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Aryn Toombs

@aryn.bsky.social
3.5K followers 1.5K following 530 posts

Sometimes I write, sometimes I take photos, and sometimes I use R to parse large data sets in the millions of entries.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Aryn Toombs
Carrie Tait @carrietait.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
In the wake of The Globe's investigation, a Calgary MP calls for Canada to consider overhauling laws to address the kind of freelance negotiating trips Alberta separatists made to DC: www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic... By Grant Robertson, Nathan VanderKlippe, and friend
theglobeandmail.com
Alberta separatists’ talks with GOP spark outcry, call for legislative change
Calgary Liberal MP says Canada needs to consider overhauling its laws to address the kind of freelance negotiating trips that separatist leaders have made to D.C.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 29/09/2026
Populist leaders depend heavily on popularity. When it collapses, so does their claim to speak for “the people.” Their base sees them as less useful, and they lack a broader coalition to fall back on. So they rig the game to keep playing, further fueling democratic backsliding.
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LiveWire Calgary @livewirecalgary.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Calgary firefighters see massive spike in overdose calls; CPL says security costs at Central location have risen 90% since 2019. #yyc #calgary buff.ly/rCqtf2G
buff.ly
CFD sees 143 per cent increase in overdose first response calls over 2025
The Calgary Firefighters Association is urging the different levels of government to come together on a solution, as overdose call response has spiked compared to 2025. On Tuesday, the association…
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Reposted by Aryn Toombs
The Breakdown AB @thebreakdownab.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
“CBC News' request for comment from the premier's office was directed to the Ministry of Justice. A spokesperson for the justice minister directed questions about Elections Alberta to the agency.” #abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Former Elections Alberta staff raise ‘mismanagement’ concerns about 'Water Not Coal' petition verification | CBC News
Five former Elections Alberta employees are raising “mismanagement” concerns about how Corb Lund's citizen initiative petition was validated, alleging procedures changed and that there was a lack of t...
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LiveWire Calgary @livewirecalgary.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Mayor Farkas wants to call a potential special meeting to make a clear statement on Calgary endorsing Alberta remaining a part of Canada. Some councillors don't like the idea. #yyc #yyccc #calgary buff.ly/eukS2ur
buff.ly
Mayor wants special Alberta referendum meeting; other Calgary city councillors don't
In a memo to colleagues, obtained by LWC, Ward 1 Coun. Kim Tyers laid out why she didn't want a special meeting of Calgary city council.
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LiveWire Calgary @livewirecalgary.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
"Look, if you run a conspiracy-theory-peddling separatist, you’re not going to be able to win in Calgary,” Farkas told reporters on Tuesday. #yyc #ableg #yyccc #calgary buff.ly/lroCX39
livewirecalgary.com
'Warning shot': Strong Calgary reaction after NDP byelection win
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas had some pointed words for the UCP after the NDP's upset in the Calgary-Shaw byelection on Monday.
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Reposted by Aryn Toombs
Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 08/09/2026
Our latest Common Ground study finds support for separatism in Alberta remains low despite increased interest. Support for the government's other nine questions is less solid than polls suggest. Learn more: cground.substack.com/p/alberta-se... @cgroundpolitics.bsky.social
cground.substack.com
Alberta Separatism is Louder than it is Popular
New report gauges public opinion heading into the October referendum
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Reposted by Aryn Toombs
The Breakdown AB @thebreakdownab.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Separatist leader and self appointed envoy to the US to bargain on separation is allegedly compromised with US investors threatening to call in over $100 million in debt. This is on top of the First Nations actions. #abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli globalnews.ca/news/1204911...
globalnews.ca
Alberta separatist leader Rath faces $109M debt claim from US investors  | Globalnews.ca
An American litigation funder is threatening to call in more than $100 million in alleged debt from Alberta separatist leader and lawyer Jeffrey Rath and his firm
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 19/08/2026
Most people seem to think that Russian interference efforts are aimed at Alberta separatists, implying that they are somehow more susceptible to manipulation. In reality, these campaigns are more effective in driving up polarization and demobilizing moderates & federalists. Be on the lookout.
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The Breakdown AB @thebreakdownab.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
From the DM’s/Reddit… Looks like the new Alberta Healthcare rollout is going just as smoothly as the ADAP rollout. Danielle Smith likes to say that the UCP can walk and chew gum at the same time. Sure doesn’t look that way… #abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 08/08/2026
In other news, I'm recruiting anonymous experts to review my 9 year-old daughter's plans to populate Pluto. Yes, you will have to sign an NDA. But that just proves her ideas are totally legit and worthy of serious discussion. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Alberta independence group readies its separation blueprint, seeks expert review | CBC News
One of the leaders of an Alberta separation organization says his group is drawing closer to the release of an upcoming “white paper” exploring the structural policies needed to establish an independe...
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Luke LeBrun @lukelebrun.ca · 05/08/2026
Really nice to see in this morning's PressProgress newsletter that they are now publicly signalling they could recall journalists who were recently laid off Here's this morning's update from my former colleague and @pressprogress.ca's talented new Editor @rumneeek.bsky.social:
In addition, our newsroom is also unionized, meaning that should our financial pressures be alleviated, we reserve the right to recall employees who have been laid off. So while there are some who think that PressProgress is on its last legs, we would like to personally assure you: we aren't going anywhere. We will continue to tell stories that matter, and work to sustain and build our team as funding becomes available. If you're able to help us continue this work by becoming a member, or with a one-time donation, it would go a long way. Help us continue our fight, because I assure you, we still have a lot of fight left in us. In solidarity, Rumneek & the PressProgress team.
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Reposted by Aryn Toombs
Luke LeBrun @lukelebrun.ca · 01/08/2026
Hey everyone, I have some news: I'm creating a new project today called @thewatchdog.ca The Watchdog's editorial mission is to protect the public and defend democracy through original public interest watchdog journalism. Sign up here as it gets ready to launch: www.thewatchdog.ca/p/sign-up
thewatchdog.ca
Sign Up For The Watchdog
The Watchdog protects the public and defends democracy through original public interest watchdog journalism.
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Reposted by Aryn Toombs
The Breakdown AB @thebreakdownab.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
“We will accept anonymous submission for our plan on separation as long as you sign an NDA” is a sign of a very serious and well organized effort. With less than 3 months to the vote. #abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
There is something incredibly gross about individuals using the search for Parker to try and achieve their own self-interested aims. I get it, you don’t like this one thing, but now is not the time. Don’t be a ghoul.
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Reposted by Aryn Toombs
Councillor D.J. Kelly @djkelly.ca · 20/07/2026
Hey, neighbour. Today I spoke to Calgary's media to share the message from the Calgary Police Service for all Calgarians to search their front yards and backyards for Parker. We want to get this young man home to his family as soon as possible, so please do your part to look at your home.
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Reposted by Aryn Toombs
Sean @seandunn.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
At the registries and watching a long stream of seniors with their walkers who just spent 5 minutes fighting their way up the ramp to renew their drivers licenses only to be turned away and told to come back with their passports.
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
That's a wrap for the Calgary Stampede for another year. And while it means the past week of non-stop events and visits the grounds has ended, I will miss the lights of the fireworks and the midway.
Fireworks over the Calgary Stampede grounds and midway on July 11, 2026. (Aryn Toombs)
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Reposted by Aryn Toombs
Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 09/07/2026
"Let the separatist cowboys have their costumes. Let them pound the bar, or promise miracle cures or gold beyond the next hill. We have a phrase for that in my family: all hat, no cattle." My latest for LeadNotLeave.ca. www.readtheline.ca/p/jared-wesl...
leadnotleave.ca
Lead. Not Leave. | Pro-Alberta, Pro-Canada Policy Initiative
Albertans want real solutions, not a divisive separation referendum. Explore policy proposals, the climate/energy MOU, and an alternative path for Alberta.
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Reposted by Aryn Toombs
Carrie Tait @carrietait.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Solid story questioning Elections Alberta's math when it threw out the Water Not Coal petition -- www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Questions emerge about statistical sampling used on rejected anti-coal petition | CBC News
A statistics professor raises concerns about Elections Alberta's sampling method used to verify Corb Lund's Water Not Coal petition which was deemed to be under the signature threshold last week.
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
I have noticed the exact same thing. To the point where content and groups that would have no rational reason to be on my feed are nevertheless showing up.
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
It’s probably going to be a hard pill to swallow for the Calgary media folks at 660 and 960 they get laid off and the Rogers bigwigs party at Barbarella just down the street.
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Reposted by Aryn Toombs
LiveWire Calgary @livewirecalgary.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Columnist Courtney Walcott said that given we can feed anyone who wants a meal for 10 days during the Calgary Stampede, surely it's possible to improve many Calgarians' food security for the other 355 days of the year. #yyc #calgary buff.ly/oVI8Q8D
livewirecalgary.com
Walcott: The Calgary Stampede - A glimpse at ending food insecurity
Every year, the Calgary Stampede does something that, for most of the year, society pretends is impossible. Through volunteerism, charity, and corporate sponsorship, Calgary feeds all who want a meal…
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Loving this unofficial food map made by @serene.pixeltree.ca. It really does it make it far easier to find midway food worth trying this year (unlike the Budak grilled cheese sandwich). stampedefoodmap.com
stampedefoodmap.com
Calgary Stampede Food Map 2026 | New Midway Foods + Directions
Interactive map of all 68 new midway foods at the 2026 Calgary Stampede (July 3–12). Search any food or vendor and get walking directions to its booth. Free, unofficial fan map by Pixeltree.
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Reposted by Aryn Toombs
LiveWire Calgary @livewirecalgary.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Who wants to go to the Calgary Surge game tonight against the Brampton Honey Badgers? It's Star Wars night (game time 7:30 p.m.) We've got 4 tickets to give away! Drop us a reply and we'll choose a winner by 1 p.m. today! (Let us know if you want two or four tickets). #yyc #calgary
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Reposted by Aryn Toombs
cm 🍁 @cmcalgary.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
via #Sundre Pro Rodeo on FB: "Please see official statement from the Sundre Pro Rodeo and Race Association." Context: separatists entered a float covered in Alberta flags, they were denied, started harassing volunteers, float was approved, harassment continued, parade cancelled. #Alberta #abpoli
Statement from Sundre Pro Rodeo on FB. It's too lengthy to copy/paste. It's an image.
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
If you ever wondered why it was that your local municipal councillor doesn’t get back to you, it’s probably due to in large part the volume of form letters filling up the inbox making it impossible to see yours.
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Reposted by Aryn Toombs
LiveWire Calgary @livewirecalgary.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
Saturday morning coffee and a read: Come Aug. 4, 60,000+ parcels around LRT, BRT and MAX BRT Stations will be downzoned, despite transit zones being the widely suggested place to put more density. There is still no replacement plan. #yyc #calgary #yyccc buff.ly/QLBFhFm
livewirecalgary.com
60,000+ parcels near LRT and BRT stations face downzoning, with no Calgary replacement plan in place
More than 60,000 parcels within 600 metres of Calgary Transit LRT or Max BRT zones will be downzoned come Aug. 4, despite being where blanket rezoning opponents suggested greater density. The full…
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Reposted by Aryn Toombs
Brian F. Kelcey @stateofthecity.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Calgary, AB. This is all a little murky, still. For example, it isn't corrupt to want to revisit a vote, or to advise someone on how to get it revisited, and every big city mayor has been under pressure to boost housing supply. /1 www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
theglobeandmail.com
RCMP allege former Calgary mayor Jyoti Gondek aided planner in reviving rejected rezoning application
Police seeking access to messages and photos on a cellphone belonging to Gondek as part of corruption probe, court documents show
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Vibrant Communities Calgary @vibrantcalgary.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
Income Support is meant to help Albertans meet basic needs. But does it? VCC analyzed Alberta's Income Support programs and found significant gaps between support levels and the realities of living costs today. Read our latest Income Support brief: enoughforall.ca/resources/in... #Alberta
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Councillor D.J. Kelly @djkelly.ca · 09/06/2026
Today I was happy to support a motion put forward by Cllr. McLean that would have other options for a downtown Green Line alignment put on the table. This is a step towards putting the Green Line back on track for the north, where we know neighbours want regular and reliable transit service.
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LiveWire Calgary @livewirecalgary.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Mayor Farkas said that the current elevated option could literally crash into a proposed Calgary-to-Banff rail line. #yyc #yyccc #calgary buff.ly/wxaJL0g
livewirecalgary.com
No tunnel: Province open to adjustments on the downtown Calgary Green Line
The Government of Alberta is sticking to its guns on an elevated Green Line in downtown Calgary, though city council could once again look at alternative alignments. Members of Calgary’s Executive…
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Reposted by Aryn Toombs
Adam MacVicar @adammacvicar.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
NEW: Calgary city councillors are eyeing alternate alignments options for the Green Line through the downtown core as part of a city functional study on an elevated line. Ward 5 Coun. Raj Dhaliwal voted against.
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Serene Yew @serene.pixeltree.ca · 02/06/2026
Why does this matter? What rezoning actually removed was a whole approval step. the rezoning itself took a median ~5.3 months at council. the building permit (~2 months) didn't change at all. So the time it saved was the council step. This saves money for the taxpayer as well as for the homebuyer.
Combo chart, "What it costs, and what it buys, by month," 2018–2026. Stacked bars = amendments heard per month by outcome (teal approved, red defeated, grey pending); a violet line = fully-loaded council-time cost per month on the right axis ($0–$60k). Approvals dominate. Footnote: calgarylens.ca/housing.
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trevorrobb.bsky.social @trevorrobb.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
“With our treaty partners, we can make the case to the federal government that because our population does not want to separate from Canada, there can be some special status afforded to municipalities who don’t want to participate,” said Paquette. #yegcc #abpoli edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
edmontonjournal.com
Councillor wants Edmonton to rejoin Canada if Alberta separates
'If Alberta can secede from Canada, can Edmonton secede from Alberta?'
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Lisa Young 🇨🇦🇺🇦 @jlisayoung.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
open.substack.com/pub/lisayoun...
open.substack.com
What colour is your ballot?
Big referendum news today!
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Drew Anderson @drewanderson.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
It's officially official. #ableg #cdnpoli
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
It’s the single worst job on the planet. Next to being an MLA, or an MP. Actually wait…
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
I will note Landon is happy to take a victory lap on X for removing the climate change declaration, but not so much for increasing tax costs for Calgarians from his other motion...
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Talk about being obsessed with performative gestures.
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Palettes of water bottles. Its what Ward 14 councillors crave.
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Palettes of bottled water.
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Truly one of the WTF days for the historical record of Calgary City Council decisions.
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
And now council staff, the ones who serve Calgarians connecting with council offices, will now have significant workload added as a result of having to provide palettes of water to councillors according to the City Clerk.
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
And council votes 8-5 against the premise of reducing waste from single use items by council, followed by voting against adding the water bottles to ward budgets.
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Cllr. Johnson argued against Cllr. Clark's motion to have those water bottles come out of individual ward budgets. Said he's happy to take advantage of the perks that come along with the job for the first time in corporate life.
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Calgary City Council, after a day of complaining about costs for Calgarians, passes Cllr. Landon Johnson's motion to increase the tax that Calgarians pay by stocking water bottles for councillors.
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Serene Yew @serene.pixeltree.ca · 28/05/2026
You don't need to "believe" in climate change for it to be real. It's not a unicorn. Here are the days of smoke observed in Calgary since 1990. #yyc #yyccc
Bar chart that shows wildfire smoke hours per year observed at Calgary (YYC) from 1990 to 2025. Values were low and near zero through the early 2000s, with a dashed line indicating the 1990–present mean of ~73 hours/year. Starting around 2015, smoke hours increased sharply, reaching peaks of over 500 hours/year by the mid-2020s.
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
We'll see what happens the next time we have a flood, smoke filled summer, or billion dollar hailstorm (ie. this summer). I imagine it'll be a lot of sticking heads into sand.
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Aryn Toombs @aryn.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Cllr. Landon Johnson and Cllr. Andre Chabot's motion to legislative away the reality of climate change leading to disastrous effects passes #yyccc. However Cllr. Johnson's motion to 1984 references to the worldwide climate emergency down the memory hole has failed.
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