Jason Markusoff
@markusoff.bsky.social
I write and yak for CBC in Calgary. DMs open, Signal, WhatsApp, and such
[email protected]
[email protected]
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ANALYSIS | Danielle Smith reworking Alberta's everything, everywhere all at once | CBC News
The premier makes no apologies for an ambitious reform agenda. But the more a government dismantles and rebuilds, the more risk there is for road bumps, growing pains and outright mistakes.
www.cbc.ca
When you look at the totality of all the Alberta institutions and programs Danielle Smith has begun to reinvent or reshape… it’s a lot. And a lot of risk.
By me: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
By me: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Looks like Alberta separatists will be gathering petition signatures from mid-January to mid-May next year.
Winter Olympics are in February. While many Albertans are cheering on Team Canada, some will be campaigning to break the team apart.
Winter Olympics are in February. While many Albertans are cheering on Team Canada, some will be campaigning to break the team apart.
NEW:
Elections Alnberta approves citizen driven initiative petition for a constitutional referendum proposal
The question would be - "Do you agree that the Province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?"
www.elections.ab.ca/citizen-init...
Elections Alnberta approves citizen driven initiative petition for a constitutional referendum proposal
The question would be - "Do you agree that the Province of Alberta should cease to be a part of Canada to become an independent state?"
www.elections.ab.ca/citizen-init...
Citizen Initiative Notice of Intent Received - Elections Alberta
EDMONTON – Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer, Gordon McClure, has received a notice of intent to apply for the issuance of a citizen initiative petition for a constitutional referendum proposal. The n...
www.elections.ab.ca
December 15, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Looks like Alberta separatists will be gathering petition signatures from mid-January to mid-May next year.
Winter Olympics are in February. While many Albertans are cheering on Team Canada, some will be campaigning to break the team apart.
Winter Olympics are in February. While many Albertans are cheering on Team Canada, some will be campaigning to break the team apart.
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
Calgary city council is way off in the weeds on blanket rezoning. Not voting on repealing on blanket rezoning today, but on whether or not to start the process (for March '26 hearing + decision). Repetitive amendments, numerous councillors trying to put their stamp on a repeal. #yyccc
December 15, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Calgary city council is way off in the weeds on blanket rezoning. Not voting on repealing on blanket rezoning today, but on whether or not to start the process (for March '26 hearing + decision). Repetitive amendments, numerous councillors trying to put their stamp on a repeal. #yyccc
What’s even more impressive is that they were all Stephen King adaptations
Rob Reiner: I'm going to make a coming of age drama, a fantasy adventure story, a romantic comedy, a psychological horror and then a courtroom drama.
Us: Across your entire career?
Reiner: In a 6 year period.
Us: That sounds-
Reiner: -Each one will be arguably the best movie in that genre.
Us: Across your entire career?
Reiner: In a 6 year period.
Us: That sounds-
Reiner: -Each one will be arguably the best movie in that genre.
December 15, 2025 at 4:06 PM
What’s even more impressive is that they were all Stephen King adaptations
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
Rob Reiner: I'm going to make a coming of age drama, a fantasy adventure story, a romantic comedy, a psychological horror and then a courtroom drama.
Us: Across your entire career?
Reiner: In a 6 year period.
Us: That sounds-
Reiner: -Each one will be arguably the best movie in that genre.
Us: Across your entire career?
Reiner: In a 6 year period.
Us: That sounds-
Reiner: -Each one will be arguably the best movie in that genre.
December 15, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Rob Reiner: I'm going to make a coming of age drama, a fantasy adventure story, a romantic comedy, a psychological horror and then a courtroom drama.
Us: Across your entire career?
Reiner: In a 6 year period.
Us: That sounds-
Reiner: -Each one will be arguably the best movie in that genre.
Us: Across your entire career?
Reiner: In a 6 year period.
Us: That sounds-
Reiner: -Each one will be arguably the best movie in that genre.
HalfBC it is, then.
December 14, 2025 at 8:02 PM
HalfBC it is, then.
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
The details of this Hanukkah attack on Jewish Australians are gruesome, horrifying. Children sheltering and unable to find their parents. It's heartbreaking www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw...
At least 12 dead in terror attack at Bondi Beach after mass shooting
At least 12 people are shot dead and 29 injured at Bondi Beach after two gunmen opened fire on a packed crowd at a Jewish festival.
www.smh.com.au
December 14, 2025 at 3:09 PM
The details of this Hanukkah attack on Jewish Australians are gruesome, horrifying. Children sheltering and unable to find their parents. It's heartbreaking www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw...
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
Pardon me, but *holy shit* chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
December 13, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Pardon me, but *holy shit* chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
As a judge shot down Alberta separatists’ referendum bid, Danielle Smith gov raced to give them a second chance.
Now they’re confident Albertans will vote on leaving Canada this fall, after UCP’s legislative boost.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... by me
Now they’re confident Albertans will vote on leaving Canada this fall, after UCP’s legislative boost.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... by me
ANALYSIS | Alberta separatists reapply for referendum question, boosted by new UCP bill | CBC News
The Danielle Smith government made it easier last spring for an independence petition to succeed. Then they removed more hurdles this month.
www.cbc.ca
December 13, 2025 at 3:23 PM
As a judge shot down Alberta separatists’ referendum bid, Danielle Smith gov raced to give them a second chance.
Now they’re confident Albertans will vote on leaving Canada this fall, after UCP’s legislative boost.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... by me
Now they’re confident Albertans will vote on leaving Canada this fall, after UCP’s legislative boost.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... by me
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
To give you a sense of how big a departure this year, the government doesn't do this for wanted criminals.
SCOOP: The Trump administration is providing the names of all travelers passing through U.S. airports to immigration officials in search of people with deportation orders, a substantial expansion of government efforts to draw on data to hunt down immigrants.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/12/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/12/u...
Immigration Agents Are Using Air Passenger Data for Deportation Effort
www.nytimes.com
December 12, 2025 at 11:19 PM
To give you a sense of how big a departure this year, the government doesn't do this for wanted criminals.
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
If another MP crosses the floor and the Liberals get the slimmest possible majority, how much pressure is there on Carney to appease any caucus member who threatens to resign over anything, from policy disputes to not being in cabinet?
December 12, 2025 at 3:09 PM
If another MP crosses the floor and the Liberals get the slimmest possible majority, how much pressure is there on Carney to appease any caucus member who threatens to resign over anything, from policy disputes to not being in cabinet?
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
25 years ago today, SCOTUS elected George W Bush president of the United States by blocking completion of a voting canvass in Florida. A subsequent canvass by the Associated Press showed that Bush's rival, Al Gore, had won the race in Florida—and thus the contest for the presidency—by 700 votes.
December 12, 2025 at 5:36 AM
25 years ago today, SCOTUS elected George W Bush president of the United States by blocking completion of a voting canvass in Florida. A subsequent canvass by the Associated Press showed that Bush's rival, Al Gore, had won the race in Florida—and thus the contest for the presidency—by 700 votes.
Ashamed that it’s only now, in my grey-hair years, that I realize that Sam the Eagle and Miss Piggy are voiced by Frank Oz, who also voiced Yoda. youtu.be/KNYI3iINXrQ?...
Sam the Eagle versus Alice Cooper
YouTube video by TheDancingChinchilla
youtu.be
December 12, 2025 at 5:55 AM
Ashamed that it’s only now, in my grey-hair years, that I realize that Sam the Eagle and Miss Piggy are voiced by Frank Oz, who also voiced Yoda. youtu.be/KNYI3iINXrQ?...
Pipeline is most unpopular in Québec, but that’s a relative term. 27% oppose, 37% support.
Regional breakdown in new Leger poll on support for a new bitumen pipeline running from Alberta to BC coast
December 11, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Pipeline is most unpopular in Québec, but that’s a relative term. 27% oppose, 37% support.
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
He says guards assaulted him. The jail lost the footage. www.thestar.com/news/investi... via @bkstar.bsky.social
This former inmate says he was assaulted by guards. Maplehurst lost the security camera footage that could corroborate his claims
A lawyer described it as a suspicious pattern for the Ontario jail, which was recently criticized for losing footage of abusive mass strip searches.
www.thestar.com
December 11, 2025 at 2:07 PM
He says guards assaulted him. The jail lost the footage. www.thestar.com/news/investi... via @bkstar.bsky.social
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
As someone who has experienced both Peterson Academy (one week) and an accredited Alberta university (5 years, oops) it is striking to me that Albertan officials were discussing "transferability." The most rigorous testing PA did is an AI-generated multiple choice quiz. thetyee.ca/News/2025/12...
Jordan Peterson’s School Isn’t Accredited. Smith Offered Alberta’s Help | The Tyee
The premier met with the controversial psychologist and tried to help his business, finds a Tyee investigation.
thetyee.ca
December 10, 2025 at 6:42 PM
As someone who has experienced both Peterson Academy (one week) and an accredited Alberta university (5 years, oops) it is striking to me that Albertan officials were discussing "transferability." The most rigorous testing PA did is an AI-generated multiple choice quiz. thetyee.ca/News/2025/12...
This bit of legislative manoeuvring by Amery:
Elections Alberta warns that Justice Minister is usurping its discretion on vetting citizen's initiatives...
so Amery amends Bill 14 so that NOBODY can vet a referendum question for fact, jurisdiction, constitutionality, etc www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Elections Alberta warns that Justice Minister is usurping its discretion on vetting citizen's initiatives...
so Amery amends Bill 14 so that NOBODY can vet a referendum question for fact, jurisdiction, constitutionality, etc www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Alberta amends Bill 14 after chief electoral officer raises red flag about 'partisan influence' | CBC News
The chief electoral officer copied all MLAs on a letter outlining his concerns, sent before the bill went to second reading.
www.cbc.ca
December 10, 2025 at 11:26 PM
This bit of legislative manoeuvring by Amery:
Elections Alberta warns that Justice Minister is usurping its discretion on vetting citizen's initiatives...
so Amery amends Bill 14 so that NOBODY can vet a referendum question for fact, jurisdiction, constitutionality, etc www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Elections Alberta warns that Justice Minister is usurping its discretion on vetting citizen's initiatives...
so Amery amends Bill 14 so that NOBODY can vet a referendum question for fact, jurisdiction, constitutionality, etc www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
But there IS a rule stating that one recall petition is approved against an MLA and it fails, nobody can try again to recall that member until after the next election.
So a do-nothing recall campaign can serve as a catch-and-kill for an MLA's supporter.
So a do-nothing recall campaign can serve as a catch-and-kill for an MLA's supporter.
Just as there is no rule saying a dog can't play basketball, there's no Alberta law saying the Lethbridge-East recall petition leader actually has to recruit canvassers or collect signatures. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Lethbridgians worried MLA recall drive is a 'sham' that's ignoring volunteers | CBC News
Locals can't sign up to canvass for petitions against United Conservative MLA Nathan Neudorf or find out where to sign forms.
www.cbc.ca
December 10, 2025 at 11:12 PM
But there IS a rule stating that one recall petition is approved against an MLA and it fails, nobody can try again to recall that member until after the next election.
So a do-nothing recall campaign can serve as a catch-and-kill for an MLA's supporter.
So a do-nothing recall campaign can serve as a catch-and-kill for an MLA's supporter.
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
It's pretty wild there are 21 recall approved petitions in Alberta right now
Elections BC has approved 30 recall initiatives since 1995
Only six have ever been submitted to EBC for review
Five of those didn't get enough signatures
The 6th never completed verification because the target MLA resigned
Elections BC has approved 30 recall initiatives since 1995
Only six have ever been submitted to EBC for review
Five of those didn't get enough signatures
The 6th never completed verification because the target MLA resigned
Important note about Danielle Smith's recall petition: needs 12,070 signatures by March 10 to pass -- a tall order.
BC Premier David Eby faced a recall petition in 2023, and the 271 canvassers only got 2,737 signatures (it needed 6x that many)
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
BC Premier David Eby faced a recall petition in 2023, and the 271 canvassers only got 2,737 signatures (it needed 6x that many)
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Recall petition targeting Alberta Premier Danielle Smith approved | CBC News
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, along with two additional members of her cabinet, are now the latest MLAs to face a recall petition from constituents.
www.cbc.ca
December 10, 2025 at 7:41 PM
It's pretty wild there are 21 recall approved petitions in Alberta right now
Elections BC has approved 30 recall initiatives since 1995
Only six have ever been submitted to EBC for review
Five of those didn't get enough signatures
The 6th never completed verification because the target MLA resigned
Elections BC has approved 30 recall initiatives since 1995
Only six have ever been submitted to EBC for review
Five of those didn't get enough signatures
The 6th never completed verification because the target MLA resigned
Just as there is no rule saying a dog can't play basketball, there's no Alberta law saying the Lethbridge-East recall petition leader actually has to recruit canvassers or collect signatures. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Lethbridgians worried MLA recall drive is a 'sham' that's ignoring volunteers | CBC News
Locals can't sign up to canvass for petitions against United Conservative MLA Nathan Neudorf or find out where to sign forms.
www.cbc.ca
December 10, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Just as there is no rule saying a dog can't play basketball, there's no Alberta law saying the Lethbridge-East recall petition leader actually has to recruit canvassers or collect signatures. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
Killjoy.
Important note about Danielle Smith's recall petition: needs 12,070 signatures by March 10 to pass -- a tall order.
BC Premier David Eby faced a recall petition in 2023, and the 271 canvassers only got 2,737 signatures (it needed 6x that many)
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
BC Premier David Eby faced a recall petition in 2023, and the 271 canvassers only got 2,737 signatures (it needed 6x that many)
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Recall petition targeting Alberta Premier Danielle Smith approved | CBC News
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, along with two additional members of her cabinet, are now the latest MLAs to face a recall petition from constituents.
www.cbc.ca
December 10, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Killjoy.
Important note about Danielle Smith's recall petition: needs 12,070 signatures by March 10 to pass -- a tall order.
BC Premier David Eby faced a recall petition in 2023, and the 271 canvassers only got 2,737 signatures (it needed 6x that many)
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
BC Premier David Eby faced a recall petition in 2023, and the 271 canvassers only got 2,737 signatures (it needed 6x that many)
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Recall petition targeting Alberta Premier Danielle Smith approved | CBC News
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, along with two additional members of her cabinet, are now the latest MLAs to face a recall petition from constituents.
www.cbc.ca
December 10, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Important note about Danielle Smith's recall petition: needs 12,070 signatures by March 10 to pass -- a tall order.
BC Premier David Eby faced a recall petition in 2023, and the 271 canvassers only got 2,737 signatures (it needed 6x that many)
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
BC Premier David Eby faced a recall petition in 2023, and the 271 canvassers only got 2,737 signatures (it needed 6x that many)
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
“Documents obtained through [FOI] show [Danielle] Smith … met with [Jordan] Peterson “to discuss how his organization can work with the province to have their online training platform accredited.”
Those discussions … would eventually include changing the law if necessary to allow the accreditation”
Those discussions … would eventually include changing the law if necessary to allow the accreditation”
Jordan Peterson’s School Isn’t Accredited. Smith Offered Alberta’s Help | The Tyee
The premier met with the controversial psychologist and tried to help his business, finds a Tyee investigation.
thetyee.ca
December 10, 2025 at 7:14 AM
“Documents obtained through [FOI] show [Danielle] Smith … met with [Jordan] Peterson “to discuss how his organization can work with the province to have their online training platform accredited.”
Those discussions … would eventually include changing the law if necessary to allow the accreditation”
Those discussions … would eventually include changing the law if necessary to allow the accreditation”