Melissa (she/her)
@melibee44.bsky.social
Fat lady + cat lady. I talk about mental health and have OCD, ADHD, and Bipolar. Be prepared for some Alberta (🇨🇦) politics. Opinions my own & so on. 🍉🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 Amiskwaciwâskahikan #GoOilers!
Pinned
Friends, if you must assign a diagnosis to Trump and Musk (I don't recommend it), may I suggest calling them megalomaniacs? It's an outdated term in psychology, so you won't be stigmatizing entire groups of people at least. It's also probably closer to accurate than the armchair diagnoses I see.
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
Today I pressed the gov’t on the huge mental health gaps in small towns and rural Canada. Families travel hours or go without care. Bill C-201 would cover mental health under the Canada Health Act for just 1.5% of spending. Mental health is health. The time for action is now.
MP Johns: Canada is in a mental health crisis, and the government needs to fund care
YouTube video by Gord Johns
youtu.be
February 12, 2026 at 11:56 PM
Today I pressed the gov’t on the huge mental health gaps in small towns and rural Canada. Families travel hours or go without care. Bill C-201 would cover mental health under the Canada Health Act for just 1.5% of spending. Mental health is health. The time for action is now.
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
I wish every news agency saying that a scientific finding has been 'revoked' or 'repealed' would describe the situation accurately: The EPA has *willfully ignored* a scientific finding, and this decision was political.
BREAKING: The EPA revokes scientific finding that greenhouse gases endanger the public health, removing a key basis for the climate change fight.
Live updates: Trump's EPA revokes scientific finding that underpinned US fight against climate change
The Trump administration revoked a scientific finding at the center of U.S. action to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change, a significant rollback of regulations.
bit.ly
February 12, 2026 at 10:35 PM
I wish every news agency saying that a scientific finding has been 'revoked' or 'repealed' would describe the situation accurately: The EPA has *willfully ignored* a scientific finding, and this decision was political.
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
Today, I rose in the Senate of Canada as part of Black History Month to pay tribute to an incredible colleague, friend, and mentor Rosalind Smith. Rest in Peace, Dear Ros. ❤️
February 12, 2026 at 7:41 PM
Today, I rose in the Senate of Canada as part of Black History Month to pay tribute to an incredible colleague, friend, and mentor Rosalind Smith. Rest in Peace, Dear Ros. ❤️
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
I spent yesterday combing through the social media history of Jesse Van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old responsible for a mass shooting at a B.C. school.
It doesn't explain why the shooting occurred. But it hints at how it might have been prevented.
www.thestar.com/opinion/star...
It doesn't explain why the shooting occurred. But it hints at how it might have been prevented.
www.thestar.com/opinion/star...
Justin Ling: In the face of horror in Tumbler Ridge, these are the questions we need to be asking
Van Rootselaar was the target of abuse by a prominent American right winger.
www.thestar.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:11 PM
I spent yesterday combing through the social media history of Jesse Van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old responsible for a mass shooting at a B.C. school.
It doesn't explain why the shooting occurred. But it hints at how it might have been prevented.
www.thestar.com/opinion/star...
It doesn't explain why the shooting occurred. But it hints at how it might have been prevented.
www.thestar.com/opinion/star...
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
Here's a gift link. (But please consider subscribing if you found this informative.)
www.thestar.com/opinion/star...
www.thestar.com/opinion/star...
Justin Ling: In the face of horror in Tumbler Ridge, these are the questions we need to be asking
Van Rootselaar’s social media history doesn’t explain why the shooting occurred. But it hints at how it might have been prevented.
www.thestar.com
February 12, 2026 at 7:31 PM
Here's a gift link. (But please consider subscribing if you found this informative.)
www.thestar.com/opinion/star...
www.thestar.com/opinion/star...
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
I too was one those friends of Anne McGrath’s that didn’t know about this until CBC Ottawa did a report (next post) on the 50th anniversary last fall. A very powerful interview. Thank you Anne
Survivor of one of Canada’s first school shootings reflects
youtu.be/BBfyk0eeST0?...
Survivor of one of Canada’s first school shootings reflects
youtu.be/BBfyk0eeST0?...
Survivor of one of Canada’s first school shootings reflects | Power & Politics
YouTube video by CBC News
youtu.be
February 12, 2026 at 5:24 PM
I too was one those friends of Anne McGrath’s that didn’t know about this until CBC Ottawa did a report (next post) on the 50th anniversary last fall. A very powerful interview. Thank you Anne
Survivor of one of Canada’s first school shootings reflects
youtu.be/BBfyk0eeST0?...
Survivor of one of Canada’s first school shootings reflects
youtu.be/BBfyk0eeST0?...
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
Feb 6 marked 3 months since Hardscrabble Hope release - thank you to all involved in making the album and sharing the music, and to all the listeners and DJs for spinning the songs!
Hardscrabble Hope, by Maria Dunn
11 track album
mariadunn.bandcamp.com
February 12, 2026 at 5:37 PM
Feb 6 marked 3 months since Hardscrabble Hope release - thank you to all involved in making the album and sharing the music, and to all the listeners and DJs for spinning the songs!
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
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 3:13 PM
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
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
Important info!
February 10, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Important info!
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
we need to talk about that Ring Super Bowl ad
February 10, 2026 at 8:18 PM
we need to talk about that Ring Super Bowl ad
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
“The list of helpers is going to get a lot longer – and the challenges more difficult. Maybe it helps, even a little bit, to know that the country – the world – is sending love to this tiny place in the Rocky Mountain foothills.“
🎁
🎁
February 11, 2026 at 10:24 PM
“The list of helpers is going to get a lot longer – and the challenges more difficult. Maybe it helps, even a little bit, to know that the country – the world – is sending love to this tiny place in the Rocky Mountain foothills.“
🎁
🎁
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
The two photos we used in this piece are from Tumbler RidgeLines, tumblerridgelines.com, a small local news outlet that can be supported here: www.patreon.com/tumblerridge...
Gift a membership for Tumbler RidgeLines on Patreon
Bring the world of Tumbler RidgeLines to your friends and family.
www.patreon.com
February 11, 2026 at 10:03 PM
The two photos we used in this piece are from Tumbler RidgeLines, tumblerridgelines.com, a small local news outlet that can be supported here: www.patreon.com/tumblerridge...
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
@tyolsen.bsky.social for @thetyee.ca on what we know so far about the awful tragedy in Tumbler Ridge: thetyee.ca/News/2026/02...
What We Know So Far About the Tragedy in Tumbler Ridge | The Tyee
Police have identified the shooter who killed eight, then themselves, in the northeastern community.
thetyee.ca
February 11, 2026 at 10:01 PM
@tyolsen.bsky.social for @thetyee.ca on what we know so far about the awful tragedy in Tumbler Ridge: thetyee.ca/News/2026/02...
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
This is the fundraiser for the families affected by the Tumbler Ridge shooting (CBC shared the fundraiser).
It's a joint fundraiser, organized by the Parent council, mayor's office, etc.
www.gofundme.com/f/tumbler-ri...
It's a joint fundraiser, organized by the Parent council, mayor's office, etc.
www.gofundme.com/f/tumbler-ri...
Donate to Supporting families affected in Tumbler Ridge, organized by Tumbler Ridge PAC
Supporting Families Impacted by the Recent Tragedy in Tumbler Ridge
… Tumbler Ridge PAC needs your support for Supporting families affected in Tumbler Ridge
www.gofundme.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:52 PM
This is the fundraiser for the families affected by the Tumbler Ridge shooting (CBC shared the fundraiser).
It's a joint fundraiser, organized by the Parent council, mayor's office, etc.
www.gofundme.com/f/tumbler-ri...
It's a joint fundraiser, organized by the Parent council, mayor's office, etc.
www.gofundme.com/f/tumbler-ri...
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
Third job today. Helping a man remove his 20yr old facial tattoos. Sober and focused on his health, he has no means. However Legacy Tattoo Removal volunteer their time and equipment and are huge partners in our collective community.
February 11, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Third job today. Helping a man remove his 20yr old facial tattoos. Sober and focused on his health, he has no means. However Legacy Tattoo Removal volunteer their time and equipment and are huge partners in our collective community.
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
Aw James. He was my fave in #Don'tTrustTheBInApartment23.
Go get your colon checked, friends. #RIPJames
Go get your colon checked, friends. #RIPJames
a man is holding a glass of wine and asking do i like myself better upside down ?
Alt: James Van der Beek as James Vander Beek - he is holding a spoon, gazing at his reflection in it and asking "do i like myself better upside down" ?
media.tenor.com
February 11, 2026 at 7:57 PM
Aw James. He was my fave in #Don'tTrustTheBInApartment23.
Go get your colon checked, friends. #RIPJames
Go get your colon checked, friends. #RIPJames
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
Just because I was always #TeamPacey doesn't mean my '90s teen heart isn't broken over this
James Van Der Beek, who has been battling cancer, has died.
He was 48.
Per TMZ.
He was 48.
Per TMZ.
February 11, 2026 at 7:59 PM
Just because I was always #TeamPacey doesn't mean my '90s teen heart isn't broken over this
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
Budget 2026 will see my UCP spending taxpayer money on important projects, like creating an Alberta provincial police force and pensions, while clawing back on useless public services, like healthcare, education, and AISH.
Watch: edmonton.citynews.ca/video/2026/0...
#abpoli #UCPCorruption #ableg
Watch: edmonton.citynews.ca/video/2026/0...
#abpoli #UCPCorruption #ableg
Premier Smith warns Albertans of ‘significant deficits’
Alberta’s premier is issuing a warning ahead of this month’s provincial budget release: expect plenty of red ink. But as Sean Amato reports, Danielle Smith promises there will not be any tax hikes or ...
edmonton.citynews.ca
February 11, 2026 at 2:55 PM
Budget 2026 will see my UCP spending taxpayer money on important projects, like creating an Alberta provincial police force and pensions, while clawing back on useless public services, like healthcare, education, and AISH.
Watch: edmonton.citynews.ca/video/2026/0...
#abpoli #UCPCorruption #ableg
Watch: edmonton.citynews.ca/video/2026/0...
#abpoli #UCPCorruption #ableg
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
Trent was reporting throughout the entire tragedy. If you can support him, please do so via this link.
Since it's Patreon, you can sign up for the dollar figure you want to give, then you can cancel the monthly subscription (so that can you donate a set amount right now)
Since it's Patreon, you can sign up for the dollar figure you want to give, then you can cancel the monthly subscription (so that can you donate a set amount right now)
The small-town paper in Tumbler Ridge is going to need support. This is its front page right now. Their subscription page is here:
www.patreon.com/tumblerridge...
www.patreon.com/tumblerridge...
February 11, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Trent was reporting throughout the entire tragedy. If you can support him, please do so via this link.
Since it's Patreon, you can sign up for the dollar figure you want to give, then you can cancel the monthly subscription (so that can you donate a set amount right now)
Since it's Patreon, you can sign up for the dollar figure you want to give, then you can cancel the monthly subscription (so that can you donate a set amount right now)
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
Happy Wednesday from adoptable kitty, Brax! Brax’s awesome foster family posted these pics with the comment: “What Brax thinks he looks like vs what he actually looks like.” So cute!
They also note about both Brax and his bestie, Pearl:
“I can't emphasize enough what a joy to foster these two
They also note about both Brax and his bestie, Pearl:
“I can't emphasize enough what a joy to foster these two
February 11, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Happy Wednesday from adoptable kitty, Brax! Brax’s awesome foster family posted these pics with the comment: “What Brax thinks he looks like vs what he actually looks like.” So cute!
They also note about both Brax and his bestie, Pearl:
“I can't emphasize enough what a joy to foster these two
They also note about both Brax and his bestie, Pearl:
“I can't emphasize enough what a joy to foster these two
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
It was established by the United Nations General Assembly to promote equal participation of women in STEM fields.
Here are the stories of just a few of the great female scientists from Canada's past.
🧵 1/12
It was established by the United Nations General Assembly to promote equal participation of women in STEM fields.
Here are the stories of just a few of the great female scientists from Canada's past.
🧵 1/12
February 11, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Today is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
It was established by the United Nations General Assembly to promote equal participation of women in STEM fields.
Here are the stories of just a few of the great female scientists from Canada's past.
🧵 1/12
It was established by the United Nations General Assembly to promote equal participation of women in STEM fields.
Here are the stories of just a few of the great female scientists from Canada's past.
🧵 1/12
This is terrible. My heart goes out to everyone in Tumbler Ridge. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
10 dead, including suspect, following shooting in northeastern B.C. | CBC News
Ten people are dead following a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., on Feb. 10, 2026.
www.cbc.ca
February 11, 2026 at 3:32 AM
This is terrible. My heart goes out to everyone in Tumbler Ridge. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
Happy Tuesday from adoptable kitty, Erie! Our Erie has been building her confidence, wonderful to see her reaching out for pets and looking so majestic! This Senior Sweetheart is full of love to share and she is going to be a terrific forever family member. Erie is 12 years young and she is
February 10, 2026 at 4:20 PM
Happy Tuesday from adoptable kitty, Erie! Our Erie has been building her confidence, wonderful to see her reaching out for pets and looking so majestic! This Senior Sweetheart is full of love to share and she is going to be a terrific forever family member. Erie is 12 years young and she is
Reposted by Melissa (she/her)
Olympic zoomies! 🤣❤️❤️🤣
February 10, 2026 at 4:25 PM
Olympic zoomies! 🤣❤️❤️🤣