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David Barrett

@davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social
1.3K followers 253 following 591 posts

Water researcher 💧, teacher 🍎, volunteer trying to build better communities ✋🏼, dad 🧓🏼, rides bikes 🚲.

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Reposted by David Barrett
Serene Yew @serene.pixeltree.ca · 05/05/2026
Today in Executive Committee, taxpayers will be spending $6,084.17/hr to entertain Councillor Johnston's Notice of Motion to reintroduce single use water bottles back to council chambers. #yyc #yyccc
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Reposted by David Barrett
Amanda Hu @amandalhu.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
From Good Neighbour: #yyc #yyccc
Screenshot of Instagram post displaying: 
Good Neighbour Daily Stats
200+ clients
250+ meals served
1500+ clothing items distributed
1000+ hygiene items distributed
0.05% of CPS budgetgoodneighbouryyc In response to the recent police sweeps, we saw their stats and wanted to counter it with our own.
Crime has been declining in the West since at least the '90s.
Instead, we've seen an increase in social disorder as residents are squeezed for every dollar and community hubs are displaced from neighbourhoods.
Sweeping the streets with teams of officers costs Calgarians about $1000/team/day in salary alone while doing little to address the root causes of these issues. Close to 15 cents of every municipal tax dollar goes to law enforcement despite "no consistent association to crime rates" (1). This mismatch between law enforcement being used to crack down on social disorder is reflected in only 30% of officers surveyed in previous Safer Calgary Operations finding personal or professional benefit from the sweeps (2).
Calgary needs to find alternative measures to address these issues. Research has found that community-focused nonprofits like Good Neighbour have an outsized impact in reducing crime rates by addressing the root causes through the provision of social services, building solidarity and social cohesion (3).
Public safety happens when adequate housing, community support, and food is provided for all. Ticketing people without service provision results in a null effect on safety.
1. Seabrook, M. S. S., Luscombe, A., Balian, N., Lofters, A., Matheson, F. I., O'Neill, B. G., Owusu-Bempah, A., Persaud,
N., & Pinto, A. D. (2023). Police funding and crime rates in 20 of Canada's largest municipalities: A longitudinal study.
2. Calgary Police Service. (2025, September 16). Operation CERTainty evaluation report (Report No. CPC-16.2). Calgary Police Commission.
3. Sharkey, P., Torrats-Espinosa, G., & Takyar, D. (2017).
Community and the crime decline: The causal effect of local nonprofits on violent crime.
2 hours ago
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Reposted by David Barrett
Tiny Beaches @tinybeaches.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
The carnage continues on Calgary’s streets. 😔 #Calgary www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Toddler dead after pedestrian collision in southwest Calgary | CBC News
Calgary police say a toddler is dead after a collision in at the intersection of Horton Road S.W. and Hull Avenue S.W., just by Macleod Trail, on Sunday.
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Reposted by David Barrett
Dr Lindsay Tedds @lindsaytedds.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
The BC Basic Income Panel found that almost half of those living in poverty were essentially full time, full year workers. The idea that poverty is confined just to those without jobs and those on income assistance is a zombie idea. Kudos to @gillianpetit.bsky.social and Maytree for this report!
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
Bill 7’s Water Act changes raise serious ecological concerns. The amendments prioritize short-term economic use over long-term aquatic health & ecosystem integrity. Myself & 2 colleagues at the UofC broke down the changes and potential impacts: ablawg.ca/2025/12/11... #abpoli 🧵
ablawg.ca
Alberta Water Act Amendments: No Bridge Over Troubled Waters
By: Arlene Kwasniak, David C Barrett, Kerry Black Matter Commented On: Amendments to the Water Act, RSA 2000, c W-3 as set out in Bill 7: Water Amendment Act, 2025 (Bill 7) PDF Version: Alberta Wat…
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Commercializing/privatizing our most precious resource, water, can have catastrophic impacts on nearby communities and environments, and puts corporate profits above people. This video talks about a phenomenon happening around the globe. And it's bad news.
youtube.com
What Poland Spring Doesn't Want You to Know
Poland Spring is raking in millions by bottling and selling Maine's water — and throwing their weight around in state politics to keep profits flowing. During a drought this year, they publicly said they were cutting back. But we found evidence they're pumping even more. ----- More Perfect Union i
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Infuriating to see that #yyccc has no spine and limited foresight. Cutting environmental and climate funding, especially with an impact on water services, provides limited savings now and increased costs long-term. This is nothing more than a dog whistle.
calgaryherald.com
Council votes to shave $9 million from city's 2026 climate and environment budget
In a 9-6 vote, Calgary city council approved cutting $9 million from the city's climate and environment business unit's budget for next year
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Reposted by David Barrett
Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 19/11/2025
Who's next? Now that the notwithstanding clause has become a routine policymaking tool for the UCP, we need to look ahead to their next targets. This month's AGM will provide clues.
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Reposted by David Barrett
lrtonthegreen.bsky.social @lrtonthegreen.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
It's rare we're in agreement with the Fraser Institute on urban policy however they absolutely nail the reasons why this move to repeal blanket rezoning is a bad idea & goes against the free-market conservative values many pushing it on #yyccc claim to hold. calgarysun.com/opinion/colu...
calgarysun.com
HILL and THOMPSON: Mayor Farkas should retain ‘blanket rezoning’ for sake of Calgarian families
TEGAN HILL and AUSTIN THOMPSON: Mayor Jeromy Farkas should retain blanket rezoning for sake of Calgary families
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
🙏A moment of silence for the "Progressive Conservative" wing of the UCP. They died as they lived: silently and without a trace. 🙏 If anyone inside the UCP calls themselves socially liberal after todays attack on vulnerable Albertans, they're either lying or spineless. #abpoli
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Reposted by David Barrett
FACETS Journal @facetsjournal.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
New 📰| Understanding collaborations and community partnerships in aquatic research: a review of literature from the Bow River Basin, 2014–2024 🏞️ ow.ly/nuTq50XqxnS Discover how an increase in CER can lead to better H20 management for the Bow River. University of Calgary Siksika Nation
Two people sampling in the Bow River. Photo: D. Barrett.
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
🚨 New Paper Alert! 🚨 Very excited to share that some of my recent work is is now published in FACETS! We looked at community collaborations in aquatics research in the Bow Basin and gave suggestions for improved inclusion of non-academics in research www.facetsjournal.co...
facetsjournal.com
Understanding collaborations and community partnerships in aquatic research: a review of literature from the Bow River Basin, 2014–2024
This systematic review examines peer-reviewed literature (2014–2024) on aquatic health research in Alberta’s Bow River Basin to assess the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge and collaboration in Wes...
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
So incredibly excited for Kitty and Caleb to be opening their new location. Sought and Found has become so much more than just a local cafe and they are incredible people. Can't wait to hit them up in the beltline! dailyhive.com/calgary/soug...
dailyhive.com
Popular Calgary coffee shop to open new location in the city | Food & Drink
Calgary-based coffee roaster Sought x Found is opening a new location in the city, this time in the Beltline.
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Hey, #yyccc, we have an opportunity to bring back the community store and business in neighborhood when we update our land use bylaw next year. It's a small thing, but can really improve community walkability and vibrancy. Yes, I will die on this hill.
thestar.com
Toronto is trying to get corner stores and cafes in residential neighbourhoods again. Here’s how the plan has changed
City staff are back with a modified plan to allow corner stores and cafes in residential neighbourhoods. The residents’ association that opposed the plan says it’s still not happy.
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Reposted by David Barrett
Steve Bowen @stevebowen.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
What we're witnessing with #Melissa is ultra rare in the history of known hurricanes in the Atlantic. This level of sustained intensity and feasting on every joule of ocean heat content without any real disruption is incredible. Not hyperbole: Jamaica is facing a generational catastrophic event.
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Alright, organized labour in Alberta, eyes are on you (us). Time to stand up for collective bargaining. Time to stand up for workers rights. Time to push back against draconian anti-worker overreach. Regardless of direction, the next steps will define the labour movement in Alberta for decades.
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
Hadn't seen this public art at night yet - looks even better than during the day! What do you see?
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 26/10/2025
I may have found the worst kids toy in the world. #BanLeafBlowers
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 26/10/2025
The future in Southern Alberta looks increasingly dry and filled with extremes. The retreating glaciers, diminishing snowpacks, and population growth will result in increasing water woes. calgaryherald.com/news/local-n...
calgaryherald.com
'Exceptionally dry:' Little relief in drought conditions facing Calgary area, says top scientist
Despite summer rains, Calgary remains stuck in drought conditions that will require major changes in water use, says a top scientist.
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
I want to congratulate @mykeatkinson.bsky.social on his win in Ward 7. Thank you, also, to Heather, Terry, Anthony, and Greg for putting your name in the ring and running great campaigns. It's not the outcome I'd hoped for. Democracy is messy, but so worth it. #yyccc
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Reposted by David Barrett
Claire O’Gorman @claire-o.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Get out and vote, Calgary! And dress warmly. Slow line at our polling station. Why does a form need to be completed for each voter?? Takes a lonnnggg time to get your ballots. #yyc
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Heads up everyone. Poll lines are long & likely only getting longer. The province has made it this way with hand counting of ballots (requiring separate ballots for each race) & changes to the voter registry requiring a form for everyone. Don't be discouraged! #yyccc #yycelxn
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Reposted by David Barrett
David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
The day we've been working towards is upon us. To every single person who volunteered their time, knocked on doors, dropped literature, and to every donor who supported - thank you. Your support is what has made this all possible. #yyc #calgary #ward7 #yyccc #yycelxn
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
The day we've been working towards is upon us. To every single person who volunteered their time, knocked on doors, dropped literature, and to every donor who supported - thank you. Your support is what has made this all possible. #yyc #calgary #ward7 #yyccc #yycelxn
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Reposted by David Barrett
David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
My name is David Barrett and I'm asking for your vote for Ward 7 Councillor. From the pathways we walk to the water we drink, the Bow River is the heart of our community in Ward 7. It connects us all. On October 20, help protect the river by lending me your vote. #yyccc #yyc
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
My name is David Barrett and I'm asking for your vote for Ward 7 Councillor. From the pathways we walk to the water we drink, the Bow River is the heart of our community in Ward 7. It connects us all. On October 20, help protect the river by lending me your vote. #yyccc #yyc
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Reposted by David Barrett
David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
🚃Choo choo🚃 Next stop 4-car c-train service! #yyccc
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 18/10/2025
One part of this is enforcement & education. The other part is street design. With the traffic calming & neighbourhood streets program going unfunded, we're not able to address the root cause of the issue. I am committed to funding these programs #yyccc
livewirecalgary.com
Third pedestrian fatality in as many days has police call for patience - LiveWire Calgary
Calgary Police are asking both drivers and pedestrians to put safety first, and be a little more patient when travelling around the city after a third pedestrian fatality in as many days. At 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 16, an 80-year-old woman was struck and killed by a 20-year-old driver at Woodpark Blvd and 117 Avenue […]
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Reposted by David Barrett
David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
✅ Endorsed by organizations fighting poverty ✅ Hundreds of lawn signs out ✅ Nearly a hundred volunteers On October 20th, vote for 10+ years of a track record, experience, and expertise. Head to davidfor7.ca/where_to_vote to find your polling station!🗳️ #yyccc #yyc #yycelxn
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Reposted by David Barrett
Sara Hastings-Simon 🇨🇦 @shastingssimon.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
This should be treated like the crisis that it clearly is. If any other act of violence killed 3 people in 2 days in Calgary it would be front page news. perfect example of the bias @drtaragoddard.com writes about. Instead of discussing "stranger danger" with my kids I go on endlessly about cars
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
Another great morning for talking to ward 7 residents. Come find us down at Kerby station, grab some coffee and chat! #yyccc #yyc #yycelxn
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
There's a lot going on these days, so it's easy to understand how it's a struggle to engage with the municipal election this year. But it's absolutely critical that we, as Calgarians, elect a principled & forward looking council. Go vote on Monday! #yyccc
ctvnews.ca
Undecided and apathetic: Calgary voters seek clarity in final days of election campaign
Calgary’s municipal election is just days away, but low advance voter turnout and an undecided electorate mark what has been a mostly slow and sleepy campaign.
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Coffee, cargo bike and chatting about my vision for ward 7. That's a good start to the morning! #yyccc #yyc
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
✅ Endorsed by organizations fighting poverty ✅ Hundreds of lawn signs out ✅ Nearly a hundred volunteers On October 20th, vote for 10+ years of a track record, experience, and expertise. Head to davidfor7.ca/where_to_vote to find your polling station!🗳️ #yyccc #yyc #yycelxn
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
I wish this individual a speedy recovery. We need to get improvements on centre Street NOW. Centre Street, in it's current form doesn't work well for any user. #yyccc
calgary.citynews.ca
Pedestrian hit on Centre Street in NE Calgary, left seriously injured
One person was taken to hospital in serious, but non-life threatening condition after being hit by a vehicle Tuesday morning.
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Reposted by David Barrett
Andrew Ng @andrewngyyc.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
- Low turnout - Vote-splitting - Feeling like votes are being wasted - Candidates winning with barely 30% of the votes These issues are plaguing the current municipal election in Calgary and we could address them by making the switch to ranked ballots. #yyc #yyccc andrewng.media/2025/10/12/c...
andrewng.media
Calgary Needs Ranked Ballots for Better Elections
We’re one week from election day, various polls are showing a very close race for mayor and people are freaking out about the low turnout so far after advance voting week.  About the only outcome y…
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
Thrilled to see the completion of this project. This isn't just about preserving headstones; it's about honoring the resilience of the Chinese community that helped build #yyc. Protecting this sacred space ensures their stories are not forgotten. calgaryherald.com/ne... #yyccc
calgaryherald.com
Crucial chapters of city's past preserved with restoration of Calgary's Chinese cemetery
The Erlton Chinese Cemetery was restored with the help of a Feng Shui expert.
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Reposted by David Barrett
Jeremy Klaszus @klaszus.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Calgary mayoral candidates are bickering about which arena deal was best—and who got fleeced. And an outgoing city councillor now says progressive councillors voted yes to the deal in 2023 "at great political cost." Here's how the deal got done. (Listen and/or read!) #yyccc
sprawlcalgary.com
The truth about Calgary’s billion-dollar arena deal | The Sprawl
Campaign accusations abound. Here’s the real story.
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Reposted by David Barrett
Adam MacVicar @adammacvicar.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
NEW: Elections Calgary says 96,549 Calgarians voted in advance polls - 10.7% of eligible voters. Saturday saw the highest turnout of the week. To compare: 141,329 people voted early in 2021. Election Day is Oct 20.
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 11/10/2025
Today is the last day of advance voting. If you want to avoid the lines on October 20, find the nearest advance poll station here: www.electionscalgary.ca/for-voters/w...
electionscalgary.ca
When and where to vote
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Reposted by David Barrett
cm 🍁 @cmcalgary.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
Unofficial Advance Vote turnout for Oct. 9, 2025 newsroom.calgary.ca/unofficial-a... #Calgary #yyc #yyccc
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
🚃Choo choo🚃 Next stop 4-car c-train service! #yyccc
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Reposted by David Barrett
David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
We are seeing an increasing rate of income inequality and a growing poverty gap in Calgary. And our current Ward 7 councillor isn't prioritizing addressing it. Instead, we have grassroots volunteer organizations filling the gaps #yyccc
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 09/10/2025
We are seeing an increasing rate of income inequality and a growing poverty gap in Calgary. And our current Ward 7 councillor isn't prioritizing addressing it. Instead, we have grassroots volunteer organizations filling the gaps #yyccc
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Reposted by David Barrett
David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Here we go! Advance voting is on from October 6 - 11. Elections Calgary is working hard to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to cast their ballot. Scroll through to see the locations and days for advance voting in (and around) Ward 7. #yyccc
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
It is incredibly important that we hear from and address the issues facing the next generation. They are facing a worsening affordability cris, 17% unemployment, and multiple other pressures all at once. It's something I see frequently at the UofC. #yyccc www.cbc.ca/news/cana...
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Reposted by David Barrett
Ziad 😷 Fazel 🇺🇦🇨🇦💉 @ziadfazel.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
I’m supporting @davidfor7.ca in Ward 7 @jeromyyyc.bsky.social Mayor @calgary.ca has provided TONS of advance voting stations 10am-7pm from Mon 6 Oct thru Sat 11 Oct. Today I’m printing stuff at downtown library so will vote at nearby Platform. thecityofcalgary.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant...
thecityofcalgary.maps.arcgis.com
Find Nearby
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
It's incredibly disappointing to hear Mr Wong and his party continue to disregard experts and want to waste money on more studies to tell us what we already know. This time it's transit gates. They don't improve safety. Ward 7 deserves better #yyccc
globalnews.ca
City report questions use of turnstiles for safety on Calgary Transit - Calgary | Globalnews.ca
Instead, city administration recommended enhanced staffing with funding for transit peace officers, security, police resources and outreach teams on Calgary's transit network.
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Here we go! Advance voting is on from October 6 - 11. Elections Calgary is working hard to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to cast their ballot. Scroll through to see the locations and days for advance voting in (and around) Ward 7. #yyccc
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David Barrett @davidbarrettyyc.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
As a parent, I see the dedication of our teachers every single day. They show up for our kids & now it's our turn to show up for them. I stand in solidarity with Alberta teachers as they fight for better learning environments and supports for our public education system. #yyccc #AlbertaTeachers ✊🏼
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