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Justin Crann

@jcrann.bsky.social
94 followers 62 following 60 posts

📍Toronto, ON || He/Him Editor with Canada's National Observer. Opinions are my own. Also an avid reader, companion to a canine and fan of films and felines. Somehow, inexplicably, still a journalist.

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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 12h
Folx, tonight, I'm taking some time out for a good friend who has passed. The details are triggering and troubling. It didn't have to happen. Please, take time to check in on those you care about. Make sure they know you love them and value their presence and time. Treasure them. RIP, brother.
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Rachel Gilmore @rachelgilmore.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Canada has a lot of work to do. In some ways, we’re actually backsliding right now -- from residential school denial to rights-busting "national building projects." We gotta do a better job of defending and respecting Indigenous rights:
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Rory White @rorywh.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
CBC covers the Bradford AI story as 'AI in campaigns: GOOD OR BAD?' “To somehow suggest that using AI in the Toronto municipal campaign is a bad thing, I would suggest is an absolute overreach, and it's also not fair to campaigns that have fewer resources” www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
ANALYSIS | Authenticity is on the ballot as Toronto's mayoral hopefuls clash over AI use, experts say | CBC News
A Toronto mayoral candidate is defending his campaign’s use of artificial intelligence, but experts in the emerging technology say while it could act as an equalizer for under-resourced teams, it's no...
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Rory White @rorywh.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Today Bradford stood up at a press conference and described our reporting as "inaccurate." "I'm surprised they published it," he said. In response, we are sharing our recording of Bradford's Zoom call that corroborates our reporting. www.nationalobserver.com/2026/09/28/i...
nationalobserver.com
Bradford calls CNO reporting of AI app rewards ‘inaccurate.’ Here’s the recording proving our reporting.
Canada’s National Observer has decided to publish the segment of the Zoom call that corroborates its reporting.
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Jimmy Thomson @jameswsthomson.com · 23/09/2026
Political insiders have dismissed @rorywh.bsky.social's investigation of the creepy AI propaganda app being used by the Brad Bradford campaign. They say it's "inevitable." It's not.
nationalobserver.com
No, cyborg propaganda is not 'inevitable.' None of this is.
After Rory White revealed a Toronto mayoral campaign is putting AI-written comments in its supporters' mouths, political insiders were quick to dismiss it as run-of-the-mill politicking. So why does i...
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Rory White @rorywh.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Bradford's campaign is now distancing itself from AI: "A human member of our campaign team sees, redrafts, edits and approves every single suggested comment before it goes to supporters - who personally decide whether or not to post it on their individual accounts." Meanwhile, they tell supporters
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Political support on social media is becoming even more of a mirage. Absolutely stellar work by @rorywh.bsky.social here, who has been tracking the Victory App for a good while.
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
It's worthwhile to watch the patterns and habits of a government in order to get a clearer idea of their policy and priorities. For the Carney government, the pre-weekend release of bad environmental news has become a routine. New from me for the National Observer.
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Jeremy Appel 🍉 @readtheorchard.org · 09/09/2026
This is a good story, but it's odd that the CBC refers vaguely to "a media report" near the end of the story rather than giving credit to @nationalobserver.com for its significant scoop to which this is quite clearly a followup. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
‘Environmental racism’: Fort Chipewyan residents protest proposed treat-and-release plan for tailings water | CBC News
Suncor packed up its mobile information display a day and a half early during a recent community engagement session in Fort Chipewyan, Alta., after area residents protested a plan to release treated t...
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Jimmy Thomson @jameswsthomson.com · 04/09/2026
This kind of report should be accompanied by a press conference—not with some low-level bureaucrat, but with the prime minister. Flanked by all of his ministers. In prime time, with technical briefings. This report says we're facing unimaginable disaster, yet we didn't even get a briefing.
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
It feels like the Observer team has been firing on all cylinders lately. Check out this VOD of yesterday's livestream panel on the trade war and its climate costs.
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
A US-linked network of deceptive websites are training AI chatbots to feed misinformation to Albertans about separation. New from CNO's @rorywh.bsky.social www.nationalobserver.com/2026/09/04/i...
nationalobserver.com
A US-linked network of fake websites is promoting Alberta separatism to AI chatbots
The websites present crude, AI-generated slop disguised as the voice of real Albertans. But they're made in Florida — and they're not even targeting Albertans directly.
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John Michael McGrath @jm-mcgrath.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
"we should rename Mar-a-Lago something funny, make Google display that" My brother in Christ, the Ontario legislature can declare Google's workers in Ontario to be unionized and assign their collective labour rights to whichever union will be most militant, think bigger
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Some very on-the-money thoughts about the resistance to data centres across Canada, here. People distrust industry because industry has been underhanded in the past — and the way Big Tech has been so secretive and applied pressure around AI has, rightfully, given rise to skepticism and concern.
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Seth Klein @sethdklein.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
My lateest column out today in @nationalobserver.com More on the case for an export tax on oil & gas to the US www.nationalobserver.com/2026/08/28/o...
nationalobserver.com
Standing up to Trump: More on the case for an export tax on oil and gas
The response of Canadians to the breakdown of trade talks with the US has been heartening, and Prime Minister Mark Carney's announcement of counter-tariffs is popular, but it is likely that more will ...
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Canada's National Observer @nationalobserver.com · 24/08/2026
We have a starter pack where you can easily follow the writers who make CNO! Follow here: go.bsky.app/3z5fZJY
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Jimmy Thomson @jameswsthomson.com · 24/08/2026
It took years to get answers from the international bodies that are supposed to be working towards protecting this area, so I went there myself instead. My story from Grise Fiord, Nunavut, Canada's northernmost community.
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
A decade ago, Gord Downie played his last gig with the Tragically Hip, months after announcing he had terminal cancer. I'll never forget the emotion as he roared through a performance of "Grace, Too." This photo is from a performance in Moose Jaw, Sask., some years prior — 1 of my fave assignments.
Gordon Downie performs with The Tragically Hip at Mosaic Place in Moose Jaw, Sask., on Sept. 6th, 2023.
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
The knock-on effects of climate change are as wildly varied as they are horrifying. This is just one of them.
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
I thought this, too, while reading about the $34-million announcement. It's a pittance when you consider the feds could soon pony up $35 billion for a pipeline. There's an old saying: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We shouldn't be paying for more nation-burning infrastructure.
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Emmerson Jull @emmersonj.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Oakville’s interim control bylaw is the first in Ontario to take effect. Latest for @nationalobserver.com with @rorywh.bsky.social
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
I've been doing the most meaningful work of my journalism career with the National Observer. Now, we've got an opening for a full-time associate editor. Jimmy's got the details. Come work with me and help make this publication even more awesome than it already is.
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Canada's National Observer @nationalobserver.com · 06/08/2026
During his first year in office, PM Carney met with fossil fuel industry lobbyists at least 14 times, compared to Trudeau who only took two such meetings between 2023 and the end of his term in January 2025.
nationalobserver.com
Big Oil is targeting Canada's highest-ranking decision makers — and it's paying off
Canadian government officials met with fossil fuel lobbyists more than 1,300 times in 2024, including at least 83 times with Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson. At the same time, the...
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My IRL friends call me Chris @christyceeck.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Important piece from @cloelogan.bsky.social and @rorywh.bsky.social. If data centres are an issue that concerns you, @nationalobserver.com has you covered with its outstanding work. If you can manage it, please consider subscribing.
“What I think ultimately happened was some council colleagues started getting scared about signalling to the federal government that we wouldn't be interested in a project that could otherwise have some public good,” she said, along with “the potential for however—many–hundreds of millions of dollars.”

Coun. Kroetsch, who seconded Nann’s motion, said the meeting was “lobbying — and lobbying was effective. That's what happened here.”
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Canada's National Observer @nationalobserver.com · 04/08/2026
One of the clearest descriptions of climate dynamics for laypeople that you’ll ever hear: “It will inevitably get worse. It will get worse and worse and worse.”
nationalobserver.com
This isn't the new normal. It's just the beginning
This summer’s disasters appear to have boosted climate multilateralism, at least within Europe, and underscored the need to tackle fossil fuels. But we may not be waiting long for the scientists' “wor...
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Guardian US @us.theguardian.com · 04/08/2026
"It’s as if we launched a war against nature, and that has turned place after place into something that resembles a war zone," writes @rebeccasolnit.bsky.social. "The climate movement is a peace movement, a movement to end this war and its casualties."
theguardian.com
We launched a war on nature. Now we are in a climate warzone | Rebecca Solnit
Summer is not what it once was. We have been robbed of one of life’s great joys
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Yesterday — a Friday before a long weekend — the Carney Liberals quietly approved the Crawford nickel mine they added to the major projects list in November, despite concerns raised about it. @matinsarfraz.bsky.social's detailed some of those concerns here: www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/14/n...
nationalobserver.com
Ontario nickel mine lands on major projects list despite major environmental and market red flags
The federal government’s decision to place Ontario’s Crawford Nickel Project on its new list of “nation-building” projects is raising concerns from experts who say Ottawa is moving ahead while serious...
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Jimmy Thomson @jameswsthomson.com · 24/07/2026
Nice day for @nationalobserver.com, with a h/t in @theguardian.com by Olivia Bowden and on CBC Front Burner, courtesy of @parismarx.com for two separate stories this morning. It's always appreciated when bigger media goes out of its way to acknowledge our work!
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
What an incredible show @joshjohnsoncomedy.bsky.social has put together with Comedy Band Camp. From Julius Rodriguez and his stellar jazz band to the dance troupe to both Josh and Tevin Williams' stand-up, I was completely blown away. If he's playing your city, get yourself a ticket!
A photo of the poster for Josh Johnson's Comedy Band Camp at the front of Toronto's Massey Hall.
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
First thoughts coming out of Christopher Nolan's epic The Odyssey: - See it in the largest format you can. IMAX was worth the price of admission; - The first act was a little rough. I expected Nolan to do his non-linear routine to smooth out some of the sluggishness, but he didn't really do so (1/x)
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Canada's National Observer @nationalobserver.com · 17/07/2026
In the heat of the evacuations, and with a lack of reliable information, evacuees are hearing rumours — including fears that if their homes are razed by wildfires, it will be easier for industry to start mining in their community.
nationalobserver.com
Ontario wildfire response fans fires of distrust
With the provincial government keeping a low profile and a dearth of solid information, some of the people impacted by the wildfires raging in Ontario's north are seeking alternative explanations.
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
What a show from Buddy Guy, man. Absolutely blown away. Seeing him was a bucket list thing for me. I've been a fan of his since I was in diapers. He was so energetic, playful and fun. He brought his son out to jam with him and melt our faces off. I'm still over the moon. What a show. What a night!
A shot of the stage at Toronto's Massey Hall for the kickoff of Buddy Guy's 90th Birthday Tour.
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
Starting a new routine of going on 5ks every morning along the Humber. This picture doesn't do the river any justice. Kings and I routinely spy trumpeter swans, Canadian geese (of course) and even the occasional hawk. Love the place I live.
A photo of the path alongside the Humber River.
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Caught Paranormal Activity before its run ended at the Mirvish Theatre, to kick off the month of my birth. I had a lot of fun, and adored the set and sound design, but I did leave with a few questions about the narrative. I'll be thinking about this one for a good while.
A photo of the programme for Paranormal Activity at Toronto's Mirvish Theatre.
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John Woodside @woodsideful.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Nothing against power grid interties, in fact they're needed, but with the Alberta west coast pipeline deal coming soon it's fair to say we're seeing a pattern of the Carney gov timing electricity updates with pipeline updates - presumably flooding the zone to mitigate blow back.
cbc.ca
Energy minister to name 5 priority power-line projects for federal backing today | CBC News
The federal government is expected to announce on Friday that it will prioritize infrastructure upgrades that allow provinces to share excess electricity more cheaply and easily.
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Cloe Logan @cloelogan.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
This story I wrote for @nationalobserver.com won gold at the Atlantic Journalism Awards last night :,) I'm proud of this one, it was the last story I wrote in Atlantic Canada before moving to Toronto. Thank you to @jameswsthomson.com for editing it, and to the Isthmus for being beautiful. ✨
nationalobserver.com
Planned New Brunswick gas plant could threaten vital migratory bird corridor
As the province moves ahead with plans for a new gas plant, experts and residents warn it could endanger one of Canada’s most fragile and important ecological corridors.
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Linda Wood @lindasolomonwood.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
When the catastrophe strikes the place you love, do you run or do you stay? What does it teach you?
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Jimmy Thomson @jameswsthomson.com · 22/05/2026
The week @nationalobserver.com broke news about a Trump-linked US company hosting Albertans' electoral data, our site started suffering from massive outages. Our provider tells us their servers are under attack. We don't know if we're the target, but the timing is weird. Thanks for bearing with us!
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Canada's National Observer @nationalobserver.com · 21/05/2026
BREAKING: Alberta voter data has appeared on the website of a US company named repeatedly by separatist David Parker. After @rorywh.bsky.social discovered the breach, the website was taken down amid questions from Elections Alberta.
nationalobserver.com
Alberta voter data found on website of US company linked to Centurion Project
Elections Alberta is already investigating a breach of voter data obtained by separatist David Parker. The US company, 10XVotes, has been repeatedly mentioned by Parker as having been involved in the ...
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Cloe Logan @cloelogan.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
The Mikisew Cree First Nation says the missing data is essential to prove a link between industrial contamination and rising cancer rates in the northern Alberta community. By @sonalg.bsky.social for @nationalobserver.com
nationalobserver.com
First Nation accuses Alberta of withholding cancer data
At a press conference in Ottawa this week, Chief Billy‑Joe Tuccaro said the Mikisew Cree First Nation is still waiting for Alberta Health Services (AHS) to release more recent data, which he believes ...
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Katie O'Reilly @drkatfish.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
After disappearing from the Milwaukee River in the early 20th century due to overfishing and habitat loss, the new discovery of an adult sturgeon 20 miles upstream from Lake Michigan is a milestone in a massive restoration project that’s been underway for 20 years www.wuwm.com/lake-sturgeo...
Lake Sturgeon spawning
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Eric Haywood @erichaywood.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
The Moon: oh wow you guys decided to come back Artemis II crew: earth’s haunted
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Now that it's out in general release, here are my spoiler-free thoughts on Project Hail Mary — a swashbuckling sci-fi adventure the likes of which they haven't made in many years. boxd.it/dwHIXp
boxd.it
A ★★★★★ review of Project Hail Mary (2026)
I was fortunate to catch an advance screening of this film in 70mm and I am very happy that I did. Project Hail Mary is a sci-fi drama that places much more emphasis on the fiction than the science, b...
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
Working the desk and having a hand in editing Rory's well-executed investigations has been a real joy for me this past year. Hard to believe he's a first-year journo. This nomination is well deserved for him and all others involved.
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Rory White @rorywh.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
The Media Ecosystem Observatory has found that just 100 accounts in Canada are responsible for 68% of posts promoting conspiracy theories. But they are having an outsized impact on local governments. Read my latest: www.nationalobserver.com/2026/02/25/n...
nationalobserver.com
One hundred accounts are behind the majority of conspiracy theory content in Canada
Researchers analyzed more than 14 million social media posts from accounts in Canada and found that 87 per cent of conspiratorial claims come from influencers, with just 100 users responsible for near...
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Jake Cole @jakecole.bsky.social · 30/01/2026
At every single stage of my life there has been a movie or show suited for my age group in which Catherine O’Hara was a standout player. This just sucks, man.
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Cloe Logan @cloelogan.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
I am in court this morning, covering the latest on the court battle between the Ford government and cycling advocates. The province is challenging a decision that ruled taking out major bike lanes to reduce traffic congestion is unconstitutional. Here's a primer for @nationalobserver.com
nationalobserver.com
Ford’s war on bike lanes heads back to court
This week, the province will return to court to challenge a decision that ruled that taking out bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street and University Avenue in an effort to reduce traffic congestion...
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Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
I'm so exhausted from the seemingly regular trauma of opening my social media to video recordings of cold-blooded murder committed by masked and unidentifiable thugs on the streets of the US who will never be held to account. (1/x)
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Supriya Dwivedi @supriya.bsky.social · 24/01/2026
no you see I was told that Trump’s deep respect and reverence for PMMC meant that he would never dare call Carney governor and that Canada and the US were v close to a deal but that pesky Premier Ford got in the way & ruined everything maybe libs can stop sane washing Trump now!!
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