Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 24/09/2026Beyond the question of separation, there are 9 other questions in the upcoming Alberta referendum. Here is a good take on why to vote against one of them. (I'd vote against all 9.) #abpoli edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...edmontonjournal.comOpinion: Referendum question 2 would have kept this successful immigrant awayNew Canadians aren’t looking for charity. If they feel the game is stacked against them, they have other provinces to pick from. 022
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 21/09/2026The Catholic influence on British PM Andy Burnham's politics - interesting read. www.nytimes.com/2026/09/16/o...nytimes.comOpinion | JD Vance, Here’s a Catholic Politician You Should Get to Know (Gift Article)Andy Burnham is in some ways a throwback to U.S. Catholic politicians of past decades. He might be a signpost for the future. 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 13/09/2026interesting statistics and thread on how often Canadians do (or don't!) visit other provinces and territories. 011
Reposted by Ian Van HarenEric McD | Hill @ NPR @ericm.cd · 19/08/2026my former colleague Asma Khalid in the Atlantic (gift link): www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/0...theatlantic.comIslamophobia Has Corroded American ValuesEven in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, Muslims weren’t treated like this. 032
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 19/08/2026Nice article - a somewhat quirky teacher is a good teacher. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/17/o...nytimes.comOpinion | I Let My Students Watch Me Struggle With a Masterpiece. It Changed Everything. (Gift Article)Teachers need to model the passion they want to see. 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 15/08/2026www.nytimes.com/2026/08/15/o...nytimes.comOpinion | Europe’s Great Rivers Are Dying. The Continent Is In for a Shock. (Gift Article)Climate change is beginning to tear up the old map of Europe’s power and wealth. 079
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 12/08/2026On decisions to have kids - four interesting profiles in @theglobeandmail.com www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/909ce72...theglobeandmail.comShould we have a baby? Four couples across Canada navigate the questionThe Globe speaks with families who are having the discussion on whether to have a child 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 12/08/2026This is a nice video about the pedestrianization of the main street in my neighbourhood. 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 10/08/2026A Republican call for immigration reform. Unlikely, but DeWine is correct that only Trump could pull it off. www.nytimes.com/2026/08/10/o...nytimes.comOpinion | Mike DeWine: Only Trump Can Pull Off Immigration Reform (Gift Article)Immigration could be his Nixon-goes-to-China. 100
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 02/08/2026Interesting read on generational differences in perspectives on Quebec sovereignty. www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/909ce72...theglobeandmail.comQuebec’s Gen Z sovereigntists, focused on fun times, bristle at the PQ old guard’s messageAhead of October’s election, a rift widens between voters who remember 1995 and those who don’t 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 19/07/2026New in @policyoptions.irpp.org: Harassment of municipal politicians threatens Canadian democracy policyoptions.irpp.org/2026/07/hara...policyoptions.irpp.orgHarassment of municipal politicians threatens Canadian democracyCanada can learn from France and the U.K. how to better protect local candidates and elected officials. 032
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 18/07/2026www.nytimes.com/2026/07/18/w...nytimes.comLamine Yamal, Soccer Star and Son of African Migrants, Personifies a Changing Spain (Gift Article)As he prepares for the World Cup final, Lamine Yamal, 19, is at the heart of a national debate about what it means to be Spanish in an increasingly multicultural society. 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 03/07/2026On the importance of investing in post-secondary education, by @dougsaunders.bsky.social : www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/909ce72...theglobeandmail.comIt’s time to recognize higher education as a matter of national security for CanadaDecades-long efforts to turn higher education into a majority privilege also serve to bolster our physical, economic and social security 183
Reposted by Ian Van HarenRobson Fletcher @robsonfletcher.com · 02/07/2026Manitoba paid for my primary and secondary education. Quebec and B.C. paid for my post-secondary education. And now I live and work and pay taxes in Alberta. Here, @trevortombe.bsky.social tracks the net economic value of the many Canadians with interprovincial education, career & life paths:thehub.caThe biggest financial transfer in Canada that nobody talks aboutWhy Alberta and B.C. are Canada’s biggest brain drain beneficiaries 1368
Reposted by Ian Van HarenJoanna Pepin @joannapepin.bsky.social · 22/06/2026www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/6f283af...theglobeandmail.comMore moms in work force, increased GDP as result of national child-care program, report saysSome child-care operators and advocates say these gains are proof there is a persuasive economic case for government investment 021
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 17/06/2026It's too bad that the NHL won't be on CBC anymore. www.thestar.com/gift-redeem?...thestar.com 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 17/06/2026On loneliness & remote work: www.nytimes.com/2026/06/17/o...nytimes.comOpinion | We Liked Remote Work. Then We Looked at the Data. 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 16/06/2026Interesting article on creating the perfect field for the World Cup. www.nytimes.com/2026/06/13/s...nytimes.comThe Scientific Quest for a Perfect World Cup Field 000
Reposted by Ian Van HarenMax Fawcett @maxfawcett.bsky.social · 30/05/2026Calgary's Chamber of Commerce isn't pulling their punches any more on the impact of separatism. #abpoli 33352154
Reposted by Ian Van HarenJared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 24/05/2026The Alberta separatist movement has claimed many victories to this point. None bigger than creating the perception that it already commands mass support without objective proof. My latest. drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/challengin...drjaredwesley.substack.comChallenging the 300K ClaimAlberta Separatism and the Politics of Perception 66936
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 22/05/2026A touching account of adapting to Alzheimer’s www.nytimes.com/2026/05/15/s...nytimes.comTenderly Tracking My Husband 001
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 22/05/2026Excellent op-ed in @mtlgazette.bsky.social "Quebec prides itself on being a society that values freedom and human dignity. That tradition should include the dignity of peaceful religious expression as well." montrealgazette.com/opinion/op-e...montrealgazette.comOpinion: Portuguese procession pokes holes in Quebec's public prayer banSecular governance does not require portraying peaceful religious expression as something that must disappear from public spaces. 010
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 18/05/2026Interesting read. thewalrus.ca/the-new-york...thewalrus.caThe New York Times Got Caught Using AI Hallucinations in Its Reporting | The WalrusDespite how the newspaper downplayed it, this is—in fact—a big deal 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 27/04/2026A tragedy in Zambia. Great reporting by @stephanienolen.bsky.social. www.nytimes.com/2026/04/25/h...nytimes.comAIDS Creeps Back in Parts of Zambia, a Year After U.S. Cuts to H.I.V. Assistance 010
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 27/04/2026Go Habs Go! Une prière dans l'église. www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/909ce72...theglobeandmail.comQuebec church becomes unlikely Habs playoff watch hubHockey fans are packing the pews for raucous Habs watch parties at St-Jean-l’Évangéliste Cathedral in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 08/04/2026I did not expect that Marilyn Gladu would be crossing the floor! Nice report by @althiaraj.bsky.social www.thestar.com/gift-redeem?... 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 04/04/2026On Trump's illusion about being "ahead of schedule". www.nytimes.com/2026/04/01/o...nytimes.comOpinion | Trump’s Fixation on This Phrase Reveals Something About the War in Iran 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 01/04/2026"This Energy Crisis Is Going to Change the World" - lots of examples in this piece about the changes that are coming in a time of increased oil prices. www.nytimes.com/2026/04/01/o...nytimes.comOpinion | Remember the Oil Shocks of the ’70s? This Is Going to Be Worse. Much Worse. 011
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 31/03/2026A reflection on queer acceptance in the USA, including where it is strong and where it is faltering. www.nytimes.com/2026/03/29/o...nytimes.comOpinion | Goodbye, ‘Queer Eye.’ Goodbye, Queer Acceptance. 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 26/03/2026Australia offers asylum to elite athletes but cancels visas for other Iranians: "Zali Steggall, a ... member of Parliament, accused the Australian government of hypocrisy for championing the athletes’ cause while imposing the travel ban for other Iranian nationals." www.nytimes.com/2026/03/26/w...nytimes.comAustralia Temporarily Blocks Iranians With Visitor Visas From Entry 000
Reposted by Ian Van HarenToula Drimonis @mtltoula.bsky.social · 25/03/2026“In many ways, Tierney’s choices represent the evolution of Quebec’s English community: distinctly different from English speakers in the rest of Canada, and very much influenced by and attached to Quebec’s francophone culture.” @cultmtl.com cultmtl.com/2026/03/heat...cultmtl.comHeated Rivalry is so Quebec-codedWith Heated Rivalry, Jacob Tierney has produced a series that is, in many ways, a very Quebec and Montreal product. 45213
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 23/03/2026I have many memories walking up and down the Corniche in Beirut, a place where rich and poor enjoy the fresh air of the sea. This report describes how it is today, amidst the bombings from Israel. www.nytimes.com/2026/03/22/w...nytimes.comOn Beirut’s Waterfront, Loss Meets Life, and Luxury, Amid War 000
Reposted by Ian Van HarenJared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 19/03/2026thewalrus.ca/albertas-sep...thewalrus.caAlberta’s Separatists Are Chasing a Total Cowboy Fantasy | The WalrusThe province they describe—rural, homogeneous, under siege—bears little resemblance to reality 16625
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 16/03/2026Interesting article on how cultural trauma informs community life and heritage preservation, with a focus on Chinatowns in Calgary and other North American cities, in ASR. (by @yyz2yyc.bsky.social and team.) journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...journals.sagepub.comLiving with Ghosts: How Physical Traces of the Past Shape Cultural Trauma in Chinatowns - Matt Patterson, Henry Tsang, Bryan Kuk, Weiqi Li, Mojtaba Rostami, 2026Cultural trauma refers to how past experiences of harm can fundamentally transform a community’s shared identity, potentially generating feelings of solidarity ... 010
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 15/03/2026A thoughtful reflection on bisexuality, family relationships and acceptance, by Tarek Ziad. www.nytimes.com/2026/03/15/o...nytimes.comOpinion | The Dilemma of the Bisexual Son 001
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 08/03/2026This is a nice article by Dakshana Bascaramurty about AI recipes with a quiz to test your knowledge. (I failed!) A few months ago my social media feed was flooded with AI recipes but it seems to have subsided now, perhaps because I didn't click any of them. www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...theglobeandmail.comAI recipes are flooding social media feeds. Can you tell what’s real?It’s home cook beware as AI-generated recipes take over the internet 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 07/03/2026www.lapresse.ca/actualites/c...lapresse.caNombre record d’élus noirs au Québec | « Je suis le rêve le plus fou de mes ancêtres »Ils étaient une vingtaine autour de la table, samedi matin, dans le pavillon lumineux du parc Henri-Bourassa. 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 07/03/2026"more needs to be done to improve the teaching of French as a second language across Canada" Je suis tout à fait d'accord. www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/909ce72...theglobeandmail.comThe French lesson that Canada needsMore needs to be done to improve the teaching of French as a second language 041
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 26/02/2026A nice overview by Andrew Coyne on misguided anti-migrant proposals in Canada: www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/909ce72...theglobeandmail.comSmith and Poilievre find someone to blame for their problems: immigrantsCanada has seen rapid population growth in the past without the issues now being attributed to newcomers 020
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 08/02/2026www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...theglobeandmail.comQuebec City might be Canada’s most successful cityThe Globe and Mail offers the most authoritative news in Canada, featuring national and international news 110
Reposted by Ian Van HarenStephanie Nolen @stephanienolen.bsky.social · 04/02/2026Reporting this story in Cameroon, I met people who were blind because larval worms died in their eyeballs: NTDs cause immense suffering and disability. But they're preventable! And treatable! And eliminatable! 416473
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 01/02/2026Time to bring back the trains in Canada! 👏 🚆 Great article by @taras-grescoe.com www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/909ce72...theglobeandmail.comCanada’s passenger rail lines are getting revived after decades of vanishing serviceAcross North America, there is a grassroots clamouring for the return of railway lines that once provided a reliable and affordable alternative to cars and planes 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 28/01/2026I like this platform and the direction it is heading. 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 28/01/2026I was reading the Montreal Gazette (@mtlgazette.bsky.social) on the weekend and noticed an error in a column. So, I wrote them a little note and my letter is in the paper today! montrealgazette.com/opinion/lett... 110
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 26/01/2026Une belle initiative: Les élus montréalais réclament à l’unisson une « clause grand-père » www.lapresse.ca/actualites/g...lapresse.caChangement des règles en immigration | Les élus montréalais réclament à l’unisson une « clause grand-père »L’abolition du Programme de l’expérience québécoise (PEQ), qui obligera plusieurs travailleurs étrangers à quitter la province, nuit à la « crédibilité du Québec et celle de Montréal », affirme la mai... 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 25/01/2026A nice reflection about an unexpected intergenerational friendship. www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/909ce72...theglobeandmail.comMeet my 96-year-old roommate Tom, who never charged me rentTom lives independently and had hosted commuters in the past. I was to have a coffee with him every morning and read the paper 001
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 20/01/2026To Their Shock, Cubans in Florida Are Being Deported in Record Numbers, via @nytimes.com www.nytimes.com/2026/01/19/u...nytimes.comTo Their Shock, Cubans in Florida Are Being Deported in Record Numbers 000
Ian Van Haren @ianvh.bsky.social · 20/01/2026AI and Hollywood and entertainment: an interesting episode of The Daily @nytimes.com www.nytimes.com/2026/01/18/p... 000