YegDowntown
@yegdowntown.bsky.social
Living the life a couple of crumbling (but friendly!) blocks off Jasper.
Stuck on the funicular only once!
Retired rheum/AS lab.
Stuck on the funicular only once!
Retired rheum/AS lab.
Reposted by YegDowntown
Just as a follow-up to this, here is a picture of the letter I sent my MP. I will post the text in the alt-text below if you want to copy use it as a basis for your own letter to your own MP.
You can find out who your MP is here: www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en
You can find out who your MP is here: www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en
![Dear [MP NAME]
It is with growing alarm that I am watching events unfold in Minnesota and the tactics being used by Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE)in the United States. We are at the point that even Republican governors are calling developments there excessive and not in the interest of the American people.
I am aware that a number of Canadian companies have contracts with or are working with ICE such as Hootsuite, Roshel and Jim Pattison Developments.
I think it is important for Parliament to investigate whether these companies are following Canadian law, how they are monitoring these companies for compliance and whether or not this is in the interest of Canada and Canadians.
It is my belief that the CEOs of these companies should be asked to answer these questions in front of a Parliamentary committee such as INDU.
I appreciate this is not presently the file you are working on, but as my MP I will appreciate it if you can discuss this matter at Cabinet or with your MP colleagues.
Perhaps there is not a lot that Canada can do about what we are seeing across the border, but it is my view that we must do what we can. Parliament’s attention to this matter is urgent.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:vgu6bu72nbg4vyufuon5mdfv/bafkreibmudlaxbd23xlvmzarfwqubqhxnq27tphhp4midmvggvfqavix3a@jpeg)
January 26, 2026 at 3:17 PM
Just as a follow-up to this, here is a picture of the letter I sent my MP. I will post the text in the alt-text below if you want to copy use it as a basis for your own letter to your own MP.
You can find out who your MP is here: www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en
You can find out who your MP is here: www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en
Reposted by YegDowntown
I am trying not to post on these events in this state of mind but: I hope people understand what the observers are doing is brave and dangerous.
January 24, 2026 at 4:51 PM
I am trying not to post on these events in this state of mind but: I hope people understand what the observers are doing is brave and dangerous.
Reposted by YegDowntown
The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress. — Frederick Douglass
January 24, 2026 at 5:14 PM
The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress. — Frederick Douglass
Reposted by YegDowntown
Verification (establishing truth), Deliberation (arguing about it), and Accountability (binding power to it). When these work, you have substance. When they break, you slide into performance, and eventually, simulation, and people recognise this, even if they don't use a shared terminology.
January 23, 2026 at 9:16 AM
Verification (establishing truth), Deliberation (arguing about it), and Accountability (binding power to it). When these work, you have substance. When they break, you slide into performance, and eventually, simulation, and people recognise this, even if they don't use a shared terminology.
Reposted by YegDowntown
In 2024, I rose in Senate QP to ask why the Govt of Canada was still using X for official communications. Today, they are still there. What exactly will it take to break the spell?
A proliferation of sexual deepfakes on X has prompted other countries to investigate Grok, the platform’s AI software, but, so far, Ottawa remains silent.
www.hilltimes.com/story/2026/0...
www.hilltimes.com/story/2026/0...
‘Get the f**k off there’: MPs, Senators call on government to abandon X/Twitter following wave of ‘Grok porn’
A proliferation of sexual deepfakes on X (formerly Twitter) has prompted other countries to investigate Grok, the platform’s AI software, but, so far, Ottawa remains silent.
www.hilltimes.com
January 8, 2026 at 2:58 PM
In 2024, I rose in Senate QP to ask why the Govt of Canada was still using X for official communications. Today, they are still there. What exactly will it take to break the spell?
Reposted by YegDowntown
I'll essentially just walk through the whole
"you only buy the solar panels and batteries once and then they harvest energy from the sun for free" thing, contrasting it with
"can't stop slurping oil outta the ground or all the machines stop" and stare intensely at camera while I ask which is better
"you only buy the solar panels and batteries once and then they harvest energy from the sun for free" thing, contrasting it with
"can't stop slurping oil outta the ground or all the machines stop" and stare intensely at camera while I ask which is better
January 7, 2026 at 2:33 AM
I'll essentially just walk through the whole
"you only buy the solar panels and batteries once and then they harvest energy from the sun for free" thing, contrasting it with
"can't stop slurping oil outta the ground or all the machines stop" and stare intensely at camera while I ask which is better
"you only buy the solar panels and batteries once and then they harvest energy from the sun for free" thing, contrasting it with
"can't stop slurping oil outta the ground or all the machines stop" and stare intensely at camera while I ask which is better
Reposted by YegDowntown
It’s at direct odds to the elbows up stuff he ran on, which is at the core of why Canadians are rather lost at moment (IMHO).
Maybe it's smart that Mark Carney is keeping his cards close to his chest, but if he's going to keep talking like an unemotional banker in public about our neighbour's coups and invasion threats, he needs to appoint a Minister of Speaking from the Heart To Make Canadians Feel Safe and Secure.
January 7, 2026 at 3:24 PM
It’s at direct odds to the elbows up stuff he ran on, which is at the core of why Canadians are rather lost at moment (IMHO).
Reposted by YegDowntown
Careful silence when the US started killing people in international waters. Careful silence when a Canadian ICC justice was sanctioned by the US. Now we mumble vague things about international law and Venezuela. We’re losing more than just our voice.
January 5, 2026 at 11:11 PM
Careful silence when the US started killing people in international waters. Careful silence when a Canadian ICC justice was sanctioned by the US. Now we mumble vague things about international law and Venezuela. We’re losing more than just our voice.
Reposted by YegDowntown
Canada, like other western states, is worried about alienating Trump. But that just invites isolation next time, when it's your turn over the barrel, and everyone else stays silent for fear of alienating Trump.
Democracies worthy of the name must stand together for the rule of law, or fall apart.
Democracies worthy of the name must stand together for the rule of law, or fall apart.
January 5, 2026 at 4:59 AM
Canada, like other western states, is worried about alienating Trump. But that just invites isolation next time, when it's your turn over the barrel, and everyone else stays silent for fear of alienating Trump.
Democracies worthy of the name must stand together for the rule of law, or fall apart.
Democracies worthy of the name must stand together for the rule of law, or fall apart.
Reposted by YegDowntown
Mamdani making latkes with Mandy and Kathryn Patinkin. This is my holiday gift.
It was such a joy to celebrate Hanukkah with Mandy, Kathryn and their son, Gideon. As Jewish New Yorkers across our city prepare to light candles and mark the seventh night today, I wish you and your families a Hanukkah full of light and love.
youtu.be/KIxAKyioXng
youtu.be/KIxAKyioXng
Happy Hanukkah
YouTube video by Zohran Mamdani for NYC
youtu.be
December 20, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Mamdani making latkes with Mandy and Kathryn Patinkin. This is my holiday gift.
Reposted by YegDowntown
People often ask: what can ordinary people do to stop populists like Trump and Smith from running roughshod over democratic norms?
Populists rely on the widespread perception that their actions are supported by "the majority" and "common people."
Anything that punctures that myth helps. +
Populists rely on the widespread perception that their actions are supported by "the majority" and "common people."
Anything that punctures that myth helps. +
December 7, 2025 at 9:58 PM
People often ask: what can ordinary people do to stop populists like Trump and Smith from running roughshod over democratic norms?
Populists rely on the widespread perception that their actions are supported by "the majority" and "common people."
Anything that punctures that myth helps. +
Populists rely on the widespread perception that their actions are supported by "the majority" and "common people."
Anything that punctures that myth helps. +
Reposted by YegDowntown
No other police service in the world has deployed facial recognition on body-worn cameras. Edmontonians are, in effect, test subjects for a technology Axon may wish to market elsewhere.
#yegcc #ableg
apple.news/AHQC-dJZZRc6...
#yegcc #ableg
apple.news/AHQC-dJZZRc6...
Opinion: Edmontonians shouldn't be test subjects for face-tracking bodycams — Edmonton Journal
The Edmonton Police Service’s (EPS) plan to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) facial recognition on officers’ body-worn cameras should alarm Edmontonians. EPS calls this a world-first pilot with Axo...
apple.news
December 5, 2025 at 1:51 AM
No other police service in the world has deployed facial recognition on body-worn cameras. Edmontonians are, in effect, test subjects for a technology Axon may wish to market elsewhere.
#yegcc #ableg
apple.news/AHQC-dJZZRc6...
#yegcc #ableg
apple.news/AHQC-dJZZRc6...
Reposted by YegDowntown
The MAHA pitch was: to transfer American 'heathcare' dollars from FDA-approved and evidence-based products... to the Wellness Industry that every MAHA leader has financial stake in. An industry that is projected to value at $9T globally by 2028.
The MAHA pitch was supposed to be that Americans don’t really need insurance, vaccines, or other “establishment” medical care — they just need better nutrition and less exposure to environmental toxins.
And yet: www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
And yet: www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/h...
F.D.A. Withdraws Rule to Require Testing Cosmetics Made With Talc for Asbestos
www.nytimes.com
November 29, 2025 at 2:45 AM
The MAHA pitch was: to transfer American 'heathcare' dollars from FDA-approved and evidence-based products... to the Wellness Industry that every MAHA leader has financial stake in. An industry that is projected to value at $9T globally by 2028.
Reposted by YegDowntown
Some inspiring words on cinema in the streaming era from the Pope.
Yes, THAT Pope.
Yes, THAT Pope.
November 15, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Some inspiring words on cinema in the streaming era from the Pope.
Yes, THAT Pope.
Yes, THAT Pope.
Reposted by YegDowntown
You have got to be fucking kidding me.
Alberta premier says loss of measles elimination status concerning, urges vigilance
From me today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
From me today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
Alberta premier says loss of measles elimination status concerning, urges vigilance
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Canada recently losing its measles elimination status is concerning, but her government might not have many options on the table to help get it back.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 15, 2025 at 4:21 AM
You have got to be fucking kidding me.
Reposted by YegDowntown
Lesson to Canadian mayors: you can stand up to premiers. They’ve got the power but you have the people.
Lesson to Ontario liberals as they search for someone again
Zohran Mamdani overcoming a nationwide smear campaign from both sides of the establishment once again proves that there is no substitute for simply being the person you say you are.
November 5, 2025 at 4:53 AM
Lesson to Canadian mayors: you can stand up to premiers. They’ve got the power but you have the people.
Reposted by YegDowntown
The CBC maintains an account on X - but not on Bluesky (nor on Mastodon.) Why? I asked CE0 Marie-Philippe Bouchard and Editor-in-Chief @brodiefenlon.bsky.social when they appeared at the Senate Transport and Communications Committee this morning. #CBC #SRC #SenateofCanada #cdnpoli #X #Bluesky #TRCM
CBC stays on X to reach audiences despite hate speech concerns - but isn't on Bluesky or Mastodon.
YouTube video by Senator Paula Simons
youtu.be
October 21, 2025 at 6:12 PM
The CBC maintains an account on X - but not on Bluesky (nor on Mastodon.) Why? I asked CE0 Marie-Philippe Bouchard and Editor-in-Chief @brodiefenlon.bsky.social when they appeared at the Senate Transport and Communications Committee this morning. #CBC #SRC #SenateofCanada #cdnpoli #X #Bluesky #TRCM
Reposted by YegDowntown
Absolutely bonkers story from Fort McMurray about how they're counting votes after Alberta banned electronic vote tabulators. It involves rulers, glue and something called a "Kangaroo Board" www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/news/rmwb-el...
RMWB election results will take time. What should voters expect?
Provincial changes means election results will take awhile to count. How is the RMWB counting ballots?
www.fortmcmurraytoday.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Absolutely bonkers story from Fort McMurray about how they're counting votes after Alberta banned electronic vote tabulators. It involves rulers, glue and something called a "Kangaroo Board" www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/news/rmwb-el...
Reposted by YegDowntown
‘Berta friends: don’t forget that today’s the day you can pre-order your COVID vaccine. bookvaccine.alberta.ca/vaccine/s/pr...
August 11, 2025 at 1:54 PM
‘Berta friends: don’t forget that today’s the day you can pre-order your COVID vaccine. bookvaccine.alberta.ca/vaccine/s/pr...
Reposted by YegDowntown
Danielle Smith is a separatist.
I'm only a separatist when it comes to traffic.
I'm only a separatist when it comes to traffic.
August 6, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Danielle Smith is a separatist.
I'm only a separatist when it comes to traffic.
I'm only a separatist when it comes to traffic.
Reposted by YegDowntown
“the kindest person in the room is often the smartest.” JB Pritzker is a mensch.
July 17, 2025 at 1:20 AM
“the kindest person in the room is often the smartest.” JB Pritzker is a mensch.
Reposted by YegDowntown
I found a map from 1979 of Via Rail routes across Canada with daily service, and compared it to a new map I made of cities that are currently served by daily (minimum 7 trains/week) passenger rail service.
It's bleak.
It's bleak.
July 3, 2025 at 6:42 PM
I found a map from 1979 of Via Rail routes across Canada with daily service, and compared it to a new map I made of cities that are currently served by daily (minimum 7 trains/week) passenger rail service.
It's bleak.
It's bleak.
Reposted by YegDowntown
Alberta needs immigrants - their drive, their entrepreneurial spirit, their artistic and creative talent, their hard work, their skills, their investment capital. And we’ve been proud to welcome refugees - from Ukraine and Eritrea, South Sudan and Myanmar and Syria. This hateful racism is not us.
June 25, 2025 at 1:24 AM
Alberta needs immigrants - their drive, their entrepreneurial spirit, their artistic and creative talent, their hard work, their skills, their investment capital. And we’ve been proud to welcome refugees - from Ukraine and Eritrea, South Sudan and Myanmar and Syria. This hateful racism is not us.
Reposted by YegDowntown
Alberta as we know it today simply would not exist without the millions of immigrants and refugees who built it, who loved it, and who were proud to call it home - including my grandparents and my mum. This bitter xenophobia is as unAlbertan as it’s possible to be. I’m ashamed. I’m disgusted.
Alberta Next survey asks if province should withhold social services for immigrants
www.rmoutlook.com/alberta-news...
www.rmoutlook.com/alberta-news...
Alberta Next survey asks if province should withhold social services for immigrants
CALGARY — Whether Alberta should withhold social services from immigrants is among the issues Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is tabling for debate this summer when she travels the province to consult ...
www.rmoutlook.com
June 25, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Alberta as we know it today simply would not exist without the millions of immigrants and refugees who built it, who loved it, and who were proud to call it home - including my grandparents and my mum. This bitter xenophobia is as unAlbertan as it’s possible to be. I’m ashamed. I’m disgusted.
Reposted by YegDowntown
Glad to see this piece about my pal Dom's book in @nytimes.com www.nytimes.com/2025/06/11/b... and very glad to have been part of events this week launching his words into the world
The Book Nearly Died With Him in the Amazon. But the Story Endured.
www.nytimes.com
June 13, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Glad to see this piece about my pal Dom's book in @nytimes.com www.nytimes.com/2025/06/11/b... and very glad to have been part of events this week launching his words into the world