Erika Shaker
@ershaker.bsky.social
Director, CCPA National Office
https://bsky.app/profile/policyalternatives.bsky.social
https://bsky.app/profile/policyalternatives.bsky.social
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'If one thing is clear, its that Canada cannot import its way to a net-zero future. It must build it here at home.' @policyalternatives.ca
Canada must strengthen it’s China EV deal to protect autoworkers - CCPA
Canada can’t import its way to net-zero, or to a better trading model. It needs to build here at home.
www.policyalternatives.ca
February 13, 2026 at 4:14 PM
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'If one thing is clear, its that Canada cannot import its way to a net-zero future. It must build it here at home.' @policyalternatives.ca
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'A planning document that does not plan for BC meeting its legislated GHG targets is not a complete plan. A truly integrated approach to BC electricity is needed given multiple objectives & potentially large affordability impacts' @policyalternatives.ca
BC Hydro’s draft Integrated Resources Plan and the future of energy policy in BC - CCPA
The utility’s plan fails to address large new sources of demand and broader climate goals
www.policyalternatives.ca
February 13, 2026 at 3:37 PM
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'A planning document that does not plan for BC meeting its legislated GHG targets is not a complete plan. A truly integrated approach to BC electricity is needed given multiple objectives & potentially large affordability impacts' @policyalternatives.ca
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... '2025 [FAO] report found that ON spends $5,092 less per FT domestic college student than the Cdn average, & $6,510 less per FT domestic university student. The new funding doesn’t even get close to addressing this embarrassing gap' @policyalternatives.ca
Ontario government shows up late and brings little to post-secondary education crisis - CCPA
Ontario is spending less on education than in 2018, despite "historical" new funding from the provincial government.
www.policyalternatives.ca
February 12, 2026 at 9:50 PM
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... '2025 [FAO] report found that ON spends $5,092 less per FT domestic college student than the Cdn average, & $6,510 less per FT domestic university student. The new funding doesn’t even get close to addressing this embarrassing gap' @policyalternatives.ca
Reposted by Erika Shaker
Economist @marclee.bsky.social is skeptical that Vancouver — or Canada — will get the bank.
“...It looks to me like a government that’s just completely devoid of any vision of what to do around the economy and it’s just grasping at straws.” @policyalternatives.ca #bcpoli thetyee.ca/News/2026/02...
“...It looks to me like a government that’s just completely devoid of any vision of what to do around the economy and it’s just grasping at straws.” @policyalternatives.ca #bcpoli thetyee.ca/News/2026/02...
Why Does Vancouver Want a Global Defence Bank? | The Tyee
Local business leaders promote Vancouver’s connections to Asia, but critics warn Canada could end up boosting the ‘war economy.’
thetyee.ca
February 12, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Economist @marclee.bsky.social is skeptical that Vancouver — or Canada — will get the bank.
“...It looks to me like a government that’s just completely devoid of any vision of what to do around the economy and it’s just grasping at straws.” @policyalternatives.ca #bcpoli thetyee.ca/News/2026/02...
“...It looks to me like a government that’s just completely devoid of any vision of what to do around the economy and it’s just grasping at straws.” @policyalternatives.ca #bcpoli thetyee.ca/News/2026/02...
'Israel’s foreign ministry justified its financial “cooperation with the Exigent Foundation” on the basis that it is a “Canadian organization with access to influential audiences and experience in developing effective public diplomacy approaches.”'
I discovered Israeli government procurement documents showing a Canadian group that's sending right-wing media personalities on free trips to Israel was granted funds from Israel's foreign ministry
The funding came through an arm of the ministry focused on managing “public perception of Israel”
The funding came through an arm of the ministry focused on managing “public perception of Israel”
February 12, 2026 at 9:47 PM
'Israel’s foreign ministry justified its financial “cooperation with the Exigent Foundation” on the basis that it is a “Canadian organization with access to influential audiences and experience in developing effective public diplomacy approaches.”'
Reposted by Erika Shaker
Canada is uniquely positioned to break the siege of Cuba—we should be leading a regional coalition to ship oil and aid to Cuba, and prevent the humanitarian crisis that U.S. regime is attempting to deliberately trigger.
I wrote about it, and the history of the blockade, for @policyalternatives.ca
I wrote about it, and the history of the blockade, for @policyalternatives.ca
Send Canadian oil to Cuba - CCPA
The United States is attempting to deliberately trigger a humanitarian crisis in Cuba. Canada must act in concert with regional allies to defy the blockade.
www.policyalternatives.ca
February 12, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Canada is uniquely positioned to break the siege of Cuba—we should be leading a regional coalition to ship oil and aid to Cuba, and prevent the humanitarian crisis that U.S. regime is attempting to deliberately trigger.
I wrote about it, and the history of the blockade, for @policyalternatives.ca
I wrote about it, and the history of the blockade, for @policyalternatives.ca
globalnews.ca/news/1166455... 'Colleges Ontario has said its members have already cut at least $1.8 billion, suspended 600 programs and shed 8,000 jobs.'
Ontario ends tuition fee freeze at public colleges, universities | Globalnews.ca
Post-secondary institutions will be allowed to increase their tuition fees by two per cent per year for three years, before switching to an inflation-informed increase after that.
globalnews.ca
February 12, 2026 at 5:48 PM
globalnews.ca/news/1166455... 'Colleges Ontario has said its members have already cut at least $1.8 billion, suspended 600 programs and shed 8,000 jobs.'
Important thread from my colleague @alonghurst.bsky.social: is AB's new 2-tiered health care system European? Fact check incoming.....
@policyalternatives.ca
@policyalternatives.ca
Fact check: Alberta’s new two-tier system is not “European” health care
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
#abpoli #cdnpoli
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
#abpoli #cdnpoli
Fact check: Alberta’s new two-tier system is not “European” health care - CCPA
The Alberta government is engaged in the most significant challenge to single-payer health care in Canada since the creation of public medicare
www.policyalternatives.ca
February 12, 2026 at 5:42 PM
Important thread from my colleague @alonghurst.bsky.social: is AB's new 2-tiered health care system European? Fact check incoming.....
@policyalternatives.ca
@policyalternatives.ca
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'The greatest unsaid risk is that we do nothing—and allow the U.S. to systematically destroy all independent countries in the region, and have no one behind us when they come for us.' @policyalternatives.ca
Send Canadian oil to Cuba - CCPA
The United States is attempting to deliberately trigger a humanitarian crisis in Cuba. Canada must act in concert with regional allies to defy the blockade.
www.policyalternatives.ca
February 12, 2026 at 4:20 PM
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'The greatest unsaid risk is that we do nothing—and allow the U.S. to systematically destroy all independent countries in the region, and have no one behind us when they come for us.' @policyalternatives.ca
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'the AB government argues that dual physician practice brings AB’s health system closer to those in much of western Europe and Australia...Let’s take a look at these claims in detail.' @policyalternatives.ca @alonghurst.bsky.social
Fact check: Alberta’s new two-tier system is not “European” health care - CCPA
The Alberta government is engaged in the most significant challenge to single-payer health care in Canada since the creation of public medicare
www.policyalternatives.ca
February 12, 2026 at 3:32 PM
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'the AB government argues that dual physician practice brings AB’s health system closer to those in much of western Europe and Australia...Let’s take a look at these claims in detail.' @policyalternatives.ca @alonghurst.bsky.social
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'Though federal policymakers have developed many non-binding frameworks around AI, Canada lacks binding AI regulation, leaving Canadians without proper protections against AI harms to privacy and human rights.' @policyalternatives.ca
Canada still has no meaningful AI regulation - CCPA
As the industry grows and the federal government goes “all-in,” it’s increasingly important to adopt a policy framework that will protect Canadians
www.policyalternatives.ca
February 12, 2026 at 2:44 PM
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'Though federal policymakers have developed many non-binding frameworks around AI, Canada lacks binding AI regulation, leaving Canadians without proper protections against AI harms to privacy and human rights.' @policyalternatives.ca
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... ‘This decision is part of a comprehensive review of expenses following $132 million in cuts imposed on CSC in the latest federal budget.’
Academics pan decision to cut CEGEP education in Quebec's federal prisons | CBC News
Inmates in Quebec's federal prisons will soon be deprived of post-secondary studies that had been offered for 52 years after Correctional Service Canada decided to slash funding.
www.cbc.ca
February 12, 2026 at 1:53 PM
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... ‘This decision is part of a comprehensive review of expenses following $132 million in cuts imposed on CSC in the latest federal budget.’
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'the lack of planned investment in seniors’ care is a serious problem. If the provincial govt has no plans to sufficiently address increasing demand for public care, how are these gaps being filled?' @policyalternatives.ca @alonghurst.bsky.social
Seniors’ care needs a boost in the BC budget - CCPA
Private-pay long-term care in BC is growing faster than public care—and it's costing seniors and their families
www.policyalternatives.ca
February 11, 2026 at 3:07 PM
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'the lack of planned investment in seniors’ care is a serious problem. If the provincial govt has no plans to sufficiently address increasing demand for public care, how are these gaps being filled?' @policyalternatives.ca @alonghurst.bsky.social
Reposted by Erika Shaker
I'm so excited to welcome my BC-based colleague, Andy Longhurst, to the CCPA as our new health care researcher. Just in time for next week's BC Budget, Andy looks at the big raise we gave to physicians and how it's impacting the system.
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
BC residents have shrinking access to family doctors, despite more doctors - CCPA
Primary care access is declining in BC. With a new provincial budget on the way, how has spending on doctors affected it?
www.policyalternatives.ca
February 10, 2026 at 5:22 PM
I'm so excited to welcome my BC-based colleague, Andy Longhurst, to the CCPA as our new health care researcher. Just in time for next week's BC Budget, Andy looks at the big raise we gave to physicians and how it's impacting the system.
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
Reposted by Erika Shaker
New from me:
In the first year of the new Longitudinal Family Physician payment model, there was a 17% jump in government spending, but fewer British Columbians had access to a family doctor
#bcpoli
In the first year of the new Longitudinal Family Physician payment model, there was a 17% jump in government spending, but fewer British Columbians had access to a family doctor
#bcpoli
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'Despite the growing number of family physicians per capita, the proportion of British Columbians with access to a family doctor is actually shrinking.' @policyalternatives.ca @alonghurst.bsky.social
BC residents have shrinking access to family doctors, despite more doctors - CCPA
Primary care access is declining in BC. With a new provincial budget on the way, how has spending on doctors affected it?
www.policyalternatives.ca
February 10, 2026 at 3:47 PM
New from me:
In the first year of the new Longitudinal Family Physician payment model, there was a 17% jump in government spending, but fewer British Columbians had access to a family doctor
#bcpoli
In the first year of the new Longitudinal Family Physician payment model, there was a 17% jump in government spending, but fewer British Columbians had access to a family doctor
#bcpoli
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'Despite the growing number of family physicians per capita, the proportion of British Columbians with access to a family doctor is actually shrinking.' @policyalternatives.ca @alonghurst.bsky.social
BC residents have shrinking access to family doctors, despite more doctors - CCPA
Primary care access is declining in BC. With a new provincial budget on the way, how has spending on doctors affected it?
www.policyalternatives.ca
February 10, 2026 at 3:38 PM
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'Despite the growing number of family physicians per capita, the proportion of British Columbians with access to a family doctor is actually shrinking.' @policyalternatives.ca @alonghurst.bsky.social
Reposted by Erika Shaker
Hallway health care metric one of several 'to be retired' from health agency’s public report
One emergency physician calling it ‘utter malpractice’ to not release the data publicly
www.thetrillium.ca/news/health/...
#onpoli
One emergency physician calling it ‘utter malpractice’ to not release the data publicly
www.thetrillium.ca/news/health/...
#onpoli
Hallway health care metric one of several 'to be retired' from health agency’s public report
The metric was not included in the latest Ontario Health annual report, with one emergency physician calling it ‘utter malpractice’ to not release the data publicly
www.thetrillium.ca
February 5, 2026 at 5:54 PM
Hallway health care metric one of several 'to be retired' from health agency’s public report
One emergency physician calling it ‘utter malpractice’ to not release the data publicly
www.thetrillium.ca/news/health/...
#onpoli
One emergency physician calling it ‘utter malpractice’ to not release the data publicly
www.thetrillium.ca/news/health/...
#onpoli
Reposted by Erika Shaker
Ah this is the part of the show when seemingly disparate plotlines come together.
1. This 2016 exchange between Jeffrey Epstein and Peter Thiel is so essential, really gets to the heart of Epstein's project.
Epstein: brexit, just the beginning.
Thiel: Of what?
Epstein: return to tribalism... finding things on their way to collapse , was much easier than finding the next bargain
Epstein: brexit, just the beginning.
Thiel: Of what?
Epstein: return to tribalism... finding things on their way to collapse , was much easier than finding the next bargain
February 2, 2026 at 11:24 PM
Ah this is the part of the show when seemingly disparate plotlines come together.
Reposted by Erika Shaker
FYI I’m really giving it to the @bsky.app Twitter account right now about banning and deleting Palestinian accounts here. It’s starting to go viral and more people are starting to see. If they don’t want bad publicity they should change their policy to let them fundraiser here. @support.bsky.team
February 5, 2026 at 10:11 PM
FYI I’m really giving it to the @bsky.app Twitter account right now about banning and deleting Palestinian accounts here. It’s starting to go viral and more people are starting to see. If they don’t want bad publicity they should change their policy to let them fundraiser here. @support.bsky.team
Reposted by Erika Shaker
My preliminary take on the new stats on federal job job cuts . Which depts and services could be hit hardest? There's plenty more analysis to come @policyalternatives.ca
February 5, 2026 at 3:25 PM
My preliminary take on the new stats on federal job job cuts . Which depts and services could be hit hardest? There's plenty more analysis to come @policyalternatives.ca
Reposted by Erika Shaker
ICYMI @davidmaccdn.bsky.social offered his analysis on the GST rebate, which will lift 170 thousand Canadians above the poverty line. "...[it] will have a measurable impact... And the provinces can do their part, offering a rebate on provincial sales taxes." www.cpac.ca/primetime-po...
Liberals and Conservatives Cooperate on GST Rebate – February 4, 2026
David Macdonald, senior economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives talks about the practical impact of the GST rebate and top-up on Canadians. Toronto Star Queen's park Bureau Chief Robe...
www.cpac.ca
February 5, 2026 at 5:29 PM
ICYMI @davidmaccdn.bsky.social offered his analysis on the GST rebate, which will lift 170 thousand Canadians above the poverty line. "...[it] will have a measurable impact... And the provinces can do their part, offering a rebate on provincial sales taxes." www.cpac.ca/primetime-po...
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'As we watch in horror the assault on knowledge and science in the United States—the assault on truth—cuts at Statistics Canada send precisely the wrong message. We urge you to reverse course.' @policyalternatives.ca
Open letter to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, minister responsible for Statistics Canada - CCPA
Statistics Canada is a world leader and its work is at the heart of an informed democracy. Cuts to the agency must be reversed.
www.policyalternatives.ca
February 5, 2026 at 4:57 PM
www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc... 'As we watch in horror the assault on knowledge and science in the United States—the assault on truth—cuts at Statistics Canada send precisely the wrong message. We urge you to reverse course.' @policyalternatives.ca
breachmedia.ca/as-a-doctor-... ‘The cuts to this program are not happening within a vacuum. They are taking place in a broader context of heightened anti-immigration rhetoric and policies like Bill C-12 that will make it easier for people to lose their status and be deported.’
As a doctor, I know cutting health care for refugees hurts us all ⋆ The Breach
Targeting the most vulnerable is a slippery slope toward weakening public health for all
breachmedia.ca
February 5, 2026 at 12:54 AM
breachmedia.ca/as-a-doctor-... ‘The cuts to this program are not happening within a vacuum. They are taking place in a broader context of heightened anti-immigration rhetoric and policies like Bill C-12 that will make it easier for people to lose their status and be deported.’
Reposted by Erika Shaker
Don't miss this, next week! @policyalternatives.ca Senior Researcher focused on climate change, @hadrianmk.bsky.social, will be speaking. Details here: globeandmailevents.com/futureofauto...
February 4, 2026 at 6:52 PM
Don't miss this, next week! @policyalternatives.ca Senior Researcher focused on climate change, @hadrianmk.bsky.social, will be speaking. Details here: globeandmailevents.com/futureofauto...
Reposted by Erika Shaker
New research out today from @policyalternatives.ca on the groceries and essential benefit. Read the full details at www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
February 4, 2026 at 5:01 PM
New research out today from @policyalternatives.ca on the groceries and essential benefit. Read the full details at www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...