David Shepherd
@dshepyeg.bsky.social
MLA for Edmonton-City Centre • Shadow Minister for Public Safety & Emergency Services • Cyclist • Musician • Mild Comic Book Geek •
In the House today, Minister Ellis claimed this was just “human error,” blaming of one of his senior staff.
Human error. Twice. Weeks apart.
The fact is the UCP have a record of intentionally bending & breaking access to info laws.
It’s a pattern.
They can’t be trusted. #abpoli
Human error. Twice. Weeks apart.
The fact is the UCP have a record of intentionally bending & breaking access to info laws.
It’s a pattern.
They can’t be trusted. #abpoli
We caught the UCP red-handed.
We asked Public Safety & Emergency Services for any correspondence between Min. Ellis & the Edmonton Police Commission.
They told us - twice - there was none.
We asked the Commission & got 130 pages including 5 letters signed by Ellis. #abpoli
We asked Public Safety & Emergency Services for any correspondence between Min. Ellis & the Edmonton Police Commission.
They told us - twice - there was none.
We asked the Commission & got 130 pages including 5 letters signed by Ellis. #abpoli
November 25, 2025 at 11:48 PM
In the House today, Minister Ellis claimed this was just “human error,” blaming of one of his senior staff.
Human error. Twice. Weeks apart.
The fact is the UCP have a record of intentionally bending & breaking access to info laws.
It’s a pattern.
They can’t be trusted. #abpoli
Human error. Twice. Weeks apart.
The fact is the UCP have a record of intentionally bending & breaking access to info laws.
It’s a pattern.
They can’t be trusted. #abpoli
Reposted by David Shepherd
Two-tier American-style healthcare is not the solution.
Wait times, understaffing, and access issues won't be fixed by forcing people to pay to see a doctor.
youtube.com/shorts/G5u74...
Wait times, understaffing, and access issues won't be fixed by forcing people to pay to see a doctor.
youtube.com/shorts/G5u74...
Two-tier American-style healthcare is not the solution.
YouTube video by Naheed Nenshi
youtube.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Two-tier American-style healthcare is not the solution.
Wait times, understaffing, and access issues won't be fixed by forcing people to pay to see a doctor.
youtube.com/shorts/G5u74...
Wait times, understaffing, and access issues won't be fixed by forcing people to pay to see a doctor.
youtube.com/shorts/G5u74...
Danielle Smith and the UCP don’t think you deserve to know what they’re doing, why they’re doing it or how much it costs.
I break down how the UCP continue to twist, torque & break the laws that govern access to information.
Better is possible, just not with the UCP.
Part 1/2 #abpoli
I break down how the UCP continue to twist, torque & break the laws that govern access to information.
Better is possible, just not with the UCP.
Part 1/2 #abpoli
November 25, 2025 at 3:57 AM
Danielle Smith and the UCP don’t think you deserve to know what they’re doing, why they’re doing it or how much it costs.
I break down how the UCP continue to twist, torque & break the laws that govern access to information.
Better is possible, just not with the UCP.
Part 1/2 #abpoli
I break down how the UCP continue to twist, torque & break the laws that govern access to information.
Better is possible, just not with the UCP.
Part 1/2 #abpoli
Reposted by David Shepherd
"This is not what Albertans asked for, and it’s certainly not what Danielle Smith promised when she was running for Premier."
NDP leader Naheed Nenshi calls out Bill 11, arguing it's steering Alberta towards for-profit American-style health care to the province.
NDP leader Naheed Nenshi calls out Bill 11, arguing it's steering Alberta towards for-profit American-style health care to the province.
November 24, 2025 at 10:26 PM
"This is not what Albertans asked for, and it’s certainly not what Danielle Smith promised when she was running for Premier."
NDP leader Naheed Nenshi calls out Bill 11, arguing it's steering Alberta towards for-profit American-style health care to the province.
NDP leader Naheed Nenshi calls out Bill 11, arguing it's steering Alberta towards for-profit American-style health care to the province.
We caught the UCP red-handed.
We asked Public Safety & Emergency Services for any correspondence between Min. Ellis & the Edmonton Police Commission.
They told us - twice - there was none.
We asked the Commission & got 130 pages including 5 letters signed by Ellis. #abpoli
We asked Public Safety & Emergency Services for any correspondence between Min. Ellis & the Edmonton Police Commission.
They told us - twice - there was none.
We asked the Commission & got 130 pages including 5 letters signed by Ellis. #abpoli
November 25, 2025 at 12:24 AM
We caught the UCP red-handed.
We asked Public Safety & Emergency Services for any correspondence between Min. Ellis & the Edmonton Police Commission.
They told us - twice - there was none.
We asked the Commission & got 130 pages including 5 letters signed by Ellis. #abpoli
We asked Public Safety & Emergency Services for any correspondence between Min. Ellis & the Edmonton Police Commission.
They told us - twice - there was none.
We asked the Commission & got 130 pages including 5 letters signed by Ellis. #abpoli
Reposted by David Shepherd
Today I’m introducing Motion 504: a cap on auto insurance rate increases, tying them to the consumer price index instead of letting it skyrocket out of control. We call on the UCP government to come to their senses and support this motion. #abpoli #ableg @albertandp.ca @naheednenshi.bsky.social
November 24, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Today I’m introducing Motion 504: a cap on auto insurance rate increases, tying them to the consumer price index instead of letting it skyrocket out of control. We call on the UCP government to come to their senses and support this motion. #abpoli #ableg @albertandp.ca @naheednenshi.bsky.social
Reposted by David Shepherd
The trouble with the UCP's dual practice model?
Think about a double double.
If the line at Tim’s is long because there’s only one person pouring coffee, opening an “express lane” for people who tip $20 doesn’t speed things up. It means those with more money get the coffee while others wait.
Think about a double double.
If the line at Tim’s is long because there’s only one person pouring coffee, opening an “express lane” for people who tip $20 doesn’t speed things up. It means those with more money get the coffee while others wait.
Back in school, I wrote an essay about how two-tier healthcare would improve access for everyone.
It makes intuitive sense: create a second line and the original one gets shorter, right?
A better look at the evidence and arguments like Picard's changed my mind. 🧵
It makes intuitive sense: create a second line and the original one gets shorter, right?
A better look at the evidence and arguments like Picard's changed my mind. 🧵
Picard’s point on AB’s new “dual practice” plan: evidence shows letting surgeons bill public & private won’t fix wait times, it likely lengthens them, drains staff from public hospitals, adds red tape, and undermines access.
A solution in search of a problem. www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/70a7e73...
A solution in search of a problem. www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/70a7e73...
November 23, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The trouble with the UCP's dual practice model?
Think about a double double.
If the line at Tim’s is long because there’s only one person pouring coffee, opening an “express lane” for people who tip $20 doesn’t speed things up. It means those with more money get the coffee while others wait.
Think about a double double.
If the line at Tim’s is long because there’s only one person pouring coffee, opening an “express lane” for people who tip $20 doesn’t speed things up. It means those with more money get the coffee while others wait.
Reposted by David Shepherd
⚠️ Premier Danielle Smith announced the end of universal health care in Alberta this week.
On this week's episode of 'Whatever This Is', @zainvelji.bsky.social breaks down what it means — and why things will get much worse if she succeeds.
Follow us for more. #ableg #abpoli #canpoli
On this week's episode of 'Whatever This Is', @zainvelji.bsky.social breaks down what it means — and why things will get much worse if she succeeds.
Follow us for more. #ableg #abpoli #canpoli
November 22, 2025 at 7:40 PM
⚠️ Premier Danielle Smith announced the end of universal health care in Alberta this week.
On this week's episode of 'Whatever This Is', @zainvelji.bsky.social breaks down what it means — and why things will get much worse if she succeeds.
Follow us for more. #ableg #abpoli #canpoli
On this week's episode of 'Whatever This Is', @zainvelji.bsky.social breaks down what it means — and why things will get much worse if she succeeds.
Follow us for more. #ableg #abpoli #canpoli
Reposted by David Shepherd
Danielle Smith has already used the notwithstanding clause to remove workers', parents', and patients' rights to choose.
It's not hard to see where the road is leading. The UCP has given a roadmap, for those who need the help.
It's not hard to see where the road is leading. The UCP has given a roadmap, for those who need the help.
November 22, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Danielle Smith has already used the notwithstanding clause to remove workers', parents', and patients' rights to choose.
It's not hard to see where the road is leading. The UCP has given a roadmap, for those who need the help.
It's not hard to see where the road is leading. The UCP has given a roadmap, for those who need the help.
Reposted by David Shepherd
Today, we remember all the lives we've lost to injustice.
One life is too many. We cannot stop until we know our loved ones can safely be themselves in this world.
youtube.com/shorts/lALMV...
One life is too many. We cannot stop until we know our loved ones can safely be themselves in this world.
youtube.com/shorts/lALMV...
Our loved ones deserve a world in which they can safely be themselves.
YouTube video by Naheed Nenshi
youtube.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Today, we remember all the lives we've lost to injustice.
One life is too many. We cannot stop until we know our loved ones can safely be themselves in this world.
youtube.com/shorts/lALMV...
One life is too many. We cannot stop until we know our loved ones can safely be themselves in this world.
youtube.com/shorts/lALMV...
Reposted by David Shepherd
What this government is doing is wrong, and people are hurting. To every trans young person and every family feeling targeted right now: you are seen, you are valued, and you belong in Alberta.
We will keep fighting for your dignity, your safety, and your future.
youtu.be/WgE5dmVa6AQ
We will keep fighting for your dignity, your safety, and your future.
youtu.be/WgE5dmVa6AQ
You belong here, and we will keep fighting for your dignity, your safety, and your future.
YouTube video by Naheed Nenshi
youtu.be
November 20, 2025 at 5:17 PM
What this government is doing is wrong, and people are hurting. To every trans young person and every family feeling targeted right now: you are seen, you are valued, and you belong in Alberta.
We will keep fighting for your dignity, your safety, and your future.
youtu.be/WgE5dmVa6AQ
We will keep fighting for your dignity, your safety, and your future.
youtu.be/WgE5dmVa6AQ
Today is the annual Trans Day of Remembrance.- a day to remember & honour those in our communities who were lost due to transphobia & anti-trans violence.
A day to renew our pledge to support the human rights of all Albertans.
A day to renew our pledge to support the human rights of all Albertans.
November 20, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Today is the annual Trans Day of Remembrance.- a day to remember & honour those in our communities who were lost due to transphobia & anti-trans violence.
A day to renew our pledge to support the human rights of all Albertans.
A day to renew our pledge to support the human rights of all Albertans.
Reposted by David Shepherd
If the UCP is confident on the medical merits of its transgender bill, then we should hear from the CMOH on this ASAP to validate the urgency of using the notwithstanding clause, it's why you have a top doctor after all.
November 20, 2025 at 6:02 AM
If the UCP is confident on the medical merits of its transgender bill, then we should hear from the CMOH on this ASAP to validate the urgency of using the notwithstanding clause, it's why you have a top doctor after all.
Danielle Smith is doubling down on bringing American-style healthcare to Alberta where your ability to pay may determine your quality of & access to care.
The UCP didn’t campaign on this dangerous, destructive policy. If they want it, let them call an election & let Albertans decide. 1/2 #abpoli
The UCP didn’t campaign on this dangerous, destructive policy. If they want it, let them call an election & let Albertans decide. 1/2 #abpoli
November 19, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Danielle Smith is doubling down on bringing American-style healthcare to Alberta where your ability to pay may determine your quality of & access to care.
The UCP didn’t campaign on this dangerous, destructive policy. If they want it, let them call an election & let Albertans decide. 1/2 #abpoli
The UCP didn’t campaign on this dangerous, destructive policy. If they want it, let them call an election & let Albertans decide. 1/2 #abpoli
Reposted by David Shepherd
The UCP's pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause is further evidence of their populist approach to policymaking.
Pluralists -- whether progressives committed to minority rights or libertarians prizing checks & balances on government power -- must stand together against this over-reach.
Pluralists -- whether progressives committed to minority rights or libertarians prizing checks & balances on government power -- must stand together against this over-reach.
Our research team has been studying polarization in Alberta for the past 5 years.
I'm becoming increasingly convinced that the elite-level divisions are not so much left-vs-right, but pluralist vs populist.+
I'm becoming increasingly convinced that the elite-level divisions are not so much left-vs-right, but pluralist vs populist.+
November 19, 2025 at 2:01 AM
The UCP's pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause is further evidence of their populist approach to policymaking.
Pluralists -- whether progressives committed to minority rights or libertarians prizing checks & balances on government power -- must stand together against this over-reach.
Pluralists -- whether progressives committed to minority rights or libertarians prizing checks & balances on government power -- must stand together against this over-reach.
Reposted by David Shepherd
I knew that this day was coming. The UCP had been warning for months that they were going to take away the rights of transgender people (not just children but adults too). I thought I was prepared. But I am still very angry that it has happened.
November 18, 2025 at 10:24 PM
I knew that this day was coming. The UCP had been warning for months that they were going to take away the rights of transgender people (not just children but adults too). I thought I was prepared. But I am still very angry that it has happened.
Reposted by David Shepherd
If Danielle Smith wants Albertans to pay to see a doctor, she should call the election.
Albertans have had enough of the UCP, and they want change. Alberta's New Democrats are ready.
youtube.com/shorts/NNaXV...
Albertans have had enough of the UCP, and they want change. Alberta's New Democrats are ready.
youtube.com/shorts/NNaXV...
Danielle Smith broke her promise to fix public health care. Now, she wants to privatize it.
YouTube video by Naheed Nenshi
youtube.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:27 PM
If Danielle Smith wants Albertans to pay to see a doctor, she should call the election.
Albertans have had enough of the UCP, and they want change. Alberta's New Democrats are ready.
youtube.com/shorts/NNaXV...
Albertans have had enough of the UCP, and they want change. Alberta's New Democrats are ready.
youtube.com/shorts/NNaXV...
Reposted by David Shepherd
Join us for a lively discussion of party (dis)loyalty in Canada!
Book Launch + Fireside Chat
Join us for the launch of No “I” in Team with a special fireside conversation featuring the Hon. Rachel Notley!
@alexmarland.bsky.social & @jaredwesley.ca
🗓️ Friday, Dec. 5
🕓 4:00–5:30pm
📍 Alfred Sorensen Community Hall, Edmonton
Free registration: bit.ly/TeamBook25
Join us for the launch of No “I” in Team with a special fireside conversation featuring the Hon. Rachel Notley!
@alexmarland.bsky.social & @jaredwesley.ca
🗓️ Friday, Dec. 5
🕓 4:00–5:30pm
📍 Alfred Sorensen Community Hall, Edmonton
Free registration: bit.ly/TeamBook25
November 18, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Join us for a lively discussion of party (dis)loyalty in Canada!
Albertans & their elected leaders have are clear - they don’t want a provincial police force.
But Danielle Smith & the UCP keep barrelling ahead creating a product their intended customers have told them they don’t want.
I asked why. #ableg
But Danielle Smith & the UCP keep barrelling ahead creating a product their intended customers have told them they don’t want.
I asked why. #ableg
November 18, 2025 at 1:00 AM
Albertans & their elected leaders have are clear - they don’t want a provincial police force.
But Danielle Smith & the UCP keep barrelling ahead creating a product their intended customers have told them they don’t want.
I asked why. #ableg
But Danielle Smith & the UCP keep barrelling ahead creating a product their intended customers have told them they don’t want.
I asked why. #ableg
Reposted by David Shepherd
When the UCP uses the notwithstanding clause tomorrow, watch defenders say, "it's totally legal" or "we had no choice."
They're deflecting.
The UCP wants to exact as much harm on transgender folks as possible. And they know their actions are not justifiable in a democratic society.
Who's next?
They're deflecting.
The UCP wants to exact as much harm on transgender folks as possible. And they know their actions are not justifiable in a democratic society.
Who's next?
November 16, 2025 at 3:45 PM
When the UCP uses the notwithstanding clause tomorrow, watch defenders say, "it's totally legal" or "we had no choice."
They're deflecting.
The UCP wants to exact as much harm on transgender folks as possible. And they know their actions are not justifiable in a democratic society.
Who's next?
They're deflecting.
The UCP wants to exact as much harm on transgender folks as possible. And they know their actions are not justifiable in a democratic society.
Who's next?
A reminder:
1. Don’t stop contacting your UCP MLA, the Education Minister & the Premier to tell them you object to their preemptive use of the notwithstanding clause.
2. Be civil when you do. Don’t swear. Don’t lob insults. Just firmly express your opposition. #abpoli
1. Don’t stop contacting your UCP MLA, the Education Minister & the Premier to tell them you object to their preemptive use of the notwithstanding clause.
2. Be civil when you do. Don’t swear. Don’t lob insults. Just firmly express your opposition. #abpoli
An errant voicemail from a UCP MLA shows just how much pressure they're facing from constituents over their use of the notwithstanding clause.
drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/what-happe...
drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/what-happe...
What happens when you call your MLA?
An errant voicemail gives us insight into how the UCP is handling the backlash against its use of the notwithstanding clause. They're not doing well.
drjaredwesley.substack.com
November 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM
A reminder:
1. Don’t stop contacting your UCP MLA, the Education Minister & the Premier to tell them you object to their preemptive use of the notwithstanding clause.
2. Be civil when you do. Don’t swear. Don’t lob insults. Just firmly express your opposition. #abpoli
1. Don’t stop contacting your UCP MLA, the Education Minister & the Premier to tell them you object to their preemptive use of the notwithstanding clause.
2. Be civil when you do. Don’t swear. Don’t lob insults. Just firmly express your opposition. #abpoli
My pleasure to join you! #abpoli
Thank you to MLA @dshepyeg.bsky.social for coming down to the #CalgaryFoothills AGM last night! We are thrilled to have elected a new executive team and created momentum in this great constituency!
Let's get to work and ensure a better future for all, because we are #bettertogether.
Let's get to work and ensure a better future for all, because we are #bettertogether.
November 15, 2025 at 7:48 PM
My pleasure to join you! #abpoli
Having a fantastic time at the Alberta Municipalities convention in Calgary.
Good conversation this morning with some new & returning African/Caribbean/Black councillors from across the province.
Wonderful to see the diversity of our province being reflected in local government! #ableg
Good conversation this morning with some new & returning African/Caribbean/Black councillors from across the province.
Wonderful to see the diversity of our province being reflected in local government! #ableg
November 13, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Having a fantastic time at the Alberta Municipalities convention in Calgary.
Good conversation this morning with some new & returning African/Caribbean/Black councillors from across the province.
Wonderful to see the diversity of our province being reflected in local government! #ableg
Good conversation this morning with some new & returning African/Caribbean/Black councillors from across the province.
Wonderful to see the diversity of our province being reflected in local government! #ableg
Albertans across our province are speaking out.
They’ve had enough of a government dismantling the public services they depend on and trampling their rights.
They deserve better than the UCP and their endless distractions.
Alberta’s New Democrats are ready to bring change.
Join us. #abpoli
They’ve had enough of a government dismantling the public services they depend on and trampling their rights.
They deserve better than the UCP and their endless distractions.
Alberta’s New Democrats are ready to bring change.
Join us. #abpoli
Albertans want to bring back the Alberta advantage – an affordable life, fairness, and opportunity.
We’re ready. Join us.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoUz...
We’re ready. Join us.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoUz...
You deserve better. Alberta’s New Democrats are ready.
YouTube video by Naheed Nenshi
www.youtube.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Albertans across our province are speaking out.
They’ve had enough of a government dismantling the public services they depend on and trampling their rights.
They deserve better than the UCP and their endless distractions.
Alberta’s New Democrats are ready to bring change.
Join us. #abpoli
They’ve had enough of a government dismantling the public services they depend on and trampling their rights.
They deserve better than the UCP and their endless distractions.
Alberta’s New Democrats are ready to bring change.
Join us. #abpoli