Mike
@wangm.bsky.social
Your average Calgarian trying to stay informed and make sense of things in these depressing times.
Casual cyclist and hiker.
Casual cyclist and hiker.
Reposted by Mike
Awkwardly, the Alberta legislature TV channel has broken in the middle of debate (committee of the whole) for Bill 9, in which the government seeks to use the notwithstanding clause to shield three gender bills from legal challenges.
The YouTube stream IS working www.youtube.com/live/ryA5Lq4...
The YouTube stream IS working www.youtube.com/live/ryA5Lq4...
December 9th, 2025 - Evening Session - Legislative Assembly of Alberta
YouTube video by Legislative Assembly of Alberta
www.youtube.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:32 AM
Awkwardly, the Alberta legislature TV channel has broken in the middle of debate (committee of the whole) for Bill 9, in which the government seeks to use the notwithstanding clause to shield three gender bills from legal challenges.
The YouTube stream IS working www.youtube.com/live/ryA5Lq4...
The YouTube stream IS working www.youtube.com/live/ryA5Lq4...
Reposted by Mike
Must read here for Albertans.
If you read nothing else I write, read this.
Canadians outside Alberta, pay particular attention. If Smith succeeds, she will infect other provinces with "ungoverning."
markhamhislop.substack.com/p/danielle-s...
Canadians outside Alberta, pay particular attention. If Smith succeeds, she will infect other provinces with "ungoverning."
markhamhislop.substack.com/p/danielle-s...
Danielle Smith is "Ungoverning" Alberta
And trying to break the very idea of Canada
markhamhislop.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Must read here for Albertans.
Reposted by Mike
People often ask: what can ordinary people do to stop populists like Trump and Smith from running roughshod over democratic norms?
Populists rely on the widespread perception that their actions are supported by "the majority" and "common people."
Anything that punctures that myth helps. +
Populists rely on the widespread perception that their actions are supported by "the majority" and "common people."
Anything that punctures that myth helps. +
December 7, 2025 at 9:58 PM
People often ask: what can ordinary people do to stop populists like Trump and Smith from running roughshod over democratic norms?
Populists rely on the widespread perception that their actions are supported by "the majority" and "common people."
Anything that punctures that myth helps. +
Populists rely on the widespread perception that their actions are supported by "the majority" and "common people."
Anything that punctures that myth helps. +
Reposted by Mike
It's grading season. Like most polisci profs, I'm inundated with essays on the state of democracy.
Here is a transcript of Danielle Smith's remarks on her radio show yesterday.
Let's break down her comments to see just how problematic and uninformed they are.
Here is a transcript of Danielle Smith's remarks on her radio show yesterday.
Let's break down her comments to see just how problematic and uninformed they are.
December 7, 2025 at 11:57 PM
It's grading season. Like most polisci profs, I'm inundated with essays on the state of democracy.
Here is a transcript of Danielle Smith's remarks on her radio show yesterday.
Let's break down her comments to see just how problematic and uninformed they are.
Here is a transcript of Danielle Smith's remarks on her radio show yesterday.
Let's break down her comments to see just how problematic and uninformed they are.
Reposted by Mike
This 👇 is the “social engineering” that Dreeshen wants you to be afraid of… 😱 /s
#Alberta
youtu.be/my_slp3JnOo?...
#Alberta
youtu.be/my_slp3JnOo?...
How Bike Riding Changed My Life
YouTube video by Slow Commute Club
youtu.be
December 6, 2025 at 5:08 PM
This 👇 is the “social engineering” that Dreeshen wants you to be afraid of… 😱 /s
#Alberta
youtu.be/my_slp3JnOo?...
#Alberta
youtu.be/my_slp3JnOo?...
Reposted by Mike
“We can’t all be expected to bike.”
Fair. But that’s not the point.
“Not everyone can or wants to bike. But some people can & do—and they deserve a safe, efficient, affordable way to move through the city. It’s about freedom of choice.”
This & other useful comebacks, in @momentummag.bsky.social.
Fair. But that’s not the point.
“Not everyone can or wants to bike. But some people can & do—and they deserve a safe, efficient, affordable way to move through the city. It’s about freedom of choice.”
This & other useful comebacks, in @momentummag.bsky.social.
Your Comeback Guide to all the Anti-Cycling Arguments You’ll Hear This Year
Anti-bike arguments aren’t just frustrating—they’re outdated, inaccurate, and often repeated without a shred of evidence.
momentummag.com
December 6, 2025 at 12:29 AM
“We can’t all be expected to bike.”
Fair. But that’s not the point.
“Not everyone can or wants to bike. But some people can & do—and they deserve a safe, efficient, affordable way to move through the city. It’s about freedom of choice.”
This & other useful comebacks, in @momentummag.bsky.social.
Fair. But that’s not the point.
“Not everyone can or wants to bike. But some people can & do—and they deserve a safe, efficient, affordable way to move through the city. It’s about freedom of choice.”
This & other useful comebacks, in @momentummag.bsky.social.
Reposted by Mike
If financial exposure motivated the UCP to take away the Charter of Alberta teachers why did it roll over and play dead when it came to financial exposure to the non-Charter claims of coal companies? It cd easily (& constitutionally) have voided or ltd those claims. Asking Dep AG Lavoie.
abpoli
abpoli
They did the teachers dirty. We knew it in our hearts, but now the proof, and it's gross. Damn.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
2 Alberta cabinet ministers say money a key factor in using Charter override on teachers | CBC News
Two Alberta cabinet ministers say money was a key factor in the United Conservative government's decision to use the Charter's notwithstanding clause to override teachers' rights and shut down a provi...
www.cbc.ca
December 5, 2025 at 2:47 AM
If financial exposure motivated the UCP to take away the Charter of Alberta teachers why did it roll over and play dead when it came to financial exposure to the non-Charter claims of coal companies? It cd easily (& constitutionally) have voided or ltd those claims. Asking Dep AG Lavoie.
abpoli
abpoli
Reposted by Mike
Some pedestrian safety can be improved with road design, signage and speed limits, but it’s also enforcement.
Council cannot direct police how to (or not) enforce laws, but the public can have their voice heard via The Calgary Police Commission.
www.calgarypolicecommission.ca/public-input/
Council cannot direct police how to (or not) enforce laws, but the public can have their voice heard via The Calgary Police Commission.
www.calgarypolicecommission.ca/public-input/
December 4, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Reposted by Mike
I concluded this weeks ago. They didn't hide it.
The UCP didn't have to use the notwithstanding clause. They wanted to, in order to avoid an arbitration process they knew they'd lose.
edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
The UCP didn't have to use the notwithstanding clause. They wanted to, in order to avoid an arbitration process they knew they'd lose.
edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
Alberta used notwithstanding clause to avoid costly arbitration with teachers, infrastructure minister says
Alberta infrastructure minister says the province invoked the notwithstanding clause to force teachers back was due to cost.
edmontonjournal.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:53 AM
I concluded this weeks ago. They didn't hide it.
The UCP didn't have to use the notwithstanding clause. They wanted to, in order to avoid an arbitration process they knew they'd lose.
edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
The UCP didn't have to use the notwithstanding clause. They wanted to, in order to avoid an arbitration process they knew they'd lose.
edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
Reposted by Mike
This guy gets it. www.theglobeandmail.com/business/com...
Opinion: Alberta-Ottawa MOU is a climate breakthrough, despite Steven Guilbeault’s misplaced outrage
Federal climate policies weren’t working, but Ottawa and Alberta’s ‘grand bargain’ puts Canada’s progress back on the road
www.theglobeandmail.com
December 3, 2025 at 10:10 PM
This guy gets it. www.theglobeandmail.com/business/com...
Reposted by Mike
BREAKING: Calgary city council approves the 2026 budget, lowering the property tax increase to 1.64%. Early estimates show it will cost the typical homeowner an extra $4.50/month in property tax.
Vote is 12-3 with Couns. Johnston, Wyness and Jamieson opposed.
Vote is 12-3 with Couns. Johnston, Wyness and Jamieson opposed.
December 3, 2025 at 10:10 PM
BREAKING: Calgary city council approves the 2026 budget, lowering the property tax increase to 1.64%. Early estimates show it will cost the typical homeowner an extra $4.50/month in property tax.
Vote is 12-3 with Couns. Johnston, Wyness and Jamieson opposed.
Vote is 12-3 with Couns. Johnston, Wyness and Jamieson opposed.
Reposted by Mike
BREAKING: Alberta Health Services CEO who took over after a controversial firing in January is now himself out.
AHS confirms Andre Tremblay on leave. Minister Matt Jones has appointed a new CEO and chair.
Tremblay was named CEO after Athana Mentzelopoulos was fired earlier this year.
AHS confirms Andre Tremblay on leave. Minister Matt Jones has appointed a new CEO and chair.
Tremblay was named CEO after Athana Mentzelopoulos was fired earlier this year.
December 3, 2025 at 10:12 PM
BREAKING: Alberta Health Services CEO who took over after a controversial firing in January is now himself out.
AHS confirms Andre Tremblay on leave. Minister Matt Jones has appointed a new CEO and chair.
Tremblay was named CEO after Athana Mentzelopoulos was fired earlier this year.
AHS confirms Andre Tremblay on leave. Minister Matt Jones has appointed a new CEO and chair.
Tremblay was named CEO after Athana Mentzelopoulos was fired earlier this year.
Reposted by Mike
Reposted by Mike
Flashback: "Why Winter Cities Need to Reconsider Car Dependence" www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFkI...
Why Winter Cities Need to Reconsider Car Dependence
YouTube video by Oh The Urbanity!
www.youtube.com
December 3, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Flashback: "Why Winter Cities Need to Reconsider Car Dependence" www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFkI...
Reposted by Mike
Good piece on the importance of the interties included in last week's MOU. thehub.ca/2025/12/02/h...
The biggest energy story in Canada nobody’s talking about
How the energy MOU paves way for a nation-building electricity superlink across the West
thehub.ca
December 3, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Good piece on the importance of the interties included in last week's MOU. thehub.ca/2025/12/02/h...
Reposted by Mike
Worth reading regardless of stance
Some climate advocates have sounded surprised by Mark Carney's decision to prioritize the industrial carbon price -- and set aside regulations in favour of markets and capitalism.
They probably should have followed his work more closely. #cdnpoli
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/03/o...
They probably should have followed his work more closely. #cdnpoli
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/03/o...
Mark Carney’s grand bargain on climate shouldn’t be a surprise
The prime minister seems determined to pick better political battles on climate policy than his predecessor. Time will tell whether they produce better results.
www.nationalobserver.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Worth reading regardless of stance
Reposted by Mike
Good morning from Calgary city hall!
Council is back for Day 8 of budget talks. Will do my best to keep track of amendments today but there’s a lot going on.
Council is back for Day 8 of budget talks. Will do my best to keep track of amendments today but there’s a lot going on.
December 3, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Good morning from Calgary city hall!
Council is back for Day 8 of budget talks. Will do my best to keep track of amendments today but there’s a lot going on.
Council is back for Day 8 of budget talks. Will do my best to keep track of amendments today but there’s a lot going on.
Reposted by Mike
Let's see this analysis.
Blake Shaffer and Andrew Leach -- actual economists -- wrote a piece back in 2023 arguing that an industrial carbon price of $170 per tonne would do almost all the work of the Clean Electricity Standard.
Blake Shaffer and Andrew Leach -- actual economists -- wrote a piece back in 2023 arguing that an industrial carbon price of $170 per tonne would do almost all the work of the Clean Electricity Standard.
December 3, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Let's see this analysis.
Blake Shaffer and Andrew Leach -- actual economists -- wrote a piece back in 2023 arguing that an industrial carbon price of $170 per tonne would do almost all the work of the Clean Electricity Standard.
Blake Shaffer and Andrew Leach -- actual economists -- wrote a piece back in 2023 arguing that an industrial carbon price of $170 per tonne would do almost all the work of the Clean Electricity Standard.
Reposted by Mike
Too many cities have loudly declared that they don’t know what the word “emergency” means. #ClimateEmergency
City: We unanimously declare a climate emergency! We must make change no matter what the cost, humanity's survival depends on it!
Community: Can we put in a protected bike lane to get more people cycling.
City: No, we'll lose parking spots.
Community: Can we put in a protected bike lane to get more people cycling.
City: No, we'll lose parking spots.
December 3, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Too many cities have loudly declared that they don’t know what the word “emergency” means. #ClimateEmergency
Reposted by Mike
This stuff would be absolutely batshit insane in ANY country. I mean, think of the absolute worst country you could possibly think of, & this would be batshit insane there.
Trump & GOP have made it a daily occurrence in the United States, along with too many other fascist & corrupt things to count.
Trump & GOP have made it a daily occurrence in the United States, along with too many other fascist & corrupt things to count.
Agents in Key Largo, Florida ripped this woman wearing medical scrubs out of her car as she screamed she is a US citizen. Agents cuffed her and put her in one of their cars.
She was eventually let go, per David Goodhue of the Miami Herald, who also took this footage:
She was eventually let go, per David Goodhue of the Miami Herald, who also took this footage:
December 3, 2025 at 5:30 PM
This stuff would be absolutely batshit insane in ANY country. I mean, think of the absolute worst country you could possibly think of, & this would be batshit insane there.
Trump & GOP have made it a daily occurrence in the United States, along with too many other fascist & corrupt things to count.
Trump & GOP have made it a daily occurrence in the United States, along with too many other fascist & corrupt things to count.
Reposted by Mike
Bikes can change lives www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
Montreal bike shop helps unhoused people switch gears, find work
Tri-Cycle’s project manager hopes the bike shop can be a springboard into the workforce for people experiencing homelessness or housing instability despite gaps in their resumés.
www.cbc.ca
December 3, 2025 at 1:53 PM
Bikes can change lives www.cbc.ca/player/play/...
Reposted by Mike
“Information and privacy commissioner Diane McLeod says it would increase the risk of fraud as the numbers could be obtained outside of health-care settings.”
More from the Unintended Consequences Party…
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
globalnews.ca/news/1155595...
More from the Unintended Consequences Party…
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
globalnews.ca/news/1155595...
Adding Alberta health-care numbers to licences increases fraud risk: privacy watchdog | Globalnews.ca
Alberta's information and privacy commissioner is concerned the Alberta government's plan to add health-care numbers to driver's licences would increase the risk of fraud.
globalnews.ca
December 3, 2025 at 3:53 AM
“Information and privacy commissioner Diane McLeod says it would increase the risk of fraud as the numbers could be obtained outside of health-care settings.”
More from the Unintended Consequences Party…
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
globalnews.ca/news/1155595...
More from the Unintended Consequences Party…
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
globalnews.ca/news/1155595...
Reposted by Mike
Infuriating to see that #yyccc has no spine and limited foresight. Cutting environmental and climate funding, especially with an impact on water services, provides limited savings now and increased costs long-term. This is nothing more than a dog whistle.
Council votes to shave $9 million from city's 2026 climate and environment budget
In a 9-6 vote, Calgary city council approved cutting $9 million from the city's climate and environment business unit's budget for next year
calgaryherald.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:52 AM
Infuriating to see that #yyccc has no spine and limited foresight. Cutting environmental and climate funding, especially with an impact on water services, provides limited savings now and increased costs long-term. This is nothing more than a dog whistle.
Reposted by Mike
Good thread.
December 2, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Good thread.
Reposted by Mike
Good morning from Calgary city hall!
It’s day 7 of budget talks. We’re told there are 21 amendments and 7 motions arising remaining. Council is expected to go til 9:30pm tonight.
It’s day 7 of budget talks. We’re told there are 21 amendments and 7 motions arising remaining. Council is expected to go til 9:30pm tonight.
December 2, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Good morning from Calgary city hall!
It’s day 7 of budget talks. We’re told there are 21 amendments and 7 motions arising remaining. Council is expected to go til 9:30pm tonight.
It’s day 7 of budget talks. We’re told there are 21 amendments and 7 motions arising remaining. Council is expected to go til 9:30pm tonight.