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Stuart Benson

@lefthandstu.bsky.social
6.2K followers 1.6K following 711 posts

Reporter HillTimes.com; Canadian Press Pedant; He/Him; “wannabe Jake Gyllenhaal cosplayer” | Send me your tips: sbenson@hilltimes.com

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Reposted by Stuart Benson
Canadaland @canadaland.com · 4h
Who is Daniel Robson? When a Turkish journalist began asking Canadian editors to verify Robson’s biographical details, they realized they couldn’t and that Robson’s persona and writing was A.I. generated. @lefthandstu.bsky.social joins @julianabraham.bsky.social buff.ly/IGcWWLM
buff.ly
#1445 The Hot New Journalist Who Was Actually AI
Since 2025, Daniel Robson quickly established himself as a prolific freelance columnist, with bylines in the Ottawa Citizen, the Montreal Gazette, The Hub, Western Standard, and Policy Options. But there’s one problem: he doesn’t seem to exist.
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
Brigitte Pellerin @brigittepellerin.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
David Eby's Snap Election Backfires, and the Midterms Are Coming: A conversation with @lefthandstu.bsky.social youtu.be/E_AyO_2gETE
youtu.be
David Eby's Snap Election Backfires, and the Midterms Are Coming
YouTube video by Brigitte Pellerin
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
Brigitte Pellerin @brigittepellerin.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
You just heard about news outlets pulling articles written (we think) by someone named Daniel Robson who may or may not exist. @lefthandstu.bsky.social and I discussed that story last week and talked about potential theories. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HidP...
youtube.com
A Fake Byline, an AI-Looking Headshot, and a Writer Who Refused to Be Paid
YouTube video by Brigitte Pellerin
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
Brigitte Pellerin @brigittepellerin.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Carney's "Red Dawn" Scenario and Why He Keeps Talking to US Media -- with @lefthandstu.bsky.social. First up: C-39, and why cramming unrelated measures into a bill puts MPs in a corner. And more on Pierre Poilievre's weird answer to whether the PM acts in good faith. www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPZh...
youtube.com
Carney's "Red Dawn" Scenario and Why He Keeps Talking to US Media
YouTube video by Brigitte Pellerin
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
Brigitte Pellerin @brigittepellerin.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
What if the US invaded? I discuss this part of PM Carney’s interview with @lefthandstu.bsky.social
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
Brigitte Pellerin @brigittepellerin.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I speak with @lefthandstu.bsky.social about the great (or not so great) return of Parliament. brigittepellerin.substack.com/p/hill-life-...
brigittepellerin.substack.com
Hill life with Stuart Benson: First week back!
Parties, omnibus legislation and the byline that wouldn’t take money.
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The 'impressive' estimated fundraising haul of more than $841,000 makes it hard to argue tactics, but public view of transparency and 'cash for access' concerns have a higher standard than the legal threshold, says Liberal strategist Dan Arnold. www.hilltimes.com/2026/09/23/l...
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
The Hill Times @hilltimes.com · 23/09/2026
UNLOCKED | Liberals’ pre-Summit fundraiser rakes in big bucks, but ‘difficult optics’ may not be worth price of admission: observers www.hilltimes.com/2026/09/23/l...
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
Charelle Evelyn @charelle.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Former Liberal PMO staffer and pollster Dan Arnold tells @lefthandstu.bsky.social the fundraiser meets the legal threshold for transparency, but not necessarily the public’s.
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The 'impressive' estimated fundraising haul of more than $841,000 makes it hard to argue tactics, but public view of transparency and 'cash for access' concerns have a higher standard than the legal threshold, says Liberal strategist Dan Arnold. www.hilltimes.com/2026/09/23/l...
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
National Newswatch @nationalnewswatch.com · 23/09/2026
Liberals’ pre-Summit fundraiser rakes in big bucks, but ‘difficult optics’ may not be worth price of admission: observers, @lefthandstu.bsky.social reports www.hilltimes.com/2026/09/23/l... Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com
hilltimes.com
Liberals' pre-Summit fundraiser rakes in big bucks, but 'difficult optics' may not be worth price of admission: observers - The Hill Times
The 'impressive' estimated fundraising haul of more than $841,000 makes it hard to argue tactics, but public view of transparency and 'cash for access' concerns have a higher standard than the legal t...
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
A recent Abacus poll suggests most U.S. voters in key midterm states oppose the trade war with Canada, but KPMG’s chief economist says the cost of that political leverage could permanently shrink our economy. www.hilltimes.com/2026/09/09/w...
hilltimes.com
‘We’re in this for the long haul’: Canada must brace for ‘new reality’ beyond U.S. electoral calendar, says CLC's Bruske - The Hill Times
An Abacus poll suggests most U.S. voters in key midterm states oppose the trade war with Canada, but KPMG’s chief economist says the cost of that political leverage could permanently shrink our econom...
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Most people dismissed President Trump's executive order renaming Lake Ontario as a distraction, but did you know the EO also claims "most of the lake's volume" because the deepest point is on the American side? www.hilltimes.com/2026/09/09/w...
hilltimes.com
‘We need to be aware and get more aggressive': Trump’s desire for Canada’s water runs deep, says AquaAction president - The Hill Times
The U.S. president is not only trying to claim the name of Lake Ontario for America, but also ‘most of the lake's volume,’ which should spur Canada to ‘step up’ on its national water strategy, say exp...
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Chapelle Roan songs are to Drag Performance as the Pot of Greed is to Yugi-Oh: Wildly overpowered and should be banned from competitive play.
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
National Newswatch @nationalnewswatch.com · 12/08/2026
Former Liberal minister Alghabra calls Conservative criticisms over his inclusion in the anti-hate council ‘absurd political gamesmanship’ @lefthandstu.bsky.social reports www.hilltimes.com/2026/08/12/f... Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com
hilltimes.com
Former Liberal minister Alghabra calls Conservative criticisms over his inclusion in the anti-hate council 'absurd political gamesmanship' - The Hill Times
Amid mounting criticisms from the Jewish community, opposition MPs, and the U.S., members of the Advisory Council on Rights, Equality, and Inclusion are defending its composition and 'work plan' after...
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
The Hill Times @hilltimes.com · 29/07/2026
UNLOCKED | ‘The battle brewing in Canada is generational, and they are country miles apart,’ says pollster Nik Nanos as parties split youth vote www.hilltimes.com/2026/07/29/t...
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
The Hill Times @hilltimes.com · 30/07/2026
Who is the best cabinet minister? Most effective in Question Period? Have your say on these categories, and much more. Cast your vote in the 30th Annual Politically Savvy Survey survey.forumresearch.com/SE/1/HT32/
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
The Hill Times @hilltimes.com · 31/07/2026
With the Gordie Howe International Bridge now officially open to cross-border traffic after months of delay, strategists say the prime minister’s unforced communications error on a revenue-sharing deal could have been easily avoided. www.hilltimes.com/2026/07/29/s...
hilltimes.com
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The Hill Times @hilltimes.com · 31/07/2026
Editorial | Recent Abacus Data polling suggests ‘almost half of those under 30 say a strong leader who does not have to bother with Parliament and elections would be a good way to govern.’ That’s an alarm bell. www.hilltimes.com/2026/07/29/s...
hilltimes.com
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
The Hill Times @hilltimes.com · 31/07/2026
Who is the best PMO staffer? The best cabinet staffer? Have your say in The Hill Times’ Top Political Staffers Survey: survey.forumresearch.com/SE/1/HT33/
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
Luke LeBrun @lukelebrun.ca · 08/07/2026
The Conservative Party of Canada spent $100 million trying to convince Canadians to vote for Pierre Poilievre last year They lost the election and ended the year with a $14 million deficit
hilltimes.com
Conservatives' near $100M annual spend speaks to 'the limits of what money can buy in politics,' says former Grit pollster - The Hill Times
Despite record-breaking fundraising last year, the Conservatives’ $84-million in annual revenue falls over $14-million short of its expenses, as the Liberals' more moderate spending and lower loan bal...
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Conservatives’ near $100M annual spend speaks to ‘the limits of what money can buy in politics,’: www.hilltimes.com/2026/07/08/c...
hilltimes.com
Conservatives' near $100M annual spend speaks to 'the limits of what money can buy in politics,' says former Grit pollster - The Hill Times
Despite record-breaking fundraising last year, the Conservatives’ $84-million in annual revenue falls over $14-million short of its expenses, as the Liberals' more moderate spending and lower loan bal...
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
The Hill Times @hilltimes.com · 06/07/2026
Party Central: Next year with bourbon? U.S. envoy Hoekstra toasts ‘stronger together’ cross-border relationship at Fourth of July bash www.hilltimes.com/2026/07/06/n...
hilltimes.com
Next year with bourbon? U.S. envoy Hoekstra toasts ‘stronger together’ cross-border relationship at Fourth of July bash - The Hill Times
Hundreds of politicos, politicians, and pundits descended on the U.S. ambassador’s official residence on July 4 to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Next year with bourbon? U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra toasts ‘stronger together’ cross-border relationship at his Lornado Fourth of July 250th American birthday bash, drawing a real who’s-who of “who?!” to drown out the news of Canada's first shipment of F35s: www.hilltimes.com/2026/07/06/n...
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
PressProgress @pressprogress.ca · 06/07/2026
NEW: US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra hosted over a dozen far-right activists and right-wing media personalities at his ‘Fourth of July’ party in Ottawa this weekend The US Embassy says Freedom Convoy leader Tamara Lich, who was convicted on criminal charges last year, was accredited as a journalist
pressprogress.ca
US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra Hosts Far-Right Activists and Right-Wing Media Personalities at ‘Fourth of July’ Party in Ottawa
US Embassy says Freedom Convoy leader Tamara Lich, who was convicted on criminal charges last year, was accredited as a journalist
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Next year with bourbon? U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra toasts ‘stronger together’ cross-border relationship at his Lornado Fourth of July 250th American birthday bash, drawing a real who’s-who of “who?!” to drown out the news of Canada's first shipment of F35s: www.hilltimes.com/2026/07/06/n...
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
Justin Ling @justinling.ca · 03/07/2026
I'm sure the feeling is not mutual about my column (which is fine) but @michaellevitt.bsky.social happens to be making a similar case about the freshly-emboldened regime in Iran — and I very much agree with it! www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...
thestar.com
Canada should engage with the Iranian people, not the regime that oppresses them
Diplomacy has its place, but there are regimes whose abominable conduct demands accountability. Iran is one of them.
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Justin Ling @justinling.ca · 03/07/2026
The Western world needs to show some nerve and make clear that the Israeli government can't keep violating international law — if we do it right, it could spell the end of Benjamin Netanyahu. www.thestar.com/opinion/star...
thestar.com
Justin Ling: It’s time Canada cut diplomatic ties with Israel
Withdrawing our ambassador from Tel Aviv would send Netanyahu a powerful message.
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
Ryan Grim @ryangrim.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
🚨 Months ago, The Intercept lost control of its Signal tip line to an unknown third party, which has been operating it actively. The Intercept recently learned of the breach and posted the innocuous-sounding update below, chalking up a change in the Signal account username to "security best...

🚨 Months ago, The Intercept lost control of its Signal tip line to an unknown third party, which has been operating it actively. 

The Intercept recently learned of the breach and posted the innocuous-sounding update below, chalking up a change in the Signal account username to "security best practices."

In reality, it's a devastating operational security collapse and The Intercept should publicly address it so that sources who may have been trying to leak to the outlet understand they may have been compromised. 

Please share this post so potential sources become aware of the risk they may have been duped into. Details below:
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
That Friday Feeling
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
I don’t care what anyone says, HunterXHoekstra was incredible Sunday television. #QuestionPeriod
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
The Hill Times @hilltimes.com · 26/06/2026
RSVPs less forthcoming for U.S. ambassador’s July Fourth bash this year www.hilltimes.com/2026/06/26/r...
hilltimes.com
RSVPs less forthcoming for U.S. ambassador’s July Fourth bash this year - The Hill Times
A confluence of poor timing, cross-border tensions, and competition with the Calgary Stampede could see fewer guests at the 250th anniversary party at the Lornado residence.
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra could be facing another subdued Fourth of July celebration this year as RSVPs for his country's 250th birthday party are being impacted by the still-fractured relationship, prior weekend plans, and competition with the Calgary Stampede www.hilltimes.com/2026/06/26/r...
hilltimes.com
RSVPs less forthcoming for U.S. ambassador’s July Fourth bash this year - The Hill Times
A confluence of poor timing, cross-border tensions, and competition with the Calgary Stampede could see fewer guests at the 250th anniversary party at the Lornado residence.
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
Luke LeBrun @lukelebrun.ca · 26/06/2026
Sources estimate more than 75% of first round invites to US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra’s July 4 bash at the US Ambassador’s residence in Ottawa have said “no,” @lefthandstu.bsky.social reports:
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
The Press Gallery gathered on the Rideau Cottage front lawn Tuesday evening for a night of fine Capital cuisine, liberal libations, and hot off-the-record conversations at Prime Minister Mark Carney's sophomore Media Garden Party. www.hilltimes.com/2026/06/10/t...
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
“Look mom, I’m on the TV!”
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
It is only the sickness of nostalgia that blinds you to the truth that, banger-for-banger, Sams Town >>> Hot Fuss
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Despite Sabrina Carpenter’s best intentions, ‘Manchild’ is a Dude’s Rock song.
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
Taylor Sheridan is Republican Aaron Sorkin.
static.klipy.com
John Dutton (Kevin Costner) Agrees
ALT: John Dutton (Kevin Costner) Agrees
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
Low risk, high reward “Us” picture to send to the girl you like.
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
Luke LeBrun @lukelebrun.ca · 04/05/2026
Disappointed @lefthandstu.bsky.social failed to recognize the presence of the most important person in the history of Ottawa (Daniel Alfredsson) and instead zeroed in on two complete randos (the prime minister and the prime minister's spouse)
HILL TIMES Monday, May 4, 2026

Party Central

Diana Fox Carney, second left beside Prime Minister Mark Carney, were among those at last year's Riverkeeper's event. The Hill Times photograph by Stuart Benson
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
The Patrice ‘Creep’ video explainer for Millennials is that one specific Weezer riff right before “Say It Aint So.”
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Everyone talks about Divorced Dad rock but not enough credit is given to P!NK for pioneering “I took half” Mom Rock.
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
The beer hitting my hand this evening:
media.tenor.com
a person in a yellow glove is holding a light sphere in their hand
ALT: a person in a yellow glove is holding a light sphere in their hand
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
Alright, which one of you jokers told Mario who Chomsky is?
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Stuart Benson @lefthandstu.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Boulerice was very adamant he is only here as an Observer.
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
mauditanglais @mauditanglais.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
👀 📸 @lefthandstu.bsky.social
Alexandre Boulerice and Stuart Benson of The Hill Times
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National Newswatch @nationalnewswatch.com · 08/04/2026
Liberal convention expected to be careful with policy amid byelection buzz and further floor-crossing rumours, @lefthandstu.bsky.social reports www.hilltimes.com/2026/04/08/l... Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com
hilltimes.com
Liberal convention expected to be careful with policy amid byelection buzz and further floor-crossing rumours - The Hill Times
The policy debate at the Grits' upcoming convention seems intentionally designed to avoid being a distraction from the party’s core messaging as it sits on the cusp of a majority, but it's also not ti...
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Reposted by Stuart Benson
National Newswatch @nationalnewswatch.com · 01/04/2026
Liberals’ ‘historically significant’ Alberta polling holds as first MOU deadline passes, say pollsters, @lefthandstu.bsky.social reports www.hilltimes.com/2026/04/01/l... Find out more at nationalnewswatch.com
hilltimes.com
Liberals' 'historically significant' Alberta polling holds as first MOU deadline passes, say pollsters - The Hill Times
The Liberals have more than 30-per-cent support in the province, but trying to capitalize on those numbers without a good reason for an election would come at a cost, says Liaison Strategies' David Va...
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