing neglect of Canada’s post-secondary system, it’s hard not to think that spending billions to attract foreign researchers is more about assuaging Canada’s epic inferiority complex (look how many real scholars we got!) than advancing the Canadian research sector.
Given this & the long-standing neglect of Canada’s post-secondary system, it’s hard not to think that spending billions to attract foreign researchers is more about assuaging Canada’s epic inferiority complex (look how many real scholars we got!) than advancing the Canadian research sector.
Reposted by Chris Erl
Fresh Start
Wilf Perreault
2023
Wilf Perreault
2023
January 1, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Fresh Start
Wilf Perreault
2023
Wilf Perreault
2023
Reposted by Chris Erl
Today on The Incline → An end-of-year check-in and a reflection on the loss of a dedicated community champion in #HamOnt.
theincline.email/p/the-public...
theincline.email/p/the-public...
The Public Trust
A check-in from The Incline and a reflection on the loss of former HWDSB trustee Judith Bishop.
theincline.email
December 30, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Today on The Incline → An end-of-year check-in and a reflection on the loss of a dedicated community champion in #HamOnt.
theincline.email/p/the-public...
theincline.email/p/the-public...
Doug Ford's government uses a lot of "D" words to justify their actions. But they're undermining the most important “D” word of them all - democracy. #onpoli #ontpoli
(Totally forgot to post this yesterday when it was published, but here's a gift link to my latest in The Spec: tinyurl.com/533jm9rm)
(Totally forgot to post this yesterday when it was published, but here's a gift link to my latest in The Spec: tinyurl.com/533jm9rm)
www.thespec.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Doug Ford's government uses a lot of "D" words to justify their actions. But they're undermining the most important “D” word of them all - democracy. #onpoli #ontpoli
(Totally forgot to post this yesterday when it was published, but here's a gift link to my latest in The Spec: tinyurl.com/533jm9rm)
(Totally forgot to post this yesterday when it was published, but here's a gift link to my latest in The Spec: tinyurl.com/533jm9rm)
Reposted by Chris Erl
This is maybe old news at this point, but peeps in #hamont should not go to any other businesses owned by these union-busters.
That means don’t patronize:
Mulberry Coffeehouse
Paisley Coffeehouse and Eatery
Donut Monster
Redchurch
Station 1 Coffeehouse (in Grimsby)
That means don’t patronize:
Mulberry Coffeehouse
Paisley Coffeehouse and Eatery
Donut Monster
Redchurch
Station 1 Coffeehouse (in Grimsby)
Hamilton café Democracy closes suddenly, laying off workers months after unionization | CBC News
In October, workers at a popular Hamilton café signed their first collective agreement. The location closed this week, leading some to wonder if it’s in response to their unionization efforts. The own...
www.cbc.ca
December 18, 2025 at 12:21 AM
This is maybe old news at this point, but peeps in #hamont should not go to any other businesses owned by these union-busters.
That means don’t patronize:
Mulberry Coffeehouse
Paisley Coffeehouse and Eatery
Donut Monster
Redchurch
Station 1 Coffeehouse (in Grimsby)
That means don’t patronize:
Mulberry Coffeehouse
Paisley Coffeehouse and Eatery
Donut Monster
Redchurch
Station 1 Coffeehouse (in Grimsby)
Reposted by Chris Erl
Oooh the worst boys you know are fighting
December 16, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Oooh the worst boys you know are fighting
Reposted by Chris Erl
Of the 620 comments on the #HamOnt Jamesville MZO that were deemed acceptable to publish, the breakdown is:
Pro MZO → 88.9%
Anti-MZO → 5.5%
Mixed* → 5.6%
* mixed, meaning generally supportive, but with requests to adjust what is approved or focus more on affordable/supportive housing
Pro MZO → 88.9%
Anti-MZO → 5.5%
Mixed* → 5.6%
* mixed, meaning generally supportive, but with requests to adjust what is approved or focus more on affordable/supportive housing
The Jamesville (405 James Street North Hamilton) Minister's Zoning Order is now posted to the ERO.
The Province received over 700 comments on the MZO. #HamOnt #yhmcc #onmuni
ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-0...
The Province received over 700 comments on the MZO. #HamOnt #yhmcc #onmuni
ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-0...
Zoning Order 001-2025 in the City of Hamilton | Environmental Registry of Ontario
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing received a request from the Mayor of Hamilton to make a Minister’s Zoning Order for a residential development in the City of Hamilton. The Ministry is see...
ero.ontario.ca
December 10, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Of the 620 comments on the #HamOnt Jamesville MZO that were deemed acceptable to publish, the breakdown is:
Pro MZO → 88.9%
Anti-MZO → 5.5%
Mixed* → 5.6%
* mixed, meaning generally supportive, but with requests to adjust what is approved or focus more on affordable/supportive housing
Pro MZO → 88.9%
Anti-MZO → 5.5%
Mixed* → 5.6%
* mixed, meaning generally supportive, but with requests to adjust what is approved or focus more on affordable/supportive housing
Reposted by Chris Erl
I’m having trouble squaring this announcement with the fact that, at least in Ontario, universities are in a decades-long underfunding crisis that governments are refusing to address and in many cases are making worse.
🎉 At last it's public ... "Canada on Tuesday launched a CAN$1.7 billion ($1.2 billion) program to recruit leading global researchers, part of the effort to poach intellectual talent looking to leave the United States because of President Donald Trump's policies." 🇨🇦 💪 www.france24.com/en/live-news...
Canada launches billion dollar plan to recruit top researchers
Canada on Tuesday launched a CAN$1.7 billion ($1.2 billion) program to recruit leading global researchers, part of the effort to poach intellectual talent looking to leave the United States because of...
www.france24.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:16 PM
I’m having trouble squaring this announcement with the fact that, at least in Ontario, universities are in a decades-long underfunding crisis that governments are refusing to address and in many cases are making worse.
Reposted by Chris Erl
50 days to build something bigger.
If you’ve been fired up by this campaign, why not make it official? Join the NDP and help elect @avilewis.ca.
The last day to join is January 28, 2026.
If you’ve been fired up by this campaign, why not make it official? Join the NDP and help elect @avilewis.ca.
The last day to join is January 28, 2026.
December 9, 2025 at 5:17 PM
50 days to build something bigger.
If you’ve been fired up by this campaign, why not make it official? Join the NDP and help elect @avilewis.ca.
The last day to join is January 28, 2026.
If you’ve been fired up by this campaign, why not make it official? Join the NDP and help elect @avilewis.ca.
The last day to join is January 28, 2026.
Reposted by Chris Erl
My #SpotifyWrapped is out...and once again all the data is wrong.
I wrote a post on how 'Spotify has a (Meta)Data Issue'.
www.jasonlamb.org/blog/spotify...
I wrote a post on how 'Spotify has a (Meta)Data Issue'.
www.jasonlamb.org/blog/spotify...
December 3, 2025 at 7:04 PM
My #SpotifyWrapped is out...and once again all the data is wrong.
I wrote a post on how 'Spotify has a (Meta)Data Issue'.
www.jasonlamb.org/blog/spotify...
I wrote a post on how 'Spotify has a (Meta)Data Issue'.
www.jasonlamb.org/blog/spotify...
Reposted by Chris Erl
Today on The Incline → After a wall goes up in front of the #HamOnt Salvation Army, many in the community wonder if its days are numbered. A long look at the past, present, and future of the York Boulevard shelter.
theincline.email/p/the-perks-...
theincline.email/p/the-perks-...
The perks of being a walk-through-scaffolding-flower
Charity, entertainment, order.
theincline.email
December 1, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Today on The Incline → After a wall goes up in front of the #HamOnt Salvation Army, many in the community wonder if its days are numbered. A long look at the past, present, and future of the York Boulevard shelter.
theincline.email/p/the-perks-...
theincline.email/p/the-perks-...
Reposted by Chris Erl
If you want @avilewis.ca as the next leader of the NDP, you must become a member of the party by January 28, 2026.
Sign up here: avilewis.link/join
#cdnpoli #ndp
Sign up here: avilewis.link/join
#cdnpoli #ndp
November 28, 2025 at 6:28 PM
If you want @avilewis.ca as the next leader of the NDP, you must become a member of the party by January 28, 2026.
Sign up here: avilewis.link/join
#cdnpoli #ndp
Sign up here: avilewis.link/join
#cdnpoli #ndp
Reposted by Chris Erl
November 15 marked a full three years in my role as Councillor for Ward 2. Every year, around this time, I write about another year gone by, what I’ve learned in this job, what people tell me when they see me at a meeting, stop me in the street, or share their thoughts with me in an email. #HamOnt
November 23, 2025 at 5:28 PM
November 15 marked a full three years in my role as Councillor for Ward 2. Every year, around this time, I write about another year gone by, what I’ve learned in this job, what people tell me when they see me at a meeting, stop me in the street, or share their thoughts with me in an email. #HamOnt
Reposted by Chris Erl
Here's the moment I was kicked out of the legislature yesterday.
November 20, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Here's the moment I was kicked out of the legislature yesterday.
Reposted by Chris Erl
Momentum is growing. Join the movement: lewisforleader.ca/join #cdnpoli
November 10, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Momentum is growing. Join the movement: lewisforleader.ca/join #cdnpoli
Reposted by Chris Erl
Today on The Incline → A mayoral poll drops one year out from the #HamOnt municipal election that signals the mood of the city's electorate. PLUS poll-by-poll results from the federal election and what they might mean.
theincline.email/p/poll-by-poll
theincline.email/p/poll-by-poll
Poll by poll
A mayoral poll and detailed results from the federal election for your Monday morning.
theincline.email
November 10, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Today on The Incline → A mayoral poll drops one year out from the #HamOnt municipal election that signals the mood of the city's electorate. PLUS poll-by-poll results from the federal election and what they might mean.
theincline.email/p/poll-by-poll
theincline.email/p/poll-by-poll
Reposted by Chris Erl
Join us for an enlightening evening on October 14, as we explore Treaty history with the esteemed historian, Rick Hill.
Tickets are FREE. Everyone welcome—registration required.
simpli.events/e/treaty-his...
Tickets are FREE. Everyone welcome—registration required.
simpli.events/e/treaty-his...
October 7, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Join us for an enlightening evening on October 14, as we explore Treaty history with the esteemed historian, Rick Hill.
Tickets are FREE. Everyone welcome—registration required.
simpli.events/e/treaty-his...
Tickets are FREE. Everyone welcome—registration required.
simpli.events/e/treaty-his...
Reposted by Chris Erl
Today on The Incline → A long look at the #HamOnt Ward 8 council by-election.
theincline.email/p/but-first-...
theincline.email/p/but-first-...
...but first it’s Ward 8.
A long look at the Ward 8 by-election
theincline.email
October 3, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Today on The Incline → A long look at the #HamOnt Ward 8 council by-election.
theincline.email/p/but-first-...
theincline.email/p/but-first-...