Jason Markusoff
@markusoff.bsky.social
I write and yak for CBC in Calgary. DMs open, Signal, WhatsApp, and such
jason.markusoff@cbc.ca
jason.markusoff@cbc.ca
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ANALYSIS | Danielle Smith reworking Alberta's everything, everywhere all at once | CBC News
The premier makes no apologies for an ambitious reform agenda. But the more a government dismantles and rebuilds, the more risk there is for road bumps, growing pains and outright mistakes.
www.cbc.ca
When you look at the totality of all the Alberta institutions and programs Danielle Smith has begun to reinvent or reshape… it’s a lot. And a lot of risk.
By me: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
By me: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
I'm sorry the guy changing the rules on the fly is named what
I stand with County Executive Calvin Ball as he signs emergency legislation today prohibiting privately owned buildings from being used as ICE detention centers.
Howard County chose dignity, accountability, and its people. Tune into our event now:
bit.ly/4a2VtHw
Howard County chose dignity, accountability, and its people. Tune into our event now:
bit.ly/4a2VtHw
Redirecting...
bit.ly
February 7, 2026 at 2:34 PM
I'm sorry the guy changing the rules on the fly is named what
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
I grew up with the Washington Post, wrote editorials for the Washington Post and published a column there for more than 15 years. To watch its owners destroy it, seemingly deliberately, in just a year and a half is devastating.
February 5, 2026 at 2:38 PM
I grew up with the Washington Post, wrote editorials for the Washington Post and published a column there for more than 15 years. To watch its owners destroy it, seemingly deliberately, in just a year and a half is devastating.
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
Sir Ian McKellen performing a monologue from Shakespeare’s Sir Thomas More on the Stephen Colbert show. Never have I heard this monologue performed with such a keen sense of prescience. Nor have I ever been in this exact historical moment.TY Sir Ian, for reaching us once again.
#Pinks #ProudBlue
#Pinks #ProudBlue
February 5, 2026 at 11:50 AM
Sir Ian McKellen performing a monologue from Shakespeare’s Sir Thomas More on the Stephen Colbert show. Never have I heard this monologue performed with such a keen sense of prescience. Nor have I ever been in this exact historical moment.TY Sir Ian, for reaching us once again.
#Pinks #ProudBlue
#Pinks #ProudBlue
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
906 days.
That's how long Meta's been blocking news in Canada.
Doesn't matter if the outlet is based in Canada, the U.S. or Germany – we can't read it. Small non-profit or legacy newspaper. Can't read it. Posts made before Aug. 1, 2023? Nope. But disinformation, AI-generated spam, that'll pass.
That's how long Meta's been blocking news in Canada.
Doesn't matter if the outlet is based in Canada, the U.S. or Germany – we can't read it. Small non-profit or legacy newspaper. Can't read it. Posts made before Aug. 1, 2023? Nope. But disinformation, AI-generated spam, that'll pass.
January 23, 2026 at 3:14 PM
906 days.
That's how long Meta's been blocking news in Canada.
Doesn't matter if the outlet is based in Canada, the U.S. or Germany – we can't read it. Small non-profit or legacy newspaper. Can't read it. Posts made before Aug. 1, 2023? Nope. But disinformation, AI-generated spam, that'll pass.
That's how long Meta's been blocking news in Canada.
Doesn't matter if the outlet is based in Canada, the U.S. or Germany – we can't read it. Small non-profit or legacy newspaper. Can't read it. Posts made before Aug. 1, 2023? Nope. But disinformation, AI-generated spam, that'll pass.
Plus, she spoke for about a solid minute in French! Maybe not quite passably, but decently?
I wondered how Danielle Smith in her speech at CPC convention would handle her chumminess and accord with Mark Carney.
Simple. Don’t mention him, talk about Trudeau and Guilbeault, the historical villains.
And the crowd loved it. Repeated standing ovations.
Simple. Don’t mention him, talk about Trudeau and Guilbeault, the historical villains.
And the crowd loved it. Repeated standing ovations.
January 31, 2026 at 7:05 PM
Plus, she spoke for about a solid minute in French! Maybe not quite passably, but decently?
I wondered how Danielle Smith in her speech at CPC convention would handle her chumminess and accord with Mark Carney.
Simple. Don’t mention him, talk about Trudeau and Guilbeault, the historical villains.
And the crowd loved it. Repeated standing ovations.
Simple. Don’t mention him, talk about Trudeau and Guilbeault, the historical villains.
And the crowd loved it. Repeated standing ovations.
January 31, 2026 at 6:59 PM
I wondered how Danielle Smith in her speech at CPC convention would handle her chumminess and accord with Mark Carney.
Simple. Don’t mention him, talk about Trudeau and Guilbeault, the historical villains.
And the crowd loved it. Repeated standing ovations.
Simple. Don’t mention him, talk about Trudeau and Guilbeault, the historical villains.
And the crowd loved it. Repeated standing ovations.
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
Alberta's separatists are currently drawing the attention of Quebec media and one aspect highlighted by Journal de Montréal is that two of the movement's prominent figures, Mitch Sylvestre and Jeffrey Rath, are Franco-Albertans.
www.journaldequebec.com/2026/01/31/d...
www.journaldequebec.com/2026/01/31/d...
Des francos à la tête des séparatistes albertains
Le chef du PQ Paul St-Pierre Plamondon entretient des liens avec eux.
www.journaldequebec.com
January 31, 2026 at 2:13 PM
Alberta's separatists are currently drawing the attention of Quebec media and one aspect highlighted by Journal de Montréal is that two of the movement's prominent figures, Mitch Sylvestre and Jeffrey Rath, are Franco-Albertans.
www.journaldequebec.com/2026/01/31/d...
www.journaldequebec.com/2026/01/31/d...
Alberta separatism: at this federal Conservative party gathering, it's a rather sensitive subject (even if people are happy to talk about it, and even sign pro-independence petitions). www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Alberta separatism casts shadow over Conservative convention | CBC News
There’s an acute awareness and sensitivity at the Conservative Party convention to the political issue of separatism. It's now at the centre of Alberta politics, particularly within conservative circl...
www.cbc.ca
January 30, 2026 at 10:49 PM
Alberta separatism: at this federal Conservative party gathering, it's a rather sensitive subject (even if people are happy to talk about it, and even sign pro-independence petitions). www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
Amber Bracken is one of Canada’s greatest photojournalists, and for the RCMP to mistake observers for participants, arrest her and prevent her from doing her vital work is a deeply dangerous precedent. This case is important for all of us.
Reminder: journalists get arrested in Canada too.
In fact, The Narwhal is in court right now challenging the RCMP for arresting photojournalist Amber Bracken. Our editor-in-chief,Carol Linnitt, testifies today and Monday, and court is open to the public if you're in Vancouver.
In fact, The Narwhal is in court right now challenging the RCMP for arresting photojournalist Amber Bracken. Our editor-in-chief,Carol Linnitt, testifies today and Monday, and court is open to the public if you're in Vancouver.
Carol Linnitt, co-founder and editor-in-chief, provides an update on The Narwhal’s court case against the RCMP. Amber Bracken finished cross-examination late Jan. 28. It took more than 12 hours.
To learn more about the trial visit www.thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom
To learn more about the trial visit www.thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom
January 30, 2026 at 3:47 PM
Amber Bracken is one of Canada’s greatest photojournalists, and for the RCMP to mistake observers for participants, arrest her and prevent her from doing her vital work is a deeply dangerous precedent. This case is important for all of us.
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
Carol Linnitt, co-founder and editor-in-chief, provides an update on The Narwhal’s court case against the RCMP. Amber Bracken finished cross-examination late Jan. 28. It took more than 12 hours.
To learn more about the trial visit www.thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom
To learn more about the trial visit www.thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom
January 29, 2026 at 3:14 PM
Carol Linnitt, co-founder and editor-in-chief, provides an update on The Narwhal’s court case against the RCMP. Amber Bracken finished cross-examination late Jan. 28. It took more than 12 hours.
To learn more about the trial visit www.thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom
To learn more about the trial visit www.thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom
I mean, at least when RCMP arrested photographer Amber Bracken covering a protest, the Trudeau gov didn’t direct it or gloat
Bondi says she personally directed the arrest, WH smears and cheers.
January 30, 2026 at 3:59 PM
I mean, at least when RCMP arrested photographer Amber Bracken covering a protest, the Trudeau gov didn’t direct it or gloat
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
A rough field guide to Alberta conservative political conventions, and why Poilievre’s will be more convention-al than the wilder UCP weekends. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
ANALYSIS | Why Pierre Poilievre's convention in Alberta won't be like Danielle Smith's | CBC News
United Conservative meetings have become fights for control of the party. But it's clearer who's in control at the federal Conservative event.
www.cbc.ca
January 29, 2026 at 3:27 PM
A rough field guide to Alberta conservative political conventions, and why Poilievre’s will be more convention-al than the wilder UCP weekends. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Liberal Leader Mark Carney, viewed more positively than negatively in ALBERTA. Yes, the province consumed with a petition to leave Canada largely because of the Liberals.
Abacus poll:
Abacus poll:
January 30, 2026 at 2:33 PM
Liberal Leader Mark Carney, viewed more positively than negatively in ALBERTA. Yes, the province consumed with a petition to leave Canada largely because of the Liberals.
Abacus poll:
Abacus poll:
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
So I emailed the business unit about this, they did some research and.... yep. Frozen juice from concentrate is gone www.cbc.ca/news/busines...
January 30, 2026 at 1:32 PM
So I emailed the business unit about this, they did some research and.... yep. Frozen juice from concentrate is gone www.cbc.ca/news/busines...
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
The leader of the separatist citizen initiative campaign is a UCP constituency president and a large number UCP members support Alberta separatism. This is a big part of Smith’s political base.
Premier Danielle Smith declined to denounce her province’s separatist movement just hours after B.C. Premier David Eby accused of treason those Albertans who claim to have travelled to Washington to seek political and financial backing for an independent Alberta.
#ableg #abpoli
#ableg #abpoli
Smith declines to 'demonize' separatists despite Eby's 'treason' remarks
Premier Danielle Smith declined to denounce her province's separatist movement just hours after B.C. Premier David Eby accused of treason.
edmontonjournal.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:27 PM
The leader of the separatist citizen initiative campaign is a UCP constituency president and a large number UCP members support Alberta separatism. This is a big part of Smith’s political base.
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
A reminder that Albertan independence is not popular
Pollara found Albertan independence at 19%
Ipsos found it at 28%
Research Co found it at 31% (Which I covered below)
All had strong majorities against independence
Read it here: canadianpolling.substack.com/p/albertan-i...
Pollara found Albertan independence at 19%
Ipsos found it at 28%
Research Co found it at 31% (Which I covered below)
All had strong majorities against independence
Read it here: canadianpolling.substack.com/p/albertan-i...
Albertan Independence? Meet Reality
UCP voters are split, while NDP voters overwhelmingly oppose leaving Canada
canadianpolling.substack.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:38 PM
A reminder that Albertan independence is not popular
Pollara found Albertan independence at 19%
Ipsos found it at 28%
Research Co found it at 31% (Which I covered below)
All had strong majorities against independence
Read it here: canadianpolling.substack.com/p/albertan-i...
Pollara found Albertan independence at 19%
Ipsos found it at 28%
Research Co found it at 31% (Which I covered below)
All had strong majorities against independence
Read it here: canadianpolling.substack.com/p/albertan-i...
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
"Treason": BC Premier Eby reax to Financial Times report that separatists w/ Alberta Prosperity Project met w/ Trump officials 3x since April and will again next month seeking $500b line of credit to “bankroll the province” if independence referendum passes
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
January 29, 2026 at 5:24 PM
"Treason": BC Premier Eby reax to Financial Times report that separatists w/ Alberta Prosperity Project met w/ Trump officials 3x since April and will again next month seeking $500b line of credit to “bankroll the province” if independence referendum passes
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
I cannot tell you how much doubt was consistently directed at the Gaza Health Ministry’s casualty numbers and how much pressure was put on news organizations to couch those numbers as unreliable.
Biden himself said they were fabricated!
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Biden himself said they were fabricated!
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
IDF accepts Gaza Health Ministry death toll of over 71,000 Palestinians killed in the war
Although Many International Experts Have Accepted the Health Ministry's Data as Reliable, and Even Conservative Relative to the True Death Toll, Israel Had Refused to Accept the Health Ministry's Coun...
www.haaretz.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:29 PM
I cannot tell you how much doubt was consistently directed at the Gaza Health Ministry’s casualty numbers and how much pressure was put on news organizations to couch those numbers as unreliable.
Biden himself said they were fabricated!
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
Biden himself said they were fabricated!
www.haaretz.com/israel-news/...
A rough field guide to Alberta conservative political conventions, and why Poilievre’s will be more convention-al than the wilder UCP weekends. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
ANALYSIS | Why Pierre Poilievre's convention in Alberta won't be like Danielle Smith's | CBC News
United Conservative meetings have become fights for control of the party. But it's clearer who's in control at the federal Conservative event.
www.cbc.ca
January 29, 2026 at 3:27 PM
A rough field guide to Alberta conservative political conventions, and why Poilievre’s will be more convention-al than the wilder UCP weekends. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
“in theater” is a crazy way to describe minneapolis
Q: Can you be specific about how many ICE and CBP agents are currently operating in the state?
HOMAN: 3,000. There's been some rotations. They've been in theater a long time. Day after day, can't eat in restaurants, people spin on you, blowing whistles at you. But my main focus now is draw down
HOMAN: 3,000. There's been some rotations. They've been in theater a long time. Day after day, can't eat in restaurants, people spin on you, blowing whistles at you. But my main focus now is draw down
January 29, 2026 at 2:20 PM
“in theater” is a crazy way to describe minneapolis
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
In honor of Anton Chekhov’s birthday, I’m just going to leave this right here.
January 29, 2026 at 12:09 PM
In honor of Anton Chekhov’s birthday, I’m just going to leave this right here.
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
Objectively a good name for a snowplow though
"Abolish ICE" was submitted 9,200 times for Chicago's snowplow naming contest, records show. blockclubchi.co/3ZAnDTZ
January 28, 2026 at 6:24 PM
Objectively a good name for a snowplow though
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
Leger has the Liberals out to a 9-point lead over the Conservatives now. The spring election speculation is not going away any time soon. leger360.com/wp-content/u...
January 28, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Leger has the Liberals out to a 9-point lead over the Conservatives now. The spring election speculation is not going away any time soon. leger360.com/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Jason Markusoff
Applebaum means this literally lol it is hanging above a picture with his granddaughter
January 28, 2026 at 12:32 PM
Applebaum means this literally lol it is hanging above a picture with his granddaughter