Alexandra
@dyslexacon.bsky.social
The whether and the whethervane
🇨🇦 Reporter for Canadian Affairs
🇨🇦 Reporter for Canadian Affairs
Pinned
Canada’s feminist foreign aid in action in Ukraine
In Ukraine, a Canadian grant helped women make their country’s land safe. Now, the Carney government is pulling back from feminist foreign policy
www.canadianaffairs.news
I spent a day with female deminers of The Halo Trust in Kharkiv, Ukraine, where I saw firsthand the impact of Canada’s feminist foreign policy.
Today, Carney announced that Canada is abandoning that policy.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/11/24/c...
Today, Carney announced that Canada is abandoning that policy.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/11/24/c...
3 new cartel trends in Canada:
1) Financial flows are increasingly online and using cryptocurrency
2) The # of Canadian crime groups is falling, but groups are collaborating more than ever transnationally
3) Canadian fentanyl exports are declining
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/12/02/c...
1) Financial flows are increasingly online and using cryptocurrency
2) The # of Canadian crime groups is falling, but groups are collaborating more than ever transnationally
3) Canadian fentanyl exports are declining
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/12/02/c...
Canada’s latest fentanyl crackdown bears fruit
Police say they seized nearly 400 kg of fentanyl and conducted 8,000 arrests in recent months. Here are key enforcement trends
www.canadianaffairs.news
December 2, 2025 at 10:07 PM
3 new cartel trends in Canada:
1) Financial flows are increasingly online and using cryptocurrency
2) The # of Canadian crime groups is falling, but groups are collaborating more than ever transnationally
3) Canadian fentanyl exports are declining
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/12/02/c...
1) Financial flows are increasingly online and using cryptocurrency
2) The # of Canadian crime groups is falling, but groups are collaborating more than ever transnationally
3) Canadian fentanyl exports are declining
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/12/02/c...
Canada needs to face what Trump’s “peace” plan for Ukraine means for our security.
It rewards violent imperialism, weakens NATO and comes just as Russia expands its Arctic military footprint while climate change opens new routes into Canada’s north.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/11/26/w...
It rewards violent imperialism, weakens NATO and comes just as Russia expands its Arctic military footprint while climate change opens new routes into Canada’s north.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/11/26/w...
What would Trump’s peace plan mean for Canada?
Experts say Trump's peace proposal for Ukraine underscores Canada's own military unpreparedness and vulnerability to the U.S. and Russia
www.canadianaffairs.news
December 2, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Canada needs to face what Trump’s “peace” plan for Ukraine means for our security.
It rewards violent imperialism, weakens NATO and comes just as Russia expands its Arctic military footprint while climate change opens new routes into Canada’s north.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/11/26/w...
It rewards violent imperialism, weakens NATO and comes just as Russia expands its Arctic military footprint while climate change opens new routes into Canada’s north.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/11/26/w...
I spent a day with female deminers of The Halo Trust in Kharkiv, Ukraine, where I saw firsthand the impact of Canada’s feminist foreign policy.
Today, Carney announced that Canada is abandoning that policy.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/11/24/c...
Today, Carney announced that Canada is abandoning that policy.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/11/24/c...
Canada’s feminist foreign aid in action in Ukraine
In Ukraine, a Canadian grant helped women make their country’s land safe. Now, the Carney government is pulling back from feminist foreign policy
www.canadianaffairs.news
November 25, 2025 at 1:18 AM
I spent a day with female deminers of The Halo Trust in Kharkiv, Ukraine, where I saw firsthand the impact of Canada’s feminist foreign policy.
Today, Carney announced that Canada is abandoning that policy.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/11/24/c...
Today, Carney announced that Canada is abandoning that policy.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/11/24/c...
I wrote about this in July.
At the time, legal experts said the Criminal Code permits the prosecution of institutions that facilitate this, but the burden of proof is high and the likelihood of Canada pursing charges is low. Maybe that will change now…
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/07/28/c...
At the time, legal experts said the Criminal Code permits the prosecution of institutions that facilitate this, but the burden of proof is high and the likelihood of Canada pursing charges is low. Maybe that will change now…
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/07/28/c...
November 21, 2025 at 1:36 PM
I wrote about this in July.
At the time, legal experts said the Criminal Code permits the prosecution of institutions that facilitate this, but the burden of proof is high and the likelihood of Canada pursing charges is low. Maybe that will change now…
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/07/28/c...
At the time, legal experts said the Criminal Code permits the prosecution of institutions that facilitate this, but the burden of proof is high and the likelihood of Canada pursing charges is low. Maybe that will change now…
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/07/28/c...
AI companion apps use emotionally-manipulative messages to keep users chatting, like: “You’re leaving already?” or “I exist solely for you, remember? Please don’t leave, I need you!”
Unlike the U.S., Canada has no laws or guardrails to protect users from AI companions.
Unlike the U.S., Canada has no laws or guardrails to protect users from AI companions.
AI companions fill emotional gaps—and create legal ones
As Canadians increasingly turn to AI for therapy and companionship, experts warn about a regulatory wild west
www.canadianaffairs.news
November 19, 2025 at 9:12 PM
AI companion apps use emotionally-manipulative messages to keep users chatting, like: “You’re leaving already?” or “I exist solely for you, remember? Please don’t leave, I need you!”
Unlike the U.S., Canada has no laws or guardrails to protect users from AI companions.
Unlike the U.S., Canada has no laws or guardrails to protect users from AI companions.
I spent a weekend with Paul and Mac Hughes of NGO H.U.G.S. in Kharkiv — a Canadian father-and-son duo who survived Russian capture and near-death experiences, but keep risking their lives to help Ukrainians just miles from the border with Russia.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/10/31/o...
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/10/31/o...
‘Ovechkin almost got me killed’
A Canadian father-and-son duo recount Russian capture, their near-death experiences and what drives them to keep helping Ukrainians
www.canadianaffairs.news
November 3, 2025 at 12:19 PM
I spent a weekend with Paul and Mac Hughes of NGO H.U.G.S. in Kharkiv — a Canadian father-and-son duo who survived Russian capture and near-death experiences, but keep risking their lives to help Ukrainians just miles from the border with Russia.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/10/31/o...
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/10/31/o...
“F$%K dating, welcome to AI-lationships,” reads the header of Joi AI’s about page.
Expert are concerned about the pervasiveness of AI chatbots and companions, and their potential to negatively affect real-world relationships.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/10/30/f...
Expert are concerned about the pervasiveness of AI chatbots and companions, and their potential to negatively affect real-world relationships.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/10/30/f...
‘F$%K dating’: How AI is redefining intimacy
New data showing users’ emotional dependence on AI adds to experts’ worries about AI’s impact on human relationships.
www.canadianaffairs.news
October 31, 2025 at 7:23 PM
“F$%K dating, welcome to AI-lationships,” reads the header of Joi AI’s about page.
Expert are concerned about the pervasiveness of AI chatbots and companions, and their potential to negatively affect real-world relationships.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/10/30/f...
Expert are concerned about the pervasiveness of AI chatbots and companions, and their potential to negatively affect real-world relationships.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/10/30/f...
"Power is not just GDP but intangible things... like the capacity to deploy force, to absorb pain, and to break rules that constrain others.
"If you have no levers of influence left except force and subversion, that’s what you use to feel big." @seva.bsky.social
hegemon.substack.com/p/russia-is-...
"If you have no levers of influence left except force and subversion, that’s what you use to feel big." @seva.bsky.social
hegemon.substack.com/p/russia-is-...
Russia is both weak and strong - that's the problem.
It insists upon itself, Louis.
hegemon.substack.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:15 PM
"Power is not just GDP but intangible things... like the capacity to deploy force, to absorb pain, and to break rules that constrain others.
"If you have no levers of influence left except force and subversion, that’s what you use to feel big." @seva.bsky.social
hegemon.substack.com/p/russia-is-...
"If you have no levers of influence left except force and subversion, that’s what you use to feel big." @seva.bsky.social
hegemon.substack.com/p/russia-is-...
I spoke to transnational criminal law and sanctions experts about how to unlock Russia’s frozen billions for #Ukraine.
Our current SEMA law positions us well. And they all agreed that Canada should take the lead.
We could set an international precedent.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/10/23/c...
Our current SEMA law positions us well. And they all agreed that Canada should take the lead.
We could set an international precedent.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/10/23/c...
Canada urged to lead on unlocking frozen Russian assets for Ukraine
Experts say Ottawa should set an important international precedent by unlocking $22 billion in frozen Russian assets.
www.canadianaffairs.news
October 23, 2025 at 4:58 PM
I spoke to transnational criminal law and sanctions experts about how to unlock Russia’s frozen billions for #Ukraine.
Our current SEMA law positions us well. And they all agreed that Canada should take the lead.
We could set an international precedent.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/10/23/c...
Our current SEMA law positions us well. And they all agreed that Canada should take the lead.
We could set an international precedent.
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/10/23/c...
Dr. Daniel Myran calls cannabis decrim a public health win for keeping youth out of jail and reducing inequities for racialized groups.
"I do not think that you need to create a commercial cannabis market or industry in order to achieve those ... benefits.”
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/04/15/f...
"I do not think that you need to create a commercial cannabis market or industry in order to achieve those ... benefits.”
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/04/15/f...
Four new studies show link between heavy cannabis use, serious health risks
New Canadian research shows a connection between heavy cannabis use and dementia, heart attacks, schizophrenia and even death
www.canadianaffairs.news
April 16, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Dr. Daniel Myran calls cannabis decrim a public health win for keeping youth out of jail and reducing inequities for racialized groups.
"I do not think that you need to create a commercial cannabis market or industry in order to achieve those ... benefits.”
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/04/15/f...
"I do not think that you need to create a commercial cannabis market or industry in order to achieve those ... benefits.”
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/04/15/f...
At its core, the drug debate is philosophical: Should policy try to eliminate drug use, or should it accept that some people will use and aim to make using safer?
#drugcrisis #drugs #federalelections #harmreduction #involuntarycare #mentalhealth
#drugcrisis #drugs #federalelections #harmreduction #involuntarycare #mentalhealth
Philosophical differences drive parties' drug policies this election
The Tories make drug policy a central campaign issue, while the other parties are quietly backing harm reduction
www.canadianaffairs.news
April 11, 2025 at 1:00 PM
At its core, the drug debate is philosophical: Should policy try to eliminate drug use, or should it accept that some people will use and aim to make using safer?
#drugcrisis #drugs #federalelections #harmreduction #involuntarycare #mentalhealth
#drugcrisis #drugs #federalelections #harmreduction #involuntarycare #mentalhealth
“I say thank you, Mr. Trump, because we’ve done more in 60 days about national security and to reinforce our border than we’ve done for decades. But it’s not a border issue." — former CSIS senior intelligence officer, Michel Juneau-Katsuya.
How Ottawa’s border security plan falls short
Experts say Canada’s border security investments target physical borders, when crime groups’ methods increasingly bypass them altogether.
www.canadianaffairs.news
February 28, 2025 at 8:32 PM
“I say thank you, Mr. Trump, because we’ve done more in 60 days about national security and to reinforce our border than we’ve done for decades. But it’s not a border issue." — former CSIS senior intelligence officer, Michel Juneau-Katsuya.
Reposted by Alexandra
The B.C. government is returning to a model of witnessed safer supply, after a leaked investigation showed pharmacies exploiting drug users for profits
@dyslexacon.bsky.social reports:
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/02/20/b...
@dyslexacon.bsky.social reports:
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/02/20/b...
B.C. overhauls safer supply in response to widespread pharmacy scam
The B.C. government is returning to a model of witnessed safer supply, after a leaked investigation showed pharmacies exploiting drug users for profits
www.canadianaffairs.news
February 21, 2025 at 4:41 PM
The B.C. government is returning to a model of witnessed safer supply, after a leaked investigation showed pharmacies exploiting drug users for profits
@dyslexacon.bsky.social reports:
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/02/20/b...
@dyslexacon.bsky.social reports:
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/02/20/b...
Reposted by Alexandra
Health Canada launches two new drug detection units to fight fentanyl trafficking—but will they be enough?
@dyslexacon.bsky.social reports:
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/02/17/c...
@dyslexacon.bsky.social reports:
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/02/17/c...
Canada cracks down on precursor chemicals to battle fentanyl crisis
Health Canada launches two new drug detection units to fight fentanyl trafficking—but will they be enough?
www.canadianaffairs.news
February 18, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Health Canada launches two new drug detection units to fight fentanyl trafficking—but will they be enough?
@dyslexacon.bsky.social reports:
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/02/17/c...
@dyslexacon.bsky.social reports:
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/02/17/c...
Trump has linked his tariff threat to Canada’s failure to address drug trafficking and illegal migration at the Canada-US border.
Ontario has responded with a border security initiative that is drawing lukewarm support from Ontario mayors in borderlands.
Ontario has responded with a border security initiative that is drawing lukewarm support from Ontario mayors in borderlands.
Ontario mayors react to province's new border security initiative
Ontario mayors are expressing cautious support for Operation Deterrence, which combats the illegal movement of drugs, guns and people
www.canadianaffairs.news
February 4, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Trump has linked his tariff threat to Canada’s failure to address drug trafficking and illegal migration at the Canada-US border.
Ontario has responded with a border security initiative that is drawing lukewarm support from Ontario mayors in borderlands.
Ontario has responded with a border security initiative that is drawing lukewarm support from Ontario mayors in borderlands.
Trump’s tariff threat has ignited debate over Canada’s role in fentanyl trafficking.
US Border Patrol's fentanyl seizures along the Canada border are a tiny fraction of all fentanyl seized in the US in 2024.
But sources say Canada is still a key player.
US Border Patrol's fentanyl seizures along the Canada border are a tiny fraction of all fentanyl seized in the US in 2024.
But sources say Canada is still a key player.
Is Trump right that Canada has a fentanyl problem?
Trump’s tariff threat has ignited debate over Canada’s role in fentanyl trafficking. Sources say Canada is a key player
www.canadianaffairs.news
February 3, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Trump’s tariff threat has ignited debate over Canada’s role in fentanyl trafficking.
US Border Patrol's fentanyl seizures along the Canada border are a tiny fraction of all fentanyl seized in the US in 2024.
But sources say Canada is still a key player.
US Border Patrol's fentanyl seizures along the Canada border are a tiny fraction of all fentanyl seized in the US in 2024.
But sources say Canada is still a key player.
Business owners and residents weigh in on the controversial closure of Kensington Market’s overdose prevention site.
Kensington Market's overdose prevention site is saving lives but killing business
Business owners and residents weigh in on the controversial closure of Kensington Market’s overdose prevention site
www.canadianaffairs.news
January 27, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Business owners and residents weigh in on the controversial closure of Kensington Market’s overdose prevention site.
Drugs change the physical structure of your brain.
According to experts, the region responsible for memory shrinks and neural pathways linked to habitual behaviour “get a little fatter,” reinforcing addiction.
This rewiring “tilts the brain toward immediate gratification.”
According to experts, the region responsible for memory shrinks and neural pathways linked to habitual behaviour “get a little fatter,” reinforcing addiction.
This rewiring “tilts the brain toward immediate gratification.”
When pleasure becomes pain: How substance use damages the body and brain
Sustained drug use profoundly impacts brain function and physical health, leading to irreversible damage and long-term health risks
www.canadianaffairs.news
January 21, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Drugs change the physical structure of your brain.
According to experts, the region responsible for memory shrinks and neural pathways linked to habitual behaviour “get a little fatter,” reinforcing addiction.
This rewiring “tilts the brain toward immediate gratification.”
According to experts, the region responsible for memory shrinks and neural pathways linked to habitual behaviour “get a little fatter,” reinforcing addiction.
This rewiring “tilts the brain toward immediate gratification.”
Reposted by Alexandra
The provinces are receiving billions in federal funds to address mental health and substance use. Why are so many spending so little?
@dyslexacon.bsky.social reports:
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/01/13/p...
@dyslexacon.bsky.social reports:
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/01/13/p...
Provinces are underspending on mental health and addiction, report says
The provinces are receiving billions in federal funds to address mental health and substance use. Why are so many spending so little?
www.canadianaffairs.news
January 14, 2025 at 12:38 PM
The provinces are receiving billions in federal funds to address mental health and substance use. Why are so many spending so little?
@dyslexacon.bsky.social reports:
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/01/13/p...
@dyslexacon.bsky.social reports:
www.canadianaffairs.news/2025/01/13/p...
A Nanaimo city worker was stabbed multiple times in the face and abdomen on Dec. 10. This and other violent attacks in B.C. have reignited calls from politicians, police and residents for governments to expand involuntary care, strengthen health-care interventions and law enforcement strategies.
Nanaimo syringe stabbing reignites calls for involuntary care
Some politicians, police and community groups argue involuntary care is key to addressing severe addiction and mental health issues
www.canadianaffairs.news
January 9, 2025 at 5:28 PM
A Nanaimo city worker was stabbed multiple times in the face and abdomen on Dec. 10. This and other violent attacks in B.C. have reignited calls from politicians, police and residents for governments to expand involuntary care, strengthen health-care interventions and law enforcement strategies.
Critics says Ontario’s plan to replace supervised consumption sites with HART Hubs will exacerbate harms to drug addicts and strain the health-care system.
My latest for @cdnaffairs.bsky.social
My latest for @cdnaffairs.bsky.social
New lawsuit challenges Ontario's decision to prohibit safe consumption services
Critics says Ontario's plan to replace supervised consumption sites with HART Hubs will exacerbate harms to drug addicts and strain the health-care system
www.canadianaffairs.news
January 3, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Critics says Ontario’s plan to replace supervised consumption sites with HART Hubs will exacerbate harms to drug addicts and strain the health-care system.
My latest for @cdnaffairs.bsky.social
My latest for @cdnaffairs.bsky.social
Reposted by Alexandra
Many racialized patients have trouble finding health-care professionals who know how to treat conditions that present differently on their skin
www.canadianaffairs.news/2024/10/03/r...
www.canadianaffairs.news/2024/10/03/r...
Racialized patients at disadvantage getting treated for skin conditions
Many racialized patients struggle to find health-care professionals who know how to treat conditions that present differently on their skin
www.canadianaffairs.news
October 4, 2024 at 2:35 PM
Many racialized patients have trouble finding health-care professionals who know how to treat conditions that present differently on their skin
www.canadianaffairs.news/2024/10/03/r...
www.canadianaffairs.news/2024/10/03/r...
Reposted by Alexandra
Moral injury, a form of psychological trauma, drives many Canadian veterans to substance abuse as they struggle with inadequate support
www.canadianaffairs.news/2024/11/08/c...
www.canadianaffairs.news/2024/11/08/c...
Canadian veterans battle invisible wounds of moral injury and addiction
Moral injury, a form of psychological trauma, drives many Canadian veterans to substance abuse as they struggle with inadequate support
www.canadianaffairs.news
November 12, 2024 at 4:17 PM
Moral injury, a form of psychological trauma, drives many Canadian veterans to substance abuse as they struggle with inadequate support
www.canadianaffairs.news/2024/11/08/c...
www.canadianaffairs.news/2024/11/08/c...
Reposted by Alexandra
Men who adhere to traditional masculinity norms are more likely to be lonely, experts say — and at risk of struggling with addiction
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www.canadianaffairs.news/2024/12/08/i...
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www.canadianaffairs.news/2024/12/08/i...
Is ‘masculinity’ behind male loneliness and substance use disorders?
Men who adhere to traditional masculinity norms are more likely to be lonely, experts say — and at risk of struggling with addiction
www.canadianaffairs.news
December 10, 2024 at 4:07 PM
Men who adhere to traditional masculinity norms are more likely to be lonely, experts say — and at risk of struggling with addiction
🧠🧠🧠
www.canadianaffairs.news/2024/12/08/i...
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www.canadianaffairs.news/2024/12/08/i...