Michael J Armstrong
@profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
Associate professor of operations research at Brock University. I teach quality improvement & game theory. I research the economic aspects of cannabis legalization.
https://brocku.ca/goodman/faculty-research/faculty-directory/michael-armstrong/
https://brocku.ca/goodman/faculty-research/faculty-directory/michael-armstrong/
'"If you increase the number of scientists that will apply for the same budget, it will be a terrible type of situation," he said, with even tougher competition and even more excellent proposals left unfunded'
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Canada seeks star academics from abroad, but stable funding for higher education remains a concern | CBC News
Proponents believe a current push to recruit star researchers from abroad will mean top-tier learning for Canadian students and a boost to research innovation and excellence. Yet concerns remain about...
www.cbc.ca
November 14, 2025 at 3:19 PM
'"If you increase the number of scientists that will apply for the same budget, it will be a terrible type of situation," he said, with even tougher competition and even more excellent proposals left unfunded'
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
30% fewer Canadians have visited the USA by land in 2025 so far, compared to 2024.
November 13, 2025 at 4:26 PM
30% fewer Canadians have visited the USA by land in 2025 so far, compared to 2024.
Reposted by Michael J Armstrong
Here is a working link to the original Poppy File map, which shows about 3,300 of Toronto's Second World War war dead at the household level. Click on a home to see details. The First World War map follows in the thread /1 t.co/4P9GUkl8m0
November 10, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Here is a working link to the original Poppy File map, which shows about 3,300 of Toronto's Second World War war dead at the household level. Click on a home to see details. The First World War map follows in the thread /1 t.co/4P9GUkl8m0
Reposted by Michael J Armstrong
'Manufactured crisis': Fentanyl seized at Canadian border by U.S. authorities plummets #CanadaSky #USpol #EconSky #cdnpoli #Canada nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
'Manufactured crisis': Fentanyl seized at Canadian border by U.S. authorities plummets
After a brief spike in the volume of fentanyl seized in April and May, the numbers have plummeted to their lowest level since 2023.
nationalpost.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:14 PM
'Manufactured crisis': Fentanyl seized at Canadian border by U.S. authorities plummets #CanadaSky #USpol #EconSky #cdnpoli #Canada nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
Reposted by Michael J Armstrong
Good morning!
Our new paper compared different types of cannabis sources in a sample of 1500 users after cannabis #legalisation in DEU.
At the time of data collection in Dec 2024, about 50% of users have obtained at least some of their cannabis from legal sources.
doi.org/10.1007/s11469-025-01574-3
Our new paper compared different types of cannabis sources in a sample of 1500 users after cannabis #legalisation in DEU.
At the time of data collection in Dec 2024, about 50% of users have obtained at least some of their cannabis from legal sources.
doi.org/10.1007/s11469-025-01574-3
Legal and Illegal Sources of Cannabis in Germany Shortly After Legalisation - International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
The aim of this study is to examine cannabis sources shortly after the legalisation of recreational cannabis possession and cultivation and liberalisation of medical cannabis prescription in Germany i...
doi.org
November 6, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Good morning!
Our new paper compared different types of cannabis sources in a sample of 1500 users after cannabis #legalisation in DEU.
At the time of data collection in Dec 2024, about 50% of users have obtained at least some of their cannabis from legal sources.
doi.org/10.1007/s11469-025-01574-3
Our new paper compared different types of cannabis sources in a sample of 1500 users after cannabis #legalisation in DEU.
At the time of data collection in Dec 2024, about 50% of users have obtained at least some of their cannabis from legal sources.
doi.org/10.1007/s11469-025-01574-3
"of Mamdani’s campaign commitments, free high-quality child care for every New Yorker from 6 weeks to 5 years old – while boosting child care workers’ wages to match that of the city’s public school teachers – could be the most transformative."
@brocku.ca
theconversation.com/zohran-mamda...
@brocku.ca
theconversation.com/zohran-mamda...
Zohran Mamdani’s transformative child care plan builds on a history of NYC social innovations
Mamdani’s child care plans could set an example for other policymakers to follow, as Democratic and Republican voters say child care costs are a major problem.
theconversation.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:43 PM
"of Mamdani’s campaign commitments, free high-quality child care for every New Yorker from 6 weeks to 5 years old – while boosting child care workers’ wages to match that of the city’s public school teachers – could be the most transformative."
@brocku.ca
theconversation.com/zohran-mamda...
@brocku.ca
theconversation.com/zohran-mamda...
The Canadian government is cutting its reimbursement to veterans for medically prescribed cannabis from $8.50 to $6 per gram.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
They're not the big-ticket items, but these 5 budget items could impact you | CBC News
They might not get the flashy headlines, but sprinkled throughout Tuesday’s budget and its digital-only annexes are several measures that could impact the lives of many Canadians. We take a closer loo...
www.cbc.ca
November 5, 2025 at 2:23 PM
The Canadian government is cutting its reimbursement to veterans for medically prescribed cannabis from $8.50 to $6 per gram.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
If the feds cut international student enrollment my 65%, there'll be no point in spending billions to attract new professors. Universities will be doing mass layoffs of their existing ones.
universityaffairs.ca/news/budget-...
universityaffairs.ca/news/budget-...
Budget cuts international student permits by 65 per cent in 2026 - University Affairs
Carney government also proposes $1.7 billion to recruit international researchers.
universityaffairs.ca
November 5, 2025 at 1:11 PM
If the feds cut international student enrollment my 65%, there'll be no point in spending billions to attract new professors. Universities will be doing mass layoffs of their existing ones.
universityaffairs.ca/news/budget-...
universityaffairs.ca/news/budget-...
"some researchers have raised concerns regarding the quality and student outcomes associated with asynchronous online courses. As well, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has exposed fundamental challenges to this mode of delivery"
@brocku.ca
theconversation.com/how-ai-is-ch...
@brocku.ca
theconversation.com/how-ai-is-ch...
How AI is challenging the credibility of some online courses
AI agents can navigate course sites, consume materials and complete assignments, effectively simulating student engagement.
theconversation.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:43 AM
"some researchers have raised concerns regarding the quality and student outcomes associated with asynchronous online courses. As well, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has exposed fundamental challenges to this mode of delivery"
@brocku.ca
theconversation.com/how-ai-is-ch...
@brocku.ca
theconversation.com/how-ai-is-ch...
Reposted by Michael J Armstrong
The changing climate in Bordeaux has led the industry to welcome new grape varieties to maintain quality winemaking in the future, but Château Mouton Rothschild and other properties in Pauillac welcome “the golden age of cabernet sauvignon.”
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Rising temperatures in Bordeaux usher in a golden age for cabernet sauvignon
Grape growers are changing their approaches to adapt to the warming climate
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 2, 2025 at 7:37 PM
The changing climate in Bordeaux has led the industry to welcome new grape varieties to maintain quality winemaking in the future, but Château Mouton Rothschild and other properties in Pauillac welcome “the golden age of cabernet sauvignon.”
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
A PhD student studying beer yeast has put her theories into practice.
www.ctvnews.ca/canada/artic...
www.ctvnews.ca/canada/artic...
‘Lick the science’: This university is using craft beer to show off its ag research
A Saskatchewan researcher has brewed a beer that allows consumers to taste and talk about advancements made in the agriculture sector.
www.ctvnews.ca
November 1, 2025 at 4:40 PM
A PhD student studying beer yeast has put her theories into practice.
www.ctvnews.ca/canada/artic...
www.ctvnews.ca/canada/artic...
"The craft beer boom peaked in 2018 in the province, said Blair Berdusco with the Alberta Small Brewers Association"
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
As tastes change, Alberta’s craft brewers expand their offerings | CBC News
According to Statistics Canada, beer consumption in Alberta has declined over the past decade. During the same time period, the market share of ciders, coolers and ready-to-drink cocktails has doubled...
www.cbc.ca
October 28, 2025 at 3:57 PM
"The craft beer boom peaked in 2018 in the province, said Blair Berdusco with the Alberta Small Brewers Association"
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
"it could be difficult for property owners to hold on to their properties when they are losing money. He predicts the situation will lead many owners to default on the mortgages and face foreclosure"
www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
‘If there is no demand, we can’t operate’: Small landlords ponder future after foreign student cuts
The case for investing in student housing isn’t as obvious as it once was as the federal cap on international students enters its second year
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 13, 2025 at 10:59 PM
"it could be difficult for property owners to hold on to their properties when they are losing money. He predicts the situation will lead many owners to default on the mortgages and face foreclosure"
www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
"exports of American spirits fell 9% year-over-year in the second quarter, driven by ongoing trade tensions"
US spirits exports fell 85% to Canada, 29% to Britain, 23% to Japan, & 12% to Europe. 🍸
#EconSky
www.distilledspirits.org/news/america...
US spirits exports fell 85% to Canada, 29% to Britain, 23% to Japan, & 12% to Europe. 🍸
#EconSky
www.distilledspirits.org/news/america...
American Spirits Exports 2025 Mid-Year Report: U.S. Spirits Exports Decline Sharply in Second Quarter
American Spirits Exports 2025 Mid-Year Report: U.S. Spirits Exports Decline Sharply in Second Quarter Amid Rising Trade Tensions Exports Declined 9% Year-Over-Year in Second Quarter 2025 WASHINGTON — ...
www.distilledspirits.org
October 13, 2025 at 2:24 PM
"exports of American spirits fell 9% year-over-year in the second quarter, driven by ongoing trade tensions"
US spirits exports fell 85% to Canada, 29% to Britain, 23% to Japan, & 12% to Europe. 🍸
#EconSky
www.distilledspirits.org/news/america...
US spirits exports fell 85% to Canada, 29% to Britain, 23% to Japan, & 12% to Europe. 🍸
#EconSky
www.distilledspirits.org/news/america...
Reposted by Michael J Armstrong
Canadian winemakers have joined forces with Come Over October, a community-driven movement that asks consumers to meet and share a glass of wine with someone this month. The campaign is expanding across Canada with the support of Wine Growers Canada.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
A toast to wine’s ability to inspire social and family celebrations
Wine Growers Canada gets behind Come Over October campaign to promote togetherness – and wine, of course
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 12, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Canadian winemakers have joined forces with Come Over October, a community-driven movement that asks consumers to meet and share a glass of wine with someone this month. The campaign is expanding across Canada with the support of Wine Growers Canada.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
My @brocku.ca colleague Antonia Mantonakis discussed booming sales of Ontario wines with CTV.
www.ctvnews.ca/business/art...
www.ctvnews.ca/business/art...
‘Why would we buy U.S. wines?’ Ontario vintners reap benefits of trade dispute
The grape harvest is well underway and sales of local wines are booming, thanks in part to the province’s ongoing boycott of U.S. wines and spirits.
www.ctvnews.ca
October 11, 2025 at 3:42 PM
My @brocku.ca colleague Antonia Mantonakis discussed booming sales of Ontario wines with CTV.
www.ctvnews.ca/business/art...
www.ctvnews.ca/business/art...
"Government cannabis stores are on strike" is a headline that could only appear in Canada.
7 years after legalization, cannabis has become so ordinary that headlines like this are mere footnotes in the daily news.
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
7 years after legalization, cannabis has become so ordinary that headlines like this are mere footnotes in the daily news.
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
All government-run liquor, cannabis stores in B.C. closed as strike escalates
All government-run liquor and cannabis stores in B.C. are now behind picket lines, according to the union representing striking public service workers.
www.ctvnews.ca
October 9, 2025 at 1:20 PM
"Government cannabis stores are on strike" is a headline that could only appear in Canada.
7 years after legalization, cannabis has become so ordinary that headlines like this are mere footnotes in the daily news.
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
7 years after legalization, cannabis has become so ordinary that headlines like this are mere footnotes in the daily news.
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
"Ontario Craft Wineries, which represents more than 100 producers, said wine sales across all retail channels — from grocery and convenience stores to restaurants — have jumped by 78 per cent."
www.cbc.ca/radio/costof...
www.cbc.ca/radio/costof...
How the U.S. trade war uncorked a surprising boom for wineries across Canada | CBC Radio
Thanks in large part to the patriotic "Buy Canadian" movement, which has changed consumer habits and reshaped parts of the retail landscape, winemakers across the country say they're enjoying a rare a...
www.cbc.ca
October 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM
"Ontario Craft Wineries, which represents more than 100 producers, said wine sales across all retail channels — from grocery and convenience stores to restaurants — have jumped by 78 per cent."
www.cbc.ca/radio/costof...
www.cbc.ca/radio/costof...
Reposted by Michael J Armstrong
“We develop our entire portfolio of wine around what the site gives us. If that wine reminds you of someplace else, we’re not doing our job,” says Cave Spring winemaker Gabriel Demarco.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
For this Niagara winemaker, the local terroir can stand on its own
Gabriel Demarco of Cave Springs isn’t interested in making copycat wines
www.theglobeandmail.com
September 27, 2025 at 1:01 PM
“We develop our entire portfolio of wine around what the site gives us. If that wine reminds you of someplace else, we’re not doing our job,” says Cave Spring winemaker Gabriel Demarco.
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
"Canadians’ Visa card spending in Oregon this July was half that of July 2024."
September 25, 2025 at 6:09 PM
"Canadians’ Visa card spending in Oregon this July was half that of July 2024."
"A brief look at the origins of the U.S. war on drugs shows how the term “war” can be used to normalize acts of oppression or violence."
theconversation.com/not-enemies-...
theconversation.com/not-enemies-...
Not enemies, but people: Why the world needs to rethink the language of war
Using the term ‘war’ when fighting alleged drug traffickers or terrorists serves to justify killing them without proof they’ve committed any crimes.
theconversation.com
September 25, 2025 at 12:20 PM
"A brief look at the origins of the U.S. war on drugs shows how the term “war” can be used to normalize acts of oppression or violence."
theconversation.com/not-enemies-...
theconversation.com/not-enemies-...
The Pearl Morissette winery has received a 2-star rating from Michelin for its restaurant. 🧑🍳🍷
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
How Niagara's Pearl Morissette became just the 2nd restaurant in Canada to earn 2 Michelin stars | CBC News
Restaurant Pearl Morissette in the Lincoln, Ont., neighbourhood of Jordan Station is now one of just two Canadian restaurants with two Michelin stars, a rare culinary honour.
www.cbc.ca
September 24, 2025 at 1:06 PM
The Pearl Morissette winery has received a 2-star rating from Michelin for its restaurant. 🧑🍳🍷
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
British Columbia's government-owned alcohol & cannabis distribution centers are on strike. 🍷 🍃
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
B.C. public workers' strike expands to liquor, cannabis distribution warehouses | CBC News
The B.C. General Employees' Union (BCGEU) says workers at the Liquor Distribution Branch's headquarters in Burnaby — as well as warehouses in Delta, Richmond and Kamloops — are now on strike.
www.cbc.ca
September 23, 2025 at 10:37 PM
British Columbia's government-owned alcohol & cannabis distribution centers are on strike. 🍷 🍃
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
🍺 Moosehead Breweries is phasing out bottles & will soon sell beer only in cans. It's running a contest to give away the last bottle from it's production line.
Perhaps beer historian @danmalleck.bsky.social will win that piece of brewing history?
www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/new...
Perhaps beer historian @danmalleck.bsky.social will win that piece of brewing history?
www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/new...
Moosehead Breweries will no longer sell beer in bottles
New Brunswick-based Moosehead Breweries has announced it will stop selling its beer in bottles at the end of the year.
www.ctvnews.ca
September 16, 2025 at 9:32 PM
🍺 Moosehead Breweries is phasing out bottles & will soon sell beer only in cans. It's running a contest to give away the last bottle from it's production line.
Perhaps beer historian @danmalleck.bsky.social will win that piece of brewing history?
www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/new...
Perhaps beer historian @danmalleck.bsky.social will win that piece of brewing history?
www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/new...
"the rain deficit in southern Ontario was 70-90 per cent less than normal. But due to their deep roots, the vines at Perrault may be unaffected by the drought"
🍷
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
🍷
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Ottawa vineyard excited for harvest, despite summer drought | CBC News
In a summer filled with record-breaking heat, this Ottawa vineyard says its mature vines are well-placed to weather the drought.
www.cbc.ca
September 13, 2025 at 3:28 PM
"the rain deficit in southern Ontario was 70-90 per cent less than normal. But due to their deep roots, the vines at Perrault may be unaffected by the drought"
🍷
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
🍷
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...