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Justin Brake

@justinbrake.bsky.social
5.4K followers 221 following 112 posts

He/him. Journalist. Settler. Future ancestor. Born 338 ppm. EIC @independentnl.bsky.social 🫐

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Reposted by Justin Brake
Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Join me in Corner Brook Monday (or online), and Rhea Rollmann in St. John's as we talk to Rob Csernyik about his new book, which features Newfoundland families who've lost loved ones to the gambling epidemic.
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 15h
In 2021 Radio-Canada reported Jean Chretien was part of a secretive plan to bury nuclear waste from other countries in #Labrador. Former Premier Andrew Furey said he told Chretien, "It's not on." Has the group lobbied NL's new PC government? Here's what Premier Tony Wakeham said on Sept. 11.
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Join me in Corner Brook Monday (or online), and Rhea Rollmann in St. John's as we talk to Rob Csernyik about his new book, which features Newfoundland families who've lost loved ones to the gambling epidemic.
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
ANALYSIS: With the separatist Parti Québécois leading in the polls and 29 per cent of Quebecers undecided on who to vote for, anything could happen in next week's provincial election theindependent.ca/commentary/a...
theindependent.ca
What Québec’s provincial election could mean for the Churchill Falls deal – The Independent
With the separatist Parti Québécois leading in the polls and 29 per cent of Quebecers undecided on who to vote for, anything could happen on Oct. 5, and beyond
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Reposted by Justin Brake
Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
EDITORIAL: The Wakeham government doesn’t care about Indigenous Peoples #nlpoli #TRC theindependent.ca/commentary/e...
theindependent.ca
The Wakeham government doesn't care about Indigenous Peoples – The Independent
11 years later, the province is still not publicly sharing details on its alleged efforts to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
EDITORIAL: The Wakeham government doesn’t care about Indigenous Peoples #nlpoli #TRC theindependent.ca/commentary/e...
theindependent.ca
The Wakeham government doesn't care about Indigenous Peoples – The Independent
11 years later, the province is still not publicly sharing details on its alleged efforts to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action
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Reposted by Justin Brake
Ricochet Media @ricochetmedia.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Avi Lewis says Carney’s ‘nation-building’ agenda is trampling workers’ and #Indigenous rights. The federal NDP leader criticized the Liberal government’s push to fast-track resource projects in response to Trump’s trade war. NEW from @justinbrake.bsky.social: ricochet.media/politics/can...
ricochet.media
Avi Lewis says Carney’s ‘nation-building’ agenda is trampling workers’ and Indigenous rights
Speaking in St. John’s, the federal NDP leader criticized the government’s push to fast-track resource projects in response to Trump’s trade war.
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Prime Minister Mark Carney is using his majority government to push through a suite of legislative changes Liberal voters did not give him a mandate for, ones that would “make Stephen Harper blush,” federal NDP leader @avilewis.ca said in St. John’s Saturday. theindependent.ca/news/liberal...
theindependent.ca
Liberals’ Bill C-39 a wake-up call for Canadians: Avi Lewis – The Independent
‘Cracks starting to show in the Carney consensus,’ Lewis tells N.L. NDP convention in St. John’s
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Reposted by Justin Brake
sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Lewis says Carney government has come after multiple sects of Canadian society that will unite the 99 per cent against the 1 percent. Standing ovation here now.
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Former #NLNDP candidates say it’s a steep hill to climb, but there are ways. Read the new story from Kenny Sharpe 👇 theindependent.ca/news/as-ndp-...
theindependent.ca
As NDP convention gets underway in St. John’s, will N.L.'s third party prioritize growing rural support? – The Independent
Former party candidates say it's a steep hill to climb, but there are ways
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Reposted by Justin Brake
sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Churchill Falls MOU2: Hold your nose for a tiny sliver of Hydro Quebec’s 7500% profits: Rather than lock ourselves into another half-century deal, maybe Newfoundland & Labrador should consider merging with Quebec instead. shorturl.at/ilIh5
shorturl.at
Churchill Falls MOU2: Hold your nose for a tiny sliver of Hydro Quebec’s 7500% profits – The Independent
Rather than lock ourselves into another half-century deal, maybe N.L. should consider merging with Quebec instead
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Reposted by Justin Brake
sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
The vote to accept the new energy MOU between Newfoundland & Labrador with Quebec and the federal government has passed, with Independent MHA Eddie Joyce siding with Premier Tony Wakeham's government:
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Reposted by Justin Brake
sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
@independentnl.bsky.social asked Premier Tony Wakeham to address news Grand Chief Jodie Ashini has said the Innu Nation cannot support the new Churchill Falls deal until major tensions are resolved. + read the new story 👇 theindependent.ca/news/skeptic...
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Grand Chief Jodie Ashini says Innu Nation won’t support proposed #ChurchillFalls deal ‘while fundamental issues with the Innu remain unresolved’ #Labrador #Innu #nlpoli theindependent.ca/news/skeptic...
theindependent.ca
‘Skepticism and cynicism’ marring public view of Churchill Falls and Gull Island, says researcher – The Independent
Grand Chief Jodie Ashini says Innu Nation won’t support proposed deal ‘while fundamental issues with the Innu remain unresolved'
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Reposted by Justin Brake
Ricochet Media @ricochetmedia.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Atlantic reporter @justinbrake.bsky.social was in #Gander for the 9/11 anniversary events last week. In a somewhat awkward moment, U.S. ambassador Pete Hoekstra presented an American flag to a visibly uncomfortable Gander mayor Percy Farwell. Full story here: ricochet.media/politics/pro...
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Reposted by Justin Brake
Ricochet Media @ricochetmedia.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Gander didn’t protest U.S. ambassador during 9/11 visit, but still sent a clear message to Trump. Instead, Newfoundlanders kept their focus on the lives lost — and reminded America that Canada will not bow to anyone. New from @justinbrake.bsky.social: ricochet.media/politics/pro...
ricochet.media
Gander didn’t protest U.S. ambassador during 9/11 visit, but still sent a clear message to Trump
There were no boos when Pete Hoekstra appeared. Instead, Newfoundlanders kept their focus on the lives lost — and reminded America that Canada will not bow to anyone
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
There were no protests when Pete Hoekstra appeared at Gander's 25th anniversary commemoration of 9/11. But Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, with a little help from Jean Chrétien, reminded America that Canada will not bow to anyone. Full story 👇 theindependent.ca/news/lji/gan...
theindependent.ca
Gander didn’t protest U.S. ambassador during 9/11 visit, but still sent a clear message to Trump – The Independent
There were no boos when Pete Hoekstra appeared at the 25th anniversary commemoration. Instead, Newfoundlanders kept their focus on the nearly 3,000 lives lost — and reminded America that Canada will n...
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Reposted by Justin Brake
sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Sullivan calling for the MOU to be scrapped. saying Wakeham is pushing "liberation day" from 2041 to 2077. "If Quebec wants to walk away from the table, let them!"
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Reposted by Justin Brake
sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Des Sullivan aka Uncle Gnarly is now speaking, said Premier Wakeham did not plan for success, and that Wakeham should have walked away from the negotiating table asking for 75 per cent of all benefits. "Not even close to what he agreed to." People chanting "Phony Tony."
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Reposted by Justin Brake
sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Noah Davis Power has revealed himself as the creator of the NL Proud Facebook page, which has amassed 100k followers, he's one or the organizers of the protest today -- people chanting "Liar" to Premier Wakeham asking that he comes out.
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Reposted by Justin Brake
sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
150 people here with a few RNC officers protesting: concerns ive heard about include not wanting 50 year deal, should be shorter; their should be more immediate money for reducing people's power bills; and protesters saying its hard to access and find documents and info on whats being proposed.
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
A major development moments into the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador's special sitting on the #ChurchillFalls MOU with Quebec and Canada. Follow @sharpeindependent.bsky.social for regular updates! #nlpoli
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Follow @sharpeindependent.bsky.social for regular updates from this week's special sitting in NL's House of Assembly re: the Churchill Falls MOU with Canada and Quebec. #ChurchillFalls #nlpoli
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Reposted by Justin Brake
sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
@independentnl.bsky.social is at Confederation Building where a 4 day debate begins on a new electricity MOU negotiated under Tony Wakeham, Quebec's Priemier Fréchette & Ottawa. A next step in what could lead to the construction of a new hydro dam at Gull Island on the Churchill River in Labrador.
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
“To say I am upset is an understatement,” Lesa Winsor tells the RNC officer in the video. “With all the crime that goes on in this city. They are wasting taxpayer’s money.” Read the new story from Kenny Sharpe 👇 theindependent.ca/news/police-...
theindependent.ca
Police should not have fined them over their dog, Quigley, say St. John’s B&B owners – The Independent
Lesa and Gery Winsor say their 6-year-old Border Collie-Retriever is trained to sit at the end of his driveway; officer told couple RNC gets ‘a lot of complaints about dogs being off leash'
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
EDITORIAL: Workers deserve allyship, not lip service Some Labour Day advice for N.L. Labour Minister Lloyd Parrott theindependent.ca/commentary/e...
theindependent.ca
Workers deserve allyship, not lip service – The Independent
On Labour Day 2026, some tips for Labour Minister Lloyd Parrott
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
A trove of emails released through FOIs reveal #MUNL admins considered head of Harlow campus' departure a reason to divest of the the UK campus. Meanwhile, VP reported finances were improving. Read the new investigation from @sharpeindependent.bsky.social 👇 theindependent.ca/news/harlow-...
theindependent.ca
Harlow operating within budget before Memorial decided to sell it: former head of U.K. campus – The Independent
Emails show President Janet Morrison ‘inundated’ with messages over sale of Harlow Campus, while documents suggest former campus head was making progress at reducing costs
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Reposted by Justin Brake
Ricochet Media @ricochetmedia.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Deloitte used AI in $1.6M government report, but watchdog says it can’t investigate. NL government consulted firm on how to respond to media requests asking questions about hallucinated content. New from #Atlantic reporter @justinbrake.bsky.social: ricochet.media/politics/pro...
ricochet.media
Deloitte used AI in $1.6M government report, but watchdog says it can’t investigate
NL government consulted firm on how to respond to media requests asking questions about hallucinated content
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
NEW: Last fall we broke the story about Deloitte's use of #AI in a $1.6M government report which contained hallucinated academic citations. Internal emails show #Deloitte helped craft, and then approved, the government's response to our investigation. #nlpoli theindependent.ca/news/lji/wat...
theindependent.ca
Watchdog says it can’t investigate Deloitte over use of AI in $1.6M government report – The Independent
Internal emails reveal Deloitte helped craft government's response to The Independent's investigation
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Three provinces in Atlantic Canada have declared gender-based violence an epidemic. But is that enough to quell violence against women, girls and gender-diverse people? Read the full story from @justinbrake.bsky.social 👇 theindependent.ca/news/lji/wil...
theindependent.ca
Will declaring an epidemic help end gender-based violence? – The Independent
Three provinces in Atlantic Canada have made formal declarations — but is that enough to quell violence against women, girls and gender-diverse people?
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
“I’m a parent and I know that my son needs accountability for his choices and his actions. But at the end of the day he needs help with his addiction and mental health – what got him in jail in the first place.” Read @sharpeindependent.bsky.social's full story 👇 theindependent.ca/news/mother-...
theindependent.ca
Mother of incarcerated youth calls for dedicated addiction care at new St. John’s prison – The Independent
Government scant on specifics but health authority says new prison will have two new mental health units and larger clinical space for psychiatry and opioid dependency
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Reposted by Justin Brake
sharpe @sharpeindependent.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
New Innu Grand Chief Jodie Ashini & Prime Minister Mark Carney meet at the finish of today's announcements.
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
With poverty skyrocketing in St. John’s, frontline workers plea for stable funding, better income supports and adequate housing theindependent.ca/news/people-...
theindependent.ca
People dying in the streets, advocates say, as PCs draft new poverty reduction strategy – The Independent
With poverty skyrocketing in St. John’s, frontline workers plea for stable funding, better income supports and adequate housing
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Reposted by Justin Brake
Elizabeth Yeoman @elizabethyeoman.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Public review of #BayduNord offshore oil development plan open for written submissions until Aug. 20. Information on how to submit and much more in this excellent article from @sharpeindependent.bsky.social and @justinbrake.bsky.social: theindependent.ca/news/bp-with...
theindependent.ca
BP withdrawal from Bay du Nord a ‘win’: climate advocates – The Independent
Equinor says controversial project still on track, as concerned residents ask oil execs tough questions during public meetings this week
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Why is CBC’s reporting on wildfires ignoring the role of climate change? fb-news-sharer.pebmac.workers.dev/https://brea...
fb-news-sharer.pebmac.workers.dev
Why is CBC’s reporting on wildfires ignoring the role of climate change? ⋆ The Breach
Tara Mahoney sits down with Desmond Cole to discuss the climate gaps in CBC’s wildfire coverage
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
During a public town hall Wednesday in St. John's, residents challenged Mayor Danny Breen on safety, development, council fights. One resident even threatened a class-action lawsuit over a local music festival. Full story from Kenny Sharpe 👇 #YYT theindependent.ca/news/residen...
theindependent.ca
Residents confront St. John’s mayor, who says city is ‘in pretty good shape’ – The Independent
During public event, Danny Breen acknowledged issues as residents challenged him on safety, development, council fights, and even the threat of a class-action lawsuit
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Organizer Shaylin Smith says the July 16 #DykeMarch will mark a ‘return to grassroots protest’ Read the full story from Rhea Rollmann 👇 theindependent.ca/news/st-john...
theindependent.ca
St. John’s to host first Dyke March – The Independent
Organizer Shaylin Smith says the July 16 event will mark a ‘return to grassroots protest’
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Equinor says the controversial #BayduNord offshore oil project still on track despite BP's exit. Meanwhile, concerned residents ask oil execs tough questions during public meetings this week. Read the latest from Kenny Sharpe & Justin Brake 👇 theindependent.ca/news/bp-with...
theindependent.ca
BP withdrawal from Bay du Nord a ‘win’: climate advocates – The Independent
Equinor says controversial project still on track, as concerned residents ask oil execs tough questions during public meetings this week
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
“If there’s hate and discrimination, bigotry in your heart, you will read that into scripture. If you come from a place of love and inclusion, you read that into scripture,” said Memorial University Dean of Theology Robert Cooke. Read the full story 👇 theindependent.ca/news/in-hist...
theindependent.ca
In historic first, St. John’s Anglican Cathedral set to host Pride service in 2027 – The Independent
Congregants gasped in support when they heard the announcement, made during a special queer-inclusive worship at St. Mark’s Church
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Reposted by Justin Brake
Ricochet Media @ricochetmedia.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
On the most recent episode of In Bed with the Elephant, @avilewis.ca tells host @caradrianh.bsky.social about his plan to reorganize and re-energize the @ndp.ca to power. Full episode here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDsF... And if you like what you hear, please subscribe to our #YouTube channel.
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
NL's Provincial Archaeology Office believes the "Point Revenge" people who Innu have long said are their ancestors instead retreated to Newfoundland to join the #Beothuk, which conveniently implies Innu only arrived in #Labrador after Europeans. 💡Fantastic work here from Heidi Atter 👇
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
We're moving into Health Care now. Check out Anasophie's first update.
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Parks Canada, which manages the #SignalHill National Historic Site, says it hopes the neighbouring grounds will continue to be available for public use ttps://theindependent.ca/news/parks-canada-signals-no-involvement-in-johnson-geo-centres-future/
theindependent.ca
Parks Canada signals no involvement in Johnson Geo Centre's future – The Independent
Federal agency responsible for managing Canada’s national parks, historic sites says it hopes Signal Hill grounds will continue to be available public use
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Residents of the Signal Hill neighbourhood in St. John's are organizing to develop a different vision for the area after Memorial University put two major properties up for sale.
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Welcome to the team, Kenny!
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Welcome to the team, Ana Maria!
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
“I remember the [Elders’] stories as clear in detail,” Innu Elder Apitet Andrew tells the Inquiry. “They had no doubt or confusion about the truth of what they were sharing." Read the full story from Heidi Atter theindependent.ca/news/elder-s...
theindependent.ca
Elder says long view of Innu history necessary for understanding today's issues – The Independent
Apitet (Ben) Andrew testified at the Inquiry Respecting the Treatment, Experiences and Outcomes of Innu in the Child Protection System
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Reposted by Justin Brake
The Independent @independentnl.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Government of Newfoundland & #Labrador shocks Innu, disputes their history in Labrador Innu Nation cancels cultural exhibit, alleging executives of The Rooms provincial museum told them to remove reference to Innu presence in Labrador prior to 1700s #Innu #nlpoli theindependent.ca/news/provinc...
theindependent.ca
Province shocks Innu, disputes their history in Labrador  – The Independent
Innu Nation cancels cultural exhibit, alleging executives of The Rooms provincial museum told them to remove reference to Innu presence in Labrador prior to 1700s
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Still trying to wrap my head around this.
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Justin Brake @justinbrake.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
The N.L. PCs promised to create affordable and independent housing for Seniors who prefer to move into a supportive community environment. @anasophievallee.bsky.social is back with another update for The Indy's #GovernmentPromisesTracker. #nlpoli
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