Lisa Johnson
@reportrix.bsky.social
Edmonton-based provincial affairs reporter for The Canadian Press
Reposted by Lisa Johnson
Auditor general finds stalling, bad planning, big losses in devastating report on Dynalife fiasco. Remember when it took weeks to get a blood test? Column.
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #abhealth #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #abhealth #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg
Braid: Auditor general finds stalling, bad planning, big losses in Dynalife report
Auditor General Doug Wylie finds faulting planing, denied evidence, big losses in Dynalife scandal.
calgaryherald.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Reposted by Lisa Johnson
Smith details Alberta plans to open door for doctors to work publicly and privately
From @reportrix.bsky.social:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/smith...
From @reportrix.bsky.social:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/smith...
Smith details Alberta plans to open door for doctors to work publicly and privately
EDMONTON - Alberta Premier Danielle Smith revealed her government's plan to introduce legislation to let doctors choose to work in the public and private health systems simultaneously.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 20, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Smith details Alberta plans to open door for doctors to work publicly and privately
From @reportrix.bsky.social:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/smith...
From @reportrix.bsky.social:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/smith...
Reposted by Lisa Johnson
Union for Alberta hospital workers issues strike notice; picketing to begin Saturday
From @fakihabaig.bsky.social:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
From @fakihabaig.bsky.social:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
Union for Alberta hospital workers issues strike notice; picketing to begin Saturday
EDMONTON - The union representing 16,000 Alberta hospital workers, including licensed practical nurses and health-care aides, says its members are set to hit picket lines this weekend.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 20, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Union for Alberta hospital workers issues strike notice; picketing to begin Saturday
From @fakihabaig.bsky.social:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
From @fakihabaig.bsky.social:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
Reposting with addendum from the former head of the Alberta Medical Association, who flatly calls out the premier's chief of staff for spreading misinformation (Rob's not lying about the polling numbers. There is a similar spread on more than one poll):
November 20, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Reposting with addendum from the former head of the Alberta Medical Association, who flatly calls out the premier's chief of staff for spreading misinformation (Rob's not lying about the polling numbers. There is a similar spread on more than one poll):
You'll see a lot of different numbers bandied about on this. Not wrong, but $125 million includes other stuff like cancelled central lab that was approved by the NDP, and other sunk taxpayer $ that didn't necessarily go to DynaLife. Full report here, it's a humdinger: www.oag.ab.ca/reports/an-e...
November 20, 2025 at 3:57 PM
You'll see a lot of different numbers bandied about on this. Not wrong, but $125 million includes other stuff like cancelled central lab that was approved by the NDP, and other sunk taxpayer $ that didn't necessarily go to DynaLife. Full report here, it's a humdinger: www.oag.ab.ca/reports/an-e...
Reposted by Lisa Johnson
Canada expected to lose long-standing measles-elimination status on Monday, by @kkirkup.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art... via @theglobeandmail.com
Canada expected to lose long-standing measles-elimination status
If the country loses its status, public-health researchers say the return of endemic measles would carry serious health consequences
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Canada expected to lose long-standing measles-elimination status on Monday, by @kkirkup.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art... via @theglobeandmail.com
Reposted by Lisa Johnson
"This is a milestone which should have never been crossed, and today we fight so that it won't be crossed again.”
A dispatch from me and @reportrix.bsky.social on Alberta’s student walkout in response to the government’s back to work order for teachers and the use of the notwithstanding clause.
A dispatch from me and @reportrix.bsky.social on Alberta’s student walkout in response to the government’s back to work order for teachers and the use of the notwithstanding clause.
Alberta students cut class, rally at legislature for teachers in strike-bill dispute
EDMONTON - Hundreds of students cut class Thursday to march and chant against Alberta's shutdown of a teachers strike in protests that saw Premier Danielle Smith compared to a cold-hearted,
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
October 30, 2025 at 11:20 PM
"This is a milestone which should have never been crossed, and today we fight so that it won't be crossed again.”
A dispatch from me and @reportrix.bsky.social on Alberta’s student walkout in response to the government’s back to work order for teachers and the use of the notwithstanding clause.
A dispatch from me and @reportrix.bsky.social on Alberta’s student walkout in response to the government’s back to work order for teachers and the use of the notwithstanding clause.
“What happens in Alberta will have implications for public sector labour relations across the country. Rights aren’t absolute. But using the notwithstanding clause in this way constitutes a direct attack on unionized workers,” said Larry Savage, a professor of labour studies at Brock University.
October 29, 2025 at 4:37 PM
“What happens in Alberta will have implications for public sector labour relations across the country. Rights aren’t absolute. But using the notwithstanding clause in this way constitutes a direct attack on unionized workers,” said Larry Savage, a professor of labour studies at Brock University.
Reposted by Lisa Johnson
Alberta uses Charter's notwithstanding clause to order striking teachers back to work
From @reportrix.bsky.social and me today, with updates to come as government sits into the night to pass the bill.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
From @reportrix.bsky.social and me today, with updates to come as government sits into the night to pass the bill.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
Alberta uses Charter's notwithstanding clause to order striking teachers back to work
EDMONTON - Premier Danielle Smith’s government introduced a bill Monday using the Charter’s notwithstanding clause to order 51,000 striking teachers back to work to end the largest walkout in Alberta
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
October 28, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Alberta uses Charter's notwithstanding clause to order striking teachers back to work
From @reportrix.bsky.social and me today, with updates to come as government sits into the night to pass the bill.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
From @reportrix.bsky.social and me today, with updates to come as government sits into the night to pass the bill.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
"It's always the right wing that's using the notwithstanding clause and they're using it to play wedge politics. And however you feel about trans rights … the reality is this — we need to respect people's freedom." -Wab Kinew www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/man...
Manitoba premier criticizes other provinces over notwithstanding clause
WINNIPEG - Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew took a swipe at governments in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Quebec on Thursday as he announced a plan to have judges weigh in on the
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
October 19, 2025 at 1:33 PM
"It's always the right wing that's using the notwithstanding clause and they're using it to play wedge politics. And however you feel about trans rights … the reality is this — we need to respect people's freedom." -Wab Kinew www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/man...
Wyant could not get to bottom of scandal involving multimillion-dollar deals for medication and for-profit surgical providers.
“When I find that there was no wrongful interference by any government official in the matters concerning this report, that only means that I found no evidence of such.”
“When I find that there was no wrongful interference by any government official in the matters concerning this report, that only means that I found no evidence of such.”
Report into Alberta Health Services contracts finds conflicts widely known
By @reportrix.bsky.social and me today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/repor...
By @reportrix.bsky.social and me today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/repor...
Report into Alberta Health Services contracts finds conflicts widely known
EDMONTON - A report into allegations of corruption in Alberta Health Services contracts says it was widely known two employees were in conflicts of interest, but no steps were taken
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
October 18, 2025 at 4:55 AM
Wyant could not get to bottom of scandal involving multimillion-dollar deals for medication and for-profit surgical providers.
“When I find that there was no wrongful interference by any government official in the matters concerning this report, that only means that I found no evidence of such.”
“When I find that there was no wrongful interference by any government official in the matters concerning this report, that only means that I found no evidence of such.”
With Alberta students not in class, future teachers are left in limbo. Roberts was to begin a nine-week practicum the day teachers walked off the job. In her program, they need 10 weeks of practical experience in order to graduate. Many questions, excellent reporting from @journosousa.bsky.social
October 16, 2025 at 3:01 AM
With Alberta students not in class, future teachers are left in limbo. Roberts was to begin a nine-week practicum the day teachers walked off the job. In her program, they need 10 weeks of practical experience in order to graduate. Many questions, excellent reporting from @journosousa.bsky.social
Smith’s government will spring the Wyant report on us within days, after they review it.
"Why does the government need to review something that the public paid for and deserves to have answers for?" NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi asked today. www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/alber...
"Why does the government need to review something that the public paid for and deserves to have answers for?" NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi asked today. www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/alber...
Alberta government to release report into health contract scandal in 'a few days'
EDMONTON - Alberta's government says it received Wednesday the final report from the investigation into allegations of corruption over health contracts, but it won't be immediately released.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
October 16, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Smith’s government will spring the Wyant report on us within days, after they review it.
"Why does the government need to review something that the public paid for and deserves to have answers for?" NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi asked today. www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/alber...
"Why does the government need to review something that the public paid for and deserves to have answers for?" NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi asked today. www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/alber...
Smith has had a change of heart since she was Wildrose Party leader in 2014 when she slammed the PCs plan to remove “Wild Rose Country" from licence plates.
"I also joked that it was great to have advertising for the political party I represented at that time on the back of every licence plate.”
"I also joked that it was great to have advertising for the political party I represented at that time on the back of every licence plate.”
Alberta may no longer be known as "Wild Rose Country" — at least on its licence plates.
From me today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
From me today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
'Strong and free': Alberta government changing licence plate design, slogan
EDMONTON - Alberta may no longer be known as "Wild Rose Country" — at least on its licence plates.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
October 16, 2025 at 2:33 AM
Smith has had a change of heart since she was Wildrose Party leader in 2014 when she slammed the PCs plan to remove “Wild Rose Country" from licence plates.
"I also joked that it was great to have advertising for the political party I represented at that time on the back of every licence plate.”
"I also joked that it was great to have advertising for the political party I represented at that time on the back of every licence plate.”
People have words about Alberta Premier Smith enacting the notwithstanding clause to enforce bills that will affect their kids.
“We'll be moving if she enacts that. For the safety of our child,” says one parent.
People have words.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/well-...
“We'll be moving if she enacts that. For the safety of our child,” says one parent.
People have words.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/well-...
'We'll be moving': Alberta transgender children, families brace for legal changes
EDMONTON - Football decals plaster the walls of his bedroom. A San Francisco 49ers bedspread and a binder full of trading cards make it clear the seven-year-old loves sports.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
October 14, 2025 at 3:36 AM
People have words about Alberta Premier Smith enacting the notwithstanding clause to enforce bills that will affect their kids.
“We'll be moving if she enacts that. For the safety of our child,” says one parent.
People have words.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/well-...
“We'll be moving if she enacts that. For the safety of our child,” says one parent.
People have words.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/well-...
Reposted by Lisa Johnson
Incredible, heartbreaking interviews by @reportrix.bsky.social.
Quote: "“You show your love really weird," the girl says of [Premier] Smith." 💔
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/well-...
The kids, they know what's going down. They're fighting for their actual lives. No bluster. No exaggeration.
Quote: "“You show your love really weird," the girl says of [Premier] Smith." 💔
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/well-...
The kids, they know what's going down. They're fighting for their actual lives. No bluster. No exaggeration.
'We'll be moving': Alberta transgender children, families brace for legal changes
EDMONTON - Football decals plaster the walls of his bedroom. A San Francisco 49ers bedspread and a binder full of trading cards make it clear the seven-year-old loves sports.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
October 13, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Incredible, heartbreaking interviews by @reportrix.bsky.social.
Quote: "“You show your love really weird," the girl says of [Premier] Smith." 💔
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/well-...
The kids, they know what's going down. They're fighting for their actual lives. No bluster. No exaggeration.
Quote: "“You show your love really weird," the girl says of [Premier] Smith." 💔
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/sports/well-...
The kids, they know what's going down. They're fighting for their actual lives. No bluster. No exaggeration.
Maren Aukerman, an education professor at the University of Calgary, says the Alberta government's nearly 200-page "tool kit" hops from one topic to another without context and barely aligns with the provincial curriculum.
"It is incoherent." www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
"It is incoherent." www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
'A big mess': Expert, parents criticize Alberta tool kit for students during strike
EDMONTON - An education expert is criticizing online lessons the Alberta government has curated for students during a provincewide teachers strike as "incoherent."
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
October 10, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Maren Aukerman, an education professor at the University of Calgary, says the Alberta government's nearly 200-page "tool kit" hops from one topic to another without context and barely aligns with the provincial curriculum.
"It is incoherent." www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
"It is incoherent." www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
“I encourage you to look up what puberty is," says the premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith.
🫡
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
🫡
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
Alberta Premier Smith dismisses critics who say she's misleading public on trans law
EDMONTON - Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told critics of a law restricting health care for transgender youth Wednesday they need to read up on puberty, while Alberta doctors say she's
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
September 25, 2025 at 5:40 PM
“I encourage you to look up what puberty is," says the premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith.
🫡
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
🫡
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
Reposted by Lisa Johnson
Interim report on Alberta health contract scandal not finished, won't be made public
From me today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/inter...
From me today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/inter...
Interim report on Alberta health contract scandal not finished, won't be made public
EDMONTON - Alberta's government says it has yet to receive an interim report on the investigation into allegations of corruption over health contracts, but that it should be finished in
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
September 24, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Interim report on Alberta health contract scandal not finished, won't be made public
From me today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/inter...
From me today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/inter...
Reposted by Lisa Johnson
SCOOP: A consultant advising Alberta Health Services on private surgical facilities simultaneously negotiated with AHS on behalf of a company vying to open such a clinic, according to a confidential report obtained by The Globe.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
Adviser on Alberta’s use of private clinics was also working for company vying for contract, confidential report says
Potential conflicts of interest outlined in document at centre of health procurement controversy
www.theglobeandmail.com
September 24, 2025 at 12:05 PM
SCOOP: A consultant advising Alberta Health Services on private surgical facilities simultaneously negotiated with AHS on behalf of a company vying to open such a clinic, according to a confidential report obtained by The Globe.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
Saskatchewan is hoping the Supreme Court of Canada will quickly hear its appeal to a ruling on the province's school pronoun law, citing the legal case as one of national importance. Lawyers opposing the law also want to see the case heard alongside a challenge of Quebec's religious-symbols law.
Saskatchewan's government is hoping the Supreme Court of Canada will quickly hear its appeal to a ruling on the province's school pronoun law, citing the legal case as one of national importance. www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/... #skpoli
Saskatchewan requests Supreme Court of Canada hear its appeal to pronoun law quickly
REGINA - Saskatchewan's government is hoping the Supreme Court of Canada will quickly hear its appeal to a ruling on the province's school pronoun law, citing the legal case as
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
September 24, 2025 at 12:18 AM
Saskatchewan is hoping the Supreme Court of Canada will quickly hear its appeal to a ruling on the province's school pronoun law, citing the legal case as one of national importance. Lawyers opposing the law also want to see the case heard alongside a challenge of Quebec's religious-symbols law.
"Her interest in using the Constitution's so-called nuclear option to do so comes after a political lifetime believing in the protection of people's fundamental rights and freedoms."
The Premier With the Liberty Tattoo: Danielle Smith readies the notwithstanding clause to protect her transgender laws against Charter rights rulings. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
ANALYSIS | Why rights champion Danielle Smith is eyeing notwithstanding clause for trans laws | CBC News
A proudly libertarian premier is preparing to wield the notwithstanding clause this fall, after expanding her own province's rights protections last year.
www.cbc.ca
September 22, 2025 at 10:58 PM
"Her interest in using the Constitution's so-called nuclear option to do so comes after a political lifetime believing in the protection of people's fundamental rights and freedoms."
“How do you counter Goliath?” www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/notwi...
Notwithstanding clause won't stop court challenges of Alberta trans laws: groups
EDMONTON - Doctors and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups challenging Alberta laws affecting transgender people say they aren't backing down after learning the province plans to invoke the Charter's notwithstandi...
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
September 20, 2025 at 3:49 AM
“How do you counter Goliath?” www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/health/notwi...
Reposted by Lisa Johnson
Political interference in health care sets a dangerous precedent.
The CMA is calling on the Alberta government to refrain from using the notwithstanding clause to enact legislation that threatens patient care.
The CMA is calling on the Alberta government to refrain from using the notwithstanding clause to enact legislation that threatens patient care.
CMA calls on Alberta government to refrain from using notwithstanding clause to interfere with patient care
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) calls on the Alberta government to refrain from invoking the notwithstanding clause to enact legislation that directly interferes in the clinical care of patient...
bit.ly
September 19, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Political interference in health care sets a dangerous precedent.
The CMA is calling on the Alberta government to refrain from using the notwithstanding clause to enact legislation that threatens patient care.
The CMA is calling on the Alberta government to refrain from using the notwithstanding clause to enact legislation that threatens patient care.
Reposted by Lisa Johnson
I wrote this column for @albertaviews.bsky.social two years ago. But tonight’s news inspired me to share it here. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Alberta looks to use notwithstanding clause on its 3 transgender laws: memo | CBC News
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's office has directed officials to invoke the Charter's notwithstanding clause in amending three laws that affect transgender people, says a leaked government memo obtai...
www.cbc.ca
September 19, 2025 at 1:56 AM
I wrote this column for @albertaviews.bsky.social two years ago. But tonight’s news inspired me to share it here. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...