Matin Sarfraz
@matinsarfraz.bsky.social
Reporter @NatObserver | Alumni @HKuniversity| @JMSCHKU| Previously for @NYTIMES @DPA @Reuters & @Pajhwok
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Important reporting from my colleague @matinsarfraz.bsky.social
In a statement to Canada’s National Observer, an ICE spokesperson said the vehicles will be used “to keep officers and the public safe” during what the agency described as “high-risk lawful immigration enforcement activities.”
This is the first time the agency has confirmed the contract.
This is the first time the agency has confirmed the contract.
ICE confirms armoured vehicle contract with Ontario company as Ford seeks distance
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed it will buy armoured vehicles made by a Brampton-based defence manufacturer to support its enforcement operations, as pressure mounts on Prem...
www.nationalobserver.com
February 6, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Important reporting from my colleague @matinsarfraz.bsky.social
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
PM Carney's new auto strategy dropped Feb. 5.
Out: the EV availability standard (which would have required 100% EV sales by 2035)
In: a $2.3B EV rebate program and more stringent tailpipe emissions regs (aiming for 75 percent EV adoption rate by 2035)
Out: the EV availability standard (which would have required 100% EV sales by 2035)
In: a $2.3B EV rebate program and more stringent tailpipe emissions regs (aiming for 75 percent EV adoption rate by 2035)
Carney replaces EV sales mandate with rebates
Prime Minister Mark Carney is doing away with the EV availability standard, promising to replace it with more stringent tailpipe regulations and rebates to encourage Canadians to buy EVs.
www.nationalobserver.com
February 5, 2026 at 5:55 PM
PM Carney's new auto strategy dropped Feb. 5.
Out: the EV availability standard (which would have required 100% EV sales by 2035)
In: a $2.3B EV rebate program and more stringent tailpipe emissions regs (aiming for 75 percent EV adoption rate by 2035)
Out: the EV availability standard (which would have required 100% EV sales by 2035)
In: a $2.3B EV rebate program and more stringent tailpipe emissions regs (aiming for 75 percent EV adoption rate by 2035)
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
In a statement to Canada’s National Observer, an ICE spokesperson said the vehicles will be used “to keep officers and the public safe” during what the agency described as “high-risk lawful immigration enforcement activities.”
This is the first time the agency has confirmed the contract.
This is the first time the agency has confirmed the contract.
ICE confirms armoured vehicle contract with Ontario company as Ford seeks distance
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has confirmed it will buy armoured vehicles made by a Brampton-based defence manufacturer to support its enforcement operations, as pressure mounts on Prem...
www.nationalobserver.com
February 6, 2026 at 12:06 AM
In a statement to Canada’s National Observer, an ICE spokesperson said the vehicles will be used “to keep officers and the public safe” during what the agency described as “high-risk lawful immigration enforcement activities.”
This is the first time the agency has confirmed the contract.
This is the first time the agency has confirmed the contract.
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
A survey by the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) shows Canadians overwhelmingly love winter sports and many want fossil fuel companies removed from Olympic sponsorship because of climate change concerns. www.nationalobserver.com/2026/02/03/n...
Canadian athletes and fans want fossil fuel sponsors out of the Olympics, poll finds
As Canada’s teams, sponsored in part by Petro-Canada, prepare to head to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina, Podborski is among thousands of Canadians surveyed who argue the Games sho...
www.nationalobserver.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:36 PM
A survey by the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) shows Canadians overwhelmingly love winter sports and many want fossil fuel companies removed from Olympic sponsorship because of climate change concerns. www.nationalobserver.com/2026/02/03/n...
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
A survey by the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) shows Canadians overwhelmingly love winter sports and many want fossil fuel companies removed from Olympic sponsorship because of climate change concerns.
Canadian athletes and fans want fossil fuel sponsors out of the Olympics, poll finds
As Canada’s teams, sponsored in part by Petro-Canada, prepare to head to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina, Podborski is among thousands of Canadians surveyed who argue the Games sho...
www.nationalobserver.com
February 3, 2026 at 5:56 PM
A survey by the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) shows Canadians overwhelmingly love winter sports and many want fossil fuel companies removed from Olympic sponsorship because of climate change concerns.
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
The ideas animating the man behind Alberta's separatism petition range from the pedestrian — "attacks" on Alberta's oil sector from Ottawa — to the fringe and beyond. Speaking with him this morning, @arnokopecky.bsky.social drew out several startling admissions.
'They're trying to replace us': the conspiracy theories driving the man behind Alberta separatism
Mitch Sylvestre says the Canadian government is criminal, he has fears of a communist takeover and he's 'cured of federalism.' Arno Kopecky spoke with him about the allegations of coordination with US...
www.nationalobserver.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:18 AM
The ideas animating the man behind Alberta's separatism petition range from the pedestrian — "attacks" on Alberta's oil sector from Ottawa — to the fringe and beyond. Speaking with him this morning, @arnokopecky.bsky.social drew out several startling admissions.
Ontario fast-tracks major transmission line to power Ring of Fire mining projects. for @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/28/n...
Ontario fast-tracks major transmission line to power Ring of Fire mining projects
The Ford government is fast-tracking a 230-kilometre-long electricity transmission line to the Ring of Fire, saying it is needed to deliver clean power to northern Ontario to support mining developmen...
www.nationalobserver.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:59 AM
Ontario fast-tracks major transmission line to power Ring of Fire mining projects. for @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/28/n...
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
The Winter Olympics – ironically sponsored by Petro Canada – are running out of winter www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/27/n...
The Winter Olympics are running out of winter
Warming winters are reducing the number of places that can host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics and could soon force the games to be held earlier in the winter, a new Canadian-led study finds.
www.nationalobserver.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:56 PM
The Winter Olympics – ironically sponsored by Petro Canada – are running out of winter www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/27/n...
The Winter Olympics are running out of winter. For @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/27/n...
The Winter Olympics are running out of winter
Warming winters are reducing the number of places that can host the Winter Olympics and Paralympics and could soon force the games to be held earlier in the winter, a new Canadian-led study finds.
www.nationalobserver.com
January 27, 2026 at 6:23 PM
The Winter Olympics are running out of winter. For @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/27/n...
In its own documents, the Ontario Power Generation says it is not considering alternatives to the Wesleyville project itself. It describes nuclear expansion as a policy decision already made by the province. for @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/22/n...
Nuclear project with locals opposed will get federal review
The Ford government is moving ahead on one of the largest nuclear projects in the world in Port Hope, which has a complicated history of nuclear contamination. Local residents who have grappled with t...
www.nationalobserver.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:20 PM
In its own documents, the Ontario Power Generation says it is not considering alternatives to the Wesleyville project itself. It describes nuclear expansion as a policy decision already made by the province. for @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/22/n...
Ontario court victory lets gardens grow wild. By @natashabulowski.bsky.social for @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/16/n...
Ontario court victory lets gardens grow wild
On Jan. 6, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that the City of Mississauga’s nuisance weed and tall grass bylaw violated resident Wolf Ruck’s Charter right to freely express himself in the fo...
www.nationalobserver.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:33 PM
Ontario court victory lets gardens grow wild. By @natashabulowski.bsky.social for @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/16/n...
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Nearly 86,000 marine animals were caught up in “ghost gear” between 2020 and 2023, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) data obtained by Canada’s National Observer through an access to information request, via @rochellebaker1.bsky.social www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/16/n...
Tens of thousands of marine animals killed or maimed by 'ghost gear'
Federal data collected over four years have shown that derelict fishing gear is an underestimated threat. Some experts say it is diminishing both ocean life and fisheries.
www.nationalobserver.com
January 16, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Nearly 86,000 marine animals were caught up in “ghost gear” between 2020 and 2023, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) data obtained by Canada’s National Observer through an access to information request, via @rochellebaker1.bsky.social www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/16/n...
Across Ontario, thousands of other small business owners are complaining about the crushing burden of rising electricity costs. for @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/16/a...
Ontario's small businesses struggle to stay afloat as electricity costs rise
Several times, Cindy Lougheed came close to closing her café because of high energy costs. But she stayed open, thinking about her staff and her customers — especially her regulars.
www.nationalobserver.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Across Ontario, thousands of other small business owners are complaining about the crushing burden of rising electricity costs. for @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/16/a...
One budget line lists nearly $60,000 for “additional costs as a result of eliminating shoe scene from TV spot.”
Documents reveal Ontario's $7M Ring of Fire ad bill. by @cloelogan.bsky.social for @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/13/n...
Documents reveal Ontario's $7M Ring of Fire ad bill. by @cloelogan.bsky.social for @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/13/n...
Documents reveal Ontario's $7M Ring of Fire ad bill
These ads are pushing the controversial mega-project through a campaign it has dubbed “Protect Ontario,” which Canada’s National Observer has learned is earmarked with a budget of more than $7 million...
www.nationalobserver.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:18 PM
One budget line lists nearly $60,000 for “additional costs as a result of eliminating shoe scene from TV spot.”
Documents reveal Ontario's $7M Ring of Fire ad bill. by @cloelogan.bsky.social for @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/13/n...
Documents reveal Ontario's $7M Ring of Fire ad bill. by @cloelogan.bsky.social for @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/13/n...
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Liberal MP @willgreavesmp.bsky.social has announced he will "suspend posting updates" on X over the platform's generation of deepfakes, which he says "may be illegal."
January 13, 2026 at 6:25 PM
Liberal MP @willgreavesmp.bsky.social has announced he will "suspend posting updates" on X over the platform's generation of deepfakes, which he says "may be illegal."
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
There is no accreditation system for media in Canada so “anyone with a cell phone and a blog is part of the extended definition of 'media,'” the RCMP's lawyer said, but acknowledged Bracken, who has won international awards for her work, does not fit into the “blogger” category.
Photojournalist Amber Bracken takes the stand in press freedom trial
On Tuesday, photojournalist Amber Bracken took the witness stand in her joint trial against the RCMP. Bracken and The Narwhal are suing the RCMP for Bracken's wrongful arrest and detention and violati...
www.nationalobserver.com
January 14, 2026 at 12:27 AM
There is no accreditation system for media in Canada so “anyone with a cell phone and a blog is part of the extended definition of 'media,'” the RCMP's lawyer said, but acknowledged Bracken, who has won international awards for her work, does not fit into the “blogger” category.
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Tim Hodgson's briefing materials reveal points of leverage and opportunities for collaboration, offering an unprecedented view into the complex terrain of major project negotiations. @woodsideful.bsky.social reports on what the provinces and territories want most.
Hodgson’s briefing binder reveals provincial asks for new fossil fuels, critical minerals and electricity
In 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government began building the architecture to develop major projects, but 2026 is when the rubber meets the road. Here’s what the provinces and territories want t...
www.nationalobserver.com
January 13, 2026 at 4:37 PM
Tim Hodgson's briefing materials reveal points of leverage and opportunities for collaboration, offering an unprecedented view into the complex terrain of major project negotiations. @woodsideful.bsky.social reports on what the provinces and territories want most.
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Hugh Simpson, a former Region of Waterloo hydrogeologist, said the current water problem has been building for years — and has been worsened by the Ford government weakening long-term planning rules.
“That took away the ability to say ‘no,’” he said.
“That took away the ability to say ‘no,’” he said.
Ford's permit approvals have driven Waterloo to its water-taking limit
The Ford government approved more than 100 permits in the past five years, allowing industry to take water for industrial and commercial use in Waterloo Region, despite the province’s own data showing...
www.nationalobserver.com
January 13, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Hugh Simpson, a former Region of Waterloo hydrogeologist, said the current water problem has been building for years — and has been worsened by the Ford government weakening long-term planning rules.
“That took away the ability to say ‘no,’” he said.
“That took away the ability to say ‘no,’” he said.
Ford government lets utilities pass ‘buy Canadian’ costs on to customers. @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/06/a...
Ford government lets utilities pass ‘buy Canadian’ costs on to customers
Under new legislation, the companies can record the higher procurement costs for buying from local suppliers and the Ontario Energy Board will determine when and if those costs can be passed on to cus...
www.nationalobserver.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:21 PM
Ford government lets utilities pass ‘buy Canadian’ costs on to customers. @nationalobserver.com www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/06/a...
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
#UofG | PhD candidate Allegra Love speaks to @nationalobserver.com about how climate change could be impacting when female caribou grow their antlers.
@uofgcbs.bsky.social @integrativebiology.bsky.social
Read more: www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/30/n...
@uofgcbs.bsky.social @integrativebiology.bsky.social
Read more: www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/30/n...
Something strange is happening to Fogo Island's caribou
After a decade studying woodland caribou on Fogo Island, N.L., Allegra Love noticed something she had never witnessed: a pregnant female growing new antlers in early spring.
www.nationalobserver.com
January 2, 2026 at 2:56 PM
#UofG | PhD candidate Allegra Love speaks to @nationalobserver.com about how climate change could be impacting when female caribou grow their antlers.
@uofgcbs.bsky.social @integrativebiology.bsky.social
Read more: www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/30/n...
@uofgcbs.bsky.social @integrativebiology.bsky.social
Read more: www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/30/n...
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
10 hours. $23K to go.
Help us close the gap on our Climate Solutions Reporting Project fundraiser. We're so close, but we need you.
Quality climate journalism shouldn't be a luxury. Let's make it happen.
www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124263
Help us close the gap on our Climate Solutions Reporting Project fundraiser. We're so close, but we need you.
Quality climate journalism shouldn't be a luxury. Let's make it happen.
www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124263
December 31, 2025 at 9:45 PM
10 hours. $23K to go.
Help us close the gap on our Climate Solutions Reporting Project fundraiser. We're so close, but we need you.
Quality climate journalism shouldn't be a luxury. Let's make it happen.
www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124263
Help us close the gap on our Climate Solutions Reporting Project fundraiser. We're so close, but we need you.
Quality climate journalism shouldn't be a luxury. Let's make it happen.
www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124263
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Last day of the @nationalobserver.com fundraiser! We're $27,000 short of our goal for the Climate Solutions Reporting Project. If you've been thinking about donating, today's the day. Help us get this across the finish line: www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124263
December 31, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Last day of the @nationalobserver.com fundraiser! We're $27,000 short of our goal for the Climate Solutions Reporting Project. If you've been thinking about donating, today's the day. Help us get this across the finish line: www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124263
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Canada's National Observer is looking for a reporter in Ottawa to cover the federal government and its relationship with Vancouver, BC, for a Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) position. This is a full-time, 8-month contract (backfill) position.
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/31/n...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/31/n...
We're hiring an Ottawa reporter to cover the federal government's relationship with Vancouver
Canada's National Observer (CNO) is looking for a reporter in Ottawa to cover the federal government and its relationship with Vancouver, BC for a Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) position.
www.nationalobserver.com
January 1, 2026 at 12:37 AM
Canada's National Observer is looking for a reporter in Ottawa to cover the federal government and its relationship with Vancouver, BC, for a Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) position. This is a full-time, 8-month contract (backfill) position.
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/31/n...
www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/31/n...
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
Climate journalism that highlights solutions, not just problems—that's what your donation funds.
We're at $214K of our $250K goal for the Climate Solutions Reporting Project. Just 15% to go before midnight Dec 31. Can you help us finish strong? www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124263
We're at $214K of our $250K goal for the Climate Solutions Reporting Project. Just 15% to go before midnight Dec 31. Can you help us finish strong? www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124263
www.canadahelps.org
December 30, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Climate journalism that highlights solutions, not just problems—that's what your donation funds.
We're at $214K of our $250K goal for the Climate Solutions Reporting Project. Just 15% to go before midnight Dec 31. Can you help us finish strong? www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124263
We're at $214K of our $250K goal for the Climate Solutions Reporting Project. Just 15% to go before midnight Dec 31. Can you help us finish strong? www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/124263
Reposted by Matin Sarfraz
How National Observer made a difference in 2025 www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/17/o...
How National Observer made a difference in 2025
As editor-in-chief, I believe you have a right to know how we’ve spent your dollars. But how to quantify impact when so much of what we do happens inside the minds of the people we reach?
www.nationalobserver.com
December 30, 2025 at 7:14 PM
How National Observer made a difference in 2025 www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/17/o...