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Alex Boyd

@alexboyd.bsky.social
9.2K followers 574 following 1.4K posts

Senior reporter, provincial affairs. CBC Calgary. Formerly: Toronto Star investigations. Interested in: Misinformation, politics, culture. Signal: alexboyd.56 alex.boyd@cbc.ca

PostsRepliesMedia
Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 1h
It does seem unfortunate that nothing is being made public.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 2h
This is such a niche Alberta Rockies story and I'm here for any and all updates. www.rmoutlook.com/banff/off-le...
rmoutlook.com
Off-leash dog rules broken by Banff National Park superintendent
“With a commitment to upholding this same standard, Parks Canada has completed an investigation, and the matter is now considered closed.”
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
Like St. Paul area? What are you seeing out there? That's a region I haven't been to yet unfortunately!
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
I drove down to Coutts to see the Forever Canadian bus roll through recently, and while I would have guessed there was overlap between those who supported the blockade and separatism, I didn't expect quite this much. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
First came the blockade. Then came separatism. Old tensions revived in Coutts | CBC News
This tiny town made international headlines when truckers angry at COVID-19 vaccine mandates blocked the border with the U.S. Many of those frustrated by how the convoy ended have found new purpose in...
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Oh, to be a fly on the wall etc. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
A screengrab of the story in which Sylvestre says Plamondon told him he expected his group would be "way more right-wing redneck."
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
🫠
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Tyler Dawson, author of a recent book on the history of separation, columnizing in the Globe about this story: www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
theglobeandmail.com
Opinion: Alberta’s separatists would sell us out to the Americans
New reporting by The Globe and Mail detail the influence of Republican-aligned interests on the referendum campaign
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
... but I spent a couple of days at the border last week and had to actively search to find a Montanan who had *any* idea what I was talking about.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
One of the things this makes me think about is how largely America looms in the minds of many Alberta separatists, but the reverse is not true. This is based on an admittedly small sample size...
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Multiple people had texted this to me before I even looked at my phone this morning; always a good sign. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
theglobeandmail.com
The elephant in the room
Alberta separatists have gone to D.C. offering fresh water and oil in exchange for American support – and Republican operatives have provided tactical assistance inside the province
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I will! Now I'm curious!
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
... they're definitely going to win in October etc. Like they've been so successful at building a distinct echo chamber, they really don't think there are many people who disagree. Your timeline question is interesting though! I'm going to ask Chris next time I talk to him!
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
... to Chris, he doesn't really argue that it has an impact on voters so much as speaks to the way the community is sharing information. In my opinion, this plays out much more among, say, the separatists I meet who who are adamant the polls are wrong, everyone believes this...
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
I think those are totally reasonable! I don't want to speak for the report authors (I'd tag Chris Ross but I don't think he's on here?) but I think they acknowledge the limitations but feel like it's the closest thing to measuring enthusiasm for a topic, though it's not perfect. When I've spoken...
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
This is my non-expert opinion but as someone who has written about misinfo a fair bit I would argue that most people are less rational than they think. We have this delusion that we all make decisions based on facts, when it's much more about emotion, community and what you want to believe.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
As one of her many, many followers, it was clear that this was a coming, but still so, so sad.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Q: Who cares that it's Keith Wilson? ROA is arguably playing a campaign role for him, which I think is notable. The Alberta independence campaign is unusual in that political parties are not involved, so the power has shifted to influencers, who are hard to scrutinize. (See question 1.)
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Q: I don't use X, who cares about any of this? Because the separatism movement is distrustful of institutions, including media, many have constructed an online world with podcasts, influencers, pages which is where much of this convo is happening. Maybe you don't pay attention to this, but they do.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Q: Why isn't the CBC looking at (insert account you don't like here)? The Media Ecosystem Observatory did a report on the online independence convo and found that RiseOfAlberta is *by far* the most influential account. Like, 4x the engagement of anyone else. With big attention comes big scrutiny.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Q: Who cares that the account is anonymous? No one is forced to use their name on the internet, but this account has a massive influence on a conversation that will have very serious implications for Alberta and for Canada. I think it's a valid to ask who is shaping and sharing this information.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
This story, about the links between the top Alberta independence social media account and a well known separatist leader that I did with @jeffyates.bsky.social, has been pretty well read today. There have also been some common questions, so I'm going to add my 2 cents! www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
It’s the biggest Alberta separatist account on the internet. It shares DNA with a movement leader | CBC News
The account Rise of Alberta is anonymous and drives four times as much engagement as the next most popular account.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Thanks Duane!
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
That is very kind!!
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
That sounds like an interesting read! (Honourable mention to my dog, who is often upset when I fall down skiiing and deals with that by running over and standing on me so I can't get up.)
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Jason Markusoff @markusoff.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Rise of Alberta, the brash social media account-cum-swag retailer, has direct ties to a more mild-toned separatist group leader, @alexboyd.bsky.social and @jeffyates.bsky.social report: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
It’s the biggest Alberta separatist account on the internet. It shares DNA with a movement leader | CBC News
The account Rise of Alberta is anonymous and drives four times as much engagement as the next most popular account.
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dan mentos @danmentos.com · 22/09/2026
[job interview] interviewer: so god killed all your kids? job: that's right
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
While these stories are even cuter when it's some random dog that is just helping, I appreciate Archie's professionalism.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
My favourite sub-type of news story: child(ren) wander off, are found by dog(s). www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adve...
outsideonline.com
The Search for Three Missing Children Came Down to One Very Good Nose
Three children wandered 1.5 miles from their family’s campsite near Buena Vista. A search-and-rescue team, led by K-9 Archie, tracked them down in the Colorado backcountry.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I am not generally a true crime person but this pod from @amydempseyraven.bsky.social about a Toronto-area case where three people were murdered in the same house but at different times is so, so engrossing. (I even subscribed to get the bonus eps!) open.spotify.com/episode/0epO...
open.spotify.com
What Happened to the Harrisons? | 1. Sudden Death
The Binge Crimes: What Happened to the Harrisons? (AD-FREE) · Episode
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
This is really well done. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
theglobeandmail.com
A country with its elbows up faces separation threats on two fronts
In Alberta and Quebec, Canada’s national unity paradox hits home
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
So many good lines in this. "Alberta, too, was born angry – a baby with teeth."
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Heather Campbell @thatheatherc.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Albertans are voting on October 19. Here's a "what you need to know guide", that's translated into several languages for Calgary. 🗳 www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... With appreciation to @calgaryhester.bsky.social. 🎨
cbc.ca
Want a simple, visual guide to the 2026 Alberta referendum? Download it here | CBC News
CBC News created this simple guide in collaboration with several community media organizations. Feel free to share with anyone who needs it.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Hello, fellow Albertans: this is such a handy guide to the reporting CBC has done on all *ten* referendum questions, all compiled in one place by @joeldryden.bsky.social and Rukhsar Ali. (Alt headline: one link to send those who don't know there are other Qs on the ballot) www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
A guide to the 10 questions in Alberta's Oct. 19 referendum | CBC News
CBC News breaks down each of the referendum questions to help voters prepare to mark the 10 ballots.
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Bill Mudron @mudron.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
I saw one in Calgary with my own eyes recently!!
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Maybe the post-pandemic birding craze will turn the tide
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Oh, or Australians and squirrels/chipmunks/any small furry creature.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
That's an achievement!!
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
That seems particularly concerning when we're talking hunters....
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Hahah that's very funny. I love the combo of enthusiasm and ignorance. How far off were the wings??
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Dr Lindsay Tedds @lindsaytedds.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Last summer, I spotted a roof rat three times in our backyard in Calgary. The Rat Control guy (who looked exactly like Adam Driver) took me seriously because I called it a roof rat that what we would have in BC urban areas. We never caught it and he assumed it likely hitched a ride from BC.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Oh wow, I'm jealous you saw one! Only because I would LOVE to meet the rat patrol, I have so many questions! (Also I just had to google "roof rat." I thought we only had Norway rats??)
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
My first rat sighting was a dead one by the road in South Africa and it was horrifying. Thirty might kill me.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
I say this not to cast doubt on this sighting, just to invite sympathy for a province of people struggling to identify an animal they have mostly only seen on TV and in their own imagination.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
One of my favourite interview anecdotes from the last couple of years was the government person that pointed out that reported rat sightings in Alberta are (uniquely?) unreliable because so few people in Alberta can accurately identify one. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Alberta’s self-image as world’s only rat-free region shattered by discovery of rat
Province’s rat patrol called in to investigate as town of Bowden announces discovery of dead vermin
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Great, I'll let the pollsters know they've been doing this all wrong!
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Not sure which article you read, but this one says that Janet Brown, arguably the best known pollster in Alberta, found that support was 27 per cent in the spring and, after months of hard campaigning, is now at 23 per cent.
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Alex Boyd @alexboyd.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
👀 www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
With time running out, new poll suggests Alberta separatism support is slipping | CBC News
With a little more than three weeks to go until the Oct. 19 referendum, a new poll done for CBC News suggests support for separation has softened since spring.
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Tim Querengesser @timquerengesser.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Agree. There's this theory outside Alberta, and even within, that dismissal is all you need and poof, problem solved. And when separatists read this, they double down on wanting to separate. They want to be *recognized* not dismissed. This is Canada's challenge. Dismissal ain't going to work.
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Jason Markusoff @markusoff.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
NEW: One UCP riding association wants a leadership review for Danielle Smith. A similar move was the first domino that ultimately cut short Jason Kenney’s leadership in 2022. So watch if this becomes a trend. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
UCP riding group demands leadership review as separatist leader criticizes Danielle Smith's unity stance | CBC News
To force a party vote on the premier's leadership, 22 riding associations would need to make same request.
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