TS Howell
@tshowell.bsky.social
Writer/researcher | Former journalist (Torstar, Calgary Herald, FFWD) | Love/Hate relationship with FOIP, ATI, and FOIA | Check out my political donation transparency project:
https://trevorscotthowell.com/calgary-municipal-campaign-finance-database/
https://trevorscotthowell.com/calgary-municipal-campaign-finance-database/
Pinned
TS Howell
@tshowell.bsky.social
· Dec 8
Dollars and Democracy: Mapping Calgary’s Municipal Election Campaign Cash – tshowell
trevorscotthowell.com
Public records shouldn’t require a decoder ring. Calgary's municipal election finances transformed from scattered PDFs into a searchable database, making civic information more accessible. #yyc #yyccc #opendata
trevorscotthowell.com/calgary-muni...
trevorscotthowell.com/calgary-muni...
Danielle Smith is "risking the economic and psychological well-being of the province... on a gamble to keep her own fractious party together." www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/alberta-premier-danielle-smith-has-no-business-holding-a-referendum/article_77bfcc08-fd2e-4f47-8897-e26c245d19b0.html
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has no business holding a referendum
Danielle Smith is risking the economic and psychological well-being of the province and potentially the unity and sovereignty of the entire nation on a gamble to keep her own fractious
www.thestar.com
February 12, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Danielle Smith is "risking the economic and psychological well-being of the province... on a gamble to keep her own fractious party together." www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/alberta-premier-danielle-smith-has-no-business-holding-a-referendum/article_77bfcc08-fd2e-4f47-8897-e26c245d19b0.html
The UCP was elected as a federalist conservative party.
Its president has now outlined how it could officially become a separatist party and committed to let party members vote on it if the numbers line up.
Normal stuff.
#abpoli #cdnpoli calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Its president has now outlined how it could officially become a separatist party and committed to let party members vote on it if the numbers line up.
Normal stuff.
#abpoli #cdnpoli calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Braid: Is the UCP still a pro-Canada party? They might take a vote on it
At the top level of the UCP they're pondering whether to hold a vote on the party turning separatist
calgaryherald.com
February 6, 2026 at 10:52 PM
The UCP was elected as a federalist conservative party.
Its president has now outlined how it could officially become a separatist party and committed to let party members vote on it if the numbers line up.
Normal stuff.
#abpoli #cdnpoli calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Its president has now outlined how it could officially become a separatist party and committed to let party members vote on it if the numbers line up.
Normal stuff.
#abpoli #cdnpoli calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Reposted by TS Howell
Bessent pushes Albertan independence from Canada: "Albertans are very independent people. There's a rumor they may have a referendum on whether they want to stay in Canada or not. People are talking. People want sovereignty. They want what the US has got."
January 23, 2026 at 2:40 PM
Bessent pushes Albertan independence from Canada: "Albertans are very independent people. There's a rumor they may have a referendum on whether they want to stay in Canada or not. People are talking. People want sovereignty. They want what the US has got."
Reposted by TS Howell
Premier Danielle Smith is shirking responsibility for Alberta's health care woes, says Athana Mentzelopoulos. Link below to our full interview with the former Alberta Health Services CEO.
👀 FULL: rtrj.info/010826Athana
🎧 FULL: rtrj.info/010826 #abhealth #ableg #RealTalkRJ
youtu.be/PEfEdv4yXUU?...
👀 FULL: rtrj.info/010826Athana
🎧 FULL: rtrj.info/010826 #abhealth #ableg #RealTalkRJ
youtu.be/PEfEdv4yXUU?...
Former AHS CEO Calls Out Premier Danielle Smith
YouTube video by Real Talk Ryan Jespersen
youtu.be
January 12, 2026 at 10:08 PM
Premier Danielle Smith is shirking responsibility for Alberta's health care woes, says Athana Mentzelopoulos. Link below to our full interview with the former Alberta Health Services CEO.
👀 FULL: rtrj.info/010826Athana
🎧 FULL: rtrj.info/010826 #abhealth #ableg #RealTalkRJ
youtu.be/PEfEdv4yXUU?...
👀 FULL: rtrj.info/010826Athana
🎧 FULL: rtrj.info/010826 #abhealth #ableg #RealTalkRJ
youtu.be/PEfEdv4yXUU?...
Four months after senior government officials toured the building, Sam Mraiche bought it through a numbered company and now leases it to the Métis Nation of Alberta. Hard not to notice the timing. #ableg #abpoli
thetyee.ca/News/2026/01...
thetyee.ca/News/2026/01...
Another Building Purchase by Sam Mraiche Raises Questions | The Tyee
Not long after Addiction Ministry representatives toured the property, Mraiche bought it. Now it’s a detox centre leased to Métis Nation of Alberta.
thetyee.ca
January 8, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Four months after senior government officials toured the building, Sam Mraiche bought it through a numbered company and now leases it to the Métis Nation of Alberta. Hard not to notice the timing. #ableg #abpoli
thetyee.ca/News/2026/01...
thetyee.ca/News/2026/01...
Reposted by TS Howell
This Numpty taking a victory lap on anything #yyccc does is hilarious. He didn't mention his stupid idea he proposed to the committee for eliminating all of the software licences that #YYC has with various software vendors. Reply to the idea: "um... that would effective shut down the city" #ableg
December 4, 2025 at 4:22 PM
A banger of a Saturday morning read from @carrietait.bsky.social on the man central to the ongoing health care scandal plaguing the Smith government. I'm dying to know who in the premier's inner circle is leaking info (personal calendars!). #abpoli #ableg www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
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 3:09 PM
A banger of a Saturday morning read from @carrietait.bsky.social on the man central to the ongoing health care scandal plaguing the Smith government. I'm dying to know who in the premier's inner circle is leaking info (personal calendars!). #abpoli #ableg www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
Reposted by TS Howell
Remember when Danielle Smith condemned the "arrogance" of a government for passing laws in a matter of days?
Now she's rammed through a law stripping teachers' charter rights in a single day.
Seems the "democratic process" no longer matters to her now that she's in power.
#ableg #abpoli
Now she's rammed through a law stripping teachers' charter rights in a single day.
Seems the "democratic process" no longer matters to her now that she's in power.
#ableg #abpoli
October 28, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Reposted by TS Howell
Alberta’s New Democrats urge Danielle Smith to call off this back-to-work legislation, denounce any potential use of the notwithstanding clause, and actually do the hard work to make classrooms better for teachers and students.
Read my full statement here: www.albertandpcaucus.ca/news/post/ne...
Read my full statement here: www.albertandpcaucus.ca/news/post/ne...
October 27, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Alberta’s New Democrats urge Danielle Smith to call off this back-to-work legislation, denounce any potential use of the notwithstanding clause, and actually do the hard work to make classrooms better for teachers and students.
Read my full statement here: www.albertandpcaucus.ca/news/post/ne...
Read my full statement here: www.albertandpcaucus.ca/news/post/ne...
Reposted by TS Howell
Straight (progressive) talk about municipal parties:
October 11, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Straight (progressive) talk about municipal parties:
Reposted by TS Howell
June 1976: Alberta 'Coal Development Policy' adopted
June 2020: UCP government rescinds it
Feb. 2021: UCP reinstates it
June 2021: AER rejects Grassy Mountain project
March 2022: UCP orders "no new applications" for coal
Sept. 2023: AER accepts new applications for Grassy Mtn
June 2025:
June 2020: UCP government rescinds it
Feb. 2021: UCP reinstates it
June 2021: AER rejects Grassy Mountain project
March 2022: UCP orders "no new applications" for coal
Sept. 2023: AER accepts new applications for Grassy Mtn
June 2025:
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith faces raucous, angry town hall on province's coal policy | CBC News
About 500 people, dressed in cowboy hats, belt buckles, and jeans, packed a community hall in Fort Macleod, Alta., for an event marked by heckling, competing applause and placards.
www.cbc.ca
June 12, 2025 at 3:55 PM
June 1976: Alberta 'Coal Development Policy' adopted
June 2020: UCP government rescinds it
Feb. 2021: UCP reinstates it
June 2021: AER rejects Grassy Mountain project
March 2022: UCP orders "no new applications" for coal
Sept. 2023: AER accepts new applications for Grassy Mtn
June 2025:
June 2020: UCP government rescinds it
Feb. 2021: UCP reinstates it
June 2021: AER rejects Grassy Mountain project
March 2022: UCP orders "no new applications" for coal
Sept. 2023: AER accepts new applications for Grassy Mtn
June 2025:
Reposted by TS Howell
On June 23rd, we can choose better for our province.
I'm proud to run as your Alberta NDP candidate to fight for the strong, competent, and ethical leadership that we deserve.
Together, let's build a province where #BetterIsPossible.
For Edmonton-Strathcona. For Alberta. For all of us.
I'm proud to run as your Alberta NDP candidate to fight for the strong, competent, and ethical leadership that we deserve.
Together, let's build a province where #BetterIsPossible.
For Edmonton-Strathcona. For Alberta. For all of us.
Naheed Nenshi
Your Alberta NDP candidate in Edmonton-Strathcona
naheednenshi.albertandp.ca
May 27, 2025 at 12:49 AM
On June 23rd, we can choose better for our province.
I'm proud to run as your Alberta NDP candidate to fight for the strong, competent, and ethical leadership that we deserve.
Together, let's build a province where #BetterIsPossible.
For Edmonton-Strathcona. For Alberta. For all of us.
I'm proud to run as your Alberta NDP candidate to fight for the strong, competent, and ethical leadership that we deserve.
Together, let's build a province where #BetterIsPossible.
For Edmonton-Strathcona. For Alberta. For all of us.
Reposted by TS Howell
#alberta just passed bill 54
The Chiefs told the #UCP they needed to amend it to address risk to Treaty
The UCP proposed an amendment; Chiefs advised the words were legally empty & offered a version that would stand up.
Chiefs were ignored.
Bill passed with words not legally binding.
Neat
The Chiefs told the #UCP they needed to amend it to address risk to Treaty
The UCP proposed an amendment; Chiefs advised the words were legally empty & offered a version that would stand up.
Chiefs were ignored.
Bill passed with words not legally binding.
Neat
May 15, 2025 at 3:15 AM
“...when confronted with legitimate questions about clear conflicts of interest, (the UCP) respond with hostility and threats," Independent MLA Peter Guthrie told the Tyee. #ableg #abpoli thetyee.ca/News/2025/05/14/Ousted-UCP-MLA-Alleges-Secret-Rail-Lobbying-David-Moretta/
Ousted UCP MLA Accuses Premier’s Husband of Secret Lobbying | The Tyee
A fiery exchange in the legislature raises questions about David Moretta’s role in rail project discussions.
thetyee.ca
May 14, 2025 at 10:05 PM
“...when confronted with legitimate questions about clear conflicts of interest, (the UCP) respond with hostility and threats," Independent MLA Peter Guthrie told the Tyee. #ableg #abpoli thetyee.ca/News/2025/05/14/Ousted-UCP-MLA-Alleges-Secret-Rail-Lobbying-David-Moretta/
They suggested… residents of a breakaway Alberta republic would still keep their Canadian passports and Canada Pension Plan entitlements.
Hahahaha. OK.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Hahahaha. OK.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Separatists release potential Alberta referendum question, expect Danielle Smith to join cause | CBC News
An Alberta separatist group released a referendum question on independence from Canada that it will petition to get in front of provincial voters later in 2025.
www.cbc.ca
May 12, 2025 at 10:51 PM
They suggested… residents of a breakaway Alberta republic would still keep their Canadian passports and Canada Pension Plan entitlements.
Hahahaha. OK.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Hahahaha. OK.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by TS Howell
“Hundreds” out of 5 million. 🙄
There’s just as many flat-earthers in Alberta too. In fact the Venn diagram of both groups is a perfect circle.
Stop giving oxygen to this blaze of stupidity.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
There’s just as many flat-earthers in Alberta too. In fact the Venn diagram of both groups is a perfect circle.
Stop giving oxygen to this blaze of stupidity.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
Hundreds rally at Alberta legislature to support separation from Canada
Premier Smith earlier this week proposed legislation that would lower the bar for holding a referendum
www.theglobeandmail.com
May 4, 2025 at 5:42 AM
“Hundreds” out of 5 million. 🙄
There’s just as many flat-earthers in Alberta too. In fact the Venn diagram of both groups is a perfect circle.
Stop giving oxygen to this blaze of stupidity.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
There’s just as many flat-earthers in Alberta too. In fact the Venn diagram of both groups is a perfect circle.
Stop giving oxygen to this blaze of stupidity.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
Reposted by TS Howell
WATCH LIVE: Leader Naheed Nenshi's speech from #ANDPCon2025 as he delivers his vision for building a strong Alberta economy with good jobs, great public services, and unifying our country: youtube.com/live/qmzAZBx...
#BetterisPossible #BetterStartsNOW
#BetterisPossible #BetterStartsNOW
Better Starts Now
YouTube video by Naheed Nenshi
youtube.com
May 3, 2025 at 5:07 PM
WATCH LIVE: Leader Naheed Nenshi's speech from #ANDPCon2025 as he delivers his vision for building a strong Alberta economy with good jobs, great public services, and unifying our country: youtube.com/live/qmzAZBx...
#BetterisPossible #BetterStartsNOW
#BetterisPossible #BetterStartsNOW
Reposted by TS Howell
Quote: "Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica has said that it still does not know the exact cause of the outage. Chief executive Beatriz Corredor denied that renewables “made the system more vulnerable” in an interview with El País on Wednesday."
Alberta Premier Smith should read the full article.1/
Alberta Premier Smith should read the full article.1/
Several European experts said that Spain appeared to lack enough firm power — readily available, reliable energy supply from sources such as fossil fuels or nuclear that can be reduced or raised — to kick in when the grid’s frequency dropped sharply on Monday afternoon. www.ft.com/content/e6e1...
May 1, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Quote: "Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica has said that it still does not know the exact cause of the outage. Chief executive Beatriz Corredor denied that renewables “made the system more vulnerable” in an interview with El País on Wednesday."
Alberta Premier Smith should read the full article.1/
Alberta Premier Smith should read the full article.1/
Meanwhile, dog bites man.
April 24, 2025 at 12:44 AM
Meanwhile, dog bites man.
Reposted by TS Howell
Alberta MLA Peter Guthrie, representing Airdrie-Cochrane, has been removed from the United Conservative Party caucus by those MLAs.
This is days after he voted in favour of an NDP motion in the legislature supporting a public inquiry into procurement and contracting allegations. #AbLeg
This is days after he voted in favour of an NDP motion in the legislature supporting a public inquiry into procurement and contracting allegations. #AbLeg
April 16, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Alberta MLA Peter Guthrie, representing Airdrie-Cochrane, has been removed from the United Conservative Party caucus by those MLAs.
This is days after he voted in favour of an NDP motion in the legislature supporting a public inquiry into procurement and contracting allegations. #AbLeg
This is days after he voted in favour of an NDP motion in the legislature supporting a public inquiry into procurement and contracting allegations. #AbLeg
Reposted by TS Howell
Hi @gregmcleanyyc.bsky.social, on September 25, 2024 you voted against a private member's bill to reduce food insecurity. (M-110 (National strategy to reduce food waste and combat food insecurity)).
www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/a...
The bill passed but would you please explain your disagreement?🗳
www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/a...
The bill passed but would you please explain your disagreement?🗳
April 4, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Hi @gregmcleanyyc.bsky.social, on September 25, 2024 you voted against a private member's bill to reduce food insecurity. (M-110 (National strategy to reduce food waste and combat food insecurity)).
www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/a...
The bill passed but would you please explain your disagreement?🗳
www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/a...
The bill passed but would you please explain your disagreement?🗳
👀
Rough day for Alberta's budget.
Every 1c rise in the CADUSD has a -$560MM impact.
Every $1/bbl fall in WTI has a -$750MM impact.
Today's 1c lift in CAD and $5 fall in WTI equates to a $4.3B drop in revenue (5% of total revenue) for AB's budget, if it persists for a full year.
#winning
Every 1c rise in the CADUSD has a -$560MM impact.
Every $1/bbl fall in WTI has a -$750MM impact.
Today's 1c lift in CAD and $5 fall in WTI equates to a $4.3B drop in revenue (5% of total revenue) for AB's budget, if it persists for a full year.
#winning
April 4, 2025 at 2:57 AM
👀
Coun. Sonya Sharp, who chaired city council's event centre committee and is expected to announce her mayoral campaign today, says "the narrative could have been explained a little bit better."
Patrons of new downtown arena will help pay CSEC's obligations, via CBC
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Patrons of new downtown arena will help pay CSEC's obligations, via CBC
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
March 31, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Coun. Sonya Sharp, who chaired city council's event centre committee and is expected to announce her mayoral campaign today, says "the narrative could have been explained a little bit better."
Patrons of new downtown arena will help pay CSEC's obligations, via CBC
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Patrons of new downtown arena will help pay CSEC's obligations, via CBC
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...