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drugdatadecoded.ca
Euan Thomson
@drugdatadecoded.ca
5.6K followers 1.9K following 3K posts
Investigations on the Alberta Recovery Model: www.drugdatadecoded.ca

✍️ APTN, Alberta Views, The Breach, The Tyee

PhD Microbiology

Banner: Access to information in Alberta
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drugdatadecoded.ca
Euan Thomson @drugdatadecoded.ca · Sep 26
🧵 My story, "What's Wrong With Rehab?" won Gold for Long-Form at Alberta Magazine Awards last night!

Thanks to @albertaviews.bsky.social & all who shared expertise: Brandon Shaw, Esther Tailfeathers, @ehyshka.bsky.social, David Hodgins & recovery workers. 1/
albertaviews.ca/whats-wrong-...
What’s Wrong With Rehab? The lack of accountability in the “Alberta Model” for dealing with drug use By Euan thomson March 1, 2024 A A A On a frigid February night in Edmonton, I’m downtown with 4B Harm Reduction. The street outreach conducted by this non-profit society is time-tested—scour the city’s forgotten corners for people who need support. On any given shift, they might respond to drug poisonings, frostbite, heatstroke, hunger, fatigue-induced psychosis or the many barriers to accessing shelter. Mostly 4B aims to keep hope alive despite society’s structural neglect. Tonight we’ve gathered in an underground LRT station passageway. Beside us, a long stretch of yellow fencing separates us from a lone electrical outlet, a rare treasure in public spaces. The outlet was recently deemed too popular among the city’s unhoused citizens—hence the fence. Through slurred speech, Brandon Shaw fawns over my toque, which reads “Hoot ’n’ Blow” beside an owl logo. I offer it as a trade for his, but he declines. Someone later explains Shaw was afraid he’d picked up lice in the shelters. He was protecting me.
Reposted by Euan Thomson
blairaf.com
"Microsoft are protectors of Canadian sovereignty" is astonishing mental gymnastics and it gets worse the more you think about it
December 22, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
wesup.bsky.social
"The war on drugs is a war on workers and the labour movement must fight back. This is a call to action."

briarpatchmagazine.com/articles/vie...
The war on drugs is a war on workers
Workplace drug policies are hurting workers and unions need to step up
briarpatchmagazine.com
December 18, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
steventdennis.bsky.social
Bloomberg Analysis: 15 People Have Died in Crashes Where Tesla Doors Wouldn’t Open
Note: Tesla said on a new safety page on its website last week that when a serious collision is detected, "doors will automatically unlock for emergency access."
GIFT LINK: www.bloomberg.com/news/feature...
15 People Have Died in Crashes Where Tesla Doors Wouldn’t Open
There are no official statistics on the dangers of electric handles. So Bloomberg did its own analysis.
www.bloomberg.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
christysomos.bsky.social
However, the Globe continued down this route, despite being provided evidence by @davidpugliese.bsky.social
December 19, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
drugdatadecoded.ca
ICYMI Canada’s prisons plan to experiment on prisoners with opioid withdrawal treatments that may constitute torture.

The move appears linked to lobbying by the pharmaceutical company holding the patent.

Hundreds of experts are sounding the alarm.
drugdatadecoded.ca/150-experts-...
150 experts demand Correctional Service Canada reverse "coercive" opioid treatment guidance
A new policy in federal prisons removes methadone and Suboxone opioid treatments, leaving only a patented once-per-month gel injection available to prisoners. A large group of experts is raising serio...
drugdatadecoded.ca
December 20, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
lukelebrun.ca
Statement from Postmedia standing behind David Pugliese in response to this @theglobeandmail.com story:

“The documents tied to these allegations have been independently discredited by multiple major media organizations”

@davidpugliese.bsky.social
Postmedia Statement in Support of David Pugliese Statement from Duncan Clark, Chief Content Officer, Postmedia: David Pugliese is a highly valued and esteemed member of the Ottawa Citizen and Postmedia team. Recent reporting linking David to a military intelligence investigation has once again brought attention to unverified allegations that are false and intended to discredit his investigative work. The documents tied to these allegations have been independently discredited by multiple major media organizations. We believe it is the essential role of journalists to hold those in power to account and view these allegations as a broader attack on the independence of the press. We stand firmly behind David and maintain complete confidence in his integrity and work. At no point have we been approached by any intelligence or law enforcement agency concerning David. David has a distinguished career, recognized by multiple National Newspaper Awards and a lifetime achievement award by the Canadian Committee for World Press Freedom in 2020. He will continue his vital reporting on military issues for the Ottawa Citizen with our full support. You're encouraged to read David Pugliese's reporting on this matter. Stay tuned for more reporting on this issue in the New Year. • Ukrainians raise questions about Ottawa charity as allegations swirl around donations • Canadian Forces looking into role of military personnel involved with Mriya Report • DND confirms military officers used govt resources without permission on private Ukraine equipment deals • Volunteers for Mriya Report charity created by Canadian Forces officer resign, citing ethical concerns
December 20, 2025 at 12:54 PM
drugdatadecoded.ca
ICYMI Canada’s prisons plan to experiment on prisoners with opioid withdrawal treatments that may constitute torture.

The move appears linked to lobbying by the pharmaceutical company holding the patent.

Hundreds of experts are sounding the alarm.
drugdatadecoded.ca/150-experts-...
150 experts demand Correctional Service Canada reverse "coercive" opioid treatment guidance
A new policy in federal prisons removes methadone and Suboxone opioid treatments, leaving only a patented once-per-month gel injection available to prisoners. A large group of experts is raising serio...
drugdatadecoded.ca
December 20, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
tryangregory.bsky.social
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
‘The Nazis were right:’ What the leaders of Canada’s biggest ‘nationalist’ group really want | CBC Accessibility
In official posts, Second Sons Canada calls itself a “men’s nationalist club” and promotes a nostalgic vision of Canada. But on personal podcasts and livestreams, its leaders consistently espouse anti...
www.cbc.ca
December 20, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
harmscommitted.com
🌀Introduction🌀
Harms Committed is a news service and research tool to help journalists, academics, and activists access independent journalism on state violence.

This thread explains what to expect and how it functions.
1/12 🧵
December 19, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
popsci.com
The name "Popular Science" doesn't mean we shift our coverage depending on public opinion. It means we cover relevant subjects that are rigorously researched, reliable, and grounded in reality.

And trans lives are grounded in reality.

We see y'all. No matter what.

www.popsci.com/science/tran...
First-of-a-kind study shows encouraging data for trans kids who socially transition
Ninety-four percent of participants in a new study stood firm in their trans identity after five years, and "detransitioning" is rare.
www.popsci.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:16 PM
drugdatadecoded.ca
This story pairs well with another Ximena wrote two years ago, about how local airbnb slumlords in Calgary spend their time organizing against lifesaving services for unhoused people.
thetyee.ca/News/2023/12...
December 19, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
juliusgoat.bsky.social
It's best to understand that fascists see hypocrisy as a virtue. It's how they signal that the things they are doing to people were never meant to be equally applied.

It's not an inconsistency. It's very consistent to the only true fascist value, which is domination.
December 19, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
uncleduke1969.bsky.social
decades-long manhunt finally ends
Waldo/Wally being led away by two police officers.
May 29, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
stephenharrison.bsky.social
Stories about officers misusing police databases to look people up who they shouldn't are incredibly common. And yet, when I asked VicPD for copies of any audits they'd done to look for unauthorized database use, they said "no audits have been conducted" over the six-year period I asked about. (1/2)
RE: Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act) VicPD FOI No. 2023-1334 I am responding to your correspondence received by this department on June 26, 2023, requesting “Copies of any audits of PRIME usage (e.g. reports on reviewing for unauthorized queries or browsing, or any other audits conducted) 2017 to present.”. Please be advised that there were no records responsive to you request. Please note that no audits have been conducted of PRIME usage. If believe that the Victoria Police Department is in possession of the record you seek, please contact me with more information.
December 19, 2025 at 4:13 AM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
stephenharrison.bsky.social
Went back further. An officer looked up their tenant. Another looked up a contractor. One officer "had a habit of running names of friends and relatives." Another looked up their ex 20 times. All told that's about 50 officers with substantiated complaints of misusing police databases. But why audit?
B.C. police database misuse, substantiated complaints 2016: Vancouver PD officer “searched police databases for a purpose unrelated to duties as a police officer” and “improperly disclosed confidential information acquired from police databases to a member of the public” 2016: Transit Police officer “used the PRIME database system, without permission, to gather statistics for their master’s degree course” 2015: Transit Police officer “queried their tenant using police databases” 2015: New Westminster PD officer “used police databases to query one of [their] contractors and the licence plate of a vehicle being used by the contractors” and “disclosed [to a member of the property management company] that a vehicle being driven by one of the contractors was uninsured and that one of the contractors had a criminal record” 2015: Delta PD, three officers “conducted improper police database queries in relation to an off duty police officer’s call for assistance” and “improperly disclosed the information obtained” 2015: Abbotsford PD officer “accessed police databases for purposes unrelated to his/her duties as a police officer.” 2014: Delta PD officer “queried police databases by means of a mobile data terminal for a purpose unrelated to the performance of the officer’s duties” 2014: Delta PD officer “accessed the PRIME database for personal reasons” B.C. police database misuse, substantiated complaints 2013: Vancouver PD officer “accessed police databases for a purpose unrelated to his duties as a police officer” 2013: New Westminster PD officer “conducted unauthorized searches utilizing police databases for purposes unrelated to his duties as a police officer” and “shared the information with a person not entitled to receive or access this information” 2012: Vancouver PD officer “conducted unauthorized searches utilizing police databases for purposes unrelated to his duties as a police officer” 2012: Saanich PD officer “queried police databases for purposes unrelated to his duties as a police officer and disclosed that information” 2012-14: Abbotsford PD officer “searched police databases for a purpose unrelated to his duties and accessed reports he was not authorized to access” 2011: Vancouver PD officer “had a habit of running names of friends and relatives,” “accessed police databases on three occasions for purposes unrelated to the duties of a police officer” and “disclosed information that the officer acquired from police databases to a member of the public” 2011: Saanich PD officer “made unauthorized queries on police databases” B.C. police database misuse, substantiated complaints 2011: Saanich PD officer “accessed police databases to query associates of his estranged wife for purposes unrelated to the performance of his duties as a police officer” and “disclosed to his estranged wife confidential information he had obtained from the queries” 2011: Delta PD officer “conducted queries on the PRIME database for purposes unrelated to his duties as a police officer” 2010: VPD officer “accessed police databases to conduct personal queries unrelated to his duties as a police officer” 2010: Transit Police officer “conducted an unauthorized search on police databases for purposes unrelated to his duties as a police officer” 2010: Delta PD officer “On several occasions … conducted unauthorized queries on PRIME” and “counseled another member to also conduct an unauthorized search on the police database” 2010: Delta PD officer “conducted an unauthorized query on a police database” 2010: An officer “accessed police databases to query the complainant’s common-law wife’s name” and “accessed police databases to query the complainant’s name” B.C. police database misuse, substantiated complaints 2009: VPD officer found to have conducted “Unauthorized search of police database” 2009: VPD officer found to have conducted “Unauthorized search of police database” 2009: Saanich PD officer “On 12 separate occasions … conducted unauthorized searches in a police database” 2009: Abbotsford PD officer “conducted an unauthorized search of an individual on police databases and disclosed this information to a third party” 2008: VicPD officer “for purposes unrelated to his duties as a police officer, conducted queries on police databases” 2008: New Westminster PD officer conducted an “Unauthorized Search of Police Databases (Info not disclosed)” 2008: New Westminster PD officer conducted an “Unauthorized Search of Police Databases (Info not disclosed)” 2007: An officer conducted “20 unauthorized police database queries over a 4 year period … related to the officer’s ex‐spouse” 1995-2008: An officer “queried an employee from his private business on the police database PRIME” and “made numerous queries using CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) and PRIME for non‐work related purposes”
December 19, 2025 at 6:14 AM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
stephenharrison.bsky.social
Here are excerpts from OPCC reports of BC officers caught misusing police databases. They looked up family members and exes, a woman an officer "was interested in," a nurse, and a convocation speaker. Some officers used databases for a "business venture." But VicPD doesn't audit database use. (2/2)
B.C. police database misuse, substantiated complaints 2023: Port Moody PD officer “requested a colleague to query a particular license plate on a police database without disclosing the query was for a personal reason” 2023: Abbotsford PD officer “used police databases to query a university convocation guest speaker who had made remarks about a police incident that the speaker had been involved in” 2023: Abbotsford PD officer “queried their spouse for reasons unrelated to the performance of the member’s duties” 2022: VPD officer “used a police database to query the license plate of a driver that had been involved in a traffic altercation with the member’s spouse” 2021: VPD officer “queried the name of the VCH nurse on a police database for a purpose unrelated to the member’s duties” 2021: Saanich PD officer “used police databases to run checks on his former partner and members of her family” 2020: VPD special municipal constable “queried a person on a police database for reasons unrelated to [their] duties” 2020: VPD officer “conduct[ed] a query using police database for information unrelated to an investigation or duties as a police officer” 2019: VPD officer “used a police database to query the residence of a relative who was under criminal investigation” 2019: VPD officer “queried [a] complainant’s name using a police database for reasons not associated with their duties as a police officer” B.C. police database misuse, substantiated complaints 2019: Port Moody PD officer “Unauthorized use of CPIC for a personal matter” 2018: Transit Police officer “Using police equipment and databases to search for information and details unrelated to his duties as a police officer, but in relation to the private security detail he was working on” 2017: West Vancouver PD officer “used police databases (CPIC and PRIME) to query this female friend” and “queried a female he was interested in using police databases (CPIC and PRIME)” 2017: VPD officer “Conducted a CPIC and/or PRIME search of a member of the public for a purpose unrelated to his duties as a police officer,” “Improperly disclosed confidential information to a member of the public that he acquired from a CPIC and/or PRIME search,” and “Conducted a CPIC and/or PRIME search of a family member for a purpose unrelated to his duties as a police officer” 2016-18: Transit Police, two officers “used police databases to further their own personal business venture and stood to benefit from the unauthorized use of police databases and the information retrieved” 2016-17: Abbotsford PD officer “accessed a police database for non-duty related reasons and made inquiries with respect to his estranged spouse” 2011-18: Delta PD officer “used a police database (PRIME) to conduct a query of an extended family member” and “admitted to additional PRIME queries of the extended family members”
December 19, 2025 at 4:13 AM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
kimsiever.bsky.social
Last year, Alberta had the highest percentage of people living in food-insecure households of all the provinces.

Only Northwest Territories and Nunavut were worse.

proof.utoronto.ca/2025/new-dat...
New data on household food insecurity in 2024
We've summarized the latest data on food insecurity in 2024 from Statistics Canada's Canadian Income Survey. In 2024, 10 million Canadians, including 2.5 million children, lived in a food-insecure hou...
proof.utoronto.ca
December 17, 2025 at 1:30 AM
drugdatadecoded.ca
Alberta drug deaths were released today & updates are still being made back to Apr/2023, from 199 to 201.

I will keep emphasizing: Alberta drug fatality reporting should include a caveat that counts increase 13 to 33 percent after updates.

The govt counts on this oversight for propaganda.
December 18, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
jonnywakefield.bsky.social
New from me: I asked Edmonton’s new police chief about photos obtained by @carrietait.bsky.social et al of his predecessor, Dale McFee, at Oilers playoff games with Sam Mraiche/government ministers edmontonjournal.com/news/dale-mc...
Edmonton police chief says policy changed since McFee's Oilers game attendance in businessman's box
Edmonton's new police chief says the service has revised its gifts policy since his predecessor's attendance at Oilers games in a businessman's private box.
edmontonjournal.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
iwriteok.bsky.social
jfc
donmoyn.bsky.social Don Moynihan @donmoyn.bsky.social · 8d
These are the people who are willing to go on the record.
www.nytimes.com/2025/12/18/u...
Tina Davis, who modeled for Ford in the mid-1990s, said in an interview that her Ford booker instructed her to get dressed up and attend a Mar-a-Lago party in late 1994. Just 14 and new to Miami, she was told to “dress sexy,” according to her mother, Sandra Coleman, who had accompanied her to Florida. Eight or nine other models came along on the bus. “All the girls were really young,” Ms. Coleman recalled in an interview. “Some of them could have been in training bras.” When they arrived at Mar-a-Lago, Ms. Coleman said, her daughter was promptly handed a glass of champagne. She took it away, but waiters kept offering more. Each time one of the middle-aged men at the party approached her daughter, Ms. Coleman would walk over and introduce herself as Ms. Davis’s mother. During a trip to the bathroom, they ran into Mr. Trump’s new wife, whom they had met earlier. Ms. Maples clasped her hands, Ms. Coleman recalled, and looked her in the eye. “Whatever you do, do not let her around any of these men, and especially my husband,” she told Ms. Coleman. “Protect her.”
December 18, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
kevinmkruse.bsky.social
He never disclosed that he’d visited Epstein in that column and did a lot of hand waving to insist that he and his fellow elites had nothing, nothing at all to do with him.
I know a thing or two about the American elite, ahem, and if you've read my work, you may be sick of my assaults on the educated elites for being insular, self-indulgent and smug. But the phrase "the Epstein class" is inaccurate, unfair and irresponsible. Say what you will about our financial, educational, nonprofit and political elites, but they are not mass rapists. But the most important reason the Epstein story tops our national agenda is that the QAnon mentality has taken over America. The QAnon mentality is based on the assumption that the American elite is totally evil and that American institutions are totally corrupt. If there is a pizzeria on Connecticut Avenue in Northwest D.C., it must be because Hillary Clinton is running a child abuse sex ring in the basement.
December 18, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
parkermolloy.com
David Brooks, who wrote in the NYT last month, "The Epstein Story? Count Me Out" is... in the latest Epstein photo dump published by @oversightdemocrats.house.gov.

He should absolutely be fired by NYT for this. Major conflict of interest that he didn't disclose.
David Brooks: The Epstein Story? Count Me Out. David Brooks in the epstein photos
December 18, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Reposted by Euan Thomson
amandafollett.bsky.social
The Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia said Eby was “undermining public confidence in the justice system” and his comments “reflect a troubling national trend in which politicians use the courts as punching bags to score political points.”
@thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/News/2025/12...
Eby Is Under Fire for Undermining the Rule of Law | The Tyee
Lawyers say the premier’s criticism of rulings on Indigenous rights reflects ‘a troubling trend.’
thetyee.ca
December 18, 2025 at 4:20 PM
drugdatadecoded.ca
Once again, this account is the most useful thing I can name on bluesky!
December 17, 2025 at 5:10 PM