Andy Watson
@andywatsonbc.bsky.social
Communications Professional in Public Service. Lacrosse Official. Fan of Hazy Pale Ales and Earthy Red Wines. Believe in Evidence-Based Approaches to Decision-Making. Fascinated by trust, mis/disinformation trends. #yyj
News today that 5 Canadian national team hockey players were found "not guilty" legally is disappointing. Make no mistake, what happened was still very wrong. They were not innocent. They were in a position of power & influence and abused that. As men, we must learn. More work for us all to do.
July 24, 2025 at 8:32 PM
News today that 5 Canadian national team hockey players were found "not guilty" legally is disappointing. Make no mistake, what happened was still very wrong. They were not innocent. They were in a position of power & influence and abused that. As men, we must learn. More work for us all to do.
Incredibly proud of Dr. Henry for her leadership, humility and perseverance to sacrifice her own privacy (& well-being/security) for others - a true testament to her selfless, others-first approach to public health. B.C., Canada & the world are better and more people are alive today because of her.
Theresa Tam and Bonnie Henry, public health officials who led country through #COVID19 pandemic, among #OrderOfCanada recipients, by @ianabailey.bsky.social www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art... via @theglobeandmail.com
Theresa Tam, Bonnie Henry among Order of Canada recipients
Eighty-three individuals were appointed to the Order, consisting of companions, officers and members
www.theglobeandmail.com
June 30, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Incredibly proud of Dr. Henry for her leadership, humility and perseverance to sacrifice her own privacy (& well-being/security) for others - a true testament to her selfless, others-first approach to public health. B.C., Canada & the world are better and more people are alive today because of her.
Reposted by Andy Watson
The numbers are in – we’ve reached over 1 million downloads of the BC Wildfire App! The app provides fast, reliable, up-to-date wildfire info to help keep you safe.
Download the App on the App Store: apps.apple.com/bs/app/bc-wi...
Or Google Play store: play.google.com/store/apps/d...
#BCWS
Download the App on the App Store: apps.apple.com/bs/app/bc-wi...
Or Google Play store: play.google.com/store/apps/d...
#BCWS
June 25, 2025 at 10:22 PM
The numbers are in – we’ve reached over 1 million downloads of the BC Wildfire App! The app provides fast, reliable, up-to-date wildfire info to help keep you safe.
Download the App on the App Store: apps.apple.com/bs/app/bc-wi...
Or Google Play store: play.google.com/store/apps/d...
#BCWS
Download the App on the App Store: apps.apple.com/bs/app/bc-wi...
Or Google Play store: play.google.com/store/apps/d...
#BCWS
This is the kind of work I'm proud to support in my professional communications work - hats off to all involved in this important Land Use Planning Agreement news.gov.bc.ca/releases/202... @bcgovernment.bsky.social @squamishnatcouncil.bsky.social @rparmarbc.bsky.social @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social
June 27, 2025 at 3:22 PM
This is the kind of work I'm proud to support in my professional communications work - hats off to all involved in this important Land Use Planning Agreement news.gov.bc.ca/releases/202... @bcgovernment.bsky.social @squamishnatcouncil.bsky.social @rparmarbc.bsky.social @randeneneillmlabc.bsky.social
Reposted by Andy Watson
SCOOP: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's fmr chief of staff lived in a home owned by a sister of Sam Mraiche, a businessman whose dealings w Alberta Health Services are subject to multiple investigations.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... w @tomcardoso.bsky.social @hoserlibrarian.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... w @tomcardoso.bsky.social @hoserlibrarian.bsky.social
Former chief of staff to Alberta Premier lived in home owned by Sam Mraiche’s sister
Businessman’s dealings with the provincial health authority are subject to multiple investigations
www.theglobeandmail.com
May 19, 2025 at 11:38 PM
SCOOP: Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's fmr chief of staff lived in a home owned by a sister of Sam Mraiche, a businessman whose dealings w Alberta Health Services are subject to multiple investigations.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... w @tomcardoso.bsky.social @hoserlibrarian.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... w @tomcardoso.bsky.social @hoserlibrarian.bsky.social
People who use drugs are not what is driving issues of public safety in B.C.; organized crime is profiting off the hardship of people facing addictions. To continually blame PWUD is misleading & harmful to finding overall solutions to the issue. Harm reduction saves lives.
April 14, 2025 at 9:20 PM
People who use drugs are not what is driving issues of public safety in B.C.; organized crime is profiting off the hardship of people facing addictions. To continually blame PWUD is misleading & harmful to finding overall solutions to the issue. Harm reduction saves lives.
Reposted by Andy Watson
New: First Nations Health Authority reports that 427 First Nations people died from toxic drugs in 2024, 6.7x rate of non-FN BC residents. First Nations women died at 11.6x of non-FN BC residents, men at 5.2x.
First Nations ppl make up 3.4% of population, make up 19% of toxic drug deaths in 2024.
First Nations ppl make up 3.4% of population, make up 19% of toxic drug deaths in 2024.
April 14, 2025 at 5:12 PM
New: First Nations Health Authority reports that 427 First Nations people died from toxic drugs in 2024, 6.7x rate of non-FN BC residents. First Nations women died at 11.6x of non-FN BC residents, men at 5.2x.
First Nations ppl make up 3.4% of population, make up 19% of toxic drug deaths in 2024.
First Nations ppl make up 3.4% of population, make up 19% of toxic drug deaths in 2024.
Reposted by Andy Watson
Nine years ago today, B.C. declared a public health emergency in response to a significant increase in drug deaths from the changing drug supply. Since then, more than 16,500 ppl have died.
Fentanyl detected in <5% drug deaths in 2012, up to 67% by 2016, now ~85%, along with tranquilizers, benzos
Fentanyl detected in <5% drug deaths in 2012, up to 67% by 2016, now ~85%, along with tranquilizers, benzos
April 14, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Nine years ago today, B.C. declared a public health emergency in response to a significant increase in drug deaths from the changing drug supply. Since then, more than 16,500 ppl have died.
Fentanyl detected in <5% drug deaths in 2012, up to 67% by 2016, now ~85%, along with tranquilizers, benzos
Fentanyl detected in <5% drug deaths in 2012, up to 67% by 2016, now ~85%, along with tranquilizers, benzos
Reposted by Andy Watson
We’re in desperate need of calm, decisive leadership. Let’s follow the lead of this COVID-era icon Bonnie Henry, by @femwriter.bsky.social www.thestar.com/opinion/cont... via @thestar.com
We’re in desperate need of calm, decisive leadership. Let’s follow the lead of this COVID-era icon
True leaders don’t shift blame. They take accountability, ensuring their teams and the public understand the situation, the plan, and their roles. They acknowledge challenges while maintaining confide...
www.thestar.com
March 13, 2025 at 4:27 PM
We’re in desperate need of calm, decisive leadership. Let’s follow the lead of this COVID-era icon Bonnie Henry, by @femwriter.bsky.social www.thestar.com/opinion/cont... via @thestar.com
Reposted by Andy Watson
At least 458 ppl experiencing homelessness died in BC in 2023; ↑23% from 2022 (373), nearly 3x 2020 (155): BC Coroners Service
• 91% of 2023 deaths accidental (419)
• 86% accidental unregulated drug death (394)
• More than half between ages 30-49
• 79% decedents males
www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/b...
• 91% of 2023 deaths accidental (419)
• 86% accidental unregulated drug death (394)
• More than half between ages 30-49
• 79% decedents males
www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/b...
www2.gov.bc.ca
March 7, 2025 at 5:24 PM
At least 458 ppl experiencing homelessness died in BC in 2023; ↑23% from 2022 (373), nearly 3x 2020 (155): BC Coroners Service
• 91% of 2023 deaths accidental (419)
• 86% accidental unregulated drug death (394)
• More than half between ages 30-49
• 79% decedents males
www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/b...
• 91% of 2023 deaths accidental (419)
• 86% accidental unregulated drug death (394)
• More than half between ages 30-49
• 79% decedents males
www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/b...
Now is the time to check your child's immunization records and ensure you're up to date before any travel - and, yes, especially for measles right now but really for any vaccine. BCCDC also had a good article on this recently: www.bccdc.ca/about/news-s...
March 6, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Now is the time to check your child's immunization records and ensure you're up to date before any travel - and, yes, especially for measles right now but really for any vaccine. BCCDC also had a good article on this recently: www.bccdc.ca/about/news-s...
Edelman Canada released its Canadian Trust Barometer report & Top 10 findings. Big takeaway: high trust in scientists but lower confidence in leaders; Canadians exhibit a strong trust in scientists (78%) which is more than double the trust placed in CEOs (37%): www.edelman.ca/trust/2025/t...
2025 Edelman Trust Barometer (EN)
The 25th anniversary edition of the Edelman Trust Barometer has revealed a profound shift to acceptance of aggressive action, with political polarization and deepening fears giving rise to a widesprea...
www.edelman.ca
March 6, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Edelman Canada released its Canadian Trust Barometer report & Top 10 findings. Big takeaway: high trust in scientists but lower confidence in leaders; Canadians exhibit a strong trust in scientists (78%) which is more than double the trust placed in CEOs (37%): www.edelman.ca/trust/2025/t...
An interesting proposal to shift from using the term "non-pharmaceutical interventions" to "public health and social measures" - your thoughts?
It’s time to move away from talking about “non-pharmaceutical interventions”.
Medical journals should use the term “public health and social measures” instead, write @azeem-majeed.bsky.social and @kamranabbasi.bsky.social
www.bmj.com/content/388/...
Medical journals should use the term “public health and social measures” instead, write @azeem-majeed.bsky.social and @kamranabbasi.bsky.social
www.bmj.com/content/388/...
March 4, 2025 at 8:46 PM
An interesting proposal to shift from using the term "non-pharmaceutical interventions" to "public health and social measures" - your thoughts?
Reposted by Andy Watson
The World Health Organization announce recommendations for the viral composition of #influenza vaccines for the 2025-2026 influenza season in the northern hemisphere. www.who.int/publications... via @who.int #GlobalHealth
February 28, 2025 at 2:33 PM
The World Health Organization announce recommendations for the viral composition of #influenza vaccines for the 2025-2026 influenza season in the northern hemisphere. www.who.int/publications... via @who.int #GlobalHealth
Reposted by Andy Watson
A child has died in Texas from #measles, which is a vaccine preventable disease. Yet neither the HHS Secretary, nor his department, nor the #CDC has publicly urged parents of unvaccinated children to get their kids vaccinated.
The silence is stunning. www.statnews.com/2025/02/27/t...
The silence is stunning. www.statnews.com/2025/02/27/t...
On measles outbreak, the Trump administration’s messaging strikes some as off-key
Why the Trump administration’s messaging on the Texas measles outbreak strikes some experts as off-key.
www.statnews.com
February 27, 2025 at 6:45 PM
A child has died in Texas from #measles, which is a vaccine preventable disease. Yet neither the HHS Secretary, nor his department, nor the #CDC has publicly urged parents of unvaccinated children to get their kids vaccinated.
The silence is stunning. www.statnews.com/2025/02/27/t...
The silence is stunning. www.statnews.com/2025/02/27/t...
Reposted by Andy Watson
Dramatic #measles outbreak traced to New Brunswick wedding, and now spanning several provinces, worries health officials. There have been 95 measles cases reported in Canada so far this year — compared 147 cases for all of last year. www.cbc.ca/news/health/... via @cbcnews.ca #vaccination
Measles outbreaks spreading in several provinces | CBC News
There have been 95 measles cases reported in Canada so far this year — with Quebec, Ontario and Manitoba reporting new cases in the last week, says Canada's chief public health officer.
www.cbc.ca
February 26, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Dramatic #measles outbreak traced to New Brunswick wedding, and now spanning several provinces, worries health officials. There have been 95 measles cases reported in Canada so far this year — compared 147 cases for all of last year. www.cbc.ca/news/health/... via @cbcnews.ca #vaccination
BC Coroners Service released data for 2024 toxic drug deaths in B.C. today. While down 13% year over year, still 2,200+ people who died. Some great collective advice from public health was published last week by the Canadian Public Health Association, worth a read: www.cpha.ca/toxic-drug-c....
Public Health Approaches to the Toxic Drug Crisis | Canadian Public Health Association
www.cpha.ca
February 5, 2025 at 12:01 AM
BC Coroners Service released data for 2024 toxic drug deaths in B.C. today. While down 13% year over year, still 2,200+ people who died. Some great collective advice from public health was published last week by the Canadian Public Health Association, worth a read: www.cpha.ca/toxic-drug-c....
Unfortunate....
February 3, 2025 at 9:32 PM
Unfortunate....
I posted my thoughts on the initial comms response to the devastating news of the fatal plane collision in the U.S. last night on LinkedIn - danger of speculation, need to brief your spokespeople before a briefing, & letting trauma-informed folks deal with families: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
Andy Watson on LinkedIn: U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall statement on Wichita passenger jet crash in…
(1/4) Horrible news out of the U.S. that there are no survivors from the plane crash involving a Black Hawk helicopter and commercial flight that included…
www.linkedin.com
January 30, 2025 at 8:33 PM
I posted my thoughts on the initial comms response to the devastating news of the fatal plane collision in the U.S. last night on LinkedIn - danger of speculation, need to brief your spokespeople before a briefing, & letting trauma-informed folks deal with families: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
Well worth the watch with @caulfieldtim.bsky.social
Risk of Health Misinformation www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/vi...
Is our information environment rigged against us? Are we normalization harmful bunk?
Really enjoyed this @ctvvancouver.bsky.social chat aboutmisinformation, my @vanwritersfest.bsky.social talk, and my new book (The Certainty Illusion)🙏
Is our information environment rigged against us? Are we normalization harmful bunk?
Really enjoyed this @ctvvancouver.bsky.social chat aboutmisinformation, my @vanwritersfest.bsky.social talk, and my new book (The Certainty Illusion)🙏
Risk of Health Misinformation
University of Alberta Professor of Law and Authour, Tim Caulfield discusses the risk of health misinformation on CTV Morning Live.
www.ctvnews.ca
January 30, 2025 at 8:31 PM
Well worth the watch with @caulfieldtim.bsky.social
Brilliant ad campaign about knowing how to spot AI-generated mis/disinformation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=25YY... - well done, BC Securities Commission. Catchy tagline "we are all **cked" :)
We Are All Bleeped: AI Investment Scams
YouTube video by BC Securities Commission
www.youtube.com
January 28, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Brilliant ad campaign about knowing how to spot AI-generated mis/disinformation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=25YY... - well done, BC Securities Commission. Catchy tagline "we are all **cked" :)
Reposted by Andy Watson
Today marks 5 years since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in BC. Our provincial chief medical officer Dr. Bonnie Henry joins us in a few moments to reflect on that time.
Coming up on CBC's The Early Edition.
Coming up on CBC's The Early Edition.
January 28, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Today marks 5 years since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in BC. Our provincial chief medical officer Dr. Bonnie Henry joins us in a few moments to reflect on that time.
Coming up on CBC's The Early Edition.
Coming up on CBC's The Early Edition.
Reposted by Andy Watson
From January to June 2024, there were 3,787 opioid-related deaths (21/day) in Canada. In the same period, there were 2,846 hospitalizations for opioid poisoning (16/day), 18,792 EMS responses (104/day) and 13,287 ER visits for ODs (73/day). www.canada.ca/en/public-he... #ToxicDrugCrisis
Joint Statement from the Co-Chairs of the Special Advisory Committee on Toxic Drug Poisonings – Latest National Data on Substance-Related Harms
Today, the co-chairs of the federal, provincial, and territorial Special Advisory Committee on Toxic Drug Poisonings- —Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada's Chief Public Health Officer, and Dr. Sudit Ranade, Yuko...
www.canada.ca
December 23, 2024 at 5:35 PM
From January to June 2024, there were 3,787 opioid-related deaths (21/day) in Canada. In the same period, there were 2,846 hospitalizations for opioid poisoning (16/day), 18,792 EMS responses (104/day) and 13,287 ER visits for ODs (73/day). www.canada.ca/en/public-he... #ToxicDrugCrisis
Reposted by Andy Watson
Yep. Ugh.
False Claims Linking Vaccines to Autism May Further Hinder Vaccination Rates www.kff.org/health-misin... via @KFF
"...misinformation related to MMR vaccines causing autism in children was a widely-encountered piece of health misinformation."
#VaccinesWork
False Claims Linking Vaccines to Autism May Further Hinder Vaccination Rates www.kff.org/health-misin... via @KFF
"...misinformation related to MMR vaccines causing autism in children was a widely-encountered piece of health misinformation."
#VaccinesWork
December 19, 2024 at 5:50 PM
Yep. Ugh.
False Claims Linking Vaccines to Autism May Further Hinder Vaccination Rates www.kff.org/health-misin... via @KFF
"...misinformation related to MMR vaccines causing autism in children was a widely-encountered piece of health misinformation."
#VaccinesWork
False Claims Linking Vaccines to Autism May Further Hinder Vaccination Rates www.kff.org/health-misin... via @KFF
"...misinformation related to MMR vaccines causing autism in children was a widely-encountered piece of health misinformation."
#VaccinesWork