iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Along Bloor West from Islington to just past Royal York, they still have a lot of street parking pinched between the bike lanes and the sidewalk. There's also parking on the outside of the bike lanes closer to Old Mill. It baffles me that the call was made to remove the bike lanes first.

030

Reposted by Justin Crann

Rory White @rorywh.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Front page of today's Toronto Sun is their response our investigation into Bradford's Victory App. They claim that Olivia Chow, while not using AI, is feeding supporters pre-written messages. An example: "Hey Toronto, I just signed up to volunteer with Team Olivia Chow."

4135

Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

"Agitslop" — I love it. The term, not what it means, obviously.

031

Reposted by Justin Crann

Shawn Micallef @shawnmicallef.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

My column leans on reporting done by @nationalobserver.com @rorywh.bsky.social & Mahdis Habibinia. Well done, everyone. 👏🏼

Toronto needs a Blade Runner to help us figure out what's real and what's artificial. In the film series, Blade Runners hunt androids disguised as humans. In Toronto, we need them to root out our AI generated politics.
Brad Bradford's mayoral campaign has come under fire for using an app called Victory that, as an investigation by Canada's National Observer found, "gamifies" political campaigns by awarding participants points for uploading their contacts with possibly-lax privacy standards around voter data. Further, the app also awards points for posting AI-generated messages to social media.
The Star's Mahdis Habibinia asked Bradford himself about using the app and he said the reporting was false and that there's no rewards. In response, the National Observer released audio of a Bradford campaign Zoom meeting where a presenter said a points system would be used and that there will be rewards.

2329

Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

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.

120

Reposted by Justin Crann

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:

1028982

Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Wild to me how this piece frames the technology as being anything but novel, at least in its scope. The privacy implications alone for some of what this app is doing are staggering. Also, this graf is doing some seriously heavy lifting given the campaign was forced to disclose.

040

Reposted by Justin Crann

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...

3146

Reposted by Justin Crann

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.

45516

Reposted by Justin Crann

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

59135

Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

I may be biased, but I have to note that this story leads Monday morning's lineup in @nationalobserver.com's Climate Daily Newsletter, also including strong reporting work from Charlotte James and @sonalg.bsky.social, as well as a wonderful column from @chrishatch.bsky.social. Subscribe here:

nationalobserver.com

Canada's Climate Daily newsletter | Canada's National Observer: Climate News

Essential climate journalism at sunrise, Monday through Friday, including analysis, breaking news and must-read investigations.

042

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.

273

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.

010

Reposted by Justin Crann

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.

13345205

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.

000

Reposted by Justin Crann

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

544475861

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.

021

Reposted by Justin Crann

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

0209

Reposted by Justin Crann

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.

27026

Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

Yeah, you don't hear Steve MacKinnon talking about their violent gun crime statistics...

011

Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

On the tenth anniversary of the final Hip performance, this is what I'm reflecting upon. We can and must do better. "We're forced to bed, But we're free to dream. All us human extras, All us herded beings..."

000

Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

He dedicated much of his platform in the final years of his life to raising awareness of Canada's mistreatment of its Indigenous peoples. It was important work then, and it remains so today. We are still many kilometres from truth and reconciliation. Anti-indigenous sentiment is rising again.

100

Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Gord was a true one of one. An excellent lyricist with a unique voice that, for an Ontario boy like myself, played an outsized role in my life. I can recall so many summers listening to the Hip while camping or taking long road trips with family.

100

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.

100

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.

000

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.

010

Reposted by Justin Crann

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

0197

Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Crave: Yes, but you're going to have to navigate one of the least intuitive, laggiest UIs to find it and when you do, you'll realize too late that you hit play on the version en français.

0101

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.

020

Reposted by Justin Crann

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.”

01912

Reposted by Justin Crann

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

8231601265

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...

012

Reposted by Justin Crann

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!

1417

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.

000

Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Agreed — the final act is excellent. Odysseus' account of Troy being staged and shot like a confession really drove the core messaging of the film home.

010

Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Oh yes, the non-linear storytelling definitely worked later on in the film, particularly as you say when he tells the same story from various different perspectives (Menelaus' account v.s. Odysseus' own of Troy). I think that worked to flesh out the core themes of the work. Still a good sit!

110

Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

- The movie is at its absolute best when it leans into the horror aspects of the myth. Circe, the cyclops, even the sacking of Troy itself... Overall this is a very good movie. I don't know that it's top three Nolan for me, but it's inside the top five. A competently made summer blockbuster. (3/3)

100

Justin Crann @jcrann.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

- There are two castings I wasn't a huge fan of, and neither of them were the ones at the centre of the internet controversy: Tom Holland and John Bernthal; - When this movie hits its stride, it REALLY hits its stride. There hasn't been an epic in this vein in many years; (2/x)

100

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)

100

Reposted by Justin Crann

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.

23921

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.

000

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.

021

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.

010

Reposted by Justin Crann

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.

2188