NigelBankes
@nigelb.bsky.social
Retired law prof ucalgary law; I principally post on energy, resources and climate change issues; committed to intergenerational equity; grateful settler on Treaty 7 lands.
Reposted by NigelBankes
If you’re wondering why your friends in academia are a little on edge right now, it’s because an eighteen-year-old who hasn’t done the reading, doesn’t look at the assignment, and has does no critical thinking skills more complex than “because I think it’s in the Bible” can literally end your career
The University of Oklahoma has removed an instructor who was accused by a student of religious discrimination over a failing grade on a psychology paper in which she cited the Bible and argued that promoting a “belief in multiple genders” was “demonic.” https://cnn.it/4b6g3rd
Oklahoma instructor removed from teaching for failing a Bible-based gender essay | CNN
The University of Oklahoma has removed an instructor who was accused by a student of religious discrimination over a failing grade on a psychology paper in which she cited the Bible and argued that promoting a “belief in multiple genders” was “demonic.”
cnn.it
December 24, 2025 at 6:21 PM
If you’re wondering why your friends in academia are a little on edge right now, it’s because an eighteen-year-old who hasn’t done the reading, doesn’t look at the assignment, and has does no critical thinking skills more complex than “because I think it’s in the Bible” can literally end your career
Here is a Lump of Coal, my final ABlawg post of the year with @drewyewchuk.bsky.social dealing with 2 coal law & policy developments in AB. One deals with Alberta’s Phoenix, Northback’s Grassy Mountain project, poised to rise from the ashes while seeking to avoid federal review. 1/2
#ableg #abpoli
#ableg #abpoli
A Final Lump of Coal for 2025
By: Nigel Bankes and Drew Yewchuk Matters Commented On: Notice of Termination of the federal environmental assessment for the Grassy Mountain Coal Project, December 19, 2025 and Bill 14, Justice St…
ablawg.ca
December 23, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Here is a Lump of Coal, my final ABlawg post of the year with @drewyewchuk.bsky.social dealing with 2 coal law & policy developments in AB. One deals with Alberta’s Phoenix, Northback’s Grassy Mountain project, poised to rise from the ashes while seeking to avoid federal review. 1/2
#ableg #abpoli
#ableg #abpoli
Reposted by NigelBankes
The thing I haven’t seen much discussed that I’m curious about is why the people with $ aren’t worried about undermining their own access to life saving treatments in an effort to get faster knee replacements.
If the fundamental bottleneck is things like anesthesiologists, nurses, etc then
If the fundamental bottleneck is things like anesthesiologists, nurses, etc then
Health coalitions call on federal government to enforce the Canada Health Act, take action against two-tier health care in Alberta #cdnpoli #cdnhealth #ableg #abpoli medicinehatnews.com/news/local-n...
Health groups across Canada sign open letter to Carney, Health Minister demanding action on Alberta's Bill 11 - Medicine Hat News
zmason@medicinehatnews.com An open letter signed by ten Canadian health coalitions is calling on the federal government to respond to Alberta’s law enabling dual practice in the province. The coalitio...
medicinehatnews.com
December 22, 2025 at 10:57 PM
The thing I haven’t seen much discussed that I’m curious about is why the people with $ aren’t worried about undermining their own access to life saving treatments in an effort to get faster knee replacements.
If the fundamental bottleneck is things like anesthesiologists, nurses, etc then
If the fundamental bottleneck is things like anesthesiologists, nurses, etc then
My thoughts on the imp BCCA's Gitxaala decision dealing with BC's UNDRIP implementation legislation.
The bottom line? The sky has not fallen in. Premier Eby shd not accede to (or lead) demands for amendments to (or worse still, repeal of) this co-developed contribution to reconciliation.
#cdnpoli
The bottom line? The sky has not fallen in. Premier Eby shd not accede to (or lead) demands for amendments to (or worse still, repeal of) this co-developed contribution to reconciliation.
#cdnpoli
Gitxaala and the Conundrum of UNDRIP Implementing Legislation: The Sky Has Not Fallen In
Gitxaala and the Conundrum of UNDRIP Implementing Legislation: The Sky Has Not Fallen In By: Nigel Bankes Case Commented On: Gitxaala v British Columbia (Chief Gold Commissioner), 2025 BCCA 430 (C…
ablawg.ca
December 22, 2025 at 5:55 PM
My thoughts on the imp BCCA's Gitxaala decision dealing with BC's UNDRIP implementation legislation.
The bottom line? The sky has not fallen in. Premier Eby shd not accede to (or lead) demands for amendments to (or worse still, repeal of) this co-developed contribution to reconciliation.
#cdnpoli
The bottom line? The sky has not fallen in. Premier Eby shd not accede to (or lead) demands for amendments to (or worse still, repeal of) this co-developed contribution to reconciliation.
#cdnpoli
Grassy Mountain (version 1) is officially dead.
A long time coming.
#ableg #abpoli @cpawssab.bsky.social @albertawilderness.bsky.social @cpawsnab.bsky.social
A long time coming.
#ableg #abpoli @cpawssab.bsky.social @albertawilderness.bsky.social @cpawsnab.bsky.social
December 19, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Grassy Mountain (version 1) is officially dead.
A long time coming.
#ableg #abpoli @cpawssab.bsky.social @albertawilderness.bsky.social @cpawsnab.bsky.social
A long time coming.
#ableg #abpoli @cpawssab.bsky.social @albertawilderness.bsky.social @cpawsnab.bsky.social
Reposted by NigelBankes
“She was crossing 32nd Street on a green light with a walk signal when a woman in her 50s turned right from westbound 26th Avenue and struck her with an SUV.”
Prepare for the usual “safety is a shared responsibility” statements. FFS!
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Prepare for the usual “safety is a shared responsibility” statements. FFS!
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Pedestrian dies following collision in northeast Calgary | CBC News
A woman has died from her injuries following a collision on Thursday evening, marking the 15th pedestrian death and the 38th fatal collision in Calgary this year.
www.cbc.ca
December 19, 2025 at 7:46 PM
“She was crossing 32nd Street on a green light with a walk signal when a woman in her 50s turned right from westbound 26th Avenue and struck her with an SUV.”
Prepare for the usual “safety is a shared responsibility” statements. FFS!
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Prepare for the usual “safety is a shared responsibility” statements. FFS!
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by NigelBankes
Glad to see this re-filing by Corb Lund.
Also happy to note the application fee change from $500 to $25,000 by the Citizen Initiative Amendment Regulation on December 17th does not apply to this citizen initiative. Such a punitive amount by the petty UCP. And money better spent elsewhere.
#abpoli
Also happy to note the application fee change from $500 to $25,000 by the Citizen Initiative Amendment Regulation on December 17th does not apply to this citizen initiative. Such a punitive amount by the petty UCP. And money better spent elsewhere.
#abpoli
December 19, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Glad to see this re-filing by Corb Lund.
Also happy to note the application fee change from $500 to $25,000 by the Citizen Initiative Amendment Regulation on December 17th does not apply to this citizen initiative. Such a punitive amount by the petty UCP. And money better spent elsewhere.
#abpoli
Also happy to note the application fee change from $500 to $25,000 by the Citizen Initiative Amendment Regulation on December 17th does not apply to this citizen initiative. Such a punitive amount by the petty UCP. And money better spent elsewhere.
#abpoli
Reposted by NigelBankes
We have an indoor signing location booked this Saturday for our recall petition, so you can stay cozy while standing up for your community. Join us at Waves Coffee House, Sunridge, December 20th from 1-2pm.
#RecallPeterSingh #ABpoli #CalgaryEast #ABleg #ABpoli #Calgary #YYC #RecallThemAll #Recall
#RecallPeterSingh #ABpoli #CalgaryEast #ABleg #ABpoli #Calgary #YYC #RecallThemAll #Recall
December 19, 2025 at 6:54 PM
We have an indoor signing location booked this Saturday for our recall petition, so you can stay cozy while standing up for your community. Join us at Waves Coffee House, Sunridge, December 20th from 1-2pm.
#RecallPeterSingh #ABpoli #CalgaryEast #ABleg #ABpoli #Calgary #YYC #RecallThemAll #Recall
#RecallPeterSingh #ABpoli #CalgaryEast #ABleg #ABpoli #Calgary #YYC #RecallThemAll #Recall
This is such an important point; Smith's UCP are enablers of separatism; there is no other way to explain Bill 14.
#abpoli #cdnpoli
#abpoli #cdnpoli
Alberta Government cleared legal obstacles and circumvented Court decisions to help separatists. They are separatists.
#ForeverCanadian will be ready to defend Canada in a referendum.
Please, register yourself as a supporter at Forever-Canadian.ca
edmonton.citynews.ca/2025/12/16/a...
#ForeverCanadian will be ready to defend Canada in a referendum.
Please, register yourself as a supporter at Forever-Canadian.ca
edmonton.citynews.ca/2025/12/16/a...
Why an Alberta separation vote in 2026 is looking more likely
Alberta is inching closer and closer to a vote on leaving Canada after a fresh citizen initiative petition was filed with Elections Alberta. Applicant Mitch Sylvestre believes now is the time for inde...
edmonton.citynews.ca
December 19, 2025 at 1:55 AM
Reposted by NigelBankes
Let these honest words reverberate in Alberta.
@mcbride.house.gov is right. It’s hard enough being a kid — and politicians don’t need to make it harder.
Thank you, Congresswoman, for speaking out against the cruel Republican attacks on health care for trans youth.
Thank you, Congresswoman, for speaking out against the cruel Republican attacks on health care for trans youth.
December 18, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Let these honest words reverberate in Alberta.
This was posted over at linkedin from Min Nikolaides. It appears to be genuine. My reaction over there?
Gobsmacked. One more reason for recall for those in his riding with an opportunity to sign. The ground? Failing to represent all faiths and non-believers in his constituency.
#ableg #abpoli
Gobsmacked. One more reason for recall for those in his riding with an opportunity to sign. The ground? Failing to represent all faiths and non-believers in his constituency.
#ableg #abpoli
December 17, 2025 at 5:04 AM
Reposted by NigelBankes
We must be winning cause this is hilarious. 🤣 Well played👇
#RecallThemAll
RecallNicolaides.ca
OperationTotalRecall.ca
#abpoli #notwithstanding #clause
#RecallThemAll
RecallNicolaides.ca
OperationTotalRecall.ca
#abpoli #notwithstanding #clause
December 17, 2025 at 4:17 AM
We must be winning cause this is hilarious. 🤣 Well played👇
#RecallThemAll
RecallNicolaides.ca
OperationTotalRecall.ca
#abpoli #notwithstanding #clause
#RecallThemAll
RecallNicolaides.ca
OperationTotalRecall.ca
#abpoli #notwithstanding #clause
Reposted by NigelBankes
BREAKING: Skate Canada is boycotting Alberta over the province's ban on Trans women competing in women's sports.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Skate Canada to stop holding national, international events in Alberta | CBC News
Skate Canada says it will no longer host major events in Alberta following a review of the province's legislation on the participation of transgender athletes in women's sport.
www.cbc.ca
December 16, 2025 at 6:54 PM
BREAKING: Skate Canada is boycotting Alberta over the province's ban on Trans women competing in women's sports.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
If Mr Rath is off to the US to drum up support (and $$) it will be important to keep an eye on the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act, and the definition of ineligible contributions.
#abpoli #cdnpoli #ableg
#abpoli #cdnpoli #ableg
So which one is lying or are they both ? Sylvestre said they don’t
want to join USA, Rath says differently
want to join USA, Rath says differently
December 16, 2025 at 2:02 AM
Reposted by NigelBankes
10 years ago, I walked into one of my 1st events as an MLA, a consultation with Boyle Street Community Services on building a purpose-built space for their important work.
Today I joined them to see that dream come true with the opening of okimaw peyesew kamik, the King Thunderbird Centre. #abpoli
Today I joined them to see that dream come true with the opening of okimaw peyesew kamik, the King Thunderbird Centre. #abpoli
December 16, 2025 at 1:03 AM
10 years ago, I walked into one of my 1st events as an MLA, a consultation with Boyle Street Community Services on building a purpose-built space for their important work.
Today I joined them to see that dream come true with the opening of okimaw peyesew kamik, the King Thunderbird Centre. #abpoli
Today I joined them to see that dream come true with the opening of okimaw peyesew kamik, the King Thunderbird Centre. #abpoli
Reposted by NigelBankes
“What our paper, I think, makes fairly clear is that there’s pretty much an utter failure of environmental management regulation and enforcement in relation to coal mining,”
thenarwhal.ca/alberta-stal...
thenarwhal.ca/alberta-stal...
Alberta officials stalled coal mine pollution study | The Narwhal
An Alberta government scientist was prevented from speaking publicly about his coal mine pollution research, emails show
thenarwhal.ca
December 15, 2025 at 9:47 PM
“What our paper, I think, makes fairly clear is that there’s pretty much an utter failure of environmental management regulation and enforcement in relation to coal mining,”
thenarwhal.ca/alberta-stal...
thenarwhal.ca/alberta-stal...
Premier Smith, the great enabler, has done her work and now
the separatists can proceed with the next step of their campaign.
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
the separatists can proceed with the next step of their campaign.
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
Citizen Initiative Notice of Intent Received - Elections Alberta
EDMONTON – Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer, Gordon McClure, has received a notice of intent to apply for the issuance of a citizen initiative petition for a constitutional referendum proposal. The n...
www.elections.ab.ca
December 15, 2025 at 8:44 PM
I don't have any news to counteract the terrible news of the last few days, so here is a thread of cute animals eating things, with most with crunchy cromchy sounds.
1.
1.
December 15, 2025 at 6:56 AM
Reposted by NigelBankes
Shocked by the awful death of Rob Reiner. I spoke with him for over an hour last night. We talked about his work and his plans for the future. I always enjoyed his company. We met at his Dad's in 1975. Last thing he said to me was "See you next year.." Such a terrible end. Such a sweet man.
December 15, 2025 at 6:26 AM
Shocked by the awful death of Rob Reiner. I spoke with him for over an hour last night. We talked about his work and his plans for the future. I always enjoyed his company. We met at his Dad's in 1975. Last thing he said to me was "See you next year.." Such a terrible end. Such a sweet man.
Reposted by NigelBankes
Just want to share with my American friends how the Australians respond to a shooting tragedy. Action, rather than thoughts and prayers.
December 15, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Just want to share with my American friends how the Australians respond to a shooting tragedy. Action, rather than thoughts and prayers.
Reposted by NigelBankes
This is why I’m asking you to sign the recall petitions of UCP MLA’s. They are anti Indigenous Treaty breakers. www.readtheorchard.org/p/treaty-chi...
Treaty chiefs warn of 'severe impacts' as Alberta passes water legislation
Chief Sheldon Sunshine of Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation suspects the government is trying to make it easier to divert water to AI data centres and other energy intensive projects.
www.readtheorchard.org
December 15, 2025 at 6:00 AM
This is why I’m asking you to sign the recall petitions of UCP MLA’s. They are anti Indigenous Treaty breakers. www.readtheorchard.org/p/treaty-chi...
Lots of public figures speaking out against antisemitism by private citizens in Australia.
I support that.
Far fewer public figures speaking out against the genocidal actions (past and ongoing) of the state of Israel against the Palestinian people.
I despair of that.
I support that.
Far fewer public figures speaking out against the genocidal actions (past and ongoing) of the state of Israel against the Palestinian people.
I despair of that.
December 15, 2025 at 6:29 AM
Lots of public figures speaking out against antisemitism by private citizens in Australia.
I support that.
Far fewer public figures speaking out against the genocidal actions (past and ongoing) of the state of Israel against the Palestinian people.
I despair of that.
I support that.
Far fewer public figures speaking out against the genocidal actions (past and ongoing) of the state of Israel against the Palestinian people.
I despair of that.
So ashamed of myself.
Went to the #YYC co-op for the weekly grocery shop and picked up some grapes.
Just assumed this time of year that they were from South America.
Need to pay more attention.
They were from California.
Mea culpa.
You've gotta be careful out there!
#cdnpoli #abpoli
Went to the #YYC co-op for the weekly grocery shop and picked up some grapes.
Just assumed this time of year that they were from South America.
Need to pay more attention.
They were from California.
Mea culpa.
You've gotta be careful out there!
#cdnpoli #abpoli
December 15, 2025 at 5:33 AM
Robert Reich is no doubt thinking of the US but this is equally applicable in Smith's Alberta (especially in light of her recent interview/campaign speech). #abpoli #ableg
Poverty is a policy choice. Concentrated wealth is a policy choice. Inequality is a policy choice. None of it is natural or inevitable. Remember: We have the power to build a system that serves the many, not the powerful few.
December 14, 2025 at 11:00 PM