David Shepherd
@dshepyeg.bsky.social
MLA for Edmonton-City Centre • Shadow Minister for Public Safety & Emergency Services • Cyclist • Musician • Mild Comic Book Geek •
Reposted by David Shepherd
The suspension of obstetrical services in Cold Lake is unacceptable. Families in Cold Lake and across Alberta deserve access to safe, reliable care close to home, not months of uncertainty.
Danielle Smith and the UCP govt have failed to properly support rural health care. #abhealth #ableg #abpoli
Danielle Smith and the UCP govt have failed to properly support rural health care. #abhealth #ableg #abpoli
November 10, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Reposted by David Shepherd
On her radio show this past weekend, Danielle Smith doubled down on her populist math. If we have 51,000 teachers and 750,000 students why aren’t our classes sizes 14 to 1? Let’s break down some obvious issues with that math.
November 10, 2025 at 6:03 PM
On her radio show this past weekend, Danielle Smith doubled down on her populist math. If we have 51,000 teachers and 750,000 students why aren’t our classes sizes 14 to 1? Let’s break down some obvious issues with that math.
Reposted by David Shepherd
By using s33 pre-emptively, the UCP is not simply admitting that their laws are breaching Charter rights. (Governments have done that before.)
By foregoing judicial review, they are further admitting that their laws cannot be justified in a democratic society.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
By foregoing judicial review, they are further admitting that their laws cannot be justified in a democratic society.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
November 10, 2025 at 2:32 AM
By using s33 pre-emptively, the UCP is not simply admitting that their laws are breaching Charter rights. (Governments have done that before.)
By foregoing judicial review, they are further admitting that their laws cannot be justified in a democratic society.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
By foregoing judicial review, they are further admitting that their laws cannot be justified in a democratic society.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
Reposted by David Shepherd
One of our (newly elected) City Council's first orders of business was to *unanimously* approve $1 million to expand access to day shelter space in Edmonton. 👏🏻
Here's our op-ed from last month on why this is so needed. edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
#yegcc
Here's our op-ed from last month on why this is so needed. edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
#yegcc
Opinion: Cuts have left Edmonton's homeless with nowhere to go
Too few Edmontonians are aware a tidal wave of recent funding cuts and closures has wiped the city’s daytime drop-in spaces off the map.
edmontonjournal.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:56 PM
One of our (newly elected) City Council's first orders of business was to *unanimously* approve $1 million to expand access to day shelter space in Edmonton. 👏🏻
Here's our op-ed from last month on why this is so needed. edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
#yegcc
Here's our op-ed from last month on why this is so needed. edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
#yegcc
Albertans know we can do amazing things when we work together.
But Danielle Smith & the UCP just want power - to pick fights & tear things down.
We need change. We deserve an ethical, competent government that’s in this for you.
Help us get there:
volunteer.albertandp.ca/ECTR #abpoli
But Danielle Smith & the UCP just want power - to pick fights & tear things down.
We need change. We deserve an ethical, competent government that’s in this for you.
Help us get there:
volunteer.albertandp.ca/ECTR #abpoli
November 9, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Albertans know we can do amazing things when we work together.
But Danielle Smith & the UCP just want power - to pick fights & tear things down.
We need change. We deserve an ethical, competent government that’s in this for you.
Help us get there:
volunteer.albertandp.ca/ECTR #abpoli
But Danielle Smith & the UCP just want power - to pick fights & tear things down.
We need change. We deserve an ethical, competent government that’s in this for you.
Help us get there:
volunteer.albertandp.ca/ECTR #abpoli
According to the responsible minister, Jason Nixon, this is a “fake NDP crisis.”
The UCP wilfully ignore the realities we see on our streets & in our hospitals, the suffering of these Albertans & the impacts on our communities.
It’s callous, incompetent & cruel.
Albertans deserve better. #ableg
The UCP wilfully ignore the realities we see on our streets & in our hospitals, the suffering of these Albertans & the impacts on our communities.
It’s callous, incompetent & cruel.
Albertans deserve better. #ableg
On our op-ed page: researchers make the argument that Edmonton might be the frostbite capital of the world, largely due to street homelessness. edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
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 8:08 PM
According to the responsible minister, Jason Nixon, this is a “fake NDP crisis.”
The UCP wilfully ignore the realities we see on our streets & in our hospitals, the suffering of these Albertans & the impacts on our communities.
It’s callous, incompetent & cruel.
Albertans deserve better. #ableg
The UCP wilfully ignore the realities we see on our streets & in our hospitals, the suffering of these Albertans & the impacts on our communities.
It’s callous, incompetent & cruel.
Albertans deserve better. #ableg
A little snow didn’t keep the community from coming together to celebrate the opening of O’day-min Park - a beautiful new green space in the heart of our downtown.
Thank you to all the city leaders & staff & community advocates who worked to make it possible! #abpoli #yegdt
Thank you to all the city leaders & staff & community advocates who worked to make it possible! #abpoli #yegdt
November 8, 2025 at 7:47 PM
Reposted by David Shepherd
Danielle Smith is surprised that Albertans are using recall legislation for its intended purpose.
That's how the law works, Premier.
And no cabinet minister should implement laws while believing they are above them.
youtube.com/shorts/YEQGF...
That's how the law works, Premier.
And no cabinet minister should implement laws while believing they are above them.
youtube.com/shorts/YEQGF...
UCP: "Recall legislation for thee, not for me"
YouTube video by Naheed Nenshi
youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Danielle Smith is surprised that Albertans are using recall legislation for its intended purpose.
That's how the law works, Premier.
And no cabinet minister should implement laws while believing they are above them.
youtube.com/shorts/YEQGF...
That's how the law works, Premier.
And no cabinet minister should implement laws while believing they are above them.
youtube.com/shorts/YEQGF...
Very excited to see the opening of O-day’min Park between 106 & 108 Streets downtown!
Over the next week, the City of Edmonton will be hosting a range of events to celebrate. You can go to edmonton.ca/events to see them all.
I encourage everyone to stop by and check it out! #ableg #yegdt
Over the next week, the City of Edmonton will be hosting a range of events to celebrate. You can go to edmonton.ca/events to see them all.
I encourage everyone to stop by and check it out! #ableg #yegdt
November 7, 2025 at 10:33 PM
Very excited to see the opening of O-day’min Park between 106 & 108 Streets downtown!
Over the next week, the City of Edmonton will be hosting a range of events to celebrate. You can go to edmonton.ca/events to see them all.
I encourage everyone to stop by and check it out! #ableg #yegdt
Over the next week, the City of Edmonton will be hosting a range of events to celebrate. You can go to edmonton.ca/events to see them all.
I encourage everyone to stop by and check it out! #ableg #yegdt
Reposted by David Shepherd
For those keeping score, the premier:
🔵has already started picking her voters (through voter suppression laws).
🔴wants to choose who can run for office (only "serious" candidates qualify).
⚪️now wants to decide which MLAs deserve to be recalled (and which ones get to keep their seats).
🔵has already started picking her voters (through voter suppression laws).
🔴wants to choose who can run for office (only "serious" candidates qualify).
⚪️now wants to decide which MLAs deserve to be recalled (and which ones get to keep their seats).
November 7, 2025 at 2:00 AM
For those keeping score, the premier:
🔵has already started picking her voters (through voter suppression laws).
🔴wants to choose who can run for office (only "serious" candidates qualify).
⚪️now wants to decide which MLAs deserve to be recalled (and which ones get to keep their seats).
🔵has already started picking her voters (through voter suppression laws).
🔴wants to choose who can run for office (only "serious" candidates qualify).
⚪️now wants to decide which MLAs deserve to be recalled (and which ones get to keep their seats).
Reposted by David Shepherd
As we ready for the UCP's 2nd pre-emptice use of the notwithstanding clause in as many weeks, let's clarify what this means.
1️⃣ The move is constitutional. They *can* invoke it.
2️⃣ The UCP is not *required* to do this. There are other means to pass the law.
3️⃣ They should not use it, in my view.🧵
1️⃣ The move is constitutional. They *can* invoke it.
2️⃣ The UCP is not *required* to do this. There are other means to pass the law.
3️⃣ They should not use it, in my view.🧵
November 6, 2025 at 3:45 PM
As we ready for the UCP's 2nd pre-emptice use of the notwithstanding clause in as many weeks, let's clarify what this means.
1️⃣ The move is constitutional. They *can* invoke it.
2️⃣ The UCP is not *required* to do this. There are other means to pass the law.
3️⃣ They should not use it, in my view.🧵
1️⃣ The move is constitutional. They *can* invoke it.
2️⃣ The UCP is not *required* to do this. There are other means to pass the law.
3️⃣ They should not use it, in my view.🧵
Condo owners in City-Centre are having to pay tens of thousands of $ for repairs & security due to social disorder.
That’s not the fault of police or the city - it’s on the UCP.
If, as they claim, they’re doing all the right things already, why does this problem keep getting worse? #ableg
That’s not the fault of police or the city - it’s on the UCP.
If, as they claim, they’re doing all the right things already, why does this problem keep getting worse? #ableg
November 6, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Condo owners in City-Centre are having to pay tens of thousands of $ for repairs & security due to social disorder.
That’s not the fault of police or the city - it’s on the UCP.
If, as they claim, they’re doing all the right things already, why does this problem keep getting worse? #ableg
That’s not the fault of police or the city - it’s on the UCP.
If, as they claim, they’re doing all the right things already, why does this problem keep getting worse? #ableg
After 6 years under the UCP, social disorder is getting worse & that’s costing businesses.
Housing & supports for mental health & addiction are provincial responsibilities.
So I asked about it.
The UCP’s response?
“Everything is fine & you’d be worse.”
Albertans deserve better. #abpoli
Housing & supports for mental health & addiction are provincial responsibilities.
So I asked about it.
The UCP’s response?
“Everything is fine & you’d be worse.”
Albertans deserve better. #abpoli
November 6, 2025 at 12:38 AM
After 6 years under the UCP, social disorder is getting worse & that’s costing businesses.
Housing & supports for mental health & addiction are provincial responsibilities.
So I asked about it.
The UCP’s response?
“Everything is fine & you’d be worse.”
Albertans deserve better. #abpoli
Housing & supports for mental health & addiction are provincial responsibilities.
So I asked about it.
The UCP’s response?
“Everything is fine & you’d be worse.”
Albertans deserve better. #abpoli
Albertans are concerned about the UCP’s failures on healthcare & education & the growing evidence of their corruption.
UCP? They want to focus on conspiracies about voting machines & “electromagnetic allergies.”
Albertans deserve a government focused on them, not extremists in their party. #ableg
UCP? They want to focus on conspiracies about voting machines & “electromagnetic allergies.”
Albertans deserve a government focused on them, not extremists in their party. #ableg
November 5, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Albertans are concerned about the UCP’s failures on healthcare & education & the growing evidence of their corruption.
UCP? They want to focus on conspiracies about voting machines & “electromagnetic allergies.”
Albertans deserve a government focused on them, not extremists in their party. #ableg
UCP? They want to focus on conspiracies about voting machines & “electromagnetic allergies.”
Albertans deserve a government focused on them, not extremists in their party. #ableg
Danielle Smith & the UCP don’t love freedom - they love power.
And they’re happy to trample the rights of anyone who gets in their way.
Albertans deserve better than a government of cowardly bullies.
And better is possible. #abpoli
And they’re happy to trample the rights of anyone who gets in their way.
Albertans deserve better than a government of cowardly bullies.
And better is possible. #abpoli
November 5, 2025 at 12:07 AM
Danielle Smith & the UCP don’t love freedom - they love power.
And they’re happy to trample the rights of anyone who gets in their way.
Albertans deserve better than a government of cowardly bullies.
And better is possible. #abpoli
And they’re happy to trample the rights of anyone who gets in their way.
Albertans deserve better than a government of cowardly bullies.
And better is possible. #abpoli
The UCP are happy to extend the contract for a private surgical company connected to the CorruptCare scandal…
…but not for the Auditor-General who’s investigating it.
Because the most power-hungry Premier & government in Canada isn’t in this for Albertans - they’re in this for themselves. #abpoli
…but not for the Auditor-General who’s investigating it.
Because the most power-hungry Premier & government in Canada isn’t in this for Albertans - they’re in this for themselves. #abpoli
November 4, 2025 at 7:33 PM
The UCP are happy to extend the contract for a private surgical company connected to the CorruptCare scandal…
…but not for the Auditor-General who’s investigating it.
Because the most power-hungry Premier & government in Canada isn’t in this for Albertans - they’re in this for themselves. #abpoli
…but not for the Auditor-General who’s investigating it.
Because the most power-hungry Premier & government in Canada isn’t in this for Albertans - they’re in this for themselves. #abpoli
Reposted by David Shepherd
Keeping up with the UCP government's democratic transgressions can be difficult.
But not impossible.
Here’s a running list since Danielle Smith became premier. 🧵👇
But not impossible.
Here’s a running list since Danielle Smith became premier. 🧵👇
November 4, 2025 at 5:08 AM
Keeping up with the UCP government's democratic transgressions can be difficult.
But not impossible.
Here’s a running list since Danielle Smith became premier. 🧵👇
But not impossible.
Here’s a running list since Danielle Smith became premier. 🧵👇
Unbelievable.
This AM UCP MLAs voted to undermine the crucial work of the Auditor General & Chief Electoral Officer on an investigation into gov’t corruption & petitions to recall their colleagues.
Unprecedented & unacceptable levels of arrogance & entitlement.
youtu.be/H1fYDGOX8Wc?... #abpoli
This AM UCP MLAs voted to undermine the crucial work of the Auditor General & Chief Electoral Officer on an investigation into gov’t corruption & petitions to recall their colleagues.
Unprecedented & unacceptable levels of arrogance & entitlement.
youtu.be/H1fYDGOX8Wc?... #abpoli
UCP Undermines Auditor General & Chief Electoral Officer
YouTube video by David Shepherd
youtu.be
November 4, 2025 at 5:15 AM
Unbelievable.
This AM UCP MLAs voted to undermine the crucial work of the Auditor General & Chief Electoral Officer on an investigation into gov’t corruption & petitions to recall their colleagues.
Unprecedented & unacceptable levels of arrogance & entitlement.
youtu.be/H1fYDGOX8Wc?... #abpoli
This AM UCP MLAs voted to undermine the crucial work of the Auditor General & Chief Electoral Officer on an investigation into gov’t corruption & petitions to recall their colleagues.
Unprecedented & unacceptable levels of arrogance & entitlement.
youtu.be/H1fYDGOX8Wc?... #abpoli
Reposted by David Shepherd
Not even hiding the blatant entitlement anymore.
The Premier's Office continues to remove all checks and balances on its power.
The courts, the legislature, the Auditor General, independent agencies, the federal government, voters and candidates they don't like...
This is getting ridiculous.
The Premier's Office continues to remove all checks and balances on its power.
The courts, the legislature, the Auditor General, independent agencies, the federal government, voters and candidates they don't like...
This is getting ridiculous.
UCP members vote in committee to replace auditor general Doug Wylie, forcing rush to complete health procurement report. He isn't sure he can finish before a newbie takes over. Column
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg #UCP
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg #UCP
Braid: UCP dumps auditor general as he races to finish health scandal report
A UCP committee votes to replace auditor general Doug Wylie, the key person investigating the health contract scandal, writes Don Braid.
calgaryherald.com
November 4, 2025 at 1:06 AM
Not even hiding the blatant entitlement anymore.
The Premier's Office continues to remove all checks and balances on its power.
The courts, the legislature, the Auditor General, independent agencies, the federal government, voters and candidates they don't like...
This is getting ridiculous.
The Premier's Office continues to remove all checks and balances on its power.
The courts, the legislature, the Auditor General, independent agencies, the federal government, voters and candidates they don't like...
This is getting ridiculous.
Reposted by David Shepherd
Don't be fooled by the UCP's Bill 6.
Screening ia already happening. It's the psycho-ed testing that schools, boards, and the government refuse to fund.
A screener can tell you there's a deficiency. It can't tell you what that deficiency is or what to do about it.
www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...
Screening ia already happening. It's the psycho-ed testing that schools, boards, and the government refuse to fund.
A screener can tell you there's a deficiency. It can't tell you what that deficiency is or what to do about it.
www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...
Prioritizing math and reading skills
Alberta’s government is introducing legislation to help schools identify and support students with complex learning needs.
www.alberta.ca
November 4, 2025 at 2:03 AM
Don't be fooled by the UCP's Bill 6.
Screening ia already happening. It's the psycho-ed testing that schools, boards, and the government refuse to fund.
A screener can tell you there's a deficiency. It can't tell you what that deficiency is or what to do about it.
www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...
Screening ia already happening. It's the psycho-ed testing that schools, boards, and the government refuse to fund.
A screener can tell you there's a deficiency. It can't tell you what that deficiency is or what to do about it.
www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...
Reposted by David Shepherd
Nearly half a million Albertans have said it loud and clear: we’re proud Canadians.
It’s time for the UCP to admit they were wrong and join us in denouncing separatism once and for all.
youtube.com/shorts/t9wvD...
It’s time for the UCP to admit they were wrong and join us in denouncing separatism once and for all.
youtube.com/shorts/t9wvD...
Albertans don't want division. As proud Canadians, we reject separatism.
YouTube video by Naheed Nenshi
youtube.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:24 PM
Nearly half a million Albertans have said it loud and clear: we’re proud Canadians.
It’s time for the UCP to admit they were wrong and join us in denouncing separatism once and for all.
youtube.com/shorts/t9wvD...
It’s time for the UCP to admit they were wrong and join us in denouncing separatism once and for all.
youtube.com/shorts/t9wvD...
Reposted by David Shepherd
A reminder that this outcome was designed and predictable.
November 3, 2025 at 4:27 AM
A reminder that this outcome was designed and predictable.
The UCP have been claiming they were willing to enter mediation to reach a fair deal with teachers.
But as I explain, the UCP’s reaction when a mediator recently ruled against them makes it pretty clear they can’t be trusted to keep any deal that doesn’t favour them.
#ableg
But as I explain, the UCP’s reaction when a mediator recently ruled against them makes it pretty clear they can’t be trusted to keep any deal that doesn’t favour them.
#ableg
October 31, 2025 at 7:48 PM
The UCP have been claiming they were willing to enter mediation to reach a fair deal with teachers.
But as I explain, the UCP’s reaction when a mediator recently ruled against them makes it pretty clear they can’t be trusted to keep any deal that doesn’t favour them.
#ableg
But as I explain, the UCP’s reaction when a mediator recently ruled against them makes it pretty clear they can’t be trusted to keep any deal that doesn’t favour them.
#ableg
Reposted by David Shepherd
The UCP is hiding behind "justifications" that "they can do it" (of course they can) and that "they had to do it" (no, they didn't). If the UCP won't have the real, normative debates in the legislature during daylight hours with the premier present, it falls to the rest of us.
My latest on three important questions about the UCP's use of the notwithstanding clause.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
Can they? Must they? Should they?
Three questions to answer about the UCP's use of the notwithstanding clause
open.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:48 PM
The UCP is hiding behind "justifications" that "they can do it" (of course they can) and that "they had to do it" (no, they didn't). If the UCP won't have the real, normative debates in the legislature during daylight hours with the premier present, it falls to the rest of us.