Ben King
@benjaminkie.bsky.social
He/Him Trying to make the world a better place.
Reposted by Ben King
The looming reality that fills the spaces between every water main emergency: even after Calgary takes steps to make our water infrastructure more reliable, our city is on two relatively small rivers. As we grow to 2mil people, developing a different relationship to water will become a necessity.
Calgary's water demand is on track to exceed Calgary's licenced water withdrawal limits within 10 years. Our licence serves the towns of Airdrie, Chestermere, Strathmore as well as the CNOOC Power Plant that generates electricity by burning fossil fuels and then needs water to cool everything down.
January 20, 2026 at 5:11 PM
The looming reality that fills the spaces between every water main emergency: even after Calgary takes steps to make our water infrastructure more reliable, our city is on two relatively small rivers. As we grow to 2mil people, developing a different relationship to water will become a necessity.
Reposted by Ben King
1. Very important study - and the primary reason I avoid infection.
'The long-term impact of COVID-19 may be consequential years after the infection and give rise to long-term illnesses including neurocognitive problems similar to what is seen in Alzheimer's disease'.
'The long-term impact of COVID-19 may be consequential years after the infection and give rise to long-term illnesses including neurocognitive problems similar to what is seen in Alzheimer's disease'.
January 14, 2026 at 6:15 PM
1. Very important study - and the primary reason I avoid infection.
'The long-term impact of COVID-19 may be consequential years after the infection and give rise to long-term illnesses including neurocognitive problems similar to what is seen in Alzheimer's disease'.
'The long-term impact of COVID-19 may be consequential years after the infection and give rise to long-term illnesses including neurocognitive problems similar to what is seen in Alzheimer's disease'.
Reposted by Ben King
This is a petition that every Canadian should sign.
Tell @mark-carney.bsky.social that his former company's investments in .X.com have no place influencing policy decisions and criminal enforcement by this country.
Tell @mark-carney.bsky.social that his former company's investments in .X.com have no place influencing policy decisions and criminal enforcement by this country.
I just signed a petition demanding the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Ban X/Twitter in Canada. Join me in signing here: you.leadnow.ca/petitions/ba... you.leadnow.ca/petitions/ba...
Ban X/Twitter in Canada
I just signed a petition demanding the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Ban X/Twitter in Canada. Join me in signing here: https://you.leadnow.ca/petitions/ban-x-twitter-in-canada/?source=f...
you.leadnow.ca
January 14, 2026 at 9:28 PM
This is a petition that every Canadian should sign.
Tell @mark-carney.bsky.social that his former company's investments in .X.com have no place influencing policy decisions and criminal enforcement by this country.
Tell @mark-carney.bsky.social that his former company's investments in .X.com have no place influencing policy decisions and criminal enforcement by this country.
Reposted by Ben King
If they are going to start sending the gestapo door to door know your rights:
January 9, 2026 at 10:21 PM
If they are going to start sending the gestapo door to door know your rights:
Reposted by Ben King
While vaccines for diseases that no longer carry a universal recommendation will still be covered by federal health insurance programs, RFK Jr’s schedule change will increase confusion and distrust in vaccines, lower vaccination rates, and increase disease and death.
January 5, 2026 at 7:41 PM
While vaccines for diseases that no longer carry a universal recommendation will still be covered by federal health insurance programs, RFK Jr’s schedule change will increase confusion and distrust in vaccines, lower vaccination rates, and increase disease and death.
Reposted by Ben King
The citizen's initiative petition campaign demanding that public funds not be diverted to private schools continues, with 37 days remaining.
The organizers are maintaining this website which lists when and where you can sign—or even sign up to volunteer:
The organizers are maintaining this website which lists when and where you can sign—or even sign up to volunteer:
Alberta Funds Public Schools
A Citizen Initiative petitioning the Government of Alberta to improve its Public Education funding model.
sign.abfundspublicschools.ca
January 5, 2026 at 1:44 AM
The citizen's initiative petition campaign demanding that public funds not be diverted to private schools continues, with 37 days remaining.
The organizers are maintaining this website which lists when and where you can sign—or even sign up to volunteer:
The organizers are maintaining this website which lists when and where you can sign—or even sign up to volunteer:
Reposted by Ben King
“The longer I live, the more convinced I am that this planet is used by other planets as a lunatic asylum.”
- George Bernard Shaw
- George Bernard Shaw
December 23, 2025 at 4:47 AM
“The longer I live, the more convinced I am that this planet is used by other planets as a lunatic asylum.”
- George Bernard Shaw
- George Bernard Shaw
Reposted by Ben King
Govt just WASTED $2M of taxpayer money on the "Alberta Next" panel.
www.cbc.ca/news/cana...
While our EDs and Hosps are struggling and Schools are overflowing, they're playing political games.
Here is the single most insulting contradiction in that report:. 🧵
1/10
www.cbc.ca/news/cana...
While our EDs and Hosps are struggling and Schools are overflowing, they're playing political games.
Here is the single most insulting contradiction in that report:. 🧵
1/10
December 21, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Govt just WASTED $2M of taxpayer money on the "Alberta Next" panel.
www.cbc.ca/news/cana...
While our EDs and Hosps are struggling and Schools are overflowing, they're playing political games.
Here is the single most insulting contradiction in that report:. 🧵
1/10
www.cbc.ca/news/cana...
While our EDs and Hosps are struggling and Schools are overflowing, they're playing political games.
Here is the single most insulting contradiction in that report:. 🧵
1/10
Reposted by Ben King
A far-right party in Canada is imploding over a 22-year-old staffer’s extreme posting online.
I got my hands on audio from @antihate.ca that might leave Canadians asking how the hell someone like this got into politics at all.
It involves Diagolon, "remigration" and some trojan-horse-style plots:
I got my hands on audio from @antihate.ca that might leave Canadians asking how the hell someone like this got into politics at all.
It involves Diagolon, "remigration" and some trojan-horse-style plots:
December 19, 2025 at 2:40 AM
A far-right party in Canada is imploding over a 22-year-old staffer’s extreme posting online.
I got my hands on audio from @antihate.ca that might leave Canadians asking how the hell someone like this got into politics at all.
It involves Diagolon, "remigration" and some trojan-horse-style plots:
I got my hands on audio from @antihate.ca that might leave Canadians asking how the hell someone like this got into politics at all.
It involves Diagolon, "remigration" and some trojan-horse-style plots:
Reposted by Ben King
We are told the system is "coping." Govt PR teams assure us that "fluctuations" are normal. Look at these graphs and tell me where the "normal" is.
This is real time data from our 14 largest hospitals sites in AB.
The red bars represent dangerous overcrowding.
1/7
This is real time data from our 14 largest hospitals sites in AB.
The red bars represent dangerous overcrowding.
1/7
December 17, 2025 at 4:09 PM
We are told the system is "coping." Govt PR teams assure us that "fluctuations" are normal. Look at these graphs and tell me where the "normal" is.
This is real time data from our 14 largest hospitals sites in AB.
The red bars represent dangerous overcrowding.
1/7
This is real time data from our 14 largest hospitals sites in AB.
The red bars represent dangerous overcrowding.
1/7
Reposted by Ben King
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s anti-trans laws and limits on sexuality and gender education will result in even higher rates of gender-based violence, critics argue.
How Alberta Is Putting Women and Girls at Risk | The Tyee
Danielle Smith’s education reforms are increasing danger and eroding prevention efforts.
thetyee.ca
December 18, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s anti-trans laws and limits on sexuality and gender education will result in even higher rates of gender-based violence, critics argue.
Reposted by Ben King
Premier Danielle Smith musing about new immigration reforms, such as preventing newcomers from accessing social programs like public health care or bringing their children over until they've been taxpayers for as many as 10 years.
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Bell: Danielle Smith speaks out on immigration — the Alberta premier is not holding back
Premier Smith wants a made-in-Alberta immigration focusing on people who can get a job and benefits based for those who work and pay taxes
calgaryherald.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:41 AM
Premier Danielle Smith musing about new immigration reforms, such as preventing newcomers from accessing social programs like public health care or bringing their children over until they've been taxpayers for as many as 10 years.
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Reposted by Ben King
'Without clear, consistent, and current guidance, accountability reporting will not achieve the high-quality Albertans expect'
AG calls on UCP government to improve healthcare performance reporting
edmontonjournal.com/news/alberta...
AG calls on UCP government to improve healthcare performance reporting
edmontonjournal.com/news/alberta...
AG calls on UCP government to improve healthcare performance reporting
Alberta's auditor general says better structures and standards are needed to assess the province's changing healthcare system.
edmontonjournal.com
December 11, 2025 at 5:42 PM
'Without clear, consistent, and current guidance, accountability reporting will not achieve the high-quality Albertans expect'
AG calls on UCP government to improve healthcare performance reporting
edmontonjournal.com/news/alberta...
AG calls on UCP government to improve healthcare performance reporting
edmontonjournal.com/news/alberta...
Reposted by Ben King
Alberta hospitals are being slammed with flu patients at a time when they’re already under strain, and doctors are bracing for more as the worst of the respiratory virus season has yet to hit
All this comes at a time when hospitals are already under strain👇
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
All this comes at a time when hospitals are already under strain👇
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
'We're getting crushed': Alberta emergency rooms hit with wave of influenza patients | CBC News
Alberta hospitals are being slammed with flu patients at a time when they’re already under strain, and doctors are bracing for more as the worst of the respiratory virus season has yet to hit.
www.cbc.ca
December 10, 2025 at 7:32 PM
Alberta hospitals are being slammed with flu patients at a time when they’re already under strain, and doctors are bracing for more as the worst of the respiratory virus season has yet to hit
All this comes at a time when hospitals are already under strain👇
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
All this comes at a time when hospitals are already under strain👇
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Ben King
“Provincial data shows 16.2% of Albertans have had a flu shot, and 6.1% have had a COVID-19 shot so far this season.”
Pitiful.
Dr. Paul Parks: “We’re reaping what the government sowed.”
Pitiful.
Dr. Paul Parks: “We’re reaping what the government sowed.”
Alberta hospitals are being slammed with flu patients at a time when they’re already under strain, and doctors are bracing for more as the worst of the respiratory virus season has yet to hit
All this comes at a time when hospitals are already under strain👇
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
All this comes at a time when hospitals are already under strain👇
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
'We're getting crushed': Alberta emergency rooms hit with wave of influenza patients | CBC News
Alberta hospitals are being slammed with flu patients at a time when they’re already under strain, and doctors are bracing for more as the worst of the respiratory virus season has yet to hit.
www.cbc.ca
December 10, 2025 at 7:57 PM
“Provincial data shows 16.2% of Albertans have had a flu shot, and 6.1% have had a COVID-19 shot so far this season.”
Pitiful.
Dr. Paul Parks: “We’re reaping what the government sowed.”
Pitiful.
Dr. Paul Parks: “We’re reaping what the government sowed.”
Reposted by Ben King
NEW:
Elections Alberta has approved musician Corb Lund's Citizen Driven Initiative application to ban coal activity within the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
www.elections.ab.ca/citizen-init...
Elections Alberta has approved musician Corb Lund's Citizen Driven Initiative application to ban coal activity within the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
www.elections.ab.ca/citizen-init...
Citizen Initiative Application Approved, Notice of Initiative Petition Issued - Elections Alberta
EDMONTON – Today, Alberta’s Chief Electoral Officer, Gordon McClure, issued a Notice of Initiative Petition. This confirms a citizen initiative petition application has been received and the Chief Ele...
www.elections.ab.ca
December 8, 2025 at 11:03 PM
NEW:
Elections Alberta has approved musician Corb Lund's Citizen Driven Initiative application to ban coal activity within the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
www.elections.ab.ca/citizen-init...
Elections Alberta has approved musician Corb Lund's Citizen Driven Initiative application to ban coal activity within the Eastern Slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
www.elections.ab.ca/citizen-init...
Reposted by Ben King
We all know that ICE is violating human rights in the U.S.
But did you know a Canadian company is profiting off ICE? And that this same company has been ramping up its lobbying efforts?
Now, in my latest for @thetyee.ca, the government won't tell me if this is a red line for procurement:
But did you know a Canadian company is profiting off ICE? And that this same company has been ramping up its lobbying efforts?
Now, in my latest for @thetyee.ca, the government won't tell me if this is a red line for procurement:
December 4, 2025 at 6:43 PM
We all know that ICE is violating human rights in the U.S.
But did you know a Canadian company is profiting off ICE? And that this same company has been ramping up its lobbying efforts?
Now, in my latest for @thetyee.ca, the government won't tell me if this is a red line for procurement:
But did you know a Canadian company is profiting off ICE? And that this same company has been ramping up its lobbying efforts?
Now, in my latest for @thetyee.ca, the government won't tell me if this is a red line for procurement:
Reposted by Ben King
Spoiler Alert: Premier Smith’s plan for a dual public-private health system is doomed to fail.
Here's why: https://www.aupe.org/news/news-and-updates/dual-health-care-system-will-cripple-staffing-levels-alberta
Here's why: https://www.aupe.org/news/news-and-updates/dual-health-care-system-will-cripple-staffing-levels-alberta
Queue-it
www.aupe.org
November 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Spoiler Alert: Premier Smith’s plan for a dual public-private health system is doomed to fail.
Here's why: https://www.aupe.org/news/news-and-updates/dual-health-care-system-will-cripple-staffing-levels-alberta
Here's why: https://www.aupe.org/news/news-and-updates/dual-health-care-system-will-cripple-staffing-levels-alberta
Reposted by Ben King
@melwoods.me: We must not overcomplicate what’s going on here.
This is the Alberta government saying the rights of trans kids to receive life-saving health care, go by their own pronouns at school or play on sport teams don’t matter as much as the Smith government’s right to dictate their lives.
This is the Alberta government saying the rights of trans kids to receive life-saving health care, go by their own pronouns at school or play on sport teams don’t matter as much as the Smith government’s right to dictate their lives.
Danielle Smith Goes Nuclear on Trans Rights | The Tyee
Alberta’s premier is overriding Charter protections. Here’s a fact check on her claims.
thetyee.ca
November 20, 2025 at 3:02 PM
@melwoods.me: We must not overcomplicate what’s going on here.
This is the Alberta government saying the rights of trans kids to receive life-saving health care, go by their own pronouns at school or play on sport teams don’t matter as much as the Smith government’s right to dictate their lives.
This is the Alberta government saying the rights of trans kids to receive life-saving health care, go by their own pronouns at school or play on sport teams don’t matter as much as the Smith government’s right to dictate their lives.
Reposted by Ben King
"When procurement and governance and accountability breaks down, it's always Albertans who pay the price."
Alberta wasted more than $100M in lab privatization effort: Auditor general report
edmontonjournal.com/news/politic...
Alberta wasted more than $100M in lab privatization effort: Auditor general report
edmontonjournal.com/news/politic...
Alberta wasted more than $100M in lab privatization effort: Auditor general report
dynalifey
edmontonjournal.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:46 PM
"When procurement and governance and accountability breaks down, it's always Albertans who pay the price."
Alberta wasted more than $100M in lab privatization effort: Auditor general report
edmontonjournal.com/news/politic...
Alberta wasted more than $100M in lab privatization effort: Auditor general report
edmontonjournal.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Ben King
Trans youth who are hurting in Alberta right now, please know SO many of us see you, care about you, and know you deserve to be protected.
We’ve got your back and will do everything we can to keep you safe in the face of attacks from craven, pathetic politicians ❤️
We’ve got your back and will do everything we can to keep you safe in the face of attacks from craven, pathetic politicians ❤️
November 19, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Trans youth who are hurting in Alberta right now, please know SO many of us see you, care about you, and know you deserve to be protected.
We’ve got your back and will do everything we can to keep you safe in the face of attacks from craven, pathetic politicians ❤️
We’ve got your back and will do everything we can to keep you safe in the face of attacks from craven, pathetic politicians ❤️
Reposted by Ben King
The UCP has invoked the notwithstanding clause pre-emptively. Again. This time to strip the Charter rights of trans children and adults.
This is sadly and entirely predictable from a populist government bent on removing checks on its power. 🧵
drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/populism-f...
This is sadly and entirely predictable from a populist government bent on removing checks on its power. 🧵
drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/populism-f...
Populism, freedom, and democracy in Alberta (and beyond)
Lessons from my grade fiver's homework assignment
drjaredwesley.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 11:30 PM
The UCP has invoked the notwithstanding clause pre-emptively. Again. This time to strip the Charter rights of trans children and adults.
This is sadly and entirely predictable from a populist government bent on removing checks on its power. 🧵
drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/populism-f...
This is sadly and entirely predictable from a populist government bent on removing checks on its power. 🧵
drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/populism-f...
Reposted by Ben King
“I am not working in those facilities because I find it morally inappropriate.”
A Tyee investigation found that Calgary anesthesiologists are being scheduled by managers, in response to government directives, to work in for-profit chartered surgical facilities, sometimes against their will. #abpoli
A Tyee investigation found that Calgary anesthesiologists are being scheduled by managers, in response to government directives, to work in for-profit chartered surgical facilities, sometimes against their will. #abpoli
Insiders Detail Ways Alberta’s For-Profit Surgery Push Is Failing | The Tyee
The shift strong-arms doctors but hasn’t saved money or shortened waits for critical operations, sources say. A Tyee investigation.
thetyee.ca
November 17, 2025 at 3:23 PM
“I am not working in those facilities because I find it morally inappropriate.”
A Tyee investigation found that Calgary anesthesiologists are being scheduled by managers, in response to government directives, to work in for-profit chartered surgical facilities, sometimes against their will. #abpoli
A Tyee investigation found that Calgary anesthesiologists are being scheduled by managers, in response to government directives, to work in for-profit chartered surgical facilities, sometimes against their will. #abpoli
Reposted by Ben King
The Alberta government says it will pay for 3,000 more teachers over three years to ease a classroom crunch.
But the money didn't come as a result of the strike. It was already in last spring's budget before the Alberta teachers' walked off the job. #AbLeg #AbEd
But the money didn't come as a result of the strike. It was already in last spring's budget before the Alberta teachers' walked off the job. #AbLeg #AbEd
The Alberta government promised to pay for 3,000 more teachers. Some educators say the promise is deceptive | CBC News
When the Alberta government legislated a swift end to October’s provincial teachers’ strike, it pledged to pay for 3,000 more teaching positions during the next three school years. But what wasn't mad...
www.cbc.ca
November 14, 2025 at 10:46 PM