Devon Black
@devonblack.bsky.social
I love free contraception and darning socks.
🏳️🌈 she/they
🏳️🌈 she/they
Reposted by Devon Black
Premier Eby will have announcement tmrw about "strengthening access to involuntary care for young people."
CMHA: "lack of evidence to support effectiveness of involuntary treatment for substance use disorder... evidence suggests it leads to an increased risk of death..."
bc.cmha.ca/news/involun...
CMHA: "lack of evidence to support effectiveness of involuntary treatment for substance use disorder... evidence suggests it leads to an increased risk of death..."
bc.cmha.ca/news/involun...
Involuntary Care Already Exists in BC, But Is It Working? - CMHA British Columbia
VANCOUVER, BC – (September 18, 2024): On September 15, 2024, Premier Eby announced that his government is expanding involuntary care for people with brain injury, mental illness, and severe addiction....
bc.cmha.ca
December 4, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Premier Eby will have announcement tmrw about "strengthening access to involuntary care for young people."
CMHA: "lack of evidence to support effectiveness of involuntary treatment for substance use disorder... evidence suggests it leads to an increased risk of death..."
bc.cmha.ca/news/involun...
CMHA: "lack of evidence to support effectiveness of involuntary treatment for substance use disorder... evidence suggests it leads to an increased risk of death..."
bc.cmha.ca/news/involun...
Reposted by Devon Black
What!? That's ALL?
Good lord, just 10x it. We wouldn't even notice it on our taxes.
Good lord, just 10x it. We wouldn't even notice it on our taxes.
Slide reads: "Flat Funding for All BC Libraries: Annual provincial funding shared across 71 public library systems has remained at $14m since 2009, even as costs for books, digital content, staff, and facilities continue to rise."
December 5, 2025 at 4:57 AM
What!? That's ALL?
Good lord, just 10x it. We wouldn't even notice it on our taxes.
Good lord, just 10x it. We wouldn't even notice it on our taxes.
Reposted by Devon Black
India accounts for 25% of global tuberculosis cases, and with USAID funding slashed, organizations helping to slow the spread of infection and assist people with TB may have to cease their operations. From Shoaib Mir and Parthu Venkatesh P:
trib.al/6e7QggY
trib.al/6e7QggY
Losing India’s Guardian Angels - The American Prospect
USAID funding supported efforts to eradicate tuberculosis in India, one of the country’s deadliest diseases. Now, that money and support is gone.
trib.al
December 4, 2025 at 6:20 PM
India accounts for 25% of global tuberculosis cases, and with USAID funding slashed, organizations helping to slow the spread of infection and assist people with TB may have to cease their operations. From Shoaib Mir and Parthu Venkatesh P:
trib.al/6e7QggY
trib.al/6e7QggY
Reposted by Devon Black
December 2, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Reposted by Devon Black
UNAIDS chief urges Carney not to cut foreign aid, global health funding
UNAIDS chief urges Carney not to cut foreign aid, global health funding
The prime minister recently announced Canada's first-ever funding cut for the Global Fund, which fights infectious diseases in the world's poorest countries.
www.thestar.com
November 30, 2025 at 7:39 PM
UNAIDS chief urges Carney not to cut foreign aid, global health funding
Reposted by Devon Black
On this Trans Day of Remembrance, I hope Albertans will remember that trans kids and teens are living breathing humans who just want to be themselves, without fear of hate and discrimination. Demonizing kids merely to score political points in some weird culture war is craven and cruel.
November 20, 2025 at 8:21 PM
On this Trans Day of Remembrance, I hope Albertans will remember that trans kids and teens are living breathing humans who just want to be themselves, without fear of hate and discrimination. Demonizing kids merely to score political points in some weird culture war is craven and cruel.
Reposted by Devon Black
If CBSA refuses to explain why it thought a *95 YEAR OLD* retired Princeton law professor and UN special rapporteur might be a threat to national security, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree should
Prominent legal scholar detained at Canadian border while on his way to a conference on Palestine | CBC News
A well-known academic and former UN special rapporteur says he was detained by customs agents in Toronto while on his way to speak at a conference on human rights violations against Palestinians.
www.cbc.ca
November 16, 2025 at 3:21 AM
If CBSA refuses to explain why it thought a *95 YEAR OLD* retired Princeton law professor and UN special rapporteur might be a threat to national security, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree should
Reposted by Devon Black
One year, 4,464 calls, 92% required no police intervention. The Alternative Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR) in Centretown is sending the right people to help in cases of mental health or substance use crises. It represents the de-tasking of police and it works.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Centretown crisis response team handled thousands of calls in its 1st year, report shows | CBC News
Launched in August 2024, the Alternative Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR) team responded to 4,464 calls in its first year, according to numbers in a new city report. The pilot program aims to pr...
www.cbc.ca
November 16, 2025 at 1:43 PM
One year, 4,464 calls, 92% required no police intervention. The Alternative Neighbourhood Crisis Response (ANCHOR) in Centretown is sending the right people to help in cases of mental health or substance use crises. It represents the de-tasking of police and it works.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Devon Black
'A Bloomberg investigation found two-thirds of global #AI data centers are built or planned in water-stressed areas.'
ricochet.media/climate/cana...
ricochet.media/climate/cana...
Canada's next extractive industry: How AI is following the fossil fuel playbook
Ottawa is betting nearly a billion on artificial intelligence, ignoring warnings of its environmental risks. Just like Big Oil, Big Tech is building infrastructure that will be nearly impossible to di...
ricochet.media
November 15, 2025 at 1:13 PM
'A Bloomberg investigation found two-thirds of global #AI data centers are built or planned in water-stressed areas.'
ricochet.media/climate/cana...
ricochet.media/climate/cana...
Reposted by Devon Black
Health Canada ignored expert advice to expand access to safer drugs for opioid users, internal documents show. There are no plans to renew funding for safer supply programs, says Health Canada.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... via @cbcnews.ca
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... via @cbcnews.ca
They’re at risk of dying from opioid overdose. The government cut funding that could help them | CBC News
As deadly drug overdoses climbed across Canada, decision-makers faced political backlash for funding programs that gave drug users prescribed opioids and, against their own experts’ advice, scaled bac...
www.cbc.ca
November 16, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Health Canada ignored expert advice to expand access to safer drugs for opioid users, internal documents show. There are no plans to renew funding for safer supply programs, says Health Canada.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... via @cbcnews.ca
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... via @cbcnews.ca
Reposted by Devon Black
The Athletic polled hundreds of players from across the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL about their opinions surrounding how sports betting impacts players — the responses were haunting.
November 15, 2025 at 2:12 AM
The Athletic polled hundreds of players from across the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL about their opinions surrounding how sports betting impacts players — the responses were haunting.
Reposted by Devon Black
Researchers at the Citizen Lab and director @rondeibert.bsky.social sign open letter to the Canadian Minister of AI and Minister of Industry rejecting the “National Sprint” on AI strategy.
Read it here: bccla.org/policy-submi...
Read it here: bccla.org/policy-submi...
OPEN LETTER to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation from civil society organizations and individuals opposing "National Sprint" consultation on AI strategy - BC Civil Liberti...
The Honourable Mélanie JolyMinister of IndustryHouse of CommonsOttawa, OntarioK1A 0A6 The Honourable Evan SolomonMinister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital InnovationHouse of CommonsOttawa, Ontar...
bccla.org
November 5, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Researchers at the Citizen Lab and director @rondeibert.bsky.social sign open letter to the Canadian Minister of AI and Minister of Industry rejecting the “National Sprint” on AI strategy.
Read it here: bccla.org/policy-submi...
Read it here: bccla.org/policy-submi...
This has been keeping me up at night for months. I still can't believe this is the current reality and yet Carney's budget is cutting Canada's foreign aid commitment below already-dismal levels.
One analytical model shows that, as of November 5th, the dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. has already caused the deaths of 600,000 people, two-thirds of them children. https://newyorkermag.visitlink.me/jUzNSc
The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands
The short documentary “Rovina’s Choice” tells the story of what goes when aid goes.
newyorkermag.visitlink.me
November 7, 2025 at 6:08 AM
This has been keeping me up at night for months. I still can't believe this is the current reality and yet Carney's budget is cutting Canada's foreign aid commitment below already-dismal levels.
Reposted by Devon Black
September 9, 2025 at 4:17 AM
Reposted by Devon Black
I have been trying to raise awareness about the recent cuts to pandemic preparedness by provincial institutions in BC for the past 1½ months. Most of the cuts were not announced to the public beforehand and media coverage has been scant. 1/?
![[Text on an yellow octagon meant to look like the output of an overhead projector.]
The silent erosion of COVID-19 awareness & management in B.C.:
A TIMELINE
[A timeline of the year 2025 and the January of 2026. Numbered diamonds are placed on the timeline to mark the events below.]
1. April 16: Amount & timeliness of SARS-CoV-2 sample data uploaded to GISAID, an online repository, deteriorate.
2. May: The end of RAT Kit Distribution Program is announced in a professional newsletter. This provided free RAT kits to pharmacies.
3. May 31: RAT kits orders from this day onwards would not be reimbursed.
4. June: The BCCDC page dedicated to how COVID-19 spreads is removed.
5. September 1: Under the BC medical services plan, less than 20 people will be allowed in an online group medical visit. An unknown number of bed- & house-bound people will lose telehealth access to the BC-CLMF, a long COVID & ME/CFS clinic. Implementation delayed until January.
6. September 15: Vancouver Sun publishes a sponsored article, suggesting the program responsible for generating SARS-CoV-2 data from wastewater samples would be expanded & describes the then-current state of the program.
7. September 18: The wastewater surveillance program is cut: 8 of 12 wastewater treatment plants will no longer be monitored, and 1 sample will be taken per week instead of 3.
8. October 14: The year's vaccination campaign begins to widespread shortages.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:dy4l7kqcar73iaezbjxzwiui/bafkreibyc7hcwrwtwlid453tk3fv523vx3cziv4g5qksvdrks6b3ymxo2a@jpeg)
November 7, 2025 at 3:14 AM
I have been trying to raise awareness about the recent cuts to pandemic preparedness by provincial institutions in BC for the past 1½ months. Most of the cuts were not announced to the public beforehand and media coverage has been scant. 1/?
Reposted by Devon Black
New: Conde Nast fired four employees who were among a group that confronted the company's head of human resources on Wednesday over the decision to fold Teen Vogue into Vogue/recent cuts. Employees who were fired included journalists from the New Yorker, Wired, and Bon Appétit.
November 6, 2025 at 5:49 PM
New: Conde Nast fired four employees who were among a group that confronted the company's head of human resources on Wednesday over the decision to fold Teen Vogue into Vogue/recent cuts. Employees who were fired included journalists from the New Yorker, Wired, and Bon Appétit.
Reposted by Devon Black
caliper-wielding eugenicist freaks are gonna keep saying this, keep circling the toilet bowl talking about predicting someone's sexuality or personality or ethnicity or whatever else w/AI
and it being bullshit won't matter; it being a pretext for state/admin/other violence will be all that matters
and it being bullshit won't matter; it being a pretext for state/admin/other violence will be all that matters
A new paper suggests a photo can tell a recruiter much about an applicant’s personality
Should facial analysis help determine whom companies hire?
A new paper suggests a photo can tell a recruiter much about an applicant’s personality
econ.st
November 6, 2025 at 8:03 PM
caliper-wielding eugenicist freaks are gonna keep saying this, keep circling the toilet bowl talking about predicting someone's sexuality or personality or ethnicity or whatever else w/AI
and it being bullshit won't matter; it being a pretext for state/admin/other violence will be all that matters
and it being bullshit won't matter; it being a pretext for state/admin/other violence will be all that matters
Reposted by Devon Black
Reposted by Devon Black
I keep seeing people say that with the upcoming Alberta law, it’ll be the first invocation of the notwithstanding clause against striking workers.
That’s not true. Ontario did just that back in 2022. And crucially, workers continued the strike and forced the government to repeal the law.
That’s not true. Ontario did just that back in 2022. And crucially, workers continued the strike and forced the government to repeal the law.
October 28, 2025 at 2:46 AM
I keep seeing people say that with the upcoming Alberta law, it’ll be the first invocation of the notwithstanding clause against striking workers.
That’s not true. Ontario did just that back in 2022. And crucially, workers continued the strike and forced the government to repeal the law.
That’s not true. Ontario did just that back in 2022. And crucially, workers continued the strike and forced the government to repeal the law.
Reposted by Devon Black
Growing up in Alberta, the world was full of possibilities because we had the best public education system. Our kids won’t have that benefit. And to take away constitutional rights in place of good faith negotiations sets us back even more. It’s a sad day.
October 28, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Growing up in Alberta, the world was full of possibilities because we had the best public education system. Our kids won’t have that benefit. And to take away constitutional rights in place of good faith negotiations sets us back even more. It’s a sad day.
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PEA Strike Action Escalation: Pattullo Bridge
The PEA filed an application to the BC Labour Relations Board to begin picketing at the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project construction site. We will use every tool at our disposal to keep the pressure on the Employer to get a fair deal for members.
The PEA filed an application to the BC Labour Relations Board to begin picketing at the Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project construction site. We will use every tool at our disposal to keep the pressure on the Employer to get a fair deal for members.
October 25, 2025 at 7:28 PM
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Reposted by Devon Black
travelled the world and got through basic interactions with ease through the INTERNET WE ALREADY HAVE WITHOUT SHOVING THINGS IN OUR EARS OR OVER OUR FACES BECAUSE INCREMENTAL EFFICIENCIES FOR TURNING OUR BRAINS OFF ISN’T WORTH THE TRADEOFF
uh I mean let’s go blue jays!!!
uh I mean let’s go blue jays!!!
Apple markets its new AirPods as being able to translate other languages directly in your ears. When @matteowong.bsky.social tested out the tool, it was barely able to help him buy flowers or tamales:
Lost in AirPod Translation
Apple promises to put an AI interpreter in everyone’s ears. It couldn’t even help me order tamales.
bit.ly
October 25, 2025 at 7:31 AM
travelled the world and got through basic interactions with ease through the INTERNET WE ALREADY HAVE WITHOUT SHOVING THINGS IN OUR EARS OR OVER OUR FACES BECAUSE INCREMENTAL EFFICIENCIES FOR TURNING OUR BRAINS OFF ISN’T WORTH THE TRADEOFF
uh I mean let’s go blue jays!!!
uh I mean let’s go blue jays!!!
Reposted by Devon Black
someone finally did it. a game about rote bureaucracy and policing that is much more dystopian than papers please
still thinking about this article today. so many societal ills are caused by people white-washing what actually happens. it's awful to see games do it too.
can't wait for cozy domestic violence simulator or cozy kkk simulator
can't wait for cozy domestic violence simulator or cozy kkk simulator
a wholesome plane has hit the second cozy tower
more like no thoughts to declare
blog.giovanh.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:04 PM
someone finally did it. a game about rote bureaucracy and policing that is much more dystopian than papers please
Reposted by Devon Black
This is actually the thing that worries me most about AI. It's "there is no such thing as society" implemented as software solution. Needing to ask people for help, advice, or information is part of how we build and maintain social and professional bonds.
Preliminary results show that the current framework of "AI" makes ppl less likely to help or seek help from other humans, or to seek to soothe conflict, and that people actively prefer that framework to any others, literally serving to make them more dependent on it.
Sycophantic AI Decreases Prosocial Intentions and Promotes Dependence
Both the general public and academic communities have raised concerns about sycophancy, the phenomenon of artificial intelligence (AI) excessively agreeing with or flattering users. Yet, beyond isolat...
arxiv.org
October 24, 2025 at 4:23 PM
This is actually the thing that worries me most about AI. It's "there is no such thing as society" implemented as software solution. Needing to ask people for help, advice, or information is part of how we build and maintain social and professional bonds.