valcat
@valcat.bsky.social
Progressive lifelong Albertan. 🍁🇨🇦🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 ally. It’s the Gulf of Mexico. No DMs.
Reposted by valcat
The 2025 fall session of the Alberta legislature will come to be known, infamously, as the Notwithstanding Session.
I hope that it will also give rise to what will be known as the Notwithstanding General Strike.
The Charter shd protect the rights of minorities not the bigotry of the majority
#abpoli
I hope that it will also give rise to what will be known as the Notwithstanding General Strike.
The Charter shd protect the rights of minorities not the bigotry of the majority
#abpoli
November 19, 2025 at 1:32 AM
The 2025 fall session of the Alberta legislature will come to be known, infamously, as the Notwithstanding Session.
I hope that it will also give rise to what will be known as the Notwithstanding General Strike.
The Charter shd protect the rights of minorities not the bigotry of the majority
#abpoli
I hope that it will also give rise to what will be known as the Notwithstanding General Strike.
The Charter shd protect the rights of minorities not the bigotry of the majority
#abpoli
Reposted by valcat
"Whether it’s lies about the safety of puberty blockers or the competitive impact of allowing trans women to compete in women’s sports, the stances and statements Smith is repeatedly trotting out.... are at their best misleading and at their worst outright lies."
xtramagazine.com/power/politi...
xtramagazine.com/power/politi...
The lies Danielle Smith is telling to overturn trans kids’ rights | Xtra Magazine
The Alberta government is invoking the Notwithstanding Clause to protect its three anti-trans laws from being challenged in the courts
xtramagazine.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:15 AM
"Whether it’s lies about the safety of puberty blockers or the competitive impact of allowing trans women to compete in women’s sports, the stances and statements Smith is repeatedly trotting out.... are at their best misleading and at their worst outright lies."
xtramagazine.com/power/politi...
xtramagazine.com/power/politi...
Reposted by valcat
I had supported Guthrie to a degree up to now.
That's over. He's just less corrupt UCP. But anti-rights.
That's over. He's just less corrupt UCP. But anti-rights.
Supported by all UCP members present (36) and independents Pete Guthrie and Scott Sinclair.
Opposed by 35 NDP MLAs.
Opposed by 35 NDP MLAs.
November 19, 2025 at 12:22 AM
I had supported Guthrie to a degree up to now.
That's over. He's just less corrupt UCP. But anti-rights.
That's over. He's just less corrupt UCP. But anti-rights.
Reposted by valcat
Today, government introduced Bill 9 legislation invoking the notwithstanding clause to override a court ruling that protects youth access to gender-affirming care. This places government between a patient and their physician, undermining clinical autonomy. www.albertadoctors.org/news/publica...
November 19, 2025 at 12:15 AM
Today, government introduced Bill 9 legislation invoking the notwithstanding clause to override a court ruling that protects youth access to gender-affirming care. This places government between a patient and their physician, undermining clinical autonomy. www.albertadoctors.org/news/publica...
Reposted by valcat
This is what's at stake.
The UCP is not only dodging its responsibility to explain how Bill 9 is in any way proportionate or justifiable in a free and democratic society.
They are putting children at far greater risk of suicide.
The UCP is not only dodging its responsibility to explain how Bill 9 is in any way proportionate or justifiable in a free and democratic society.
They are putting children at far greater risk of suicide.
State-level anti-transgender laws increased incidents of past-year suicide attempts among trans and nonbinary young people by 7–72%
November 19, 2025 at 2:43 AM
This is what's at stake.
The UCP is not only dodging its responsibility to explain how Bill 9 is in any way proportionate or justifiable in a free and democratic society.
They are putting children at far greater risk of suicide.
The UCP is not only dodging its responsibility to explain how Bill 9 is in any way proportionate or justifiable in a free and democratic society.
They are putting children at far greater risk of suicide.
Reposted by valcat
Hard not to be both depressed & infuriated about these regressive, science-free, & cruel actions.
AB to invoke notwithstanding clause to shield 3 transgender bills from court challenges www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Very obviously, NO evidence these MAGA are laws needed.
AB to invoke notwithstanding clause to shield 3 transgender bills from court challenges www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Very obviously, NO evidence these MAGA are laws needed.
Alberta to invoke notwithstanding clause to shield 3 transgender bills from court challenges | CBC News
The Alberta government has tabled legislation that seeks to invoke the notwithstanding clause to shield a suite of bills that affects transgender youth and adults from legal challenges.
www.cbc.ca
November 19, 2025 at 2:18 AM
Hard not to be both depressed & infuriated about these regressive, science-free, & cruel actions.
AB to invoke notwithstanding clause to shield 3 transgender bills from court challenges www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Very obviously, NO evidence these MAGA are laws needed.
AB to invoke notwithstanding clause to shield 3 transgender bills from court challenges www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Very obviously, NO evidence these MAGA are laws needed.
Sign the petition: Danielle Smith wants to take our rights and freedoms away. Help push back.
November 18, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Sign the petition: Danielle Smith wants to take our rights and freedoms away. Help push back.
Reposted by valcat
The UCP: the NOT WORTH STANDING government.
Call the Premier’s office:
780-427-2251 (Edmonton)
Toll free: 310-0000 (in Alberta)
Call the Premier’s office:
780-427-2251 (Edmonton)
Toll free: 310-0000 (in Alberta)
November 18, 2025 at 10:52 PM
The UCP: the NOT WORTH STANDING government.
Call the Premier’s office:
780-427-2251 (Edmonton)
Toll free: 310-0000 (in Alberta)
Call the Premier’s office:
780-427-2251 (Edmonton)
Toll free: 310-0000 (in Alberta)
Reposted by valcat
“This is one of the most consequential actions our government will take during our time in office,” says the woman who just suspended kids’ right to life, liberty, and security of the person.
Doing this two days before TDoR is particularly vile.
Alberta invokes notwithstanding clause on trio of transgender laws
The Alberta government has invoked the Charter’s notwithstanding clause for the second time in less than a month in this case to protect from legal challenge a trio of laws affecting transgender youth...
www.ctvnews.ca
November 18, 2025 at 10:37 PM
“This is one of the most consequential actions our government will take during our time in office,” says the woman who just suspended kids’ right to life, liberty, and security of the person.
Reposted by valcat
I knew that this day was coming. The UCP had been warning for months that they were going to take away the rights of transgender people (not just children but adults too). I thought I was prepared. But I am still very angry that it has happened.
November 18, 2025 at 10:24 PM
I knew that this day was coming. The UCP had been warning for months that they were going to take away the rights of transgender people (not just children but adults too). I thought I was prepared. But I am still very angry that it has happened.
Reposted by valcat
Just want to acknowledge the Alberta government for its the impeccable timing of its bigoted, retrogressive debasement of the Canadian constitution this week
bsky.app/profile/egal...
bsky.app/profile/egal...
This Transgender Awareness Week, we come together to celebrate the resilience and bravery of the transgender community in the face of relentless attacks.
My message to you is simple:
I am with you. I love you. I will never stop fighting for you.
My message to you is simple:
I am with you. I love you. I will never stop fighting for you.
November 18, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Just want to acknowledge the Alberta government for its the impeccable timing of its bigoted, retrogressive debasement of the Canadian constitution this week
bsky.app/profile/egal...
bsky.app/profile/egal...
Reposted by valcat
I am pretty sure that when Merv Leitch and Peter Lougheed first created the notwithstanding clause, they didn’t mean it to be deployed to bully and oppress literal school children. #ableg #abpoli #TransRightsAreHumanRights #Alberta #notwithstandingclause
Alberta to invoke notwithstanding clause to shield 3 transgender bills from court challenges | CBC News
The Alberta government has tabled legislation that seeks to invoke the notwithstanding clause to shield a suite of bills that affects transgender youth and adults from legal challenges.
www.cbc.ca
November 18, 2025 at 10:16 PM
I am pretty sure that when Merv Leitch and Peter Lougheed first created the notwithstanding clause, they didn’t mean it to be deployed to bully and oppress literal school children. #ableg #abpoli #TransRightsAreHumanRights #Alberta #notwithstandingclause
Bill 9 reaches into nearly every part of a young person’s life & restricts their access to health care, ability to learn, & right to participate in their communities. This is not theoretically or ideological - Behind every policy are real young people and families. Donate to @skippingstone.ca.
UCP introduces Bill 9; Protecting Alberta's Children (from accessing healthcare) Act
Notwithstanding rights afforded to them by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; notwithstanding rights protected in the UCPs "Alberta Bill of Rights"; notwithstanding Human Rights.
#ableg #abpoli
Notwithstanding rights afforded to them by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; notwithstanding rights protected in the UCPs "Alberta Bill of Rights"; notwithstanding Human Rights.
#ableg #abpoli
a girl with pink hair is sitting in a chair holding a key and says your rights have been revoked .
ALT: a girl with pink hair is sitting in a chair holding a key and says your rights have been revoked .
media.tenor.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Bill 9 reaches into nearly every part of a young person’s life & restricts their access to health care, ability to learn, & right to participate in their communities. This is not theoretically or ideological - Behind every policy are real young people and families. Donate to @skippingstone.ca.
Reposted by valcat
Reposted by valcat
Alberta announced it's proceeding with its ill-conceived plan to place health data citizenship markers on driver's licenses.
I warned them months ago, citing 7 problems with their scheme.
Here's a summary. 🧵 thetyee.ca/Analysis/202...
I warned them months ago, citing 7 problems with their scheme.
Here's a summary. 🧵 thetyee.ca/Analysis/202...
Seven Concerns about Premier Smith’s New Citizenship Markers | The Tyee
Plans to alter what Alberta driver’s licences and ID cards tell authorities need a rethink.
thetyee.ca
November 18, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Alberta announced it's proceeding with its ill-conceived plan to place health data citizenship markers on driver's licenses.
I warned them months ago, citing 7 problems with their scheme.
Here's a summary. 🧵 thetyee.ca/Analysis/202...
I warned them months ago, citing 7 problems with their scheme.
Here's a summary. 🧵 thetyee.ca/Analysis/202...
Reposted by valcat
Wondering why the UCP is waiting until Wednesday to strip trans rights using the notwithstanding clause?
The Auditor General is releasing his report into the Dynalife fiasco on Wednesday. www.oag.ab.ca/news-section...
They don't think Albertans can chew gum and walk at the same time.
The Auditor General is releasing his report into the Dynalife fiasco on Wednesday. www.oag.ab.ca/news-section...
They don't think Albertans can chew gum and walk at the same time.
November 18, 2025 at 2:40 AM
Wondering why the UCP is waiting until Wednesday to strip trans rights using the notwithstanding clause?
The Auditor General is releasing his report into the Dynalife fiasco on Wednesday. www.oag.ab.ca/news-section...
They don't think Albertans can chew gum and walk at the same time.
The Auditor General is releasing his report into the Dynalife fiasco on Wednesday. www.oag.ab.ca/news-section...
They don't think Albertans can chew gum and walk at the same time.
How are we supposed to go about our day as if the government was not about to wield the notwithstanding clause like an axe to hack away the fundamental human rights and dignity of vulnerable youth just to lock down the support of bigots at next week’s UCP AGM? Asking for a province. 🏳️⚧️
November 17, 2025 at 6:27 PM
How are we supposed to go about our day as if the government was not about to wield the notwithstanding clause like an axe to hack away the fundamental human rights and dignity of vulnerable youth just to lock down the support of bigots at next week’s UCP AGM? Asking for a province. 🏳️⚧️
Reposted by valcat
PSA: Skipping Stone does terrific work with trans teens in Alberta. Please consider making a donation to support them this week and show your love for trans youth. bsky.app/profile/skip...
This week:
Monday
❤️ SKIPPING STONE ON THE GO: CANMORE
Tuesday
🧡 TENDER HEARTS
Wednesday
💛 POP UP CLINIC: UTERINE HEALTH
💛 AFFIRMING YOGA
💛 HARMONY HEARTS
💛 HEARTS & CRAFTS - Teens
Thursday
💚 TDoR WRITE-A-THON
💚 STRONG HEARTS
💚 TRANS NEURODIVERSITY GROUP
www.skippingstone.ca/calendar
Monday
❤️ SKIPPING STONE ON THE GO: CANMORE
Tuesday
🧡 TENDER HEARTS
Wednesday
💛 POP UP CLINIC: UTERINE HEALTH
💛 AFFIRMING YOGA
💛 HARMONY HEARTS
💛 HEARTS & CRAFTS - Teens
Thursday
💚 TDoR WRITE-A-THON
💚 STRONG HEARTS
💚 TRANS NEURODIVERSITY GROUP
www.skippingstone.ca/calendar
November 17, 2025 at 5:08 PM
PSA: Skipping Stone does terrific work with trans teens in Alberta. Please consider making a donation to support them this week and show your love for trans youth. bsky.app/profile/skip...
Reposted by valcat
Good morning.
If you live in Alberta, you should know that today your government will invoke the notwithstanding clause to wage war against transgender Albertans.
Not because transgender persons are harmful, but because the UCP is distracting you from their mountain of failures.
#ableg
If you live in Alberta, you should know that today your government will invoke the notwithstanding clause to wage war against transgender Albertans.
Not because transgender persons are harmful, but because the UCP is distracting you from their mountain of failures.
#ableg
November 17, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Good morning.
If you live in Alberta, you should know that today your government will invoke the notwithstanding clause to wage war against transgender Albertans.
Not because transgender persons are harmful, but because the UCP is distracting you from their mountain of failures.
#ableg
If you live in Alberta, you should know that today your government will invoke the notwithstanding clause to wage war against transgender Albertans.
Not because transgender persons are harmful, but because the UCP is distracting you from their mountain of failures.
#ableg
Reposted by valcat
The notwithstanding clause is an integral part of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Governments can invoke it, but how they do matters.
Some Conservatives understand this. Right-wing populists do not. 🧵
Governments can invoke it, but how they do matters.
Some Conservatives understand this. Right-wing populists do not. 🧵
November 16, 2025 at 10:32 PM
The notwithstanding clause is an integral part of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Governments can invoke it, but how they do matters.
Some Conservatives understand this. Right-wing populists do not. 🧵
Governments can invoke it, but how they do matters.
Some Conservatives understand this. Right-wing populists do not. 🧵
Reposted by valcat
Reposted by valcat
I wrote this two years ago. Felt inspired to post it again today. Tomorrow, it may be more relevant than ever. #ableg #abpoli #TransRightsAreHumanRights #cdnpoli #Alberta @albertaviews.bsky.social
albertaviews.ca
November 16, 2025 at 6:02 PM
I wrote this two years ago. Felt inspired to post it again today. Tomorrow, it may be more relevant than ever. #ableg #abpoli #TransRightsAreHumanRights #cdnpoli #Alberta @albertaviews.bsky.social
Reposted by valcat
November 1, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Reposted by valcat
Using a single anecdotal data point as an indicator of complex economic phenomena? Absurd! Thank goodness that could never happen in Cana-
November 12, 2025 at 4:24 AM
Using a single anecdotal data point as an indicator of complex economic phenomena? Absurd! Thank goodness that could never happen in Cana-