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Jared Wesley

@jaredwesley.ca
7.9K followers 1.1K following 2.5K posts

#UAlberta political scientist | Black Faculty Collective | Lead: Common Ground (@cgroundpolitics.bsky.social) | jaredwesley.ca | drjaredwesley.substack.com | co-author: partyloyalty.ca

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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 17h
📣Funded PhD Position exploring the social and political implications of the consolidation, death—and even rebirth—of local newspapers in rural communities in Canada and the United States. Supervisor: Clark Banack at the University of Alberta www.ualberta.ca/en/alberta-c...
ualberta.ca
Funded PhD Position
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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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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 28/09/2026
Finding reliable, non-partisan information about this fall's referendums in Alberta can be difficult. I tried my best at a townhall this afternoon. Here are my notes. drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/making-sen...
drjaredwesley.substack.com
Making Sense of Alberta’s Referendums
A Voter’s Guide
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 25/09/2026
This is 23% support to simply have another referendum (Option 2). That's identical to the % who would vote for separation (23%, same poll). The separatists' strategy to get soft federalists to "send a message" by voting Option 2 is failing. Federalists need to turn out to put the issue to bed.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 25/09/2026
That's exactly what I was going for, actually. 👍
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 25/09/2026
In an election year. Quintessential example of a "sleeper" issue.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 25/09/2026
Why should Albertans vote “no” on the four constitutional questions? Because we risk opening Pandora’s box — inviting another round of divisive and potentially detrimental constitutional debates that could well reduce, not expand, provincial autonomy. drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/pandering-...
drjaredwesley.substack.com
Pandering to Pandora
Why the UCP’s four constitutional questions are threats to provincial autonomy
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 25/09/2026
The federal policy "overcorrected so much that they scared a lot more people away from even trying to come to Canada."
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 24/09/2026
You'll never hear me say that all proponents of direct democracy are fascists. But I have yet to meet a fascist who didn't love direct democracy. Ask Carl Schmitt.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 24/09/2026
"Canada needs more Alberta, but we cannot lead within Confederation if we are distracted and divided. Direct democracy does just that..." Ken and I make the case for bolstering democratic representation. open.substack.com/pub/theline/...
open.substack.com
Jared Wesley and Ken Boessenkool: Direct democracy was better in theory than practice
Alberta’s misadventures show that governments are there for a reason.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 23/09/2026
We are pleased to welcome @davidcoletto.bsky.social to the University of Alberta on October 29. For more information and to register for this in-person event, visit: www.ualberta.ca/en/events/co...
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 23/09/2026
I'm in Alberta. Our guy's on meth and season 8.
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Reposted by Jared Wesley
Ximena González @ximenaka.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
So now we’re going to use temporary workers to subsidize health care, much like international students subsidize post-graduate education? Squeeze them out of cash, then kick them out. Seems like the Canadian way.
cbc.ca
Alberta premier floats charging temporary residents $1,900 to access public health care | CBC News
The figure comes as Albertans will vote in the Oct. 19 referendum on charging certain non-permanent residents a "reasonable fee or premium" for access to Alberta's health care and education systems.
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Reposted by Jared Wesley
🇨🇦Joe Vipond🇨🇦 @jvipondmd.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
new @albertasvoice.ca website just dropped. Check it out! whatcouldweget.ca
whatcouldweget.ca
What Could We Get for $134 Million?
What could Alberta get for $134.3 million instead of a referendum?
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 21/09/2026
This weekend, the premier said these referendums were called to "prove a point." Now, her party president is confirming they are all about "leverage." They share this rhetoric and the flawed strategy underlying it with the separatists. 🔗 calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
calgaryherald.com
When 'leverage' isn’t leverage: Why the separatists’ push for bargaining power is an empty bluff
Why the separatists’ push for bargaining power is an empty bluff.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 21/09/2026
This seems to be a hard pivot for them. Recently, they've been trying to soften the edges of their transition plan to make it look "safe" and "stable". Why they would choose *now* to talk about UDI is a wonder. Another case of strategery, I suppose. drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/when-lever...
drjaredwesley.substack.com
When “leverage” isn’t leverage
Why the separatists’ push for bargaining power is just an empty bluff
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 21/09/2026
I'm just saying: don't make it seem like I just came to this realization last week.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 21/09/2026
No. Much, much earlier. Here's me in June 2025. drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/5-lessons-...
drjaredwesley.substack.com
5 Lessons from 1995
What the Quebec referendum tells us about Alberta secession
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Reposted by Jared Wesley
Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Monday, September 21st. A month till Albertans vote on a multiple choice separation ballot AND nine other racist/useless questions. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at fighting the noxious nine, with @carterab.bsky.social, @jaredwesley.ca & Avnish Nanda of @ouralbertadvantage.bsky.social. #cdnpoli
podcasts.apple.com
Saying No to the Nine
Podcast Episode · Alberta Unbound · September 18 · 39m
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 20/09/2026
albertapolitics.ca/2026/09/as-d...
albertapolitics.ca
As divisive separation vote nears, UCP suddenly changes voter list rules, hampering scrutineers - Alberta Politics
As Alberta careens toward a chaotic and divisive vote on separation seemingly drafted to discourage the United Conservative Party’s dominant separatist faction from trying to force Premier Danielle Sm...
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 20/09/2026
Why separatists bent on convincing us of the stability of the transition to independence are now openly musing about a unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) is beyond me. www.stalbertgazette.com/alberta-deci...
stalbertgazette.com
Unilateral independence declaration would be 'destabilizing,' U of A prof says
Per the Supreme Court of Canada, a Canadian province cannot unilaterally secede without negotiation
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 20/09/2026
There is nothing stopping people on all sides of these referendums from signing up to work. They must, however, cease all work with TPAs when they do.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 20/09/2026
Elections Alberta is under no communications control by the UCP government. It is an independent agemcy.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 20/09/2026
When it comes to explaining the agency's shaky performance, there is all kinds of evidence of the Smith government's underfunding, overburdening, and hamstringing of Elections Alberta. There is a huge difference between that, and Smith having direct control over Elections Alberta and the vote.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 20/09/2026
What do you mean "UCP running things"? Be specific.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 20/09/2026
Alberta separatists refusing to talk about separatism during a referendum is like asking someone to help you light the fuse, then insisting everyone’s being hysterical about the explosion. If you don’t want to talk about what happens, maybe don’t ask us to light it.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 20/09/2026
@jlisayoung.bsky.social is absolutely right. It's time for Elections Alberta to take a crisis comms approach to administering this referendum. lisayoung.substack.com/p/some-crisi...
lisayoung.substack.com
Some Crisis Comms Advice for Elections Alberta
It’s absolutely essential that citizens have confidence in the administration of elections.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 19/09/2026
Putting a human face on the Smith government's xenophobic referendum questions is important. These are not about the immigration system. They are about immigrants - humans, workers, taxpayers, neighbours, family members. www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
theglobeandmail.com
Opinion: Alberta’s shameless attempt to scapegoat immigrants
Opponents of secession have been vocal, but where are the people standing up for newcomers to the province?
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Reposted by Jared Wesley
David Coletto @davidcoletto.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Five reports. One deep dive into Alberta’s independence referendum. Our final finding may be the most important: Albertans don’t expect October 19 to settle anything. They see it as another chapter in a debate that could reshape Alberta politics for years. abacusdata.ca/alberta-at-...
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University of Alberta Press @ualbertapress.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Banff once again hosts the Prairie Political Science Association conference, September 18 to 20. It's a wonderful opportunity to talk to our acquisitions editor, Kay Rollans, and browse our strong list of publications! #Conference #PPSA2026 #PoliSci #ABpol @fsnagovsky.bsky.social @jaredwesley.ca
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 18/09/2026
Great! Now go get 5 more folks to do the same!
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Normally we drop Alberta Unbound episodes on Mondays. But this panel with @jaredwesley.ca, @carterab.bsky.social and Avnish Nanda was too powerful and urgent to wait. A strategic look at fighting the noxious nine. @5xforcanada.bsky.social #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #AlbertaUnbound #notothenine
open.spotify.com
Saying No to the Nine
Alberta Unbound · Episode
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 18/09/2026
“The main principle at stake... is to ensure that voters choose their representatives and that governments don’t get to pick their voters. This is not an exercise in pulling out a Sharpie marker and redrawing boundaries because they make the most sense politically." www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
The Alberta NDP won Calgary’s byelection. But next election, the map could look very different | CBC News
As work is underway to redraw Alberta's electoral map, Calgary-Shaw provides an up-to-date case study illustrating how proposed changes to provincial ridings could affect election results.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 18/09/2026
Great analysis by @samgoertz.bsky.social, uncovering the deep story of Alberta politics through the milch-cow meme. cground.substack.com/p/the-meme-t...
cground.substack.com
The Meme That Explains Alberta’s Politics
Reflections on Alberta’s October 19th referendum and why an old cartoon turned into an AI meme is at the heart of Alberta’s views on confederation
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 18/09/2026
Get 5 more people to do the same.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 18/09/2026
A month to go. Here's what everyday Albertans can do to win this referendum (or lose it). drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/how-to-los...
drjaredwesley.substack.com
How to lose a referendum in 30 days
And 5 ways to win
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 18/09/2026
You broke the first rule.
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Reposted by Jared Wesley
🇨🇦 CPSA ACSP 🇨🇦 @cpsa-acsp.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Call for Proposals #CPSA_ACSP27 ⏰ Nov 10 2026 📍 UBC-Vancouver-CANADA|May 26–28 2027 mycpsa-cpsa-acsp.ca/cfp/cfp_index @amyjanzwood.bsky.social @alexmarland.bsky.social @jaredwesley.ca @sjkiss.bsky.social @jacobtlevy.bsky.social @sdebrouw.bsky.social @jlisayoung.bsky.social @qalbaugh.bsky.social
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 17/09/2026
"You never once saw a serious Quebec separatist begging for federalists to lend them their votes for “leverage” against Ottawa to accomplish their agenda." My latest on why the separatists' push for "leverage" is ill-conceived and ill-fated. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
calgaryherald.com
When 'leverage' isn’t leverage: Why the separatists’ push for bargaining power is an empty bluff
Why the separatists’ push for bargaining power is an empty bluff.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 17/09/2026
Here's a great book on the topic. www.aupress.ca/books/120300...
aupress.ca
A Sales Tax for Alberta | Athabasca University Press
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 17/09/2026
Leading in Confederation requires more than simply asking everyone else to change. Here's one way Alberta can strengthen its position in Canada, from my LeadNotLeave.ca colleague, Ken Boessenkool. An 8-8-8 tax regime, including an HST offset by PIT cuts. thehub.ca/2026/09/17/8...
thehub.ca
8/8/8: A clear path to smarter taxation in Alberta
A woman carries a large Alberta flag on Alberta Day in Calgary, Alta., Aug. 30, 2026. Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 16/09/2026
There's not a conservative worth that label who would look at the costs of separation and view it as a wise decision. We didn't need a blue ribbon report to tell us that. Now, it's even harder to view Option 2 as a means of building a credible case for leverage when the threat is so absurd.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 16/09/2026
We all know Alberta separatist leaders have a crush on their Quebec cousins. But blaming their Calgary by-election loss on "the ethnic vote" is a little thirsty, even for them.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 16/09/2026
Put plainly: immigrants in Alberta pay provincial and federal taxes to support health and education services in this province. Vote "no" to the idea of making them pay even more for less.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 16/09/2026
Through its referendum questions, the Smith government is threatening to reduce access to these federally-funded, provincially-administered services for taxpaying immigrants. And to make those folks pay more for that reduced access.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 16/09/2026
Did you know? Alberta receives federal funding to support health care, education, and social services for each person living in our province. These federal transfers are calculated on a per capita basis, and *include* both permanent and non-permanent residents.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 16/09/2026
Alberta is mired in polarization. Join me and Kathleen Petty at Mount Royal University in Calgary on November 4 to discuss what lies ahead, after the referendums. Registration is free, but required: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 15/09/2026
Far right populist.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 15/09/2026
This is an excellent resource on all 10 referendum questions. abreferendum.dignityforum.org
abreferendum.dignityforum.org
The 2026 Alberta Referendum: the facts about all 10 questions — Dignity Forum
Alberta’s 2026 referendum asks voters whether temporary residents should face higher costs — or reduced access — for healthcare and education systems. Explore the facts before you vote on October 19.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 15/09/2026
You can learn more about the referendums here: beforevoting.ca
beforevoting.ca
Before You Vote | Make Informed Choices Now
Explore unbiased, fact-based insights on Alberta's referendum questions to make informed voting decisions. Before you vote, learn about separation, immigration, and constitutional issues.
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