Joe McFarland
@joemcfarland.bsky.social
Dad. Husband. Storyteller. Podcaster. Game-day host. Sports, news and music junkie. Interested in a "mission to civilize."
“I think giving the power to the people is an important aspect of making sure politicians keep their word.” Trivia question: who said the above quote about 20 months ago and is seemingly now claiming the opposite? #ABleg calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Bell: Gondek backers trash 'Dump Gondek' petition as Smith defends recall
Premier Danielle Smith pushes back, defends recall while Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek backers trash Dump Gondek petition as defying democracy
calgaryherald.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:16 PM
“I think giving the power to the people is an important aspect of making sure politicians keep their word.” Trivia question: who said the above quote about 20 months ago and is seemingly now claiming the opposite? #ABleg calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
This whole #ABleg recall stuff has had me laughing the last few days. Remember: it was the UCP who introduced it with an eye towards turfing certain municipal politicians (Gondek). Then when it failed, they lowered the bar to get the recall moving. Never did they think it would be turned on them.
a cartoon character is sitting at a desk with papers on it and the words whoopsie-doodle below him
ALT: a cartoon character is sitting at a desk with papers on it and the words whoopsie-doodle below him
media.tenor.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:02 AM
This whole #ABleg recall stuff has had me laughing the last few days. Remember: it was the UCP who introduced it with an eye towards turfing certain municipal politicians (Gondek). Then when it failed, they lowered the bar to get the recall moving. Never did they think it would be turned on them.
It kinda says a lot about the discourse around politics as a whole when one of the first things an elected official has to say is “please don’t contact my family.” We’ve gone down a bizarre rabbit hole where politics are blood sports. And that’s not a good thing. 🇨🇦
NEW: Edmonton Riverbend Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux is resigning his seat. He posted this statement to social media.
November 7, 2025 at 8:02 PM
It kinda says a lot about the discourse around politics as a whole when one of the first things an elected official has to say is “please don’t contact my family.” We’ve gone down a bizarre rabbit hole where politics are blood sports. And that’s not a good thing. 🇨🇦
This is a super-interesting twist, if nothing other than to see how lawyers have been lining up to denounce Bill 2. Methinks the ATA might have a case. Meanwhile, #ABleg is trying to turn the page by giving a scoop to Dinger about upping speed limits on highways. Squirrel! www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Teachers' union taking Alberta government to court over notwithstanding clause | CBC News
The Alberta Teachers’ Association has filed a constitutional challenge of a provincial government law that forced educators across the province back to work and imposed a new contract.
www.cbc.ca
November 7, 2025 at 3:26 AM
This is a super-interesting twist, if nothing other than to see how lawyers have been lining up to denounce Bill 2. Methinks the ATA might have a case. Meanwhile, #ABleg is trying to turn the page by giving a scoop to Dinger about upping speed limits on highways. Squirrel! www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
This could be MASSIVE for the Blue Jays heading into the offseason. He's foregoing a boatload of cash to stick around. Maybe it's a matter of unfinished business, but how many pending free agents aren't now looking at the Jays, especially after the season they had? Let's go! #WantItAll
November 5, 2025 at 5:41 AM
This could be MASSIVE for the Blue Jays heading into the offseason. He's foregoing a boatload of cash to stick around. Maybe it's a matter of unfinished business, but how many pending free agents aren't now looking at the Jays, especially after the season they had? Let's go! #WantItAll
What a game. What a series. As a lifelong fan, I’m having a hard time finding the words. All I can muster right now is:
Thank you to the Blue Jays for an unbelievable season.
#WANTITALL #WorldSeries ⚾️🇨🇦
Thank you to the Blue Jays for an unbelievable season.
#WANTITALL #WorldSeries ⚾️🇨🇦
November 2, 2025 at 4:46 AM
What a game. What a series. As a lifelong fan, I’m having a hard time finding the words. All I can muster right now is:
Thank you to the Blue Jays for an unbelievable season.
#WANTITALL #WorldSeries ⚾️🇨🇦
Thank you to the Blue Jays for an unbelievable season.
#WANTITALL #WorldSeries ⚾️🇨🇦
⚾️ Regardless of how tonight ends, this has been an amazing run, not just for the Blue Jays but for #baseball in Canada. People in the game will tell you that when the Jays are good or exciting, interest & registration spikes. What I wrote about Vlady’s signing holds true today. #WANTITALL 🇨🇦
EDITORIAL: OK Blue Jays!
The signing of Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. to a long-term contract wasn't just big for the Toronto Blue Jays, but massive for the game across Canada.
albertadugoutstories.com
November 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM
⚾️ Regardless of how tonight ends, this has been an amazing run, not just for the Blue Jays but for #baseball in Canada. People in the game will tell you that when the Jays are good or exciting, interest & registration spikes. What I wrote about Vlady’s signing holds true today. #WANTITALL 🇨🇦
Can someone here explain why separatists are up in a tizzy over @lukaszukab.bsky.social's petition and proposed question? If you think more Albertans want to leave than stay, then shouldn't it be a simple answer of getting everyone you know to say "no"? They should be thanking Thomas. #ABleg
‘Forever Canadian’ Results Shock the UCP Government | The Tyee
Thomas Lukaszuk delivers petitions signed by over 456,000 citizens, upsetting separatist referendum plans.
thetyee.ca
October 31, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Can someone here explain why separatists are up in a tizzy over @lukaszukab.bsky.social's petition and proposed question? If you think more Albertans want to leave than stay, then shouldn't it be a simple answer of getting everyone you know to say "no"? They should be thanking Thomas. #ABleg
Dear Alberta,
We have a serious problem with this government, who claimed it’d fix health care in 90 days. Seems pretty clear to me they meant “start dismantling it in 90 days,” because it has only gotten worse. And now stories like this are coming out. #ABleg globalnews.ca/news/1150372...
We have a serious problem with this government, who claimed it’d fix health care in 90 days. Seems pretty clear to me they meant “start dismantling it in 90 days,” because it has only gotten worse. And now stories like this are coming out. #ABleg globalnews.ca/news/1150372...
Boy with cancer’s chemo appointment cancelled amid Stollery space shortage | Globalnews.ca
An Edmonton mom said the Stollery Children's Hospital urgently needs to grow after a shortage of beds meant her son Ben was turned away from his scheduled chemotherapy treatment.
globalnews.ca
October 31, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Dear Alberta,
We have a serious problem with this government, who claimed it’d fix health care in 90 days. Seems pretty clear to me they meant “start dismantling it in 90 days,” because it has only gotten worse. And now stories like this are coming out. #ABleg globalnews.ca/news/1150372...
We have a serious problem with this government, who claimed it’d fix health care in 90 days. Seems pretty clear to me they meant “start dismantling it in 90 days,” because it has only gotten worse. And now stories like this are coming out. #ABleg globalnews.ca/news/1150372...
Whoa whoa whoa! Despite repeated calls from Albertans that we don't want a provincial police force, and despite a travelling road show where they were supposedly going to "weigh their options," they're moving forward with it right away anyways? Colour me shocked. #ABleg #Alberta
Bill 4: Alberta moves forward with independent police agency, proposes changes to domestic violence disclosure act
The Alberta government is proposing a number of amendments to allow the Alberta Sheriffs Police Services (ASPS) to begin hiring officers.
edmontonjournal.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:33 AM
Alberta parents shouldn’t be surprised when teachers stop doing the extra stuff. No more coaching, mentoring, answering emails at all hours, extra prep, special day planning. All of it. From what I’ve seen and heard, they’re demoralized and feel devalued. It’s bad. #ABleg #Alberta
October 28, 2025 at 2:54 AM
I know a few people are trying to paint it that my opinion on #ABleg education doesn’t count because I have a pecuniary interest in that my wife is a teacher. I’ve never hidden that. But I’d also like to say: I’m a dad of two kids soon to be entering the system. I want it to be better for THEM.
a man says i 'm just a proud papa in front of a painting
ALT: a man says i 'm just a proud papa in front of a painting
media.tenor.com
October 19, 2025 at 6:04 PM
I know a few people are trying to paint it that my opinion on #ABleg education doesn’t count because I have a pecuniary interest in that my wife is a teacher. I’ve never hidden that. But I’d also like to say: I’m a dad of two kids soon to be entering the system. I want it to be better for THEM.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation used to be an organization that would uncover wasteful spending and be actual watchdogs for Canadians. Their absolute blitz on Alberta teachers while completely ignoring the Wyant Report is proof they are nothing more than a UCP/CPC proxy. #ABleg #Alberta
a man with a beard wearing a cowboy hat and a white suit is standing in front of a blackboard .
ALT: a man with a beard wearing a cowboy hat and a white suit is standing in front of a blackboard .
media.tenor.com
October 19, 2025 at 1:33 PM
There's a really important piece of context that's mentioned by the NDP here: no one within government (Premier, Health Minister, staffers, etc) were interviewed for this report. Did Judge Wyant not ask them, or did they elude his request for interviews? Too many unknowns still. #ABleg #Alberta
WATCH LIVE - Alberta's New Democrats continue calling for a public inquiry into allegations of UCP corruption youtube.com/live/d291QLH...
Albertans need a public inquiry into UCP Corruption
YouTube video by Naheed Nenshi
youtube.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:40 PM
So here’s a random thought: Chris Bassitt was 8-0 with a 2.71 ERA at home this year. Does he get the start in game six at home and maybe use Yesavage out of the bullpen? What a series this is turning into. #BlueJays #WantItAll ⚾️🇨🇦
October 17, 2025 at 3:34 AM
So here’s a random thought: Chris Bassitt was 8-0 with a 2.71 ERA at home this year. Does he get the start in game six at home and maybe use Yesavage out of the bullpen? What a series this is turning into. #BlueJays #WantItAll ⚾️🇨🇦
Interesting how she’s parroting some talking points from some of her hardcore supporters about overall numbers. It’s such a bad-faith argument because a class of 30 in Cochrane and a class of 12 in a small town make it an average of 21. She’s openly dismissing cities & growing municipalities. #ABleg
October 15, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Interesting how she’s parroting some talking points from some of her hardcore supporters about overall numbers. It’s such a bad-faith argument because a class of 30 in Cochrane and a class of 12 in a small town make it an average of 21. She’s openly dismissing cities & growing municipalities. #ABleg
“Hey, how do we distract from the teacher’s strike and the health care layoffs?”
“I know! License plates!”
“Perfect. Call Dinger!”
#ABleg #Alberta
“I know! License plates!”
“Perfect. Call Dinger!”
#ABleg #Alberta
“The words on the plate have been decided.
Strong and Free.”
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Strong and Free.”
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Bell: Danielle Smith set to roll out a new Strong and Free Alberta licence plate
Alberta gets a new licence plate with the Strong and Free brand, Premier Danielle Smith will roll out eight designs and Albertans will vote
calgaryherald.com
October 15, 2025 at 4:37 AM
Something I’ve noticed driving around my neighborhood in Airdrie: WAY more signs on lawns supporting public education than signs supporting candidates for the municipal election. That says a lot in a provincial conservative hotbed. #ABleg #Airdrie www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/arti...
Most Albertans side with teachers in ongoing strike: survey
A new survey suggests most Albertans side with teachers in the ongoing labour dispute between them and the provincial government.
www.ctvnews.ca
October 14, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Something I’ve noticed driving around my neighborhood in Airdrie: WAY more signs on lawns supporting public education than signs supporting candidates for the municipal election. That says a lot in a provincial conservative hotbed. #ABleg #Airdrie www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/arti...
"It tries to teach Grade 1 students how to multiply. Grade 3 students learn how to count American money — not Canadian. And Grade 4 students are instructed in drawing triangles — an activity for those in Grade 1." Tough to get grade 1 kids to multiply when some don't know their numbers to 10. #ABleg
‘A big mess’: Expert, parents criticize Alberta tool kit for students during strike
An education expert is criticizing online lessons the Alberta government has curated for students during a provincewide teachers strike as “incoherent.”
www.ctvnews.ca
October 10, 2025 at 5:59 PM
"It tries to teach Grade 1 students how to multiply. Grade 3 students learn how to count American money — not Canadian. And Grade 4 students are instructed in drawing triangles — an activity for those in Grade 1." Tough to get grade 1 kids to multiply when some don't know their numbers to 10. #ABleg
As we head into what will surely be an emotional weekend for teachers, parents, students and everyone who cares about the education system in #Alberta, time to re-up my letter to the editor that was also sent to the Premier, @naheednenshi.bsky.social & more. #ABleg
Letter to the Editor: Teachers don’t want to strike, but might have to
Teachers love being in the classroom and see their profession as a public service.
www.airdriecityview.com
October 4, 2025 at 7:06 PM
As we head into what will surely be an emotional weekend for teachers, parents, students and everyone who cares about the education system in #Alberta, time to re-up my letter to the editor that was also sent to the Premier, @naheednenshi.bsky.social & more. #ABleg
A really good read about the state of education in Alberta and how I think many teachers are feeling right now. The numbers are the numbers, but the sheer disrespect shown, especially since 2019, needs to be addressed. #ABleg #Alberta www.parklandinstitute.ca/disrespect
When Disrespect Becomes Policy: How Government Neglect Sparked Labour Unrest
As Albertans brace for the first teacher strike in nearly 25 years, a new opinion piece on Parkland’s blog gives a frontline perspective on the government’s long war against public education.
www.parklandinstitute.ca
October 4, 2025 at 1:50 PM
A really good read about the state of education in Alberta and how I think many teachers are feeling right now. The numbers are the numbers, but the sheer disrespect shown, especially since 2019, needs to be addressed. #ABleg #Alberta www.parklandinstitute.ca/disrespect
Quick math (just because it’s fun) in my wife’s classroom:
$30/day for each kid
X 25 kids in her class
= $750/day
X 182 instructional days (in my wife’s case)
= $136,500/school year
That’s just days with students? Yeah, we need to talk about her getting a raise. #ABleg #Alberta
$30/day for each kid
X 25 kids in her class
= $750/day
X 182 instructional days (in my wife’s case)
= $136,500/school year
That’s just days with students? Yeah, we need to talk about her getting a raise. #ABleg #Alberta
a man standing in front of a chalkboard with mathematical equations written on it
ALT: a man standing in front of a chalkboard with mathematical equations written on it
media.tenor.com
September 30, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Some quick math for my #ABleg followers:
825,000 K-12 students (according to gov’t website)
X $30/day support (as is being rumoured)
= $24,750,000/day
X 19 school days in October (from Oct. 6 if strike goes all month)
= $470,250,000
But we can’t afford to monitor class sizes. #Alberta
825,000 K-12 students (according to gov’t website)
X $30/day support (as is being rumoured)
= $24,750,000/day
X 19 school days in October (from Oct. 6 if strike goes all month)
= $470,250,000
But we can’t afford to monitor class sizes. #Alberta
September 30, 2025 at 5:30 PM
There was a much easier way to respond to the question. Let the student speak, then “Thank you for being involved as a young person. We need more of that. While your question isn’t related to what we’re discussing, it’s provincial jurisdiction. Premier, would you please respond?” #ABleg #Alberta
September 30, 2025 at 4:14 PM