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Joe McFarland

@joemcfarland.bsky.social
275 followers 129 following 307 posts

Dad. Husband. Storyteller. Podcaster. Game-day host. Sports, news and music junkie. Interested in a "mission to civilize."

PostsRepliesMedia
Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Two things: 1. I wonder how many of these boys (not men) cried about masks during the pandemic. 2. If you’re so heckbent on your beliefs, take off the masks and show who you really are. They are all cowards. Every one of them. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
B.C. politicians, leaders condemn white nationalist gathering on First Nation reserve | CBC News
B.C. politicians and leaders are denouncing a gathering of white nationalists on the Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc reserve near Kamloops, B.C. Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir said the nation received reports Sunday m...
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
What happens after Oct. 19? When/if the federalist side wins the Alberta referendum, will the separatist sentiment simmer? Or will they feel more emboldened to boot the premier out of the UCP's leadership and appoint an even more separatist leader? And will all UCP supporters be good with that?
calgaryherald.com
Breakenridge: Brinksmanship is not an effective — or honourable — negotiating tactic
The cost of a rupture in Confederation is becoming more apparent, which further undermines the notion that we should gamble with this risk.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
🎧 What have I been up to lately? Oh you know … Just going to Vancouver for the Canadian Futures Showcase to write a bunch of stories and do daily editions of @abdugoutstories.bsky.social: The Podcast. Hope you enjoy all the extra content! ⚾️ podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/a...
podcasts.apple.com
Alberta Dugout Stories: The Podcast
Baseball Podcast · Updated Weekly · Celebrating Alberta’s past, present and future in baseball. Hear from the players, coaches, officials and others involved in the game, as well as the latest news an...
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
"CBC News' request for comment from the premier's office was directed to the Ministry of Justice. A spokesperson for the justice minister directed questions about Elections Alberta to the agency." They're alleging a boondoggle and you're dodging comment? #ABleg www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Former Elections Alberta staff raise ‘mismanagement’ concerns about 'Water Not Coal' petition verification | CBC News
Five former Elections Alberta employees are raising “mismanagement” concerns about how Corb Lund's citizen initiative petition was validated, alleging procedures changed and that there was a lack of t...
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Political hot take: Conservative parties in Canada need to understand that we're not the USA. The majority of Canadians are, in essence, Progressive Conservatives. Spend money wisely and don't be abrasive. Most voters are turned off by skullduggery and negativity. The byelections/elections show it.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Given the massive data breach that is still under investigation + all the mail-in ballot issues + the obvious foreign interference we’re seeing + worker shortages, how are Albertans (both separatist and federalists) going to trust the results of this referendum? #ABleg
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Imagine having this thin of skin. And you’re the president of the good ol’ U.S. of A. My goodness. America sure is great, eh? 🇨🇦 nationalpost.com/news/trump-s...
nationalpost.com
Trump signs executive order to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America
The U.S. president on Thursday signed an executive order that he said will 'immediately' change the name of the great lake
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
I remember hosting my old radio show when this story broke and I said, “We need to find ways to stop being so reliant on a country whose relationship hinges on one guy.” I was called a tonne of names and how I knew nothing about trade. Fast-forward six years… globalnews.ca/news/6772979...
globalnews.ca
Coronavirus: Trump asks medical supply firm 3M to stop selling N95 respirators to Canada - National | Globalnews.ca
Trump invoked the Defence Production Act in an effort to speed up the distribution of desperately needed hospital masks amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
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Reposted by Joe McFarland
Alberta Dugout Stories @abdugoutstories.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
It promises to be a busy offseason around the @wcblbaseball.bsky.social with several big storylines to be discussed, ranging from the length of the schedule and roster makeups to the stadium situation in Spruce Grove. @joemcfarland.bsky.social sets the stage for each of the conversations. ⚾
albertadugoutstories.com
OPINION: Five WCBL Offseason Thoughts
The Western Canadian Baseball League enters the offseason on another high thanks to the quality of play in 2026. So what's on their "to do" list heading to 2027?
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
It’s quite amazing how many people can now be international trade experts thanks to having an internet connection and a social media account. Same goes for scientists. And teachers. And sports coaches. And, and, and… 🤡
static.klipy.com
Man Says 'I'm an expert!'
ALT: Man Says 'I'm an expert!'
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Conservatives on Tuesday: “He caved. So much for being a strong leader.” Conservatives today: “how dare he stand up to the US. He’s sending us down the path of death and destruction.” Never thought in a million years we’d be in this place in US-Canada relations. 🇨🇦 www.ctvnews.ca/world/trumps...
ctvnews.ca
Carney rejects trade deal, vows ‘dollar for dollar’ retaliation on new tariffs
After weeks of intense talks, Canada and the U.S. have failed to strike a last-minute trade deal, meaning new 50 per cent tariffs on $28 billion-worth of Canadian goods are now in effect.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
It’s a battle of the @wcblbaseball.bsky.social’s two newest teams. The Sylvan Lake Gulls and Saskatoon Berries are looking for their first championship in franchise history. Who will come out on top? We’ll find out starting tonight. ⚾️🇨🇦 albertadugoutstories.com/2026/08/13/w...
albertadugoutstories.com
WCBL Championship Preview
The Sylvan Lake Gulls and Saskatoon Berries are the last two teams standing, looking for an opportunity to win their first WCBL championship in franchise history.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
What’s up BlueSky world? It’s been a minute, hasn’t it? Time to get back on this train a bit I think. Been up to a LOT of baseball in the last couple months. So let’s share the latest on Kalem Haney’s final home game with the Lethbridge Bulls. ⚾️🇨🇦 albertadugoutstories.com/2026/08/07/a...
albertadugoutstories.com
Around the Horn
With his collegiate career winding down, Kalem Haney received a standing ovation from the Lethbridge Bulls' faithful as he played all nine positions.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
The abject failure of these companies to care for communities by continually cutting journalists and, in some cases, newsrooms, is abhorrent. But a question I’ve been asking for years: where is the CRTC to hold these CEOs and presidents accountable? broadcastdialogue.com/corus-undert...
broadcastdialogue.com
Corus undertakes new round of layoffs - Broadcast Dialogue
Corus Entertainment is undertaking another round of layoffs that will see the company part ways with an unknown number of Global News and Corus Radio personalities.
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Alberta Dugout Stories @abdugoutstories.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
⭐️ NEW STORY: “It’s surreal – it doesn’t feel real at the moment. I can’t believe this is all happening." Less than a day after hitting for the cycle with the Chicago White Sox, Dawgs Academy and Okotoks Dawgs alum Tristan Peters was told he's an All-Star. ⚾️ albertadugoutstories.com/2026/07/11/d...
albertadugoutstories.com
Dawg Gone Good Day
Less than 24 hours after hitting a cycle with the Chicago White Sox, former Okotoks Dawgs star Tristan Peters has been named to the MLB All-Star Game.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day everyone! 🇨🇦
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
This is quite the read, #ABleg. And no one should be surprised by the show host’s reaction. His job is similar to Bruce’s with the video questions. It’s to lob softies. Bravo to Cam Tait for saying what needs to be said. edmontonsun.com/opinion/colu...
edmontonsun.com
TAIT: Premier Smith apparently unbothered by fears of people with severe handicaps
Albertans with handicaps were terrified because they don't know what happens to them next week.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
While others spill millions of litres of ink on noise bylaws and cancelled music festivals, quick reminder that this story deserves a lot more attention than it’s received. Same could be said for health care mismanagement, the procurement scandal and more. #ABleg #cdnpoli www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Court documents show new details on Elections Alberta probe into voter information breach | CBC News
Documents filed in the Court of King’s Bench shed new light into Elections Alberta’s investigation into how a separatist group exposed the personal information of millions of Alberta voters online.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
While everyone on the “other app” focuses on noise during Stampede (which might be the most ridiculous thing I’ve seen in that #ABleg and #cdnpoli are focused on it now), it feels like this (and a bunch of other stories) deserve much more attention. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
theglobeandmail.com
Veteran Ontario prosecutor brought in on Alberta health procurement probe
Tom Andreopoulos has prosecuted the Hells Angels and mafiosos, and was involved in the criminal investigation of former Toronto mayor Rob Ford
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Reposted by Joe McFarland
Alberta Dugout Stories @abdugoutstories.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
⚾️ NEW STORY: “It was probably the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball. I’m just really thankful that everything worked out the way it did.” What a season it was at Cloud County for Webber Wildcats and Sylvan Lake Gulls alum Simon Baker ... even with a major injury.
albertadugoutstories.com
Terrific T-Bird
Cochrane's Simon Baker needs a new trophy case after cleaning up with several major awards and recognitions at Cloud County Community College.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
It sounds like tonight's meeting will be a late one, so not sure we'll be getting confirmation one way or another until right after the meeting or in the early morning. Either way, WCBL governors looking for short-term and long-term answers from the Cactus Rats. ⚾ www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Baseball league has ‘lost patience' with Cactus Rats ballpark plan after years of delays | CBC News
The Energy City Metro Ballpark — previously known as the Spruce Grove Metro Ballpark — has been under construction since 2022 at an estimated cost of $50 million, according to Major Projects Alberta.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
“We want to know what the plan is moving forward so our other 11 teams aren’t impacted by constant moving parts.” Pretty important day for the @wcblbaseball.bsky.social tomorrow as they try getting to the bottom of the ongoing construction in Spruce Grove. ⚾️🇨🇦 www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/art...
ctvnews.ca
Baseball league asks Cactus Rats for ballpark update, sets Tuesday night deadline
Spruce Grove’s Energy City Cactus Rats are expected to give an update to the WCBL on its new ballpark that has been in a state of limbo.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Lots of numbers here and lots of hair being lit on fire over how the UCP still has more support than NDP. Keep in mind: UCP is really strong in rural. NDP is really strong in Edmonton. Any future election is essentially going to depend on one "swing state": Calgary. #ABleg #cdnpoli
nationalpost.com
Fewer than half of Albertans say they would stay in a newly independent province: poll
The Postmedia-Leger survey also found that Canadians think Alberta’s separation would have a greater economic impact than Quebec's.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
I know a lot of people are talking about the economic implications of this Alberta separation debate. Here's one aspect that NO ONE is talking about: water rights. We have agreements with the U.S. that would need to be re-worked plus we'd have to negotiate a TON with Canada. #ABleg #cdnpoli
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
Time for a little baseball content. It's been a crazy couple of weeks for @abdugoutstories.bsky.social with CCBC championships, the start of the @wcblbaseball.bsky.social season and much more. We have LOADS of content still to come in the next few weeks. Hope you enjoy it all! ⚾
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Random #ABleg thought: How long can the UCP remain united when one of its core values is being questioned? This isn’t a matter of a slight difference of opinion. This is a major pillar for a party to stake its claim. They’re either pro-Canada or pro-separation. The tent doesn’t fit both, does it?
static.klipy.com
Hazar Ergüçlü: Choose A Side
ALT: Hazar Ergüçlü: Choose A Side
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Albertans (and Canadians) aren't really interested in the uber-partisan politics we see down south. We don't identify ourselves by who we vote for. We identify ourselves by who we are. We want our politicians to spend money wisely and be models of human decency. #ABleg #cdnpoli
static.klipy.com
Pudgy Penguin Holds Canada Flag
ALT: Pudgy Penguin Holds Canada Flag
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
I look forward to voting for Alberta to remain a province in Canada and I hope you all do the same.
static.klipy.com
Waving Canadian Flag
ALT: Waving Canadian Flag
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Can someone explain how the federal government doesn't say that this project is now officially on hold until the referendum on separation issue is concluded? How do you keep negotiating with a province flirting with breaking up the country? #ABleg #cdnpoli www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/pol...
bnnbloomberg.ca
Mixed reaction in Alberta after Carney, Smith sign pipeline agreement
A proposed new oil pipeline to Canada’s West Coast is drawing mixed reaction in Alberta, where some see the agreement between Ottawa and Alberta as a long-awaited economic boost while others remain sk...
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Is there even a point to tomorrow's committee meeting? It's pretty clear it's all theatre at this point. The #ABleg government is set on having a referendum. The only real question is: what will the question be? And then it's five(ish) months of Albertans being pitted against each other. #cdnpoli
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
I hate being right. I also hate quote-posting myself. But here we are. #ABleg #cdnpoli
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
In case you've all been in denial about where this was headed... #ABleg
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Anyone get this feeling that this week is going to be one of the most consequential in recent #ABleg history? My old reporter/journalist spidey senses are tingling. Something big is coming, isn't it? #cdnpoli
static.klipy.com
Anchorman: Ron Burgundy Says 'I Don't Like It!'
ALT: Anchorman: Ron Burgundy Says 'I Don't Like It!'
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
I remember saying this on the radio and people were shocked, but I do think it’s true: Albertans might be “conservative” at heart, but they’re more middle of the road than they get credit for. Essentially: “don’t spend my money on dumb stuff and don’t be a bad human.” My thoughts stand. #ABleg
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Carrie Tait @carrietait.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
ICYMI: Elections Alberta received ** two ** tips that the Centurion Project may have had unauthorized access to Alberta's list of electors and twice said it did not have enough info to launch an investigation: www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... w @mattscace.bsky.social
theglobeandmail.com
Separatist leader accused of misusing Alberta electors list refuses to co-operate with investigators
David Parker is accused of providing hundreds of supporters with access to private information belonging to 2.9 million residents
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Something I've been thinking for a while given the token "sovereign Alberta within a United Canada" word salad we keep getting: If we are forced to vote on separation, I think we all deserve to know how our respective MLAs (and premier) would vote. Put the guessing and innuendo to bed. #ABleg
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Every so often, a few names from #ABleg pop into my head. The battle between the PCs and Wildrose was real. But it feels like such a simpler time. Fred Horne as health minister, Jeff Johnson in education. And a certain politician as opposition leader. globalnews.ca/news/274476/...
globalnews.ca
Wildrose says Premier must fire Minister Horne | Globalnews.ca
Citing the Alberta Health Services expense scandal as "the latest in a string of serious blows to Alberta’s public health care system", the Wildrose Official Opposition is calling on Premier Alison Re...
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Crazy to think this was 14 years ago. If nothing else, Alberta politics have never been boring. Although it seems that we’ve become way more tolerant for crazy times. #ABleg macleans.ca/general/wild...
macleans.ca
Wildrose candidate predicts 'eternity in the lake of fire' for gays and lesbians; polls predict Wildrose victory - Macleans.ca
Canada’s magazine
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
“Canada’s cognitive sovereignty – the ability of Canadians to make political decisions freely, without foreign coercion or manipulation – is not simply under threat; it is being actively contested by foreign actors seeking to shape Canada’s democratic future.” www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
theglobeandmail.com
Foreign actors exploiting Alberta separatist debate to stoke discord, researchers say
Activities range from covert influence campaigns to AI-generated content spreading falsehoods
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
For those who think this isn’t a big deal, let’s live in an alternate universe: the provincial Green Party (or the NDP for that matter) leak the voter list to Greenpeace to influence a vote on the energy sector. Not a big deal? #ABleg globalnews.ca/news/1182824...
globalnews.ca
Alberta voter list leak is a potential public safety disaster: Enforcement experts | Globalnews.ca
After a leak of Alberta’s provincial voters list, experts say the cost is dire and the government response inadequate: 'Our data is in the wind, and that is a terrifying prospect.'
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 03/05/2026
Albertans should not be asked to vote in any referendum or election while basic questions remain unanswered about our democratic institutions. Premier Smith should call a public inquiry. Now. 🔗https://drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/albertas-voters-list-scandal-deserves
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Anyone else getting really tired of all that's happening in #ABleg land right now? The controversies, the scandals, the heavy-handedness, the fiscal mismanagement and now bad actors having voter lists? At what point do we stand up for basic morality, decency and accountability?
media.tenor.com
a man wearing glasses and a white shirt says i 've had enough
ALT: a man wearing glasses and a white shirt says i 've had enough
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
What an unmitigated disaster. #ABLeg www.readtheline.ca/p/scoop-jen-...
readtheline.ca
SCOOP: Jen Gerson: Elections Alberta's massive failure could have put people in danger. I tried to warn them.
The most unhinged people in the province may now have access to the personal information of everybody who lives here, and there's nothing we can do about it
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Chef’s kiss. #ABleg albertareferendumb2026.ca
albertareferendumb2026.ca
Alberta Referendum 2026 | Referendum Reality Check
Albertans aren't dumb. But this government thinks we are. Independent political commentary on Alberta’s 2026 referendum and the politics behind it.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Something tells me they’re nowhere near the 1,000+ new teachers/year they had promised. Can’t imagine why that would be. Also: I’d love to know how many people in trades are like, “You know what I wanna do? Teach!” #ABleg www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?...
alberta.ca
Strengthening Alberta’s teacher workforce | Renforcer le corps enseignant de l’Alberta
Alberta’s government is introducing four new expedited teaching certificates to help qualified individuals enter classrooms sooner.
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
This is such a wild story but I also don’t know if we can get the genie back in the bottle. A quick cruise of any social media (I’ve noticed it a lot on FB lately) will show such a wide swath of misinformation and straight-up lies + the platforms don’t care. #ABleg www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Dutch YouTube creators behind Alberta separatist videos getting millions of views | CBC News
A number of accounts creating misleading YouTube videos about Alberta separatism with millions of views appear to have their origins in a Dutch digital marketing course, a CBC/Radio-Canada investigati...
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Alberta Dugout Stories @abdugoutstories.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
🎧 The new #ADSPodcast with @joemcfarland.bsky.social is here! We put the wraps on a busy week of news + have great convos with Declan O'Kane of Prairie Baseball Academy, AHP Academy alum Ryan Kucy and baseball official extraordinaire Shari Reiniger stops by for a visit. ⚾ youtu.be/sfjd_c8Rae8?...
youtu.be
Episode #382: Declan O'Kane, Ryan Kucy & Shari Reiniger
YouTube video by Alberta Dugout Stories
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Two things I would change if I was ruler of Canada: 1. No more parachuting candidates into ridings because they're "safe." You MUST live in the riding you want to represent. 2. You can cross the floor, but doing so triggers a by-election. If you say your constituents approve: prove it. #cdnpoli
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Alberta Dugout Stories @abdugoutstories.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
🎧 The new #ADSPodcast has arrived! It's jam-packed with news before @joemcfarland.bsky.social sits down with Colin Baxter of the University of Calgary Dinos, Aidan Marian (Saskatoon) of Hutchinson Community College and Jason Chatwood of the Sylvan Lake Gulls. ⚾ youtu.be/BIIQLMHi7eY?...
youtu.be
Episode #381: Colin Baxter, Aidan Marien & Jason Chatwood
YouTube video by Alberta Dugout Stories
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Joe McFarland @joemcfarland.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
One question keeps rolling in my head as new revelations come out in this ongoing saga: Why? As in: Why is this government seemingly bending over backwards to not only keep this story quiet, but why this one company and one individual/family? #ABleg www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
theglobeandmail.com
Alberta Justice Minister curtailed election regulator when Sam Mraiche was under investigation
Mickey Amery’s legislation shortened watchdog’s window of time to pursue sanctions for alleged political finance violations
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