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Marc Spooner

@drmarcspooner.bsky.social
875 followers 538 following 412 posts

Professor, Fac of Ed, University of Regina. Social/ political commentator. Say no to irresponsible austerity! opinions are yours

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Reposted by Marc Spooner
Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
On October 1, 2026, the province will raise the minimum wage to $15.70 an hour. That falls far short of the latest living wage rate of $22.50 for Regina, and $21.50 for Saskatoon. 1/3 www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
policyalternatives.ca
Trying to Keep Up: 2025 Living wage update for Regina and Saskatoon  | CCPA
Regina and Saskatoon’s living wage is considerably higher than the paltry legislated minimum wage in Saskatchewan
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 13h
Opinion: PISA, Canada, and the Saskatchewan Advantage  Time to redirect the millions in funding currently bypassing the classroom and going into testing programs back into classrooms… thestarphoenix.com/opinion/opin...
thestarphoenix.com
Opinion: PISA, Canada, and the Saskatchewan Advantage
According to the OECD, a powerful predictor of performance remains student socio-economic background.
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 13h
“What the OECD isn’t stating, but what these latest PISA results also suggest, is that standardized testing was never the simple answer for educational attainment.” theconversation.com/standardized...
theconversation.com
Standardized tests needed to boost student achievement? Saskatchewan begs to differ
Until recently, the Prairie province has been an outlier with no provincewide mandated testing.
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Wowzers woo. Just 4 more to get to 200! Where are the local community voices Saskatchewan? www.change.org/SaskDemocracy
change.org
Sign the Petition
Where are the local community voices Saskatchewan?
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Only 6 away from our goal of 200! Where are the local community voices Saskatchewan? www.change.org/SaskDemocracy
change.org
Sign the Petition
Where are the local community voices Saskatchewan?
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Fourteen. 14. 10 + 4. That's all we need to get to 200! How can the LP or the SP have an email listed for letters to the editor, however they provide no space to publish them. How can that be you ask? Where are the local community voices Saskatchewan? www.change.org/SaskDemocracy
change.org
Sign the Petition
Where are the local community voices Saskatchewan?
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
The hell they do!
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
27! 27 the great rock n roll demise club number But also 27 is what we are away from 200! Where are the local community voices Saskatchewan? www.change.org/SaskDemocracy
change.org
Sign the Petition
Where are the local community voices Saskatchewan?
000
Reposted by Marc Spooner
David Ho @davidho.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Wtaf is this question my university just asked me about my project?
Does the project involve any work that could be interpreted as promoting DEIA, climate change research, or non-compliant to any Presidential Executive Orders?
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Hopefully we can get this thing to 201!!! Where are the local community voices Saskatchewan? www.change.org/SaskDemocracy
change.org
Sign the Petition
Where are the local community voices Saskatchewan?
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Reposted by Marc Spooner
Asheesh Kapur Siddique @asheeshks.org · 23/09/2026
Conservative billionaires, state legislatures, and compliant administrators have single-handedly made "free speech"-the right to promote discredited viewpoints by hijacking the institutional imprimatur of the academy-as the defining higher ed issue of our time. www.bridgew.edu/the-universi...
bridgew.edu
Say It Loud
We live in a society known both for rampant disinformation, as well as information overload. Ideas, good and bad, fly freely across the internet and traditional media. Meanwhile, many complain cancel ...
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
They obviously need our potash we should raise our royalties and increase our tariffs
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Reposted by Marc Spooner
Larry Savage @profsavage.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
“National interest” cannot become a catch-all excuse to override workers’ bargaining power whenever a lawful strike has economic consequences. That pressure is precisely what strikes are meant to create. theconversation.com/canadas-prop... #cdnpoli #canlab
theconversation.com
Canada’s proposed labour reforms could shift power away from workers in major disputes
Bill C-39 makes it easier for Ottawa to intervene when collective bargaining produces the very conflict that it is designed to manage.
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
My new favourite comment- but if the right truly believes this we’re in trouble!
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Reposted by Marc Spooner
Trapdinawrpool @trapdinawrpool.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
There’s No Good Reason for Carney to Privatize Canada’s Airports The plan would worsen labour conditions and make flying more expensive. thetyee.ca/Opinion/2026...
thetyee.ca
There’s No Good Reason for Carney to Privatize Canada’s Airports | The Tyee
The plan would worsen labour conditions and make flying more expensive.
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
"As a long-time journalist, i know how important it is to have a public forum. Saskatchewan residents have opinions but no place to discuss them and learn from them. We need a forum!" Joanne
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Postmedia receives millions of dollars in public funding from the Canada Periodical Fund, the Canadian Journalism Labour Tax Credit, & the Local Journalism Initiative- In return, Saskatchewan deserves a robust letters to the editor & local opinions section www.change.org/SaskDemocracy
change.org
Sign the Petition
Where are the local community voices Saskatchewan?
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Reposted by Marc Spooner
PEN Canada @pencanada.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
It’s an uncertain time for libraries across #Alberta with the soon-to-be implemented Bill 28. The bill includes amendments to the Libraries Act, restricting access to certain materials for youth and appointing provincial inspectors to oversee library collections and operations: buff.ly/4CAWmNj
townandcountrytoday.com
Bill 28 implementation looms, concerns of library control overreach remains
The Barrhead Public Library is looking to solidify itself as a pillar of the community with various services, programs, and events it provides throughout the year.
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
We’re now at 115! Let’s get our voices heard!
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Currently at 97, can we top 100 by noon? Where are the local community voices Saskatchewan? Saskatchewan has few spaces where its citizens may publicly share their views, insights, & knowledge in a curated, fact-checked fashion. please consider signing & sharing: (www.change.org/SaskDemocracy)
change.org
Sign the Petition
Where are the local community voices Saskatchewan?
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Do you have a connection to Saskatchewan? Do you like reading letters to the editor and op-eds addressing provincial concerns? If so, have I got a petition for you! www.change.org/SaskDemocracy
change.org
Sign the Petition
Where are the local community voices Saskatchewan?
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Please consider signing
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Saskatchewanians, please consider signing and sharing: Saskatchewan is bereft of spaces where its citizens may publicly share their views, insights, and knowledge in a curated, fact-checked fashion. (www.change.org/SaskDemocracy) www.change.org/SaskDemocracy
change.org
Sign the Petition
Where are the local community voices Saskatchewan?
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Reposted by Marc Spooner
Heather Campbell @thatheatherc.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Quote: "It’s a politics that’s driven more by humiliating one’s opponents than any ideological rationalization. As democratic practices are eroded, the state becomes increasingly synonymous with the private interests of its ruler, who uses it to benefit allies and discipline adversaries." 💥
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Frig. The worst part of this is now I have to like the Bills. Jeez thanks @buffalo-bills.bsky.social 🙏 & congrats on the win & 2-0 season so far.
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Sigh
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
An excerpt of this speech recently came to my attention— on the aspirational ideals of the university (I changed men for all): moremeansbetter.wordpress.com/2018/08/10/t...
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Reposted by Marc Spooner
White House Watchdog @whitehousewatchdog.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
President Trump's second term is marked by using official actions for political and personal benefit, reminiscent of Watergate-era tactics.
cnn.com
Trump is getting more brazen about using his office for political and personal gain
President Trump's second term is marked by using official actions for political and personal benefit, reminiscent of Watergate-era tactics.
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Reposted by Marc Spooner
CAUT/ACPPU @caut.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
"Canada’s public colleges and universities are among the country’s most important economic and social drivers...Yet despite their importance, public funding for post-secondary education has failed to keep pace." More in @policyalternatives.ca's Alternative federal budget: buff.ly/va3A9Ae
buff.ly
Alternative federal budget 2026-27: Post-secondary education | CCPA
A budget that makes Canada stronger by committing to solidarity and dignity for all
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Reposted by Marc Spooner
Lisa Young 🇨🇦🇺🇦 @jlisayoung.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
At best, the Elections Alberta is an underfunded, over-employed shambles. At worst, it was responding to government pressure to ensure a desired outcome. If the latter, it’s a 5-alarm fire. 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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Reposted by Marc Spooner
Alex Usher @alexusherhesa.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I would very much like to know if anyone in the PMO has done the math on what joining Erasmus+ will cost Canadian universities in lost tuition fees and whether or not they propose to compensate institutions for it.
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Reposted by Marc Spooner
David Roberts @volts.wtf · 17/09/2026
christ
bloomberg.com
Trump Made 29,000 Securities Trades, More Than All of Congress
Donald Trump made nearly 29,000 securities trades in 17 months — more than every member of Congress combined. The stock-purchasing ban he’s pushing would leave him exempt
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Reposted by Marc Spooner
David Roberts @volts.wtf · 17/09/2026
JFC has there ever been an industry that worked harder to persuade the public to hate their guts?
nytimes.com
Data Center’s Spill of 5,000 Gallons of Diesel Forces N.J. River Cleanup
The fuel poured from a storage tank at a large data center in Secaucus, N.J., into a tributary of the Hackensack River.
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I started the process for an official complaint
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Reposted by Marc Spooner
Alex Usher @alexusherhesa.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Maximum Canada Student Grant, 2013-14 to 2026-27, in $2026. Not only is the COVID bump gone, but we're pretty close to the point where the maximum grants no longer have the purchasing power they did when PMJT raised the limit in 2016.
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Why list a letters to the editor contact when you don’t provide any space for them to be published?
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Reposted by Marc Spooner
Mark Carney @mark-carney.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
The EU has delivered greater stability across the continent, greater mobility for its citizens, and a single market that gives Europe global economic weight. An honour to hear President von der Leyen address the European Parliament today as we build a deeper partnership for the future.
Prime Minister Carney visits the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.Prime Minister Carney visits the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
European Union European Union invites Canada to become first ever ‘associate member’ Commission president says EU must ‘urgently reimagine our partnerships’ as she makes unprecedented offer www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...
theguardian.com
European Union invites Canada to become first ever ‘associate member’
Commission president says EU must ‘urgently reimagine our partnerships’ as she makes unprecedented offer
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Reposted by Marc Spooner
Universities Canada / Universités Canada @univcan.ca · 15/09/2026
Mines. Clean energy. Digital technology. Advanced manufacturing. The projects being discussed at the Canada Investment Summit all need something in common: skilled people and research capacity. Canada's universities help provide both. Investment and talent need to grow together. 🇨🇦
cbc.ca
Carney is seeking $1 trillion in investments. What will it take to land major deals at this week's summit? | CBC News
Hundreds of high-profile international investors are meeting with business leaders in Toronto this week, in the hope of drumming up new investments. More than 167 major projects are on the table, but ...
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
We need a local & vibrant letters to the editor & op-ed section in both the Leader-Post and Star Phoenix newspapers. Our democracy is weakened without these community voices.
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Reposted by Marc Spooner
The Hill Times @hilltimes.com · 15/09/2026
Michael Harris: Instead of being slavishly tied to the U.S., Canada needs to be a truly global player. There may even be an unexpected dividend in walking an independent line. www.hilltimes.com?p=517580
hilltimes.com
https://www.hilltimes.com/?p=517580
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Reposted by Marc Spooner
Times Higher Education (THE) @timeshighered.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
‘7 Up’ scientist’s commitment to teaching was ‘unbelievable’: producer of long-running ITV documentary series recalls how Nick Hitchon remained committed to teaching on his deathbed www.timeshighereducation.com/news/7…
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Thanks Canada! “…among the highest ever recorded for the Canadian census The overall response rate for the 2026 Census of population reached 98.4% nationally. This is above the 98% recorded in 2021 and equal to the rate that was achieved in 2016. “ www.canada.ca/en/statistic...
canada.ca
Statistics Canada thanks Canadians for their exceptional participation in the 2026 Census - Canada.ca
Thanks to outstanding participation across the country, the final response rate for the Canadian census is among the highest ever recorded.
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Seriously, take the 10 minutes now! How modern fascism works | End Times Fascism | @naomiaklein.bsky.social and @astra.bsky.social youtu.be/aK2nLNiFEAQ?...
youtu.be
How modern fascism works | End Times Fascism | Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor
YouTube video by Naomi Klein
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Dr Lindsay Tedds @lindsaytedds.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Calgary-Shaw just sent Danielle Smith and the separatists a message. Now let’s keep it up a get out the vote. It matters!
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Bring on an alternative to the high IQ stable genius to the south! www.europarl.europa.eu/news/fr/pres...
europarl.europa.eu
European Parliament to establish an antenna office in Ottawa | Actualité | Parlement européen
The European Parliament will open an antenna office in Ottawa to further strengthen parliamentary relations between the European Union and Canada.
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Marc Spooner @drmarcspooner.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
This Canadian says bring on Europe! Until the USA gets its poop together- they can’t even be trusted to adhere to any deal anyway under current management
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Astra Taylor @astra.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Got to work with some incredibly talented filmmakers to turn End Times Fascism into a ten minute video essay. Check it out below. There’s nothing like hearing the derangement directly from the doom profiteers. m.youtube.com/watch?v=aK2n...
m.youtube.com
How modern fascism works | End Times Fascism | Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor
YouTube video by Naomi Klein
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 13/09/2026
The end times fascists are plotting their escape from our world. Our mission is clear | Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor
theguardian.com
The end times fascists are plotting their escape from our world. Our mission is clear | Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor
An unholy alliance is working toward an apocalyptic future from which only a chosen few will emerge unscathed. It’s becoming clear how we stop them
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Naomi Klein @naomiaklein.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
"People are really mad and however mad you are, it’s not enough. Because there is something so profound about no longer believing in the future, about seeing no value in our shared home, in the natural world. They’re traitors to creation.” www.theguardian.com/books/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Naomi Klein: ‘Extreme wealth has a deranging effect. It turns you into a supremacist’
She’s tackled neoliberalism and the digital world, now the writer and activist is taking on tech billionaires. She explains how the super-rich are capitalising on climate and financial chaos in pursui...
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