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
Trump Defends Racist Obama Meme & MAGA Rages Over Bad Bunny’s Spanish Halftime Show
youtu.be/vfpQbv7CmeE
youtu.be/vfpQbv7CmeE
Trump Defends Racist Obama Meme & MAGA Rages Over Bad Bunny’s Spanish Halftime Show | The Daily Show
YouTube video by The Daily Show
youtu.be
February 10, 2026 at 4:03 AM
Trump Defends Racist Obama Meme & MAGA Rages Over Bad Bunny’s Spanish Halftime Show
youtu.be/vfpQbv7CmeE
youtu.be/vfpQbv7CmeE
The latest from @jlisayoung.bsky.social
Time to get vocal if you don't want to be packing your bags, or selling in a falling market.
#ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli
lisayoung.substack.com/p/is-it-time...
Time to get vocal if you don't want to be packing your bags, or selling in a falling market.
#ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli
lisayoung.substack.com/p/is-it-time...
Is it time?
Every now and then, my long-suffering spouse will look up from reading the news and say “is it time?” This is shorthand for “is it time to sell the house and get the heck out of this province?”
lisayoung.substack.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:32 PM
The latest from @jlisayoung.bsky.social
Time to get vocal if you don't want to be packing your bags, or selling in a falling market.
#ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli
lisayoung.substack.com/p/is-it-time...
Time to get vocal if you don't want to be packing your bags, or selling in a falling market.
#ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli
lisayoung.substack.com/p/is-it-time...
"Politics & democracy are inseparable. To disengage from politics is to weaken democracy itself. Voting every 4 yrs is not enough. Democracy requires ongoing participation, public expression & civic courage between elections."
Bill Whitelaw is v active over on Linkedin if you want to follow there.
Bill Whitelaw is v active over on Linkedin if you want to follow there.
February 9, 2026 at 6:05 PM
"Politics & democracy are inseparable. To disengage from politics is to weaken democracy itself. Voting every 4 yrs is not enough. Democracy requires ongoing participation, public expression & civic courage between elections."
Bill Whitelaw is v active over on Linkedin if you want to follow there.
Bill Whitelaw is v active over on Linkedin if you want to follow there.
Reposted by NigelBankes
Reposted by NigelBankes
And Alberta lawyers it would be good to think about similar questions for the GoA's expropriation/regulatory taking of the lawyers' trust fund interest account monies previously administered by the Alberta Law Foundation.
HT @patrickcanning.bsky.social
#ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli
HT @patrickcanning.bsky.social
#ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli
Law school exam question: you are counsel for CPP and they ask for a memo on whether profits of the fund or of individual plan holders could be seized under federal or BC proceeds of crime legislation. Presume ICE has committed crimes. (20 mins, 750 word max)
February 9, 2026 at 2:32 AM
And Alberta lawyers it would be good to think about similar questions for the GoA's expropriation/regulatory taking of the lawyers' trust fund interest account monies previously administered by the Alberta Law Foundation.
HT @patrickcanning.bsky.social
#ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli
HT @patrickcanning.bsky.social
#ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli
Reposted by NigelBankes
…benefits, progressive taxation, and redistribution of income. The 2nd layer is “a balanced and resilient economy that cannot be destabilized either by purposeful attempts or so-called market forces.” The 3rd layer = security of supply (materials for survival + defence). Lots to learn from 🇫🇮! 5/x
Fires, first aid and guns: meet the Finnish women training for war with Russia
Anxious Finns are learning how to survive in the wild in preparation for an invasion by their hostile neighbour
www.theguardian.com
February 5, 2025 at 8:30 AM
…benefits, progressive taxation, and redistribution of income. The 2nd layer is “a balanced and resilient economy that cannot be destabilized either by purposeful attempts or so-called market forces.” The 3rd layer = security of supply (materials for survival + defence). Lots to learn from 🇫🇮! 5/x
Reposted by NigelBankes
"The suggestion in your letter that judges who are appointed through this thorough process do not reflect the “values and expectations of Albertans” underscores the political nature of your proposal. This language implicitly impugns sitting judges..."
#ABpoli
#cdnpoli
cba.org/our-impact/s...
#ABpoli
#cdnpoli
cba.org/our-impact/s...
Alberta Premier's threat to withhold funding undermines judicial independence | Canadian Bar Association
The CBA defends the rigorous federal judicial appointment process, in which Alberta has strong representation. It also opposes Alberta's threat to withhold court funding until Premier’s demands are me...
cba.org
February 5, 2026 at 11:48 PM
"The suggestion in your letter that judges who are appointed through this thorough process do not reflect the “values and expectations of Albertans” underscores the political nature of your proposal. This language implicitly impugns sitting judges..."
#ABpoli
#cdnpoli
cba.org/our-impact/s...
#ABpoli
#cdnpoli
cba.org/our-impact/s...
Reposted by NigelBankes
Looking forward to participating in this @albertawilderness.bsky.social event with @nigelb.bsky.social Mandy Olsgard @stevewilton.bsky.social and Claire Barber.
Let's pack the room!!!!
www.albertawilderness.ca/product/awa-...
Let's pack the room!!!!
www.albertawilderness.ca/product/awa-...
AWA's Coal Conversations: Awareness, Advocacy, and Action - Alberta Wilderness Association
When it comes to coal, there’s a lot of confusion about what’s actually going on in Alberta’s Eastern Slopes. So, let’s set the record straight — join us for an afternoon dedicated to increasing aware...
www.albertawilderness.ca
February 6, 2026 at 6:38 AM
Looking forward to participating in this @albertawilderness.bsky.social event with @nigelb.bsky.social Mandy Olsgard @stevewilton.bsky.social and Claire Barber.
Let's pack the room!!!!
www.albertawilderness.ca/product/awa-...
Let's pack the room!!!!
www.albertawilderness.ca/product/awa-...
Two conservative apologists desperately arguing that there's smthg coherent (even they admit it's difficult) in Cdn (& esp AB's) conservatism.
They even claim it includes "a communal spirit that sees value in protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities".
LOL
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
They even claim it includes "a communal spirit that sees value in protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities".
LOL
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
Business leaders are speaking out against the UCP's separatist drift.
Lawyers & judges are rising up against Premier Smith's threats to judicial independence.
Real conservatives are realizing what we've been saying for years.
open.substack.com/pub/theline/...
Lawyers & judges are rising up against Premier Smith's threats to judicial independence.
Real conservatives are realizing what we've been saying for years.
open.substack.com/pub/theline/...
Jared Wesley and Ken Boessenkool: Danielle Smith is not a conservative
Her politics amount to libertarian-laced populism, directly opposed to the sort of principled, incrementalist politics Albertans have had before.
open.substack.com
February 6, 2026 at 5:36 AM
Reposted by NigelBankes
New Brunswick, an east coast Canadian province of about 900,000 people, will no longer use billionaire Elon Musk’s social media platform X for routine government communications, its leader announced
Canadian Province New Brunswick to Quit Using Elon Musk’s X
New Brunswick, an east coast Canadian province of about 900,000 people, will no longer use billionaire Elon Musk’s social media platform X for routine government communications, its leader announced Thursday.
bloom.bg
February 5, 2026 at 9:00 PM
New Brunswick, an east coast Canadian province of about 900,000 people, will no longer use billionaire Elon Musk’s social media platform X for routine government communications, its leader announced
Reposted by NigelBankes
Gaslighting again, no surprise.
"Although the province says it is drawing on other jurisdictions, including other Canadian provinces, for inspiration in the system’s design, experts say the dual-practice model proposed is unprecedented in Canada."
medicinehatnews.com/news/local-n...
"Although the province says it is drawing on other jurisdictions, including other Canadian provinces, for inspiration in the system’s design, experts say the dual-practice model proposed is unprecedented in Canada."
medicinehatnews.com/news/local-n...
Dual practice means two-tier health: critics - Medicine Hat News
zmason@medicinehatnews.com Experts say Bill 11, the Health Statutes Amendments Act, represents the foundations for the first two-tier health-care system in Canada. Although the province says it is dra...
medicinehatnews.com
February 5, 2026 at 2:54 AM
Gaslighting again, no surprise.
"Although the province says it is drawing on other jurisdictions, including other Canadian provinces, for inspiration in the system’s design, experts say the dual-practice model proposed is unprecedented in Canada."
medicinehatnews.com/news/local-n...
"Although the province says it is drawing on other jurisdictions, including other Canadian provinces, for inspiration in the system’s design, experts say the dual-practice model proposed is unprecedented in Canada."
medicinehatnews.com/news/local-n...
Reposted by NigelBankes
Reminder:
The Chiefs of Alberta Treaty 6, 7, & 8 First Nations have filed an injunction to stop the unconstitutional separatist petition that I allowed with Bill 14.
They set up a GoFundMe to help fund the legal battle: www.gofundme.com/f/sturgeon-l...
#abpoli #AlbertaIndependence
The Chiefs of Alberta Treaty 6, 7, & 8 First Nations have filed an injunction to stop the unconstitutional separatist petition that I allowed with Bill 14.
They set up a GoFundMe to help fund the legal battle: www.gofundme.com/f/sturgeon-l...
#abpoli #AlbertaIndependence
Donate to Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Lawsuit & Injunction, organized by Sharla Goodswimmer
Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation is a First Nation in Treaty No. 8 territor… Sharla Goodswimmer needs your support for Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation Lawsuit & Injunction
www.gofundme.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:36 PM
Reminder:
The Chiefs of Alberta Treaty 6, 7, & 8 First Nations have filed an injunction to stop the unconstitutional separatist petition that I allowed with Bill 14.
They set up a GoFundMe to help fund the legal battle: www.gofundme.com/f/sturgeon-l...
#abpoli #AlbertaIndependence
The Chiefs of Alberta Treaty 6, 7, & 8 First Nations have filed an injunction to stop the unconstitutional separatist petition that I allowed with Bill 14.
They set up a GoFundMe to help fund the legal battle: www.gofundme.com/f/sturgeon-l...
#abpoli #AlbertaIndependence
It's imp that civil society (esp lawyers) respond to the Premier's manufactured attacks on her imagined problems w the judicial branch we can't let her control the agenda.
We need to keep laser focused on the real challenges, public health care, public schools - add to the list
#abpoli #cdnpoli
We need to keep laser focused on the real challenges, public health care, public schools - add to the list
#abpoli #cdnpoli
February 5, 2026 at 2:46 AM
Jared identifies the pattern.
Create imaginary problems/crises.
Meanwhile, ignore the real problems such as health care (or just deliberately make the problems there worse).
Ideology is a poor foundation for problem-solving.
#abpoli #cdnpoli #ableg
Create imaginary problems/crises.
Meanwhile, ignore the real problems such as health care (or just deliberately make the problems there worse).
Ideology is a poor foundation for problem-solving.
#abpoli #cdnpoli #ableg
First, the UCP said there was an “election integrity crisis," which led to a voter ID law.
Then a “national unity crisis” → a sovereignty referendum.
Now a “crisis of confidence” in the courts → defunding judges.
There is no evidence of these crises.
The UCP is trying to manufacture them.
Then a “national unity crisis” → a sovereignty referendum.
Now a “crisis of confidence” in the courts → defunding judges.
There is no evidence of these crises.
The UCP is trying to manufacture them.
February 5, 2026 at 2:36 AM
Reposted by NigelBankes
The latest Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least 21 Palestinian according to Gaza’s health ministry
At least 21 dead after Israeli strikes on Gaza in latest ceasefire breach
www.thenational.scot
February 4, 2026 at 1:40 PM
The latest Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least 21 Palestinian according to Gaza’s health ministry
Reposted by NigelBankes
Nate Horner publishes perennial Alberta poverty plea, warns of ‘tough choices’ albertapolitics.ca/2026/02/nate...
Nate Horner publishes perennial Alberta poverty plea, warns of ‘tough choices’ - Alberta Politics
The poor little rich kid of Confederation is pleading poverty again. But take note, it’s not Alberta’s fault! (It’s never Alberta’s fault.) In an announcement yesterday that the next Alberta Budget w...
albertapolitics.ca
February 4, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Nate Horner publishes perennial Alberta poverty plea, warns of ‘tough choices’ albertapolitics.ca/2026/02/nate...
Relying on powers conferred by recent statutory amendments Mickey Amery, the province's AG and Minister of Justice, has just knee-capped the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre.
First they came for the independent voices of civil society ...
And then ....
#abpoli #cdnpoli #ableg
First they came for the independent voices of civil society ...
And then ....
#abpoli #cdnpoli #ableg
February 4, 2026 at 1:36 AM
Reposted by NigelBankes
No clue who she thinks she's hurting with this threat, but it amounts to a direct attack on Albertans' access to justice.
If Premier Smith wants to choose senior judges, she should run for prime minister.
globalnews.ca/news/1165081...
If Premier Smith wants to choose senior judges, she should run for prime minister.
globalnews.ca/news/1165081...
Danielle Smith says Alberta will withhold funding for judges without more input on selection | Globalnews.ca
Premier Danielle Smith said her government will withhold funds for new judicial appointments in Alberta if the federal government doesn't give the province a say on who is picked.
globalnews.ca
February 4, 2026 at 12:05 AM
No clue who she thinks she's hurting with this threat, but it amounts to a direct attack on Albertans' access to justice.
If Premier Smith wants to choose senior judges, she should run for prime minister.
globalnews.ca/news/1165081...
If Premier Smith wants to choose senior judges, she should run for prime minister.
globalnews.ca/news/1165081...
Imp decision from the FCA emphasizing that the precautionary principle can inform the assessment of the reasonableness of an administrative decision (in this case a decision not to renew open-net aquaculture licences)
Mowi v DFO 2026 FCA 19 (CanLII),
#ableg
Mowi v DFO 2026 FCA 19 (CanLII),
#ableg
February 3, 2026 at 5:53 PM
Imp decision from the FCA emphasizing that the precautionary principle can inform the assessment of the reasonableness of an administrative decision (in this case a decision not to renew open-net aquaculture licences)
Mowi v DFO 2026 FCA 19 (CanLII),
#ableg
Mowi v DFO 2026 FCA 19 (CanLII),
#ableg
Reposted by NigelBankes
Do NOT give JK a pass here. He CREATED the Frankenstein political monster that is the UCP. He doesn’t get to create an agent of chaos and then say “Whoa! Hold up you silly people” when he started the stampede of cray-cray. He deserves blame, not kudos.
February 3, 2026 at 5:43 AM
Do NOT give JK a pass here. He CREATED the Frankenstein political monster that is the UCP. He doesn’t get to create an agent of chaos and then say “Whoa! Hold up you silly people” when he started the stampede of cray-cray. He deserves blame, not kudos.
Reposted by NigelBankes
IT'S HAPPENING
If Starbucks won’t respect workers at the bargaining table, they don’t deserve our clicks or orders.
Our call to action is simple:
📱 Delete the Starbucks app. #DeleteTheApp
bit.ly/deletetheapp
Our call to action is simple:
📱 Delete the Starbucks app. #DeleteTheApp
bit.ly/deletetheapp
February 3, 2026 at 2:11 AM
IT'S HAPPENING
Alberta seeks to politicize science-based decisions about the use of dangerous poisons.
There's a pattern here.
Next thing they will want to tell judges what to do.
Oops that was last week.
#abpoli #cdnpoli
www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...
There's a pattern here.
Next thing they will want to tell judges what to do.
Oops that was last week.
#abpoli #cdnpoli
www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...
Strychnine: Minister Sigurdson
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson issued a statement on the federal rejection of strychnine for emergency pest management.
www.alberta.ca
February 3, 2026 at 12:34 AM
Alberta seeks to politicize science-based decisions about the use of dangerous poisons.
There's a pattern here.
Next thing they will want to tell judges what to do.
Oops that was last week.
#abpoli #cdnpoli
www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...
There's a pattern here.
Next thing they will want to tell judges what to do.
Oops that was last week.
#abpoli #cdnpoli
www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...
Reposted by NigelBankes
Just so everyone is clear: the valve here releases pressure that would otherwise build on her leadership from within her party.
She would rather lose the country than her own job.
She would rather lose the country than her own job.
Danielle Smith says Alberta separatist movement is a "pressure release valve."
February 1, 2026 at 6:19 PM
Just so everyone is clear: the valve here releases pressure that would otherwise build on her leadership from within her party.
She would rather lose the country than her own job.
She would rather lose the country than her own job.