Robson Fletcher
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robsonfletcher.com
Robson Fletcher
@robsonfletcher.com
15K followers 3.6K following 1.3K posts
Data journalist with CBC Calgary. Views my own and subject to change, especially in light of new evidence. 📧 [email protected]
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robsonfletcher.com
Video of the shooting in Minneapolis.

Looks to be legit. This distinctive house seen in the video matches the one seen in a Google Street View image from the 3300-block of Portland Avenue.

Sensitive content warning for the video below, of course.
Side-by-side images from Google Street View and a screenshot of the video quote-tweeted below showing the same distinctive house from a similar angle.
January 7, 2026 at 6:05 PM
robsonfletcher.com
So @hockeyinottawa.bsky.social suggested reading this in Futurama character Zapp Brannigan's voice and I am now deceased 💀
December 23, 2025 at 8:28 PM
robsonfletcher.com
The Atlantic suggesting, without evidence, that Canada's Global TV broadcasting the '60 Minutes' segment on CECOT that CBS distributed to it may have been an act of "treachery."

🔗: www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
December 23, 2025 at 7:53 PM
robsonfletcher.com
lol the wind direction shifted and the temperature dropped 14 degrees Celsius in one hour this morning 🥶
Hourly weather in Calgary this morning going from -1 C at 3 am to -15 C at 4 am
December 19, 2025 at 4:28 PM
robsonfletcher.com
Classic Calgary temperature swing incoming
Screenshot of a weather app showing the forecast temperature plunging from a high of 1 C to a low of -24 C on Friday
December 18, 2025 at 6:18 PM
robsonfletcher.com
Alberta country music star Corb Lund says the citizens petition initiative he had filed against coal mining in the Rocky Mountains has been retroactively killed by Alberta’s new legislation:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Corb Lund’s Coal Petition Now Cancelled Retroactively By Newly Introduced Bill 14 LETHBRIDGE, AB - DECEMBER 12, 2025 – Corb Lund announced today that Elections Alberta has notified him that his previously approved citizen petition initiative against coal mining in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains has been cancelled. “This morning, we were informed that our approved application for our petition to prohibit any new coal mining in the Rockies has been retroactively cancelled. We will now need to reapply under new, more stringent regulations,” says Lund.
December 12, 2025 at 11:55 PM
robsonfletcher.com
Alberta's childcare deal with Ottawa is four years old and set to expire on April 1, 2026.

Every other province has signed an extension.

Part of the deal involved space creation.

Anecdotally, I've certainly seen WAY more daycares in Calgary than there used to be.

And the data bears that out:
Table showing Alberta daycare facilities and capacity: June 2025 vs. June 2021 Values show the number of facility-based childcare centres and their total capacity (i.e. number of spaces), and how those figures have grown over four years. Top 10 municipalities shown. Calgary has grown the most in terms of capacity, up 15,808 spaces to 60,733 total. The number of facilities in the city grew by 154 to 769 over that time.
December 10, 2025 at 10:33 PM
robsonfletcher.com
This remains one of my favourite headline-photo combos of all time.
Knife-wielding gorilla photos overblown: Calgary Zoo CBC News · Posted: Jun 17, 2009 3:53 PM MDT | Last Updated: June 17, 2009 Barika, a gorilla at the Calgary Zoo, holds a knife accidentally left by a zookeeper, as her troop mate looks on. (Photo via Heike Scheffler)
December 9, 2025 at 10:50 PM
robsonfletcher.com
The Calgary Zoo found a coin in one of their penguins.

They got it out.

🔗: www.calgaryzoo.com/news/scoping...
An X-ray image of a penguin's body and, yep, that sure looks like a coin in there
December 9, 2025 at 8:05 PM
robsonfletcher.com
"In 1977, the average 25-34 year old man earned over twice that of a man aged 65+.

In 2023, for the first time in recorded history, senior men now earn more, on average, than their 25-34 year old counterparts."

Via @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social:

🔗: www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/what-happe...
Grouped column chart showing average income for men in Canada, by age group, in 1976 vs. 2023 in real (inflation-adjusted) dollars. Every age group under 45 had less income in 2023 than in 1976, while every age group 45 and above had more income in 2023 than in 1976. The 65+ age group saw the biggest increase.
December 9, 2025 at 6:47 PM
robsonfletcher.com
Quite the scathing 'epilogue' that Justice Feasby added to his decision, in response to legislation tabled by Alberta's UCP government just yesterday:
Judge says Bill 14 changes would 'silence the court' After arguments from lawyers representing a final group of First Nations who were granted intervenor status in the case, Feasby issued his decision from the bench Friday in the Calgary Court of King's Bench. He added what he called an "epilogue," which specifically addressed the impact of the proposed legislation. "The legal consequence of discontinuing this proceeding prior to a decision would be to silence the Court," he said. The judge called the move to change the legislation antithetical to the rule of law and democracy. "The public is entitled to the fruits of this process that has been conducted largely at their expense so that if they are asked to vote on Alberta independence, they have a tool that may help them make sense of the legal dimensions of the secession of Alberta from Canada." Feasby noted that the court case had been prioritized at the expense of other justice system participants waiting for their cases to be heard. "Alberta’s cavalier disregard for court resources and lack of consideration for the parties and First Nations intervenors who participated in this proceeding in good faith is disappointing to say the least."
December 5, 2025 at 9:57 PM
robsonfletcher.com
The leaders reactions to the live 'YMCA' performance at the FIFA draw
December 5, 2025 at 7:17 PM
robsonfletcher.com
Where does the “dozen eggs” thing come from?

$11 buys like 30 eggs
Screenshot of price for 30 eggs at Superstore: $10.18
December 5, 2025 at 5:48 PM
robsonfletcher.com
Here's Premier Danielle Smith in July, responding to a question about two former UCP MLAs trying to relaunch a party named "Progressive Conservative" in Alberta:
December 4, 2025 at 11:44 PM
robsonfletcher.com
A website/newsletter called the "Bow Valley Insider" that covers the Banff-Canmore area has posted a job for an "AI-First Reporter (remote)".

10 hours a week, $1,000 a month to plug info & raw interviews into ChatGPT and let it write articles for you.

Journalism degree "nice to have, not required"
AI-First Reporter (remote) REF#: JG34846 Bow Valley Insider Location: Canmore/Banff, Alberta Posted: November 24, 2025 Deadline: December 15, 2025 Salary: $1000-$1200/month Description Bow Valley Insider is a digital news publication sent to more than 16,500+ Canmore and Banff locals every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7AM. We’re the largest digital media company in the region, with 1.5 million+ emails sent and 22 million+ social media views in 2025. We’re looking for a part-time reporter to join our team for about 10 hours per week. What You'll Be Covering General reporting across the Bow Valley. This includes: Town council and civic issues Local business Sports and athletes Community happenings and random things locals care about Roughly 40 per cent of your assignments will come directly from our publisher. The other 60 per cent will come from you, meaning you need to be plugged into what’s happening across social media, community groups, press releases, and local chatter. A Very Modern, AI-First Role This is not a traditional journalism job. In fact, it’s the opposite. You will not be writing your stories. AI will handle the writing. If that sentence bothers you, this isn’t your role. But does that mean we’re looking for bad writers? Absolutely not. You still need to be a strong writer, storyteller, and communicator so that you can recognize when AI spits out slop. You’re essentially the editor, quality control, and context-builder, making sure the article actually reflects local reality. Think of yourself as a reporter who doesn’t type. You investigate, gather, fact-check, shape, and guide. The AI does the drafting. What You Actually Do Identify what stories matter in the Bow Valley Monitor community groups, releases, and local conversations Reach out to locals for interviews (email only) Gather context AI can’t possibly know Ensure the final product is accurate, interesting, and relevant You must already use AI. During the interview, you will be asked to show how you use AI to support your work. If you are anti-AI or you don’t already have a ChatGPT subscription, this is not the role for you. Output Expectations Because the writing is AI-enabled, your time goes into sourcing stories and interviewing. You won’t be sitting around drafting paragraphs. The weekly expectation is 7+ articles, between 400 and 1200 words each. This is very achievable within 10 hours/week using an AI-first approach. Pay: $1,000/month to start Raises to: $1,200/month after 6 months Example Articles 1000 words: Town of Canmore Closes It’s Only Drop-In Childcare Program 400 words: Banff Cleans Up After Overnight Windstorm Qualifications Fully remote, but you must have familiarity with Canmore/Banff. Passion for mountain culture and Bow Valley life. You must already have a ChatGPT subscription ($20/month). This is a contractor role, not employee. You cannot batch this job in one 10-hour shift. We need daily connection Monday to Friday (roughly 2 hours/day). Journalism or communications degree is nice to have, not required. New grads and students still taking classes are encouraged to apply. Must be independent, curious, and interested in what's happening around here.
December 4, 2025 at 8:56 PM
robsonfletcher.com
My parents hiked Berg Lake in the 1970s (which is why they named me Robson) and I don’t think they even booked anything at that time. Just went.

At the lake they met a documentary film crew who had helicoptered in and the producers were shocked that a couple from Winnipeg had made it up there. 😅
December 3, 2025 at 5:28 PM
robsonfletcher.com
The United States and Canada have some unbelievably beautiful national parks, and if you want to visit them as an international tourist next year, one country will charge you extra, while the other will offer free admission.
US hikes national park fees for foreigners to put 'American families first' 7 days ago Osmond Chia Business reporter Getty Images People take photos from Glacier Point with Half Dome in the background at Yosemite National Park. A man in a red shirt is standing at the edge of a popular photo spot with is arms spread out. Free admission and discounted overnight stays with Parks Canada The Canada Strong Pass is back for the holidays and summer 2026! The Government of Canada is offering free admission and a 25% discount on fees for camping and overnight stays from: December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026 inclusive June 19 to September 7, 2026 inclusive Regular fees apply from January 16 to June 18, 2026 inclusive.
December 3, 2025 at 4:40 PM
robsonfletcher.com
Holy shit this is real 😂

(And by "real" I of course mean "fake, but really there in the Time magazine article")

time.com/7322035/us-t...
Screenshot of Time magazine article saying: `U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra didn’t help matters when he told the Halifax Chamber of Commerce this month that he was “disappointed” with Canada’s “anti-American” reaction to the tariffs. “A Canada that it would be very easy to target with 500% steel tariffs, or one patriot missile aimed at Parliament Hill,” he added, rather incredulously. `
November 27, 2025 at 9:27 PM
robsonfletcher.com
Anyone who's moved to Calgary after living in another winter city where they actually *remove* snow from roads has gone through what this poor guy on Reddit is going through now.
First winter here and wtf at the roads Driving/Traffic/Parking Recently moved here from Idaho so I'm very used to driving in winter/snowy conditions. What is up with the roads not getting salted? Genuinely wtf? I live in the NW in a newer community but I'm not out in the boonies so when I imagined Calgary, I figured this city knows what its doing when it comes to winter road clearing. So many retail parking lots are also so icey and a nightmare to navigate. Why are we on day 2 of cold temps but theres still so much ice on the roads/highways? Collisions are happening left and right yet nothing is being done about the icey roads and parking lots.
November 26, 2025 at 10:32 PM
robsonfletcher.com
Alberta's 2025/26 fiscal year started April 1 and its next fiscal update is due later this week.

I don't have a crystal ball but if I had to guess the tone in a single emoji, I'd go with 😬
Alberta's 2025/26 budget assumption vs. actual oil prices The price for West Texas Intermediate crude oil has averaged about $63 per barrel so far this fiscal year. Alberta had budgeted for $68. Over the course of a full year, it's estimated that every $1 below the budget assumption translates into $750 million less revenue for the province. Prices reported in U.S. dollars Source: Yahoo Finance, Alberta budget documents (Robson Fletcher / CBC)
November 26, 2025 at 10:01 PM
robsonfletcher.com
One of the reasons I love live call-in radio shows is for moments like this.

Poor Richard thought he was talking to a call screener.

He was actually talking live on air to Alberta At Noon host @kathleenpetty.bsky.social, who gently and professionally nudged him toward that realization.

Turn 🔊 on:
November 25, 2025 at 12:12 AM
robsonfletcher.com
In 2001, Alberta got 80% of its electricity from coal.

In 2015, the province announced coal power would be phased out by 2030.

In 2024, the last coal plant shut down, six years ahead of schedule.

In 2025, Alberta's premier is musing about bringing coal power back.

🔗: youtu.be/WEgu3im_22I?...
November 24, 2025 at 5:00 PM
robsonfletcher.com
The Bow River in Calgary looks really low lately.

But just how low is it?

So far in November, it's the 15th lowest out of the past 114 years.

That's based on river flow data dating back to 1911.
Line chart showing average daily for each of the 30 days in November, every year, dating back to 1911. Every line except 2025 is grey, so you can see how the 2025 line (in blue) is at the low end. Median line in red shows the river is typically around 55 cubic metres per second in November. Lowest flows were down around 10 cubic metres on some days in some years, and highest flows around 110 to 120 cubic metres per second on some days in other years. Table ranking the lowest flow years for the Bow River in Calgary based on average daily discharge from Nov. 1 to 20. The current year, 2025, ranks 15th on the list at 37.8 cubic metres per second. Lowest was 1936 at 30.5 cubic metres per second.
November 20, 2025 at 9:26 PM
robsonfletcher.com
Every so often I think about this "Starting a new position as Deceased" LinkedIn post from 2024.
Screenshot of a LinkedIn post from a man named Tom Luce, and described as Deceased April 2024. The text of the post says "I'm happy to share that I'm starting a new position as Deceased at None!" and then there is an animated clipart image of a cherry falling on cupcake as people dance around the giant dessert. The post has numerous "thumbs up" reactions. In the comments, people say "Congrats!"
November 15, 2025 at 12:04 AM
robsonfletcher.com
Matt Jeneroux's resignation letter:
For those who have reached out, I am deeply grateful for your friendship and concern. However, I ask that you please not attempt to contact my family during this time. I ran in the last election hopeful that Canadians would put their faith in a team led by Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives, offering a chance to change Canada's perception in our own country and around the world. I wanted desperately to play a role in that vision. Although the outcome was not what I anticipated, I have great admiration for the many remarkable individuals who were elected to the House of Commons - on both sides of the aisle — who continue to dedicate themselves to the betterment of our nation. Their work gives me faith that the momentum toward a stronger and more unified Canada endures. With all of this in mind, earlier today I spoke with our Opposition Whip—a colleague and friend for whom I have the utmost respect to inform him of my decision to resign as a Member of Parliament. It was not an easy decision, but it is, I believe, the right one. I hope to have the opportunity to address the House one final time in the future. For now, my focus must turn entirely to my family and to the responsibilities that come with that
November 6, 2025 at 11:01 PM