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Libarbarian

@libarbarian.bsky.social
306 followers 486 following 156 posts

Peter Bailey. Tilter at windmills. Library nerd. Beer guy. Power pop fan.

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Econ Analytica @econanalytica.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
"Should we tell girls and women to avoid frat parties, dark streets, and public places? Should we stop shaming victims? These are all important ideas to explore in a country where a guy like Max Miller feels entitled to run for office and is endorsed by Trump." By @mcsweeneys.net
buff.ly
How Could Such a Thing Still Happen in a Country with a Frat Boy Supreme Court Justice?
“I’m just thinking out loud here, but maybe a political party that has dedicated the last forty years to taking away women’s rights could also give some thou...
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Anakana Schofield @anakanaschofield.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
🚨Get your tickets to my Vancouver Writers Fest event with @markmedley.bsky.social where we will talk all things Library of Brothel and language of labour, love and life! Thanks for sharing this and your support. writersfest.bc.ca/festival-eve...
writersfest.bc.ca
66. Anakana Schofield: Library of Brothel | Vancouver Writers Fest
Embark on a literary journey like nothing before in Anakana Schofield’s Library of Brothel. In a class with Beckett, Joyce, and O’Brien (The Guardian), Schofield’s absurdist creation is a cri de coeur...
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John Lorinc @johnlorinc.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
#topoli Today on @spacing.bsky.social , a welcome break from the news cycle: Leora Bromberg on the rich intersection of Toronto’s laneways and the print shops that made their homes there. spacing.ca/toronto/2026... cc: @coachhousebooks.bsky.social
spacing.ca
Intersections of print culture in Toronto's laneways - Spacing Toronto
The handprinted broadside below was one of my first and most memorable encounters with the works of Glenn Goluska (1947-2011), celebrated today as one of Canada’s most influential fine press printers....
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Emmett Macfarlane 🇨🇦 @emmettmacfarlane.com · 09/09/2026
NEW POST: You don’t have to caricature Alberta separatism as vacuous or racist, the separatists do it themselves emmettmacfarlane.substack.com/p/you-dont-h...
emmettmacfarlane.substack.com
You don’t have to caricature Alberta separatism as vacuous or racist, the separatists do it themselves
Over at journalist Paul Wells’s newsletter, he has opened the door to guest columnists on the Alberta secession question.
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Libarbarian @libarbarian.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
"It's a lake." Classic Chrétien!
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Libarbarian @libarbarian.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
Edmonton and area folks: The pro-Canada group, Alberta's Voice, is giving away lawn signs today (Sunday August 30) in the Victoria Park parking lot along River Valley Road from 10am to 2pm.
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Canadian Paintings @canadianpaintings.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Beaver Holly Cheverie ~ Anishinaabe n.d.
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Libarbarian @libarbarian.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
“Burying a book is almost as effective as burning a book, and they’re really asking us to bury these books,” said Ken Feser, Chief Librarian, Medicine Hat Public Library. Albertans, fight Danielle Smith's attack on YOUR local libraries and YOUR freedom to read! #Bill28 www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Alberta librarians feeling anxious about complying with new restrictions ahead of Jan. 1 deadline | CBC News
Public libraries in Alberta have until the new year to comply with new restrictions around access to materials in their collection with a visual depiction of a sexual act, but with less than five mont...
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🇨🇦Joe Vipond🇨🇦 @jvipondmd.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
“Most people seem to know about the first question, the staying in Canada question, but they're unaware that there are nine additional questions that will be asked and people will be given a ballot for. The immigration questions are particularly nasty, because what they are is insidious,”
stalbertgazette.com
‘No to the Nine’: Alberta’s Voice campaign brings referendum message to St. Albert
A political campaign advocating for Alberta to remain in Canada while rejecting several proposed policy changes distributed signs in St. Albert.
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Edmonton Bike Coalition @yegbike.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Heads up #yegbike!
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Timothy Snyder @timothysnyder.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
The readers and the writers and the soldiers can be the same people. Resistance can be about reading, wherever you are, bomb shelter or not, because good books liberate us from the obvious and prepare us for the real. Visiting Ukraine with @marcishore.bsky.social snyder.substack.com/p/waiting-fo...
snyder.substack.com
"Waiting for the missiles to pass"
The living book in wartime Ukraine
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Shannon Proudfoot @sproudfoot.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
I wrote about how Danielle Smith took a good, hard look at the existential damage that could be done to Alberta and to Canada by a separatism campaign and she decided that one thing mattered above all: Danielle Smith. www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/opi...
theglobeandmail.com
Opinion: Danielle Smith tries to blame 700,000 illusory Albertans for her separatism gambit
With her have-it-both-ways referendum question, the Premier has made the math clear: Her political skin is more important than Alberta or Canada
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The Breakdown AB @thebreakdownab.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
"The Government of Alberta cannot simply ignore the Constitution, ignore Treaty rights, and ignore the courts because it finds those obligations inconvenient. Cabinet is not above the law." #abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
It’s time to stand up for the country we love - and the province we love. Time to stand up for authentic Alberta values. Whatever happens today, I’m saying yes to Canada, and no to politics of hate and division. #cdnpoli #ableg #abpoli
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PressProgress @pressprogress.ca · 18/05/2026
NEW: Alberta separatist group’s controversial voter ID app has links to US Ambassador, MAGA influencers and wealthy Michigan Republicans US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra told @pressprogress.ca he was ‘not aware’ an American-made app he previously promoted was used to help an Alberta separatist group
pressprogress.ca
Alberta Separatist Group’s Controversial Voter ID App Has Links to US Ambassador, MAGA Influencers and Wealthy Michigan Republicans
US Ambassador Pete Hoekstra says he was ‘not aware’ American-made app he previously promoted was used to help Alberta separatist group
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Libarbarian @libarbarian.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
We see you, Danielle Smith. We see you describing the separatist lunatics intent on destroying our country as "well-meaning citizens."
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Libarbarian @libarbarian.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Well, disappointed, for sure. Also, I'm enraged, fuming and irate. In the Minister's final words in debate in the Legislature, he continued to paint Alberta librarians as pornographers. There really is no bottom for this government. www.caplibraries.ca/newsroom/alb...
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Libarbarian @libarbarian.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
DO NOT OBEY IN ADVANCE! “Regardless of our own feelings about any of the books that are removed, the fact is, the job that we have means that we have to follow the process,” said Tiffany Hall, the district’s executive director of teaching and learning. “It is state law.”
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Jason Markusoff @markusoff.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
HUGE: Alberta judge quashes the separatists' referendum petition, in major victory for Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation and Blackfoot confederation. Justice Shaina Leonard: "the Crown failed to meet its duty to consult"
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Dave Cournoyer 🇨🇦 @daveberta.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Dan Williams’ Bill 28 attempts to undermine the tremendous credibility and trust that Albertans have for public libraries by insinuating that librarians are allowing children to access inappropriate material and that local volunteer library boards aren’t doing what’s best for their communities.
daveberta.substack.com
Undermining public trust in public libraries is the real aim of Dan Williams’ Bill 28
Public libraries in Alberta are worth fighting for
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NigelBankes @nigelb.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
The good news is that Alberta's Chief Justices refuse to provide any judicial sanction to Premier Smith's efforts to undermine the ordinary process for the review of electoral boundaries. This is now way too political for any judge, sitting or retired, to accept such an appointment. #ableg #abpoli
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WornRagged🇨🇦 @wornragged.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
"Alberta’s separatists are not channelling the authentic voice of the province. They are projecting a vision of Alberta that reflects their own anxieties and ideological bile—a province smaller, narrower, and more exclusionary than the one that actually exists." thewalrus.ca/albertas-sep...
thewalrus.ca
Alberta’s Separatists Are Chasing a Total Cowboy Fantasy | The Walrus
The province they describe—rural, homogeneous, under siege—bears little resemblance to reality
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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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The Breakdown AB @thebreakdownab.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
“A pro-immigration group has submitted a complaint to Elections Alberta, claiming the province’s new referendum website wrongfully uses taxpayers’ money to campaign in favour of one side” #abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Challenge filed about biased content on Alberta government's referendum website | CBC News
An amendment to Alberta’s Election Act approved one year ago changed the rules to remove restrictions on government advertising for a standalone referendum.
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Shannon Phillips 🇨🇦 @sphillipsab.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
Strategists Producer Haxim (that’s his only name, he’s like Prince) out with a banger of a website in response to the Government of Alberta’s plan to use our money to demonize immigrants with misleading referendum questions in October. Albertareferendumb2026.ca @haxim.ca @thestrategists.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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Elaine Hyshka @ehyshka.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
On Tuesday, Alberta's Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Rick Wilson told the Alberta legislature that he personally watched someone die in a supervised consumption site (SCS). This statement is demonstrably false and constitutes disinformation. #ableg
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Libarbarian @libarbarian.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Eric Adams, author, law professor at U of A, constitional law expert and voice of reason on many things, appointed a Justice of the Court of King's Bench of Alberta. @ericadams99.bsky.social www.canada.ca/en/departmen...
canada.ca
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada announces a judicial appointment in the province of Alberta
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, today announced the following appointment under th...
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Veruca's Alt @verucas-alt.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
The people banning books are never the same people who actually read books.
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The Beaverton @thebeaverton.com · 21/04/2026
Alberta announces move to 1950s time
thebeaverton.com
Alberta announces move to 1950s time
EDMONTON — After weeks of speculation, Alberta’s United Conservative government has announced that the province will be moving to the 1950s on a full-time basis. “Many Albertans just aren’t comfortabl...
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Governor JB Pritzker @govpritzker.illinois.gov · 20/04/2026
Illinois made history as the first state to outlaw book bans once and for all. Marginalizing people, ideas, or facts has no place in our state — and they have no place in a democracy. This National Library Week, we continue our commitment to free thought and free speech.
In 2023, Governor JB Pritzker was joined by Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, advocates, and lawmakers at the Harold Washington Library to sign legislation outlawing book bans in Illinois.
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Libarbarian @libarbarian.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
Waving the federal Liberal flag at a community trade show. Positive vibes from almost everyone. I can't remember a better time to be a Liberal in Alberta. Keep up the good work, Mr. Carney.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 16/04/2026
First, their health minister used confidential info to intimidate a critic. Then another accessed a recall proponent's voting records. Now another wants to know what Albertans are reading in public libraries. When will UCP libertarians stand up? www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/art...
ctvnews.ca
National libraries group urges Alberta to ditch 'political interference' in libraries
An organization representing large public libraries across Canada warns Alberta’s proposed bill affecting libraries threatens “unprecedented” government overreach into organizations meant to be shield...
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Why yes. I did give a speech in the Senate about the joy of sex. A speech about sex and libraries, and the dangers of trying to censor what our teens can read and watch and do online. In a world full of digital risk, we need to teach our kids media literacy, and sexual literacy too. #cdnpoli #ableg
youtu.be
Oh, for the love of sex! The climax of Bill S-209
YouTube video by Senator Paula Simons
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Mary Grace @emgeekay.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
🧵 The Canadian federal government’s 2025 budget has allocated: More business tax breaks including for fossil fuels sector $925 million for AI $81.8 billion over 5 years for military However, this comes at the expense of cultural heritage.
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Ann Petersen-Kane @anniegirl.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Alberta libraries, staff, city councillors denounce Dan Williams’ book censorship scheme #ableg #abpoli open.substack.com/pub/albertap...
open.substack.com
Alberta libraries, staff, city councillors denounce Dan Williams’ book censorship scheme
Bill 28’s library provisions have the feel of something ginned up in a hurry as a distraction
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Michael Janz @michaeljanz.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Our freedom to read is under attack in Alberta Michaeljanz.ca/freedomtoread
michaeljanz.ca
Alberta Libraries are under attack. Defend our Freedom to Read!
Join our campaign to build a safer, more affordable, welcoming city for everyone.
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The Breakdown AB @thebreakdownab.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
“If you take this path, we will know you are a separatist. In the face of our Court challenges, we will consider this conduct to be the ultimate, traitorous, and egregious breach of the Honour of the Crown & the Treaty by the Premier and the UCP.” #abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
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Libarbarian @libarbarian.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Albertans! Bill 28 is a full-fledged attack on your constitutional right to intellectual freedom and freedom of expression. The UCP government wants to decide what you can or cannot read in public libraries. Write your MLA. Speak out. Support your local library.
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Libarbarian @libarbarian.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Bill 28 is a full-fledged attack on libraries and on every Albertans' constitutional right to freedom of expression. The minister proposes to give himself unlimited power to decide what Albertans and their children can or cannot read. This cannot stand. edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
edmontonjournal.com
Opinion: Bill 28 puts Alberta libraries at risk of government censorship
Now all of that is threatened by the Government’s proposed amendments to the Libraries Act.
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MeidasTouch @meidastouch.com · 05/04/2026
Comparing Easter messages
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Dave Cournoyer 🇨🇦 @daveberta.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
I make a real effort to not stray into hyperbole when I write about Alberta politics, but I don’t believe it is an exaggeration to describe the minority report as gerrymandering. daveberta.substack.com/p/the-good-t...
daveberta.substack.com
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: Alberta's new electoral map will be a fight
Divided boundaries commission gives us a level-headed majority report and drastically different minority report
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MondoAB @mondoab.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
..representatives of 17 organizations on Feb. 18, including Parents for Choice in Education (PCE), the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedom (JCCF), the political consulting firm Western Impact and several private and religious schools and home education associations. theijf.org/article/albe...
theijf.org
Alberta premier and education minister had private meeting with groups behind push to ‘conservatize’ Alberta school boards and ban LGBTQ books
Private and faith-based schools, along with right-wing think tanks and parental rights groups, were invited to discuss education
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Libarbarian @libarbarian.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Katie Drummond was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta and earned a BA at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. Yay Canada!
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Tomorrow, Edmonton hosts is annual Lunar New Year Festival at the Royal Alberta Museum. (Outdoor events cancelled due to weather, alas,) Did you know that Edmonton’s first Chinese immigrant settled here in 1890? Chung Kee arrived here from Calgary, via stagecoach, 15 years before Alberta existed.
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Libarbarian @libarbarian.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
"Smith is the most dangerous politician in Canada, launching an agenda not only of fear and greed, but one that seeks to undermine the country, its federal structure, and its spirit of tolerance and compassion. It is nothing short of evil, and it must be fought on all fronts."
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Charles Rusnell @charlesrusnell.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
A must read here for all Canadians, but especially Albertans via @emmettmacfarlane.com emmettmacfarlane.substack.com/p/danielle-s...
emmettmacfarlane.substack.com
Danielle Smith is no separatist; she's much, much worse
In a televised address last night Danielle Smith launched a xenophobic assault on immigration and proposed a set of referendum questions for next Fall advocating a constitutional agenda that would red...
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Amanda Hu @amandalhu.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Hey it’s me, a racialized person born in Alberta to an immigrant parent, with trans and queer friends, saying that the UCP does not get to determine who belongs here. All of us, and the Albertans yet to come, deserve to be here. And we must stand with Indigenous people to honour treaty promises.
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Libarbarian @libarbarian.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Waiting for the Olympic hockey play by play announcer to realize the penalty called on Canada is Too Many Players, not Too Many Men.
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Carrie Tait @carrietait.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
Net migration in Alberta. Up, up, up, down, down, down. Net international migration to Alberta totalled 197 in Q3 2025, down 99% from 32,046 in the same quarter a year prior.
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NigelBankes @nigelb.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Relying on powers conferred by recent statutory amendments Mickey Amery, the province's AG and Minister of Justice, has just knee-capped the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre. First they came for the independent voices of civil society ... And then .... #abpoli #cdnpoli #ableg
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