Orlagh O’Kelly
@orlaghokelly.bsky.social
Public interest lawyer and First Nation rights advocate. Never a KC.
Treaty No 6 territory
YEG
🇨🇦
okellylaw.ca
Treaty No 6 territory
YEG
🇨🇦
okellylaw.ca
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
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 Orlagh O’Kelly
This is it, btw. This is the battleground. Smith has laid bare her belief that government, if it does anything at all, should do so in a way that reflects private enterprise. Will the ANDP respond? Will we learn what they value? Or will they continue to critique while never proclaim?
December 13, 2025 at 9:22 PM
This is it, btw. This is the battleground. Smith has laid bare her belief that government, if it does anything at all, should do so in a way that reflects private enterprise. Will the ANDP respond? Will we learn what they value? Or will they continue to critique while never proclaim?
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Microsoft will defend Canadian digital sovereignty - until they don't.
The US is a friend of Canada - until it isn't.
#cdnpoli
The US is a friend of Canada - until it isn't.
#cdnpoli
Microsoft is investing $7.5 Billion dollars in Canada over the next 2 years, bringing its total to $19 Billion dollars between 2023 and 2027.
www.ctvnews.ca/politics/art...
www.ctvnews.ca/politics/art...
Microsoft will ‘stand up to defend’ Canadian digital sovereignty, president says
Microsoft vice-chair and president Brad Smith insists his company can protect digital sovereignty in Canada, regardless of who is leading the U.S. government.
www.ctvnews.ca
December 13, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Microsoft will defend Canadian digital sovereignty - until they don't.
The US is a friend of Canada - until it isn't.
#cdnpoli
The US is a friend of Canada - until it isn't.
#cdnpoli
Ugh
Ottawa will provide an additional $1.17 billion to Alberta in order to extend the federal-provincial subsidized child-care program for another year.
The previous agreement was set to expire April 1, 2026. The new deal will run through March 31, 2027.
The previous agreement was set to expire April 1, 2026. The new deal will run through March 31, 2027.
Alberta signs extension on child-care deal with Ottawa, but only for one year | CBC News
Ottawa will provide an additional $1.17 billion to Alberta in order to extend the federal-provincial subsidized child-care program for another year. The previous agreement was set to expire in April. ...
www.cbc.ca
December 12, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Ugh
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Elections Alberta has issued a press release confirming that with the entry into force of Bill 14, Corb Lund's "no coal" legislative initiative is now dead and must be re-filed.
More rule changes designed to derail the efforts of those who oppose coal mining on the eastern slopes.
#ableg #abpoli
More rule changes designed to derail the efforts of those who oppose coal mining on the eastern slopes.
#ableg #abpoli
Bill 14 Amendments to Provincial Electoral Legislation Now in Force - Elections Alberta
EDMONTON – Yesterday, amendments to electoral legislation introduced in Bill 14: Justice Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 came into force upon royal assent. Bill 14 impacts four provincial electoral legis...
www.elections.ab.ca
December 12, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
My partner in crime (fighting) Patrick Lennox has a new Substack.
In his first post, he weaves together the challenges Canada faces from foreign interference, Alberta separatism, and the new US National Security Strategy.
Give it a read and give Pat a follow!
open.substack.com/pub/plennox/...
In his first post, he weaves together the challenges Canada faces from foreign interference, Alberta separatism, and the new US National Security Strategy.
Give it a read and give Pat a follow!
open.substack.com/pub/plennox/...
Pandora's Referendum Box
An update on the Alberta Separatist Threat to Canada's National Security
open.substack.com
December 11, 2025 at 1:55 AM
My partner in crime (fighting) Patrick Lennox has a new Substack.
In his first post, he weaves together the challenges Canada faces from foreign interference, Alberta separatism, and the new US National Security Strategy.
Give it a read and give Pat a follow!
open.substack.com/pub/plennox/...
In his first post, he weaves together the challenges Canada faces from foreign interference, Alberta separatism, and the new US National Security Strategy.
Give it a read and give Pat a follow!
open.substack.com/pub/plennox/...
December 11, 2025 at 3:53 AM
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
This is compelling. The UCP is manipulating procedural rules in the Legislature to shut down legitimate inquiries. This time it was about settlement expenses in the health area. Next time it could be about settlement expenses in relation to coal.
#ableg #abpoli
#ableg #abpoli
This UCP government continues to find all manner of ways to limit debate. Today they just simply shut it down before it could even begin. It's a new low, even for them.
December 9, 2025 at 12:44 AM
I cannot adequately explain how grateful I am for Justice Feasby’s seminal decision; first, that he had the boldness to finally centre Cree law, via Dr Darcy Lindberg from our clients; and second that he called out the anti democratic attempt to silence the court.
Please read:
lnkd.in/g3SU34AU
Please read:
lnkd.in/g3SU34AU
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
lnkd.in
December 6, 2025 at 1:42 AM
I cannot adequately explain how grateful I am for Justice Feasby’s seminal decision; first, that he had the boldness to finally centre Cree law, via Dr Darcy Lindberg from our clients; and second that he called out the anti democratic attempt to silence the court.
Please read:
lnkd.in/g3SU34AU
Please read:
lnkd.in/g3SU34AU
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
"Stereotypes related to Indigeneity, trauma, or disability have no place in child-welfare decision-making."
The mother first made a human rights complaint against the child welfare agency in 2017 after her four children were apprehended.
The mother first made a human rights complaint against the child welfare agency in 2017 after her four children were apprehended.
Indigenous B.C. mom’s years-long legal fight comes to an end with Supreme Court of Canada decision
The Supreme Court of Canada will not hear an appeal of a decision awarding $150,000 in damages for discrimination to an Indigenous mom in B.C. whose children were taken from her and put in foster care...
www.ctvnews.ca
November 27, 2025 at 8:45 AM
"Stereotypes related to Indigeneity, trauma, or disability have no place in child-welfare decision-making."
The mother first made a human rights complaint against the child welfare agency in 2017 after her four children were apprehended.
The mother first made a human rights complaint against the child welfare agency in 2017 after her four children were apprehended.
Alberta's Recall Act: UCP comeuppance or threat to representative democracy?
Substack struggles aside, here's my
Part 1 - explanation of the Recall Act process and purpose: lnkd.in/g4837UyA
Part 2 - overview of the comeuppance and the issues with Nally's response:
lnkd.in/g4837UyA
#ableg
Substack struggles aside, here's my
Part 1 - explanation of the Recall Act process and purpose: lnkd.in/g4837UyA
Part 2 - overview of the comeuppance and the issues with Nally's response:
lnkd.in/g4837UyA
#ableg
November 25, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Alberta's Recall Act: UCP comeuppance or threat to representative democracy?
Substack struggles aside, here's my
Part 1 - explanation of the Recall Act process and purpose: lnkd.in/g4837UyA
Part 2 - overview of the comeuppance and the issues with Nally's response:
lnkd.in/g4837UyA
#ableg
Substack struggles aside, here's my
Part 1 - explanation of the Recall Act process and purpose: lnkd.in/g4837UyA
Part 2 - overview of the comeuppance and the issues with Nally's response:
lnkd.in/g4837UyA
#ableg
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
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 Orlagh O’Kelly
"Local reports warn that if a big earthquake were to strike densely populated cities like Tehran, Shiraz, or Tabriz, millions of people could be killed under the rubble of construction sites and high-rise apartments"
Iran Faces Widespread Land Subsidence Amid Escalating Water Emergency
In many Iranian cities, the ground is sinking due to land subsidence caused by the excessive extraction of water resources, putting lives and livelihoods at serious risk.
www.forbes.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:18 PM
"Local reports warn that if a big earthquake were to strike densely populated cities like Tehran, Shiraz, or Tabriz, millions of people could be killed under the rubble of construction sites and high-rise apartments"
Busy day in Court. Incredible honour to represent two First Nations with incredible evidence from Professor Darcy lindberg . But it was definitely a fist to have the judge question Rath about meeting with the Trump administration …
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Alberta judge to decide whether proposed separation referendum is constitutional | CBC News
Arguments began Wednesday from lawyers representing the head of a pro-Alberta sovereignty group, the province’s chief electoral officer and five First Nations groups who have been granted intervenor s...
www.cbc.ca
November 21, 2025 at 2:18 AM
Busy day in Court. Incredible honour to represent two First Nations with incredible evidence from Professor Darcy lindberg . But it was definitely a fist to have the judge question Rath about meeting with the Trump administration …
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
They're not even hiding it. Resolution #29 at this month's UCP AGM promises to roll back reproductive rights.
Don't think they'll use the notwithstanding clause to do it?
I've got a lab testing contract and boatload of Turkish Tylenol to sell you.
Don't think they'll use the notwithstanding clause to do it?
I've got a lab testing contract and boatload of Turkish Tylenol to sell you.
November 20, 2025 at 4:43 AM
They're not even hiding it. Resolution #29 at this month's UCP AGM promises to roll back reproductive rights.
Don't think they'll use the notwithstanding clause to do it?
I've got a lab testing contract and boatload of Turkish Tylenol to sell you.
Don't think they'll use the notwithstanding clause to do it?
I've got a lab testing contract and boatload of Turkish Tylenol to sell you.
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
The 2025 fall session of the Alberta legislature will come to be known, infamously, as the Notwithstanding Session.
I hope that it will also give rise to what will be known as the Notwithstanding General Strike.
The Charter shd protect the rights of minorities not the bigotry of the majority
#abpoli
I hope that it will also give rise to what will be known as the Notwithstanding General Strike.
The Charter shd protect the rights of minorities not the bigotry of the majority
#abpoli
November 19, 2025 at 1:32 AM
The 2025 fall session of the Alberta legislature will come to be known, infamously, as the Notwithstanding Session.
I hope that it will also give rise to what will be known as the Notwithstanding General Strike.
The Charter shd protect the rights of minorities not the bigotry of the majority
#abpoli
I hope that it will also give rise to what will be known as the Notwithstanding General Strike.
The Charter shd protect the rights of minorities not the bigotry of the majority
#abpoli
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Harmful and inaccurate. Bill 29, the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, applies to adult athletes too (those who are trans or suspected of being ‘not female at birth’). Bills 26, 27 & 29 have inconsistent objectives (parental rights! no parental rights!) and are as chaotic as the rollout of Bill 9.
This alleged protection for children is harmful discourse. And I wish people would stop enabling those who use it, normalizing this insidious language. @cherylanneo.bsky.social .
We know they don’t care about kids, especially do they are disabled or in public schools.
We know they don’t care about kids, especially do they are disabled or in public schools.
November 19, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Harmful and inaccurate. Bill 29, the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, applies to adult athletes too (those who are trans or suspected of being ‘not female at birth’). Bills 26, 27 & 29 have inconsistent objectives (parental rights! no parental rights!) and are as chaotic as the rollout of Bill 9.
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
SCOOP: Alberta intends to allow doctors working in the public health care system to simultaneously offers services in a parallel private market, according to draft amendments obtained by The Globe and Mail
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
Alberta plans to allow doctors to deliver public and private services
Draft legislation would establish a model for medicine unlike any other in Canada
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:20 PM
SCOOP: Alberta intends to allow doctors working in the public health care system to simultaneously offers services in a parallel private market, according to draft amendments obtained by The Globe and Mail
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
First Monday, then Wednesday, but Tuesday was the day the UCP invoked s 33 to override the rights of trans + gender diverse youth. If it really believed it had strong evidence to “protect” youth it would have used s 1 of the Charter in ongoing litigation. Watch for my @ablawg.bsky.social post tmrw.
The Bill that will invoke the s 33 notwithstanding clause in relation to legislation restricting the rights of trans and gender diverse youth was not introduced today. The UCP also appeared to have their supporters on this issue in the Leg today, so this is a bit of a mystery. Anyone know why?
There are trans folks and allies being introduced in the gallery, so it appears that the speculation about a Bill being introduced that will invoke the notwithstanding clause to override the rights of trans and gender diverse youth was accurate. To be continued...
November 19, 2025 at 12:36 AM
First Monday, then Wednesday, but Tuesday was the day the UCP invoked s 33 to override the rights of trans + gender diverse youth. If it really believed it had strong evidence to “protect” youth it would have used s 1 of the Charter in ongoing litigation. Watch for my @ablawg.bsky.social post tmrw.
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
I don't want to hear Danielle Smith ever describe herself as a libertarian again.
November 19, 2025 at 12:09 AM
I don't want to hear Danielle Smith ever describe herself as a libertarian again.
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Don't ever ask Canadians why they aren't pursuing fun US vacays. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Irish tourist jailed by Ice for months after overstaying US visit by three days: ‘Nobody is safe’
Exclusive: For roughly 100 days, Thomas says he faced harsh detention conditions, despite agreeing to deportation
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Don't ever ask Canadians why they aren't pursuing fun US vacays. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Erika Barootes may want to check her notes on ATA offer vs UNA www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Alberta nurses' union, province reach four-year deal, with pay increases of about 20 per cent | CBC News
The union that represents more than 30,000 nurses in Alberta has signed a four-year contract with the province after months of bargaining and mediation.
www.cbc.ca
October 25, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Erika Barootes may want to check her notes on ATA offer vs UNA www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...