Alexander Dowsey
@alexanderdowsey.bsky.social
BA in Ancient and Medieval history, Archaeology, MA in Celtic Studies, general nerd, love politics, plants, and books!
Reposted by Alexander Dowsey
Edmonton has had a disturbingly high number of frostbite amputations the last two winters. With freezing temps on the way, both the City and the Government of Alberta must do more to prevent people from freezing in the cold. edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #yegcc
Opinion: Edmonton doesn't have to be the frostbite capital of the world
Severe frostbite injuries are entirely preventable - together, let’s work towards a city where no one gets left out in the cold.
edmontonjournal.com
November 8, 2025 at 4:14 AM
Edmonton has had a disturbingly high number of frostbite amputations the last two winters. With freezing temps on the way, both the City and the Government of Alberta must do more to prevent people from freezing in the cold. edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #yegcc
Equally applicable to here in Edmonton where conservative and "progressive" councillors alike, parrot the exact same lines around "safety concerns" when what they are really talking about is visible poverty, but villainising the poor is a longstanding tradition in Edmonton City Hall.
Regardless of statistics showing crime is dwindling, safety is a major concern for Calgarians—why?
In my latest essay, i explore this question, alongside the implications of letting our bourgeois fears guide our city’s policy agenda.
In my latest essay, i explore this question, alongside the implications of letting our bourgeois fears guide our city’s policy agenda.
Are you afraid of poverty?
Why responding to middle-class fears won’t make Calgary a more equitable city
iwouldprefernotto.substack.com
October 19, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Equally applicable to here in Edmonton where conservative and "progressive" councillors alike, parrot the exact same lines around "safety concerns" when what they are really talking about is visible poverty, but villainising the poor is a longstanding tradition in Edmonton City Hall.
It was stupid when the UK government accused them of being terrorists, which was then withdrawn, it's even more stupid now that Canada is doing the exact same thing.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Hip-hop group Kneecap barred from entering Canada for supporting 'terrorist organizations' | CBC News
The Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap has been banned from entering Canada over what the federal government says is their "open endorsement of terrorist organizations."
www.cbc.ca
September 19, 2025 at 7:47 PM
It was stupid when the UK government accused them of being terrorists, which was then withdrawn, it's even more stupid now that Canada is doing the exact same thing.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Continuing the long tradition of using the NWC for garbage policies like preventing marriage equality, compensation for victims of the Alberta eugenics program, and so on, it should be an indication that the policy is, in fact, bad. Shocking I know #abpoli
Huge scoop from the CP: Canadian Press is reporting that Premier Danielle Smith has directed the justice ministry to use the notwithstanding clause to push through three anti-trans laws that would otherwise be blocked by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Alberta Bill of Rights
Alberta to use notwithstanding clause on its three transgender laws:…
National Newswatch: Canada's most comprehensive site for political news and views.
nationalnewswatch.com
September 19, 2025 at 12:36 AM
Continuing the long tradition of using the NWC for garbage policies like preventing marriage equality, compensation for victims of the Alberta eugenics program, and so on, it should be an indication that the policy is, in fact, bad. Shocking I know #abpoli
Almost like the government put no thought at all into the potential knock-on effects of passing a deliberately vague and generalised ministerial order in July, whoever could have possibly anticipated that? Certainly not the government 🤔 #abpoli
Premier Danielle Smith says Edmonton Public is doing a "bit of vicious compliance" in complying with the province's age-appropriate book policy in schools, and says she will hold EPSB's hand to help develop their list.
August 30, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Almost like the government put no thought at all into the potential knock-on effects of passing a deliberately vague and generalised ministerial order in July, whoever could have possibly anticipated that? Certainly not the government 🤔 #abpoli
If you are uncomfortable with your child reading certain books, the answer is to have a level conversation with them about what you do or do not want them to be reading, not prohibiting everyone else from reading because you are incapable of parenting properly. #abpoli
oop- who said that? 👀
oop- who said that? 👀
August 29, 2025 at 9:28 AM
If you are uncomfortable with your child reading certain books, the answer is to have a level conversation with them about what you do or do not want them to be reading, not prohibiting everyone else from reading because you are incapable of parenting properly. #abpoli
oop- who said that? 👀
oop- who said that? 👀
Reposted by Alexander Dowsey
Agree with Wab on all points.
"The premier said he would instead like to see the federal government remove tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles so that country would drop its duties on canola, "if we're in the business of removing tariffs." "
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
"The premier said he would instead like to see the federal government remove tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles so that country would drop its duties on canola, "if we're in the business of removing tariffs." "
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
'Is this elbows down?': Manitoba premier questions Canada's removal of retaliatory tariffs | CBC News
Manitoba's premier is questioning the federal government's decision to drop most counter-tariffs against the United States, saying he doesn't want the prime minister to start taking an "elbows down" approach.
www.cbc.ca
August 23, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Agree with Wab on all points.
"The premier said he would instead like to see the federal government remove tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles so that country would drop its duties on canola, "if we're in the business of removing tariffs." "
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
"The premier said he would instead like to see the federal government remove tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles so that country would drop its duties on canola, "if we're in the business of removing tariffs." "
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Ahh yes because America has shown that it's adhering to reason and interested in mutual partnership? You'd think we would have learned from history that appeasement doesn't work on megalomaniac dictators, but apparently, we haven't. #cdnpoli
Canada to remove countertariffs on American goods amid ongoing trade war: Carney
Canada to remove countertariffs on American goods amid ongoing trade war: Carney
Canada is dropping its countertariffs on the American goods that are covered by the free trade agreement between the two countries, amid the ongoing trade war with the United States, Prime Minister Ma...
www.ctvnews.ca
August 22, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Ahh yes because America has shown that it's adhering to reason and interested in mutual partnership? You'd think we would have learned from history that appeasement doesn't work on megalomaniac dictators, but apparently, we haven't. #cdnpoli
I'm not sure that overt gerrymandering is as tolerated by the Albertan public as the UCP seems to think it is, but then they haven't got the best track record of having their finger on the pulse of much of anything lately. #abpoli
👀 The City of Lethbridge could be carved into four provincial ridings that sprawl deep into the surrounding rural areas if United Conservative Party MLA Nathan Neudorf gets his wish.
daveberta.substack.com/p/ucp-mla-na...
daveberta.substack.com/p/ucp-mla-na...
UCP MLA Nathan Neudorf wants Lethbridge carved into 3-4 big rural-urban ridings
I read all 197 submissions to Alberta’s Electoral Boundaries Commission so you don’t have to
daveberta.substack.com
August 13, 2025 at 2:08 PM
I'm not sure that overt gerrymandering is as tolerated by the Albertan public as the UCP seems to think it is, but then they haven't got the best track record of having their finger on the pulse of much of anything lately. #abpoli
Reposted by Alexander Dowsey
I'm donating to two Palestinian♀️in #Edmonton with families displaced in #Gaza. The goal: $10,000/month in recurring donations, to help 100s of people, currently scattered through Deir Al Balah, Gaza City, Jabalya, & Khan Younis / Al-Mawasi. Details here:
chuffed.org/project/yegf...
chuffed.org/project/yegf...
YEG for Gaza
We are a coalition mobilizing support for two Palestinian women in Edmonton who have families in Gaza. Since Israel began its intensified siege and genocide they have been supporting their immediate a...
chuffed.org
August 8, 2025 at 1:28 PM
I'm donating to two Palestinian♀️in #Edmonton with families displaced in #Gaza. The goal: $10,000/month in recurring donations, to help 100s of people, currently scattered through Deir Al Balah, Gaza City, Jabalya, & Khan Younis / Al-Mawasi. Details here:
chuffed.org/project/yegf...
chuffed.org/project/yegf...
Canada making demilitarisation a condition of recognising Palestine while it is literally IN THE PROCESS OF BEING INVADED BY ISRAEL is so utterly stupid, and so on-brand. We actually can recognise Palestine without conditions that are clearly unreasonable, given the circumstances.
July 30, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Canada making demilitarisation a condition of recognising Palestine while it is literally IN THE PROCESS OF BEING INVADED BY ISRAEL is so utterly stupid, and so on-brand. We actually can recognise Palestine without conditions that are clearly unreasonable, given the circumstances.
If, after the last four years, you are running for city council or mayor in Edmonton and still propose doubling down on camp clearances and increasing police presence as a solution to the crisis on our streets, then I have serious concerns about your competence and critical thinking skills.
July 22, 2025 at 2:31 PM
If, after the last four years, you are running for city council or mayor in Edmonton and still propose doubling down on camp clearances and increasing police presence as a solution to the crisis on our streets, then I have serious concerns about your competence and critical thinking skills.
I really don't understand all the nonsense arguments against the potential for another doctors' strike here in the UK, when we know that even with the 20% pay increase from the last strike, doctors still have lower real wages than in 2008.
July 17, 2025 at 10:26 AM
I really don't understand all the nonsense arguments against the potential for another doctors' strike here in the UK, when we know that even with the 20% pay increase from the last strike, doctors still have lower real wages than in 2008.
Reposted by Alexander Dowsey
🧵Last year @pinglamjoeip.bsky.social and I extracted public data on 35,828 research projects funded by eight SSHRC programs to debunk the Alberta govt's claim that federal funding agencies favor “left-wing” or “progressive” disciplines. We now take one step further to analyze the data.
July 14, 2025 at 12:39 AM
🧵Last year @pinglamjoeip.bsky.social and I extracted public data on 35,828 research projects funded by eight SSHRC programs to debunk the Alberta govt's claim that federal funding agencies favor “left-wing” or “progressive” disciplines. We now take one step further to analyze the data.
Reposted by Alexander Dowsey
Fot those concerned about housing affordability, here’s information on the goal post shifting from 35% of income to 50%.
50% of your monthly income to pay for your mortgage (or rent even) is dangerous and unsustainable.
50% of your monthly income to pay for your mortgage (or rent even) is dangerous and unsustainable.
July 13, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Fot those concerned about housing affordability, here’s information on the goal post shifting from 35% of income to 50%.
50% of your monthly income to pay for your mortgage (or rent even) is dangerous and unsustainable.
50% of your monthly income to pay for your mortgage (or rent even) is dangerous and unsustainable.
87 people died from drug poisoning in Edmonton in March, an all time record, but who cares! The real problem is obviously school library books 🙄 #abpoli
Alberta education minister to give update on new rules for school library books
Alberta education minister to give update on new rules for school library books
Alberta’s education minister is set to provide an update today on the development of new provincial rules for school library books.
www.cp24.com
July 10, 2025 at 3:44 PM
87 people died from drug poisoning in Edmonton in March, an all time record, but who cares! The real problem is obviously school library books 🙄 #abpoli
While the gov't has begun to pursue a program of federal program spending reductions up to 15% by FY 2028-29 it's continuing to be clear that Canada (at all levels of government) is disinterested in doing much of anything to remedy a crisis which continues to spiral out of control. #cdnpoli #abpoli
In Toronto, homelessness doubled since 2021. In Edmonton, it's more than tripled!
I call for federal funding of an expanded shelter system. We need affordable housing and portable housing benefits- the only way to alleviate the homelessness crisis in our country.
www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/loca...
I call for federal funding of an expanded shelter system. We need affordable housing and portable housing benefits- the only way to alleviate the homelessness crisis in our country.
www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/loca...
Homelessness in Toronto has more than doubled since 2021, according to latest Street Needs Assessment
Homelessness has more than doubled in Toronto in the last three years, according to the city’s latest street needs assessment.
www.ctvnews.ca
July 9, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Reposted by Alexander Dowsey
🌿 Phase 2 of the GoA's Engagement on its Plan for Parks is OPEN for comment until July 26th. Nearly 5,000 Albertans completed the first phase, and so much of your feedback is now in the draft plan. 📝 Get started with our survey guide (with @cpawssab.bsky.social) : cpawsnab.org/wp-content/u...
July 8, 2025 at 4:45 PM
🌿 Phase 2 of the GoA's Engagement on its Plan for Parks is OPEN for comment until July 26th. Nearly 5,000 Albertans completed the first phase, and so much of your feedback is now in the draft plan. 📝 Get started with our survey guide (with @cpawssab.bsky.social) : cpawsnab.org/wp-content/u...
I'll be sad to miss this by just a couple weeks before I'm back in town, but I'm sure it's going to be a fun time! Check it out if you are in the area on Aug 30th! #yeg
July 6, 2025 at 3:53 PM
I'll be sad to miss this by just a couple weeks before I'm back in town, but I'm sure it's going to be a fun time! Check it out if you are in the area on Aug 30th! #yeg
I don't know why the government has made this decision, there's no indication that this will somehow guarantee good faith bargaining with the US, and a 3% tax on profits over 20 million is hardly a big ask from tech megacompanies. This is a bad choice #cdnpoli
June 30, 2025 at 12:31 PM
I don't know why the government has made this decision, there's no indication that this will somehow guarantee good faith bargaining with the US, and a 3% tax on profits over 20 million is hardly a big ask from tech megacompanies. This is a bad choice #cdnpoli
Updated satellite imagery means I can finally update my pet project tracking unoccupied urban space, derelictions, and surface parking lots in inner-city Edmonton! 🟠= Surface parking 🔵= Empty lots ⚫= Derelict properties 🟡= Redevelopments! (reflections and caveats below) #abpoli #yegcc
June 25, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Congratulations @naheednenshi.bsky.social and @gurtejsinghbraryeg.bsky.social on your elections yesterday! 🧡
June 24, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Congratulations @naheednenshi.bsky.social and @gurtejsinghbraryeg.bsky.social on your elections yesterday! 🧡
As usual, the programs on the choppping block are predominantly related to history, language, and culture. As governments across the UK adopt harsher stances to int students, the programs above are ironically often the first to go.
www.walesonline.co.uk/news/educati...
www.walesonline.co.uk/news/educati...
Cardiff University agrees sweeping cuts that will see entire departments shut
Cardiff University's council chair Pat Younge told staff and students the savings were 'painful but necessary'
www.walesonline.co.uk
June 19, 2025 at 5:41 PM
As usual, the programs on the choppping block are predominantly related to history, language, and culture. As governments across the UK adopt harsher stances to int students, the programs above are ironically often the first to go.
www.walesonline.co.uk/news/educati...
www.walesonline.co.uk/news/educati...
I can't say I'm surprised, though it is astonishing how the UCP still pursues bad ideas like these despite their own surveys showing Albertans don't support them. #abpoli
Danielle Smith gov't fought for 2yrs to not release its Alberta pension plan survey results. It's finally out.
Only 10% of people expressed support, 63% said don't. by Ed Journal's @matthewblack.ca ack , at long last. edmontonjournal.com/news/politic...
Only 10% of people expressed support, 63% said don't. by Ed Journal's @matthewblack.ca ack , at long last. edmontonjournal.com/news/politic...
Alberta releases its pension survey results, 63% opposed to leaving CPP
After a more than 21-month wait, the Alberta government has released to Postmedia the results of its 2023 provincial pension plan survey.
edmontonjournal.com
June 19, 2025 at 12:16 PM
I can't say I'm surprised, though it is astonishing how the UCP still pursues bad ideas like these despite their own surveys showing Albertans don't support them. #abpoli