Rebecca Graff-McRae
@poliscirish.bsky.social
Political researcher. Deconstructor of discourses. Dancer of jigs. Spectator of spectres. Herder of hooligans.
PhD in Irish political history. QUB alum. Research manager at Parkland Institute
PhD in Irish political history. QUB alum. Research manager at Parkland Institute
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
*gestures in all directions* That “may you live in interesting times” curse really stuck the landing, didn’t it?
December 20, 2025 at 12:07 PM
*gestures in all directions* That “may you live in interesting times” curse really stuck the landing, didn’t it?
Went on an unexpected journey courtesy of my dance studio this morning:
December 20, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Went on an unexpected journey courtesy of my dance studio this morning:
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
With UCP separatists in the driver’s seat, Alberta’s likely to face the biggest disinformation campaign since Brexit. albertapolitics.ca/2025/12/with...
With UCP separatists in the driver’s seat, Alberta’s likely to face the biggest disinformation campaign since Brexit - Alberta Politics
Jeffrey Rath, the caricature of an Alberta separatist who happens to be Alberta’s best-known separatist at the moment, isn’t right about much, but he was right when he got up at the recent United Cons...
albertapolitics.ca
December 16, 2025 at 3:29 PM
With UCP separatists in the driver’s seat, Alberta’s likely to face the biggest disinformation campaign since Brexit. albertapolitics.ca/2025/12/with...
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
In an open letter to the Prime Minister & Health Minister, Health Coalitions representing over three million Canadians call on the federal government to intervene in the face of two-tier Medicare being brought in by Alberta's Bill 11.
Read the open letter: www.friendsofmedicare.org/uphold_theca...
Read the open letter: www.friendsofmedicare.org/uphold_theca...
December 16, 2025 at 4:32 PM
In an open letter to the Prime Minister & Health Minister, Health Coalitions representing over three million Canadians call on the federal government to intervene in the face of two-tier Medicare being brought in by Alberta's Bill 11.
Read the open letter: www.friendsofmedicare.org/uphold_theca...
Read the open letter: www.friendsofmedicare.org/uphold_theca...
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
A tale in two parts:
1/2
1/2
Beyond Local: Alberta quietly ends public reporting of COVID outbreaks in acute care
Alberta's government said the province is under no legal obligation to continue publishing the data in a “post-pandemic context.”
www.stalbertgazette.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:45 PM
A tale in two parts:
1/2
1/2
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
"Danielle Smith’s education reforms are increasing [gender-based violence] danger and eroding prevention efforts."
thetyee.ca/Opinion/2025...
thetyee.ca/Opinion/2025...
How Alberta Is Putting Women and Girls at Risk | The Tyee
Danielle Smith’s education reforms are increasing danger and eroding prevention efforts.
thetyee.ca
December 18, 2025 at 3:46 PM
"Danielle Smith’s education reforms are increasing [gender-based violence] danger and eroding prevention efforts."
thetyee.ca/Opinion/2025...
thetyee.ca/Opinion/2025...
As BC launches suit vs Juul for targeting youth, please responsibly enjoy this timeless bit from @brennanleemulligan.bsky.social
youtu.be/2POq39ce_5I?...
youtu.be/2POq39ce_5I?...
December 18, 2025 at 5:34 PM
As BC launches suit vs Juul for targeting youth, please responsibly enjoy this timeless bit from @brennanleemulligan.bsky.social
youtu.be/2POq39ce_5I?...
youtu.be/2POq39ce_5I?...
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
Warnings from Australia:
“Investing more in private hospitals rather than public hospitals will increase public hospital waiting lists because there is a fixed number of doctors at any one time.”
theconversation.com/private-hosp...
“Investing more in private hospitals rather than public hospitals will increase public hospital waiting lists because there is a fixed number of doctors at any one time.”
theconversation.com/private-hosp...
Private hospitals are in trouble. Here’s what this means for public hospitals – and taxpayer dollars
Private hospitals perform around 70% of elective surgery in Australia. But many are in financial trouble.
theconversation.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Warnings from Australia:
“Investing more in private hospitals rather than public hospitals will increase public hospital waiting lists because there is a fixed number of doctors at any one time.”
theconversation.com/private-hosp...
“Investing more in private hospitals rather than public hospitals will increase public hospital waiting lists because there is a fixed number of doctors at any one time.”
theconversation.com/private-hosp...
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
At long last last, government has finally invented ‘turn the inner workings of your fragile nation over to hostile trans-national corporate interests’ from the hit book ‘you shouldn’t have turned the inner workings of your fragile nation over to hostile trans-national corporate interests’.
December 10, 2025 at 4:23 PM
At long last last, government has finally invented ‘turn the inner workings of your fragile nation over to hostile trans-national corporate interests’ from the hit book ‘you shouldn’t have turned the inner workings of your fragile nation over to hostile trans-national corporate interests’.
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
This is among the most democratically dangerous things Danielle Smith has said.
She wants to remove all checks and balances on her power and projects herself as the embodiment of "the people."
We have left the realm of liberal democracy in this province.
She wants to remove all checks and balances on her power and projects herself as the embodiment of "the people."
We have left the realm of liberal democracy in this province.
December 7, 2025 at 12:05 AM
This is among the most democratically dangerous things Danielle Smith has said.
She wants to remove all checks and balances on her power and projects herself as the embodiment of "the people."
We have left the realm of liberal democracy in this province.
She wants to remove all checks and balances on her power and projects herself as the embodiment of "the people."
We have left the realm of liberal democracy in this province.
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
Excellent analysis here. More evidence that there has never been a government in Alberta like Danielle Smith's UCP.
I tallied the number of court cases or legal challenges Alberta’s government has recently stepped in to block or pre-empt. Was surprised how long the exercise took - they’re at like a one-per-week clip:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
ANALYSIS | UCP government keeps blocking or nixing Alberta court challenges. Why? | CBC News
From transgender policies to referendums to "conservative" party names, the Alberta UCP has stepped in where others have feared to tread.
www.cbc.ca
December 6, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Excellent analysis here. More evidence that there has never been a government in Alberta like Danielle Smith's UCP.
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told reporters to ask her advisors how/why Sam Mraiche was hanging out with her inner circle, watching the 2023 election results roll in.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... By @mattscace.bsky.social and Emma Graney
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... By @mattscace.bsky.social and Emma Graney
Danielle Smith punts questions on health CEO’s election night appearance
Alberta NDP uses revelations to reiterate calls for public inquiry into controversy
www.theglobeandmail.com
December 2, 2025 at 4:12 AM
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told reporters to ask her advisors how/why Sam Mraiche was hanging out with her inner circle, watching the 2023 election results roll in.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... By @mattscace.bsky.social and Emma Graney
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... By @mattscace.bsky.social and Emma Graney
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
The flag of Palestine was raised above Belfast City Hall shortly after midnight.
A legal challenge is expected to be heard at the High Court later this morning.
Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Doherty said: “Flying the flag is a clear message of solidarity with people enduring unimaginable horror.”
A legal challenge is expected to be heard at the High Court later this morning.
Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Doherty said: “Flying the flag is a clear message of solidarity with people enduring unimaginable horror.”
December 2, 2025 at 3:26 AM
The flag of Palestine was raised above Belfast City Hall shortly after midnight.
A legal challenge is expected to be heard at the High Court later this morning.
Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Doherty said: “Flying the flag is a clear message of solidarity with people enduring unimaginable horror.”
A legal challenge is expected to be heard at the High Court later this morning.
Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Doherty said: “Flying the flag is a clear message of solidarity with people enduring unimaginable horror.”
This is arson disguised as policy.
This is how a health system burns to the ground. How Alberta's dual practice plan would drain hospital staff and delay lifesaving care, by Dr. Paul Parks canadahealthwatch.ca/2025/11/28/t... via @canadahealthwatch.ca @nicktsergas.ca
This is how a health system burns to the ground
Dr. Paul Parks explains how Alberta's dual-billing plan would drain hospital staff and delay lifesaving care.
canadahealthwatch.ca
December 1, 2025 at 11:51 PM
This is arson disguised as policy.
I fear the faith we are placing in referendum tactics like Forever Canadian is misplaced. This petition actually opens the very door that would better remain closed, and hands separatists, this government, and international cyber-ops agents plenty of rope with which to hang us all. 1/
December 1, 2025 at 11:46 PM
I fear the faith we are placing in referendum tactics like Forever Canadian is misplaced. This petition actually opens the very door that would better remain closed, and hands separatists, this government, and international cyber-ops agents plenty of rope with which to hang us all. 1/
Louder for those at the back (i.e. those in the Alberta Legislature).
December 1, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Louder for those at the back (i.e. those in the Alberta Legislature).
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
On Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Sam Mraiche
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... w/ @tomcardoso.bsky.social @markmackinnon.bsky.social @hoserlibrarian.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... w/ @tomcardoso.bsky.social @markmackinnon.bsky.social @hoserlibrarian.bsky.social
Who is Sam Mraiche? Inside Alberta’s health care controversy
A Globe investigation into the provincial health agency’s dealings with a company whose contracts have come under scrutiny
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:57 PM
On Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Sam Mraiche
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... w/ @tomcardoso.bsky.social @markmackinnon.bsky.social @hoserlibrarian.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... w/ @tomcardoso.bsky.social @markmackinnon.bsky.social @hoserlibrarian.bsky.social
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
🧵Alberta is already home to one the most severe flu outbreaks in Canada.
We predicted this.
How did it happen?
The amount of illness transmission in the province is serving as a discouragement for many to get vaccinated, alongside restricted access to seasonal vaccines.
We predicted this.
How did it happen?
The amount of illness transmission in the province is serving as a discouragement for many to get vaccinated, alongside restricted access to seasonal vaccines.
November 29, 2025 at 12:40 PM
🧵Alberta is already home to one the most severe flu outbreaks in Canada.
We predicted this.
How did it happen?
The amount of illness transmission in the province is serving as a discouragement for many to get vaccinated, alongside restricted access to seasonal vaccines.
We predicted this.
How did it happen?
The amount of illness transmission in the province is serving as a discouragement for many to get vaccinated, alongside restricted access to seasonal vaccines.
A dear friend - a most discerning & distinguished poet - shares a birth month with me. It is also the birth month of my daughter & grandmother, a lost mentor, 2 uncles.
So I wrote this off-the-cuff for my friend on his day. Since today is mine, let me share it here for all the November birthdays.
So I wrote this off-the-cuff for my friend on his day. Since today is mine, let me share it here for all the November birthdays.
November 26, 2025 at 7:28 PM
A dear friend - a most discerning & distinguished poet - shares a birth month with me. It is also the birth month of my daughter & grandmother, a lost mentor, 2 uncles.
So I wrote this off-the-cuff for my friend on his day. Since today is mine, let me share it here for all the November birthdays.
So I wrote this off-the-cuff for my friend on his day. Since today is mine, let me share it here for all the November birthdays.
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
In normal democracy terms, we've in bad shape and things are getting worse.
In consolidated authoritarianism terms, we're doing pretty well, as the regime is haphazard, meeting resistance, and growing increasingly unpopular.
Depends on one's perspective. I started using the latter standard in Jan.
In consolidated authoritarianism terms, we're doing pretty well, as the regime is haphazard, meeting resistance, and growing increasingly unpopular.
Depends on one's perspective. I started using the latter standard in Jan.
It is good to see the pushback on Trump lead to real losses for him. But it's hard to be optimistic when he still wields the enormous power of the presidency. ICE is still rampaging, HHS is harming people, the U.S. may be about to sell out Ukraine, the boat strikes...he's still doing so much damage.
November 22, 2025 at 5:48 PM
In normal democracy terms, we've in bad shape and things are getting worse.
In consolidated authoritarianism terms, we're doing pretty well, as the regime is haphazard, meeting resistance, and growing increasingly unpopular.
Depends on one's perspective. I started using the latter standard in Jan.
In consolidated authoritarianism terms, we're doing pretty well, as the regime is haphazard, meeting resistance, and growing increasingly unpopular.
Depends on one's perspective. I started using the latter standard in Jan.
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
This is no longer a slippery slope to privatized & commodified healthcare: this is the Alberta Government pushing us off the cliff and telling us to enjoy the ride.
www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...
www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...
Enhancing access through dual practice
Alberta is introducing a dual practice health care model to increase options and shorten wait times while maintaining strong protection for publicly funded services.
www.alberta.ca
November 24, 2025 at 10:12 PM
This is no longer a slippery slope to privatized & commodified healthcare: this is the Alberta Government pushing us off the cliff and telling us to enjoy the ride.
www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...
www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...
"What you have to remember is that healthcare is politics. And politics is healthcare ... Healthcare has huge paybacks... Healthcare is going to be there. People are going to get ill."
-Lyle Oberg, former AB cabinet minister & sole chair of AHS (appointed by Smith after dismissing board in 2023).
-Lyle Oberg, former AB cabinet minister & sole chair of AHS (appointed by Smith after dismissing board in 2023).
Healthcare is really expensive though - I think it's the largest piece of Alberta's budget. Any time there's a big stream of money going on, companies try to find ways to get in on it & siphon some of those dollars off for themselves.
Public healthcare takes away the opportunity, & they hate that.
Public healthcare takes away the opportunity, & they hate that.
November 18, 2025 at 5:39 PM
"What you have to remember is that healthcare is politics. And politics is healthcare ... Healthcare has huge paybacks... Healthcare is going to be there. People are going to get ill."
-Lyle Oberg, former AB cabinet minister & sole chair of AHS (appointed by Smith after dismissing board in 2023).
-Lyle Oberg, former AB cabinet minister & sole chair of AHS (appointed by Smith after dismissing board in 2023).
Absolutely incredible reporting by @charlesrusnell.bsky.social on the blatant intervention by the AB govt to skew our healthcare even further in flavour of privatization & commodification.
PSA: these policies *will* deteriorate quality & access.
PSA: these policies *will* deteriorate quality & access.
“I am not working in those facilities because I find it morally inappropriate.”
A Tyee investigation found that Calgary anesthesiologists are being scheduled by managers, in response to government directives, to work in for-profit chartered surgical facilities, sometimes against their will. #abpoli
A Tyee investigation found that Calgary anesthesiologists are being scheduled by managers, in response to government directives, to work in for-profit chartered surgical facilities, sometimes against their will. #abpoli
Insiders Detail Ways Alberta’s For-Profit Surgery Push Is Failing | The Tyee
The shift strong-arms doctors but hasn’t saved money or shortened waits for critical operations, sources say. A Tyee investigation.
thetyee.ca
November 18, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Absolutely incredible reporting by @charlesrusnell.bsky.social on the blatant intervention by the AB govt to skew our healthcare even further in flavour of privatization & commodification.
PSA: these policies *will* deteriorate quality & access.
PSA: these policies *will* deteriorate quality & access.
Reposted by Rebecca Graff-McRae
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...