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justinbrake.bsky.social
Justin Brake
@justinbrake.bsky.social
5K followers 140 following 60 posts
He/him. Journalist. Settler. Future ancestor. Born 338 ppm. EIC @independentnl.bsky.social 🫐 Host of The Indy Broadcast.
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Reposted by Justin Brake
independentnl.bsky.social
Pattern Energy executive Frank Davis says the company is ‘fully committed’ to Argentia Renewables, which will take the form of a wind-only project — for now
#nlpoli #wind #energy
theindependent.ca/news/lji/com...
Company behind proposed wind-hydrogen project withdraws from environmental assessment, returning with ‘phased approach’ – The Independent
Pattern Energy executive says company is 'fully committed' to Argentia Renewables, which will take the form of a wind-only project — for now
theindependent.ca
November 25, 2025 at 4:17 PM
justinbrake.bsky.social
Two days after we reported fake citations in a #Deloitte report that cost N.L. $1.6M, the Premier has asked Government Services Min. Mike Goosney to “undertake a review of what guidelines should be put in place to stop this from happening in the future.” #nlpoli
theindependent.ca/news/lji/pcs...
PCs to review A.I. use in government-commissioned reports – The Independent
Government Services Minister Mike Goosney has been asked to review "what guidelines should be put in place"
theindependent.ca
November 24, 2025 at 10:03 PM
justinbrake.bsky.social
Discovering errors in major third-party policy reports likely generated by #AI is serious enough that one party in Newfoundland and Labrador is calling for regulations.

Today's call from the NDP comes two days after we broke a story about errors discovered in a $1.6 million report from #Deloitte
November 24, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Reposted by Justin Brake
justinbrake.bsky.social
independentnl.bsky.social The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 3d
UPDATE: The provincial gov. says it has "directed Deloitte to confirm the accuracy of the citations and literature review” and that Deloitte "stands by its conclusions and findings” in the Health Human Resources Report, which cost the province $1.6 million. #nlpoli
theindependent.ca/news/lji/pro...
Provincial government responds to Deloitte report found to contain false citations likely generated by A.I. – The Independent
Health and Community Services (HCS) Minister Lela Evans and Premier Tony Wakeham. On Saturday HCS said it had asked Deloitte to review the entire Health
theindependent.ca
November 22, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Reposted by Justin Brake
justinbrake.bsky.social
This is the 2nd time a major government report from Deloitte has been found to contain errors likely generated by AI.

First in Australia and now, as The Independent has confirmed, in a major healthcare policy paper for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador #nlpoli #AI #deloitte
November 22, 2025 at 3:35 PM
justinbrake.bsky.social
independentnl.bsky.social The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 3d
UPDATE: The provincial gov. says it has "directed Deloitte to confirm the accuracy of the citations and literature review” and that Deloitte "stands by its conclusions and findings” in the Health Human Resources Report, which cost the province $1.6 million. #nlpoli
theindependent.ca/news/lji/pro...
Provincial government responds to Deloitte report found to contain false citations likely generated by A.I. – The Independent
Health and Community Services (HCS) Minister Lela Evans and Premier Tony Wakeham. On Saturday HCS said it had asked Deloitte to review the entire Health
theindependent.ca
November 22, 2025 at 8:54 PM
justinbrake.bsky.social
This is the 2nd time a major government report from Deloitte has been found to contain errors likely generated by AI.

First in Australia and now, as The Independent has confirmed, in a major healthcare policy paper for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador #nlpoli #AI #deloitte
November 22, 2025 at 3:35 PM
justinbrake.bsky.social
In October I noticed NL's Commissioner for Legislative Standards had not published annual reports for 2023 and 2024.

Her reason?

"There wasn’t a whole lot to report and it was, you know—it’s a skimpy report. There was nothing earth shattering in there."

#nlpoli
theindependent.ca/news/lji/no-...
‘No excuse’: N.L. commissioner for legislative standards neglected to file annual reports since 2022 appointment – The Independent
Political scientist says case is an example of both 'professional negligence' and 'institutional corruption'
theindependent.ca
November 19, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Reposted by Justin Brake
independentnl.bsky.social
NL’s Department of Health and Community Services did not confirm if it will use a core staffing review launched by Liberals to implement system-wide improvements #nlpoli #healthcare
theindependent.ca/news/nurses-...
Nurses' union, PCs offer different interpretations of government's core staffing review commitments – The Independent
The province's Department of Health and Community Services did not confirm if it will use review launched by Liberals to implement system-wide staffing improvements
theindependent.ca
November 19, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Reposted by Justin Brake
independentnl.bsky.social
🫐 NEW episode of #berrygrounds!

#Seasplainer authors @jennthornhillverma.bsky.social & Leila Beaudoin speak with @theglobeandmail.com reporter Greg Mercer about his new book 'The Lobster Trap: The Global Fight for a Seafood on the Brink'.

🎧 LISTEN NOW 👇
theindependent.ca/podcasts/ber...
The Lobster Trap (Ep. 15) – The Independent
It's a fishery buzzword — a lifeline for many coastal communities and a luxurious menu item driving a global seafood craze. Lobster—one time once
theindependent.ca
November 13, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Reposted by Justin Brake
independentnl.bsky.social
In the wake of a scandal involving NL’s new Education Accord, which contained fabricated sources and has led many to believe #AI was involved, a spokesperson from the Premier's Office says the PC government is “not prioritizing” a review of its AI policies. #nlpoli
theindependent.ca/news/lji/pcs...
PCs ‘not prioritizing’ review of AI policies following Education Accord scandal – The Independent
The province’s new 10-year policy document will guide changes to Newfoundland and Labrador’s education system, but reports of falsified materials have cast a shadow over its credibility
theindependent.ca
November 12, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Reposted by Justin Brake
jonthompson.bsky.social
When Canada delivers its budget Tuesday, will it "get out of the way" on the proposed Ring of Fire environmental assessment, as Ontario Premier Doug Ford requested last week?

Canada's not telling.

I've been requesting since Oct. 29, daily contact with the Privy Council office, but still no answer.
ricochetmedia.bsky.social Ricochet Media @ricochetmedia.bsky.social · 22d
Will Canada abandon environmental assessment in the Ring of Fire?

Doug Ford wants Ottawa to ignore First Nations’ warnings that drinking water, treaty rights, and the land itself are on the line.

The latest from @jonthompson.bsky.social:

ricochet.media/indigenous/w...

#cdnpoli #Budget2025
Will Canada abandon environmental assessment in the Ring of Fire?
Doug Ford wants Ottawa to ignore First Nations’ warnings that drinking water, treaty rights, and the land itself are on the line
ricochet.media
November 4, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Reposted by Justin Brake
justinbrake.bsky.social
A great new piece from Indy columnist Angela Antle making the connection between oil companies, #climatechange, and the wildfires that ravaged communities in Newfoundland last summer.

It's an open letter to N.L.'s new Premier Tony Wakeham.
independentnl.bsky.social The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 25d
Not only are wildfires caused by climate change, new research links the heatwaves that cause them to oil companies active in Newfoundland and Labrador, columnist Angela Antle writes in an open letter to N.L. Premier Tony Wakeham
#nlpoli #climate #cdnpoli
theindependent.ca/commentary/e...
Dear Mr. Wakeham: Climate changes aren’t coming — they’re here  – The Independent
Not only are wildfires caused by climate change, new research links the heatwaves that cause them to oil companies active in Newfoundland and Labrador
theindependent.ca
October 31, 2025 at 1:22 PM
justinbrake.bsky.social
"This is a dark moment in Canadian labour history."

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has used the ‘notwithstanding clause’ to shield the strike-breaking bill from a court challenge.
#cdnpoli #abpoli #canlab
www.readthemaple.com/alberta-forc...
Alberta Forcing Teachers Back To Work Is A Historic Loss
Premier Danielle Smith has used the ‘notwithstanding clause’ to shield the strike-breaking bill from a court challenge.
www.readthemaple.com
November 3, 2025 at 1:53 PM
justinbrake.bsky.social
A great new piece from Indy columnist Angela Antle making the connection between oil companies, #climatechange, and the wildfires that ravaged communities in Newfoundland last summer.

It's an open letter to N.L.'s new Premier Tony Wakeham.
independentnl.bsky.social The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 25d
Not only are wildfires caused by climate change, new research links the heatwaves that cause them to oil companies active in Newfoundland and Labrador, columnist Angela Antle writes in an open letter to N.L. Premier Tony Wakeham
#nlpoli #climate #cdnpoli
theindependent.ca/commentary/e...
Dear Mr. Wakeham: Climate changes aren’t coming — they’re here  – The Independent
Not only are wildfires caused by climate change, new research links the heatwaves that cause them to oil companies active in Newfoundland and Labrador
theindependent.ca
October 31, 2025 at 1:22 PM
Reposted by Justin Brake
independentnl.bsky.social
"Many voted for the Wakeham gov't because they sought an end to the wasteful and tired practice of bringing so-called experts into the province to do jobs that could be done just as well, and probably better, by a Newfoundlander or Labradorian," writes Rhea Rollmann
theindependent.ca/commentary/t...
External consultant controversy a first test for Wakeham government – The Independent
After being sworn in as premier Wednesday, Tony Wakeham called right-wing conservative strategist and PC transition team hire Steve Outhouse “one the best political minds in the country”
theindependent.ca
October 29, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Reposted by Justin Brake
independentnl.bsky.social
“Considering Mr. Outhouse’s ideology, political history and policy initiatives, we are concerned about the influence he will have on your government’s legislation and policy and ask that you clarify your government’s stance on these issues,” Dinn writes. #nlpoli
theindependent.ca/news/lji/ndp...
NDP leader condemns Wakeham, PCs over appointment of conservative strategist Steve Outhouse – The Independent
NDP leader Jim Dinn is asking Wakeham to affirm his incoming government's commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
theindependent.ca
October 29, 2025 at 11:29 AM
justinbrake.bsky.social
“The provincial PCs were elected because they were seen to be progressive," says DEI advocate Laurabel Mba. “But when they are hiring someone who doesn’t hold those progressive sentiments, I think it makes people of this province a little bit nervous.” #nlpoli
theindependent.ca/news/lji/pcs...
PC’s tapping of controversial conservative strategist sparks fear, ire – The Independent
Steve Outhouse has supported and worked for right-wing governments in Alberta, New Brunswick and Ottawa
theindependent.ca
October 29, 2025 at 11:34 AM
justinbrake.bsky.social
Every progressive person in Newfoundland & Labrador who believes electoral politics plays an important role in our democracy should be asking the same question. Especially in a province where the NDP has never formed official opposition, let alone governed. #nlpoli
October 27, 2025 at 11:35 AM
justinbrake.bsky.social
“We’re in the process of a resetting of expectations of where the relationship can go,” Carney told reporters at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
October 27, 2025 at 11:34 AM
Reposted by Justin Brake
independentnl.bsky.social
Flights in and out of Wabush Airport were suspended earlier this week, then restored, without explanation from authorities.
Labrador MP Philip Earle is asking Transport Minister and Liberal caucus colleague Steve MacKinnon for an urgent review.
#cdnpoli #nlpoli
theindependent.ca/news/lji/lab...
Labrador MP calls for urgent review following Wabush Airport fiasco – The Independent
Flights in and out of the Lab West airport were suspended earlier this week, then restored, without explanation from authorities
theindependent.ca
October 24, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Reposted by Justin Brake
unrigged.bsky.social
We are SUPER EXCITED to welcome IndigiNews to the UNRIGGED journalism community joining @independentnl.bsky.social @ricochetmedia.bsky.social @briarpatchmag.bsky.social @pressprogress.ca @pivot.quebec + 27 other independent publishers across the (so-called) country!

Find out more at unrigged.ca💫
October 22, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Reposted by Justin Brake
conorcurtis.bsky.social
Was great to chat with the @independentnl.bsky.social about the need for a fast transition to renewables in NL and the need for worker retraining. Give The Independent a follow if you haven't already and want to know more about news in NL.
October 16, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Reposted by Justin Brake
independentnl.bsky.social
We're building a team of volunteers to help us reach more readers around NL and those living away.

Fill out our short survey to let us know how you can help!

LINK: theindependent.ca/the-indys-20...
October 17, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Reposted by Justin Brake
independentnl.bsky.social
"‘I saw the magic that happened in our seminars as the seed of something that could only benefit society by spreading."

Read the latest in our 'State of the University' series, by Alison Forster 👇
theindependent.ca/commentary/c...
Hope, grief, and value: a reflection on the Humanities – The Independent
‘I saw the magic that happened in our seminars as the seed of something that could only benefit society by spreading.’
theindependent.ca
October 17, 2025 at 1:07 PM