Dr. Kristopher Wells
@drkristopherwells.bsky.social
Independent Senator-Alberta, Senate of Canada. 🇨🇦
Teacher. Former Canada Research Chair for the Public Understanding of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth. Co-founder, Pride Tape. 🏒🏳️🌈
Treaty Six. He/Him.
Teacher. Former Canada Research Chair for the Public Understanding of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth. Co-founder, Pride Tape. 🏒🏳️🌈
Treaty Six. He/Him.
Pinned
“I was lucky”: exploring the healthcare experiences of trans and non-binary youth in Alberta
Canadian healthcare is publicly funded, with the roles and responsibilities within the health care system divided between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. Provinces and territor...
www.tandfonline.com
Check out our latest peer-reviewed research article published in the International Journal of Transgender Health:
“I was lucky”: exploring the healthcare experiences of trans and non-binary youth in Alberta
Free access:
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
“I was lucky”: exploring the healthcare experiences of trans and non-binary youth in Alberta
Free access:
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
“Overriding of ordinary civil liberties is one of the sign posts on the road to dictatorship.” - Margaret Atwood
The warning lights are flashing. #60minutes
The warning lights are flashing. #60minutes
November 10, 2025 at 2:55 AM
“Overriding of ordinary civil liberties is one of the sign posts on the road to dictatorship.” - Margaret Atwood
The warning lights are flashing. #60minutes
The warning lights are flashing. #60minutes
We have both courts and parliament for very important reasons. Checks and balances. One should not try and undermine the other. In the end, democracy is what loses.
"Rather than focus on what the Supreme Court of Canada actually said, the public seems to be receiving commentary based on what the Court actually didn't say. It's very disappointing that people are being misled.” @hollylake.bsky.social has that story. www.nationalmagazine.ca/en-ca/articl...
Stoking political outrage over court decision ‘irresponsible’
While debate about sentencing and justice policy is healthy in a democracy, observers say recent outcry over child porn decision misleads public, undermines the judiciary and administration of justice
www.nationalmagazine.ca
November 8, 2025 at 8:43 PM
We have both courts and parliament for very important reasons. Checks and balances. One should not try and undermine the other. In the end, democracy is what loses.
“It was never meant to be used for the benefit of the government itself, only for the benefit of citizens (the public).” - David King, former Alberta Minister of Education
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Opinion: Notwithstanding clause never meant to be used to benefit the government
Dave King was was there when clause was born in Alberta cabinet. It was never meant to be used for the benefit of the government itself.
calgaryherald.com
November 7, 2025 at 6:24 PM
“It was never meant to be used for the benefit of the government itself, only for the benefit of citizens (the public).” - David King, former Alberta Minister of Education
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
All the more reason for Canada to urgently dump its partnership with NEXUS and create its own verified traveller program for Canadian airports.
www.theglobeandmail.com/world/us-pol...
www.theglobeandmail.com/world/us-pol...
Trump administration blocks transgender and non-binary people from choosing passport sex markers
Supreme Court decision stops people choosing male, female or X to line up with their gender identity
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:11 PM
All the more reason for Canada to urgently dump its partnership with NEXUS and create its own verified traveller program for Canadian airports.
www.theglobeandmail.com/world/us-pol...
www.theglobeandmail.com/world/us-pol...
This is very good news with the Charter under attack by some governments across Canada.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Supreme Court to weigh in on Saskatchewan's school pronoun case | CBC News
The Supreme Court of Canada says it will hear appeals in a challenge of Saskatchewan's school pronoun law.
www.cbc.ca
November 6, 2025 at 3:37 PM
This is very good news with the Charter under attack by some governments across Canada.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Thursday, Bill 9-Protecting Alberta’s Children Statues Amendment Act will be introduced in the Alberta Legislature.
It is expected the UCP will invoke the notwithstanding clause (again) to shield their anti-trans bill from judicial scrutiny.
They are normalizing the use of NWC. Nurses next.
It is expected the UCP will invoke the notwithstanding clause (again) to shield their anti-trans bill from judicial scrutiny.
They are normalizing the use of NWC. Nurses next.
November 6, 2025 at 4:57 AM
Thursday, Bill 9-Protecting Alberta’s Children Statues Amendment Act will be introduced in the Alberta Legislature.
It is expected the UCP will invoke the notwithstanding clause (again) to shield their anti-trans bill from judicial scrutiny.
They are normalizing the use of NWC. Nurses next.
It is expected the UCP will invoke the notwithstanding clause (again) to shield their anti-trans bill from judicial scrutiny.
They are normalizing the use of NWC. Nurses next.
It was so fantastic this evening to meet teachers from Alberta this evening who were in Ottawa as part of the Teachers Institute for Canadian Parliamentary Democracy.
You can imagine that we had lots to talk about! 💫🌈🇨🇦
You can imagine that we had lots to talk about! 💫🌈🇨🇦
November 6, 2025 at 3:58 AM
It was so fantastic this evening to meet teachers from Alberta this evening who were in Ottawa as part of the Teachers Institute for Canadian Parliamentary Democracy.
You can imagine that we had lots to talk about! 💫🌈🇨🇦
You can imagine that we had lots to talk about! 💫🌈🇨🇦
Calling this out for what it is, a witch hunt that is unfounded and unCanadian.
How much are MPs entitled to know about research grants? Not as much as they think. A parliamentary committee is asking for researchers' personal information in what seems like an anti-DEI crusade, by @picardonhealth.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti... via @theglobeandmail.com
Opinion: How much are MPs entitled to know about research grants? Not as much as they think
A parliamentary committee is asking for academics’ private information on a strange anti-DEI crusade
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Calling this out for what it is, a witch hunt that is unfounded and unCanadian.
Even the Bishops are speaking out.
“The deeper implications of this action are sobering because when one fundamental freedom is denied, it is possible to imagine other fundamental freedoms being denied, including our own freedom of conscience and religion.”
edmonton.anglican.ca/news/stateme...
“The deeper implications of this action are sobering because when one fundamental freedom is denied, it is possible to imagine other fundamental freedoms being denied, including our own freedom of conscience and religion.”
edmonton.anglican.ca/news/stateme...
Statement by Bishop Stephen
Dear Friends in Christ,
Greetings. I have not issued many public letters in my ministry as Bishop. However, with the Provincial Government’s use of the Notwithstanding Clause to send teachers back to ...
edmonton.anglican.ca
November 4, 2025 at 6:24 PM
Even the Bishops are speaking out.
“The deeper implications of this action are sobering because when one fundamental freedom is denied, it is possible to imagine other fundamental freedoms being denied, including our own freedom of conscience and religion.”
edmonton.anglican.ca/news/stateme...
“The deeper implications of this action are sobering because when one fundamental freedom is denied, it is possible to imagine other fundamental freedoms being denied, including our own freedom of conscience and religion.”
edmonton.anglican.ca/news/stateme...
The greatest game seven. Thank you for the memories and for the wild ride. We will never forget this team or the uncommon men who made our nation so very proud.
🇨🇦💙⚾️
🇨🇦💙⚾️
November 2, 2025 at 10:00 PM
The greatest game seven. Thank you for the memories and for the wild ride. We will never forget this team or the uncommon men who made our nation so very proud.
🇨🇦💙⚾️
🇨🇦💙⚾️
Read and share widely. Your fundamental human rights are at stake.
November 2, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Read and share widely. Your fundamental human rights are at stake.
Reposted by Dr. Kristopher Wells
NEW POST: No, the Supreme Court is not an obstacle to tougher laws against child porn emmettmacfarlane.substack.com/p/no-the-sup...
No, the Supreme Court is not an obstacle to tougher laws against child porn
Yesterday the Supreme Court issued a decision striking down mandatory minimum sentences in the context of possessing or accessing child pornography.
emmettmacfarlane.substack.com
November 1, 2025 at 1:52 PM
NEW POST: No, the Supreme Court is not an obstacle to tougher laws against child porn emmettmacfarlane.substack.com/p/no-the-sup...
“When we see the rise of authoritarianism worldwide, that necessitates a rejection of fundamental rights as a check on government power.”
www.thestar.com/politics/pol...
www.thestar.com/politics/pol...
Althia Raj: It’s time to admit our Charter rights are under attack
Too many of Canada's premiers are testing citizens’ willingness to accept gross power grabs by invoking the notwithstanding clause.
www.thestar.com
November 1, 2025 at 4:16 PM
“When we see the rise of authoritarianism worldwide, that necessitates a rejection of fundamental rights as a check on government power.”
www.thestar.com/politics/pol...
www.thestar.com/politics/pol...
Any such request is not only unethical, it is a violation of privacy laws.
It’s tiresome to see American style attacks on EDI being taken up by Canadian politicians.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are hallmarks of Canadian society and should be celebrated and emulated.
It’s tiresome to see American style attacks on EDI being taken up by Canadian politicians.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are hallmarks of Canadian society and should be celebrated and emulated.
Canadian researchers should be aware the there is a motion before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Research to force Tricouncils to hand over disaggregated peer review data on all applications:
Applicant names, profiles, demographics
Reviewers names, profiles, comments, and scores
Applicant names, profiles, demographics
Reviewers names, profiles, comments, and scores
October 31, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Any such request is not only unethical, it is a violation of privacy laws.
It’s tiresome to see American style attacks on EDI being taken up by Canadian politicians.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are hallmarks of Canadian society and should be celebrated and emulated.
It’s tiresome to see American style attacks on EDI being taken up by Canadian politicians.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are hallmarks of Canadian society and should be celebrated and emulated.
“Overuse of these extraordinary measures—especially when coupled with provisions that also set aside the Alberta Bill of Rights and the Alberta Human Rights Act—risks undermining the constitutional and human-rights architecture that protects all Albertans.”
cba-alberta.org/news/cba-alb...
cba-alberta.org/news/cba-alb...
CBA Alberta Statement on the Use of the Notwithstanding Clause | CBA Alberta
The Alberta government has invoked the notwithstanding clause to order teachers back to work. The " Back to School Act " imposes a collective agreement on teachers and prohibits them from striking unt...
cba-alberta.org
October 30, 2025 at 6:32 PM
“Overuse of these extraordinary measures—especially when coupled with provisions that also set aside the Alberta Bill of Rights and the Alberta Human Rights Act—risks undermining the constitutional and human-rights architecture that protects all Albertans.”
cba-alberta.org/news/cba-alb...
cba-alberta.org/news/cba-alb...
An important pre-budget announcement reaffirming support for women and gender equality, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and gender-based violence. 🏳️🌈🇨🇦🏳️⚧️
www.canada.ca/en/departmen...
www.canada.ca/en/departmen...
Supporting the Department for Women and Gender Equality - Canada.ca
Since its establishment in 2018, the Department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) has empowered women and 2SLGBTQI+ people through programs that enhance meaningful participation in our economy.
www.canada.ca
October 29, 2025 at 6:28 PM
An important pre-budget announcement reaffirming support for women and gender equality, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and gender-based violence. 🏳️🌈🇨🇦🏳️⚧️
www.canada.ca/en/departmen...
www.canada.ca/en/departmen...
Let’s this sink in. Bill 2 overrides:
• The Labour Relations Code;
• The Public Education Collective Bargaining Act;
• The Alberta Bill of Rights;
• The Alberta Human Rights Act;
• The Education Act.
All without vigorous debate or consultation with Albertans.
calgaryherald.com/news/braid-a...
• The Labour Relations Code;
• The Public Education Collective Bargaining Act;
• The Alberta Bill of Rights;
• The Alberta Human Rights Act;
• The Education Act.
All without vigorous debate or consultation with Albertans.
calgaryherald.com/news/braid-a...
Braid: An appalling, unjust law drives Alberta teachers back to work
Alberta teachers are going back to work, but the law that drives them lingers as a dangerous attack on rights, writes columnist Don Braid.
calgaryherald.com
October 29, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Let’s this sink in. Bill 2 overrides:
• The Labour Relations Code;
• The Public Education Collective Bargaining Act;
• The Alberta Bill of Rights;
• The Alberta Human Rights Act;
• The Education Act.
All without vigorous debate or consultation with Albertans.
calgaryherald.com/news/braid-a...
• The Labour Relations Code;
• The Public Education Collective Bargaining Act;
• The Alberta Bill of Rights;
• The Alberta Human Rights Act;
• The Education Act.
All without vigorous debate or consultation with Albertans.
calgaryherald.com/news/braid-a...
This is a profound statement and response from Albertans. Will the Premier actually listen!?
Today, I submitted 456,365 Albertans’ signatures to Elections Alberta, petitioning the Premier to do the right thing, avoid a divisive and economically harmful referendum, and allow MLAs to vote and reaffirm that Alberta’s future is in Canada.🇨🇦
Alberta is #ForeverCanadian
Alberta is #ForeverCanadian
October 28, 2025 at 6:08 PM
This is a profound statement and response from Albertans. Will the Premier actually listen!?
Reposted by Dr. Kristopher Wells
The UCP’s use of the NWS clause to end the teachers strike is sinking in. This is a terrible precedent for *all* groups with protected rights. Why would the government ever not use s 33 now in any case where they can’t make a credible s 1 argument?
"Bill 2 is perfectly legal."
"The kids need to go back to class."
I agree.
That doesn't mean the premier should've done an endrun around the legislature and the courts.
If the back-to-work law was defensible, why didn't she defend it before leaving the country?
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
"The kids need to go back to class."
I agree.
That doesn't mean the premier should've done an endrun around the legislature and the courts.
If the back-to-work law was defensible, why didn't she defend it before leaving the country?
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
Alberta Strong and Free, Notwithstanding
The UCP's Bill 2 skirts the legislature and the courts, leaving it up to the public to push back swiftly
open.substack.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:52 PM
The UCP’s use of the NWS clause to end the teachers strike is sinking in. This is a terrible precedent for *all* groups with protected rights. Why would the government ever not use s 33 now in any case where they can’t make a credible s 1 argument?
Probably the only thing the President and I agree upon is the importance of getting your influenza and COVID booster vaccinations.
Guess he doesn’t really listen to anything RFKjr actually says. 🤷♂️
Guess he doesn’t really listen to anything RFKjr actually says. 🤷♂️
October 26, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Probably the only thing the President and I agree upon is the importance of getting your influenza and COVID booster vaccinations.
Guess he doesn’t really listen to anything RFKjr actually says. 🤷♂️
Guess he doesn’t really listen to anything RFKjr actually says. 🤷♂️
“Any government that undermines or abandons the project of improving public-school education in the face of difficulty is undermining and abandoning democracy.”
- David King, former Alberta Minister of Education
edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
- David King, former Alberta Minister of Education
edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
Opinion: Alberta undermining public education — and democracy
Any government that undermines ... the project of improving public school education in the face of difficulty is undermining ... democracy.
edmontonjournal.com
October 25, 2025 at 3:41 PM
“Any government that undermines or abandons the project of improving public-school education in the face of difficulty is undermining and abandoning democracy.”
- David King, former Alberta Minister of Education
edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
- David King, former Alberta Minister of Education
edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
One down. Three to go!
October 25, 2025 at 3:40 AM
One down. Three to go!
The line has been drawn.
If Premier Smith invokes the notwithstanding clause, expect an unprecedented provincial labour strike that will shut down the entire province.
Democratic rights must be protected at all costs.
If Premier Smith invokes the notwithstanding clause, expect an unprecedented provincial labour strike that will shut down the entire province.
Democratic rights must be protected at all costs.
October 25, 2025 at 3:18 AM
The line has been drawn.
If Premier Smith invokes the notwithstanding clause, expect an unprecedented provincial labour strike that will shut down the entire province.
Democratic rights must be protected at all costs.
If Premier Smith invokes the notwithstanding clause, expect an unprecedented provincial labour strike that will shut down the entire province.
Democratic rights must be protected at all costs.
The Senate of Canada is over 50% female, which only happens with intentionality. The House of Commons is 30%.
Is it time for gender quotas?
policyoptions.irpp.org/2025/10/gend...
Is it time for gender quotas?
policyoptions.irpp.org/2025/10/gend...
October 23, 2025 at 8:18 PM
The Senate of Canada is over 50% female, which only happens with intentionality. The House of Commons is 30%.
Is it time for gender quotas?
policyoptions.irpp.org/2025/10/gend...
Is it time for gender quotas?
policyoptions.irpp.org/2025/10/gend...