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Jessica Smith Cross

@jessiecatherine.bsky.social
3.7K followers 431 following 92 posts

Editor of The Trillium. "Real mom vibe."

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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
Isaac Callan @isaaccallan.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
NEW: Ontario civil servants processing freedom of information documents within the Ford government have been told to pause their work, putting thousands of transparency requests in limbo. #OnPoli globalnews.ca/news/1185920...
globalnews.ca
All Ontario freedom of information requests on pause in wake of Ford government changes | Globalnews.ca
A message sent to senior staff within the government's access to information departments before the long weekend told them to stop releasing all official communications.
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
Isaac Callan @isaaccallan.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
🧵It's been less than a month since the government changed the freedom of information laws, but a slew of updated rejection notes have started to land in the inboxes of journalists, advocates and others. Here's a look at the first few. #ONpoli
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
Isaac Callan @isaaccallan.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
The Ford government's weakening of its FOI regime has cut off public access to hundreds of records about the Greenbelt scandal that were about to be released to @jessiecatherine.bsky.social. Processing versus cancelling timelines are notable. #Onpoli www.thetrillium.ca/news/the-tri...
thetrillium.ca
Ford government’s FOI changes block release of 219 Greenbelt 'investment-opportunity meeting' records
One email chain among the hundreds of records being withheld from The Trillium concerns a meeting between ‘Mr. X’ and Minister David Piccini about land that was later removed from the Greenbelt
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
A Ford government minister didn’t attend the prestigious U.S. university his official bios claimed. Michael Tibollo never went to the University of Southern California — it was the online-only ‘California Southern University.' www.thetrillium.ca/news/politic...
thetrillium.ca
Ford government minister didn’t attend the prestigious U.S. university claimed in his official bios
Michael Tibollo never went to the University of Southern California — it was the online-only ‘California Southern University'
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
The Rundown @therundowntvo.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Years into a freedom of information fight over the Greenbelt scandal, @jessiecatherine.bsky.social (The Trillium) tells @jeyantvo.bsky.social FOI changes could block the records. "This does matter." At 8pm with Salvator Cusimano (@transparencycan.bsky.social) | Producer: @colinellis81.bsky.social
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
In this op-ed, former premier Kathleen Wynne writes about having to face "uncomfortable, sometimes humiliating experiences" because of information unearthed by FOI requests. That, she argues, is part of our democracy, and Ford's FOI changes will weaken it. www.thetrillium.ca/opinion/opin...
thetrillium.ca
OPINION: When you're premier, FOI requests are part of the job
If you put your name on a ballot, scrutiny by the public is fair game, writes former premier Kathleen Wynne
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
We're hiring! We're looking for a reporter to fill a 12 to 18-month contract at Queen's Park, starting this spring. Message me with any questions. easyapply.co/a/e89aefba-5...
easyapply.co
Reporter, The Trillium at Village Media Inc.
Are you an experienced reporter looking to deep-dive into the latest developments from Queen’s Park? Operated by Village Media, The Trillium is your...
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
NEW: A company that got $2M from the Skills Development Fund is run by a dentist who boasts about having the Ford family among his patients. Ford says he had nothing to do with it getting a grant: “I don't believe in micromanaging.” www.thetrillium.ca/news/the-tri...
thetrillium.ca
Company given $2M from Skills Development Fund run by Ford family dentist: sources
The company’s CEO also worked closely with the wife of the minister in charge of the grant program at the time
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
Nick Hune-Brown @nickhunebrown.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
A few months ago @thelocal.to got a promising pitch from a writer with bylines in whole bunch of reputable publications—The Cut, The Guardian, Dwell, Architectural Digest, etc. Then I started investigating. Here's a story about fabulists in journalism's AI slop era. thelocal.to/investigatin...
thelocal.to
Investigating a Possible Scammer in Journalism’s AI Era | The Local
A suspicious pitch from a freelancer led editor Nicholas Hune-Brown to dig into their past work. By the end, four publications, including The Guardian and Dwell, had removed articles from their sites.
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
In the course of our investigation into the Skills Development Fund, we've filed a lot of FOI requests. We recently got some high cost estimates for records and decided to ask the public for help. Read all about our crowdfunding campaign here. www.thetrillium.ca/news/the-tri...
thetrillium.ca
CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN: Help us investigate the Skills Development Fund
Your contribution can make hidden government documents public
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
NEW: ‘Mr. X’ claims Minister David Piccini tipped him off about Greenbelt removals John Mutton made the claim in an interview with the integrity commissioner and then on a podcast. The minister denied it through a spokesperson. www.thetrillium.ca/news/politic...
thetrillium.ca
‘Mr. X’ claims Minister David Piccini tipped him off about Greenbelt removals
John Mutton made the claim in an interview with the integrity commissioner and then on a podcast. The minister denied it through a spokesperson
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
NEW: A non-profit with ties to Drake got $3.3 million from Ontario’s Skills Development Fund — but has since shut down, and the province claims the group owes it money. It matches an example from the AG report of a low-ranked group picked by the MO. www.thetrillium.ca/news/politic...
thetrillium.ca
Ford government seeking money back from defunct Skills Development Fund recipient with ties to Drake
The not-for-profit got more than $3 million in taxpayer funds before it shut down
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 07/10/2025
NEW: Clients of lobby firms connected to the premier and his nephew were given tens of millions from the Skills Development Fund. Clients of Rubicon — a lobbying firm owned by the premier’s campaign manager — got more than $100M, records show. www.thetrillium.ca/news/politic...
thetrillium.ca
Clients of lobby firms connected to premier, his nephew given tens of millions in training funds
Groups represented by a lobbying firm owned by the premier’s campaign manager got more than $100 million in grant money, a Trillium analysis has found
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
NEW: The feds are going to be in touch with the province on the AG's Skills Development Fund report, and they don't sound happy. They want to ensure their funds were spent “effectively and transparently," and are seeking "due diligence" and "mitigation measures."🔒 www.thetrillium.ca/insider-news...
thetrillium.ca
Become a Trillium insider
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
BREAKING: Ford government skills training funding ‘not fair, transparent or accountable’: auditor general Ford government labour ministers overruled civil servants to fund skills training by groups with lobbyists, according to a scathing new report www.thetrillium.ca/news/politic...
thetrillium.ca
BREAKING: Ford government skills training funding ‘not fair, transparent or accountable’: auditor general
Ford government labour ministers overruled civil servants to fund skills training by groups with lobbyists, according to a scathing new report
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
New Skills Development Fund story from @charliepinkerton.bsky.social A company that specializes in helping dentists sell their practices was given $2 million to train workers when its CEO worked closely with the wife of the then-cabinet minister responsible for the funding program.
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
Update to this story on a group that trains people to work in clubs run by Zlatko Starkovski, a longtime Ford Nation figure: Ontario's public accounts show the group got an additional $3.3M in grants from the Skills Development Fund last year, for a total of more than $9.8M.
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
More on the Skills Development Fund from me.
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
TheTrillium.ca @thetrillium.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Group training workers for ‘Rob Ford’s favourite nightclub owner’ got $6.5M in provincial skills development funding
dlvr.it
Group training workers for ‘Rob Ford’s favourite nightclub owner’ got $6.5M in provincial skills development funding
Training takes place at Zlatko Starkovski’s event venue at Exhibition Place
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
TheTrillium.ca @thetrillium.bsky.social · 13/09/2025
Main voting closed at Ontario Liberal convention, Bonnie Crombie awaits her fate
dlvr.it
Main voting closed at Ontario Liberal convention, Bonnie Crombie awaits her fate
Meanwhile, party members got pro-Bonnie robocalls and texts urging them to 'Please vote no to a leadership contest'
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
TheTrillium.ca @thetrillium.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
VIDEO: Bonnie voyage? Liberals decide this weekend if Crombie stays or goes
dlvr.it
VIDEO: Bonnie voyage? Liberals decide this weekend if Crombie stays or goes
Tonight on Village Media's new 'Closer Look' podcast: We preview a big weekend for the Ontario Liberals — and revisit our recent interview with the party leader who insists she's 'not going anywhere'
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
TheTrillium.ca @thetrillium.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
Father of boy with autism charged with threatening to kill Doug Ford
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Father of boy with autism charged with threatening to kill Doug Ford
‘I just want our kids supported’: Ryan Nelson, charged earlier this year in connection with violent online content, spoke to The Trillium about his experience with autism services in Ontario
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
TheTrillium.ca @thetrillium.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
Minister’s office insisted restaurateurs be granted millions despite ‘late’ and ‘low’ scoring application: emails
dlvr.it
Minister’s office insisted restaurateurs be granted millions despite ‘late’ and ‘low’ scoring application: emails
One of the company's owners had donated thousands to the PC party and was friendly with a key Ford aide, according to three well-placed sources
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
TheTrillium.ca @thetrillium.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Ontarians split on Liberal leadership race: poll
dlvr.it
Ontarians split on Liberal leadership race: poll
A Pallas Data poll shows no clear consensus among Liberal supporters or Ontarians at large about whether to replace Bonnie Crombie, and no clear successor waiting in the wings
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
TheTrillium.ca @thetrillium.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
Ford friend's company seeking $500M from Metrolinx in expropriation dispute
dlvr.it
Ford friend's company seeking $500M from Metrolinx in expropriation dispute
A development group wants a tribunal to force the transit agency to compensate it for air rights in downtown Toronto that it agreed to buy, but hadn’t paid for
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
TheTrillium.ca @thetrillium.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Doug Ford's PCs spent six figures on 'Canada Is Not For Sale' hats in election campaign
dlvr.it
Doug Ford's PCs spent six figures on 'Canada Is Not For Sale' hats in election campaign
The hats were central to Ford's Conservatives' branding during their successful 2025 campaign
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
TheTrillium.ca @thetrillium.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Meet the bagman: the Ontario PC fundraising chief and his developer ties
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Meet the bagman: the Ontario PC fundraising chief and his developer ties
The top fundraiser for Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives works for developers, while also raising money from them for the party
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Meet the bagman. www.thetrillium.ca/news/the-tri...
thetrillium.ca
Meet the bagman: the Ontario PC fundraising chief and his developer ties
The top fundraiser for Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives works for developers, while also raising money from them for the party
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
TheTrillium.ca @thetrillium.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
Ontario reveals five-storey Ontario Place parking garage; Science Centre still TBD
dlvr.it
Ontario reveals five-storey Ontario Place parking garage; Science Centre still TBD
'You'll barely even see' the garage: Ford
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
TheTrillium.ca @thetrillium.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Ford apologizes for ‘hat-in-hand’ comment about First Nations
dlvr.it
Ford apologizes for ‘hat-in-hand’ comment about First Nations
Anishinabek Nation chiefs accept his apology but Bill 5 issues remain, grand chief says
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
TheTrillium.ca @thetrillium.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
Leak allegation sparks row between 'Mr. X' and local mayor
dlvr.it
Leak allegation sparks row between 'Mr. X' and local mayor
John Mutton, a former mayor of Clarington, is demanding an apology from the current mayor over a public allegation about a leaked document concerning a piece of land granted a provincial MZO for an affordable housing development
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
NEW: How Metrolinx’s plan to deliver European-style train service went off the rails @jackhauen.bsky.social got excruciating detail on MX's split with Deutsche Bahn on the GO expansion, and the scope reduction for all-day, two-way GO www.thetrillium.ca/news/the-tri...
thetrillium.ca
How Metrolinx’s plan to deliver European-style train service went off the rails
GO Expansion will still transform Greater Golden Horseshoe transit — but likely won’t be as ambitious as what was planned just three years ago
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
New: The Ford government has announced a plan to use its proposed "special economic zones" bill to create "Indigenous-led economic zones," after consulting with Indigenous partners over the summer. It comes after increasing pressure from Indigenous communities. www.thetrillium.ca/news/indigen...
thetrillium.ca
Ford government announces plans for 'Indigenous-led economic zones' under Bill 5
Facing mounting opposition from First Nations, the premier's office announced a pivot
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
The government has put forward some amendments to Bill 5 but I’m told there are more coming. These initial ones are mostly technical tweaks, plus the promised preamble change to reflect Indigenous rights. www.thetrillium.ca/insider-news...
thetrillium.ca
Become a Trillium insider
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
"I think a lot of people have probably been caught up in the hype around woolly mammoths and dire wolves," he said. "Technology isn't going to save these species," said zoo CEO Dolf DeJong. "Safe spaces will." www.thetrillium.ca/news/energy-...
thetrillium.ca
Toronto Zoo proposes biobank 'backup' for species at risk if Bill 5 passes
But technology that can bring back woolly mammoths and dire wolves won't save species — safe habitats will: Zoo
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
The Rundown @therundowntvo.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
Ontario has delivered its budget for 2025 during an uncertain time for the Canadian economy. On the #onpoli podcast @spaikin.bsky.social, @jm-mcgrath.bsky.social, and @jessiecatherine.bsky.social discuss the ins and outs of the budget.
youtube.com
Ontario's 2025 trade war budget | #onpoli
YouTube video by TVO Today
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
This was a blast. The podcast on live TV format was somehow both causally relaxed and exciting. Which is how I love to discuss the budget.
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
The Rundown @therundowntvo.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
It’s budget day in Ontario: Tonight we have Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy, opposition critics @chandrapasma.bsky.social, @stephaniebowman.bsky.social, and @mikeschreiner.bsky.social, followed by #onpoli with @spaikin.bsky.social, @jm-mcgrath.bsky.social, and @jessiecatherine.bsky.social
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
The Rundown @therundowntvo.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Has Donald Trump flipped the script on the Canadian election? @jm-mcgrath.bsky.social and @jessiecatherine.bsky.social (The Trillium) discuss how the Liberal Party's fortunes have changed amidst Trump's trade threats, and how Canada's premiers are benefiting. #onpoli #cdnpoli
youtu.be
Has Donald Trump flipped the script on the Canadian election? | #onpoli
YouTube video by TVO Today
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
NEW from @charliepinkerton.bsky.social Doug Ford’s former assistant broke the law lobbying for Greenbelt removals: integrity commissioner The commissioner also dinged him for other work lobbying an ‘office holder’ — confirmed by The Trillium as Premier Ford www.thetrillium.ca/news/politic...
thetrillium.ca
Doug Ford’s former assistant broke law lobbying for Greenbelt removals: integrity commissioner
The commissioner found the lobbyist broke registration rules, offered officials Leafs tickets, and dinged him for other work lobbying an ‘office holder’ confirmed by The Trillium as Premier Ford
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
I got to pretend to be @spaikin.bsky.social today.
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
Steven Chase @stevenchase.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
CSIS alleges India organized support for Poilievre’s 2022 Conservative leadership bid www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
theglobeandmail.com
CSIS alleges India organized support for Poilievre’s 2022 Conservative leadership bid
Agency’s assessment does not point to a highly organized effort or indicate the Conservative leader’s circle knew of the actions, source says
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
Join us at Queen’s Park! We’re looking for an experienced political journalist to write our morning newsletter and file stories for The Trillium and the Village Media network. DM me with any questions about the role. easyapply.co/a/62c606bb-8...
easyapply.co
Newsletter Reporter, The Trillium at Village Media Inc.
Are you an experienced reporter looking to deep-dive into the latest developments from Queen’s Park? Operated by Village Media, The Trillium is your...
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
"And families can disagree sometimes, your brother, your sister, right, we have a little bit — but someone else comes to bother our family? Yeah, that's it. It's game over." Ford explains tariffs, GDP to third-graders www.thetrillium.ca/news/politic... By @jackhauen.bsky.social
thetrillium.ca
'Everyone's waving that Canadian flag': Ford explains tariffs, GDP to third-graders
The premier answered questions on his age and salary, but made sure to cram in some educational and patriotic content as well
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
“The officers tried several tactics to try and chase the coyotes away with no luck, short of shooting them. They appear to have no fear of people.”
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
D.C. trade meeting ‘productive,’ ‘positive,’ another scheduled: Ford "But this, I can honestly say, was the best meeting I've ever had, coming down here,” said Ford. www.thetrillium.ca/news/politic...
thetrillium.ca
D.C. trade meeting ‘productive,’ ‘positive,’ another scheduled: Ford
The Ontario premier emerged sounding optimistic, even as the U.S. president has used increasingly dismissive language about him in recent days
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
Doug Ford's target in the trade war: Americans' kitchen tables By taxing their power and buying his way onto their TV screens, Ford says he's taking the fight to the American people www.thetrillium.ca/news/politic... (no paywall)
thetrillium.ca
Doug Ford's target in the trade war: Americans' kitchen tables
By taxing their power and buying his way onto their TV screens, Ford says he's taking the fight to the American people
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
BREAKING: Supreme Court strikes down Ford government’s third-party political ads law Restrictions on third-party advertising ahead of elections let political parties ‘drown out’ other groups such as unions: top court www.thetrillium.ca/news/justice...
thetrillium.ca
BREAKING: Supreme Court strikes down Ford government’s third-party political ads law
Restrictions on third-party advertising ahead of elections let political parties ‘drown out’ other groups such as unions: top court
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Jessica Smith Cross @jessiecatherine.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford both said Tuesday they believe that the U.S. president is trying to destroy Canada’s economy with tariffs in order to make it easier to annex the country. (No paywall) www.thetrillium.ca/news/governm...
thetrillium.ca
Trump wants to destroy Canada’s economy, annex us: Trudeau and Ford
To boo or not to boo the American anthem? The two politicians disagree
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Reposted by Jessica Smith Cross
André Picard @picardonhealth @picardonhealth.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
Who decides what is ‘off the record’? by Globe and Mail Standards Editor Sandra E. Martin www.theglobeandmail.com/standards-ed... via @theglobeandmail.com #journalism
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