iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Rob Tinline, British High Commissioner to Canada, kindly hosted a garden party for Canadian alumni of UK universities. I was glad to attend with other members of the @Ox.ac.uk Society in Ottawa. The overcast skies and mild drizzle were ideal, and kindled our nostalgia for our student days.

Alumni of UK universities gathering at the British High Commission in Ottawa

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 01/10/2026

The federal government says its own environmental protection processes are slow, inefficient, and incoherent. Yet, the government has no plans to reform those processes. Instead, it wants to lower environmental standards, and to allow favoured corporations to evade protections altogether.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 30/09/2026

As drafted, Bill C-39 would empower government ministers to set aside environmental standards for favoured corporations and industrial projects. We discussed the imperative for MPs to amend the Bill, so the rule of law applies equally to all Canadians, and public power remains publicly accountable.

naturecanada.ca

Nature Canada Outlines Practical Reforms to Speed Up Major Projects While Protecting Nature | Nature Canada

Your voice for nature!

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 30/09/2026

I had an impassioned conversation with Ellis Ross MP, on the federal government’s Bill C-39. Ellis is the Conservative Shadow Environment Minister, and a former Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation.

Ellis Ross MP, Conservative Shadow Environment Minister, and Akaash Maharaj, Nature Canada Director of Policy, discussing Bill C-39 on Parliament Hill

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 28/09/2026

I enjoyed spending time with members of Nature Saskatchewan at their autumn gathering. Meadow Lake is nestled in the boreal forest, and we explored the woods between our formal meetings. I was impressed by everyone’s passion for preserving the natural world for future generations. 🌾 naturesask.ca

A panoramic view of the St Cyr Trails, where I spent time with members of Nature Saskatchewan

The members of Nature Saskatchewan, learning about which mushrooms we should put in our pots, and which would put us in our graves

The Pietenpol Air Camper at Saskatoon’s airport is a homebuilt aeroplane, popular with air enthusiasts.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 25/09/2026

I thank the Council for inviting me to address the Walk at Parliament Hill. 🗓️ Saturday, 26 September 2026 ⏰ 10h00 EDT 📍 City Hall → Parliament 🔗 gandhiji.ca/peace-walk-2... Everyone is welcome. Registering in advance would help the organisers with their planning.

gandhiji.ca

Peace Walk 2026 -

An MGPCO Initiative. Free Community Event. Walk Together | Promote Peace | Inspire Change. Build Bridges, One Step at a Time Saturday, 26 September 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W, Ott...

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 25/09/2026

The Mahatma Gandhi Peace Council of Ottawa will hold its annual Peace Walk to Parliament, tomorrow. Many people in that walk disagree profoundly on the path to peace. But they will join hands in a shared conviction that peace must be our common destination, and that we can only get there together.

The Mahatma Gandhi Peace Council of Ottawa Peace Walk, on Saturday 26 September 2026, beginning at 10h00 EDT. Registration at gandhiji.ca/peace-walk-2026

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Reposted by Akaash Maharaj

QUOI Media 🇨🇦 @quoimedia.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Why is nature being sold off by Ottawa? Liberal Cabinet Ministers are expected to table legislation with major environmental consequences after a summer of consultation on the proposed “Extinction Papers” -- says @naturecanada.bsky.social Read more: #nature #environment #majorprojects #cdnpoli

quoimedia.com

Why is nature being sold off by Ottawa?

Liberal Cabinet Ministers are expected to table legislation with major environmental consequences after a summer of consultation

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 16/09/2026

One can certainly disagree with his ideals. But no one can dispute that he consistently acted on those ideals: from his decisions in office, to his decision to leave office. We spoke together at this @NatureCanada.bsky.social event, just after he announced his resignation. 🌱 per.maharaj.org/stv

naturecanada.ca

Halt and Reverse Nature Loss Webinar With Steven Guilbeault - Nature Canada

A webinar convening more than 20 nature organizations and over 700 online participants to discuss collective action in holding the Canadian government accountable to its environmental promises to halt...

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 16/09/2026

Parliament has been impoverished by the departure of @StevenGuilbeault.bsky.social He was one of the most forceful Environment Ministers of all time, and as one would expect in politics, he drew both admiration and vilification commensurately.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 15/09/2026

Potash is indispensable to American agriculture. The US government has declared the humble fertiliser as critical to national security. And the US imports 90% of its potash from Canada. I spoke with CKNW Radio, about whether potash could be Canada’s nuclear option in the American tariff war.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 14/09/2026

But that very fact means that Americans will suffer more from tariffs on their Canadian imports, than Canadians will suffer from tariffs on our US imports. I spoke with @YahooNews.com, about the stark economic reality that lurks behind Trump’s heated political rhetoric. 📰 per.maharaj.org/lev

per.maharaj.org

Can Canada’s counter-tariffs pressure the U.S.? Here's why experts say leverage cuts both ways

Canada has imposed $27.6 billion in retaliatory tariffs as Carney pushes to reduce U.S. dependence. Experts say Ottawa has leverage, but its economic vulnerability remains.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 14/09/2026

Trump’s pretext for launching his tariff war, is that the US runs a consistent trade imbalance with Canada. Last year, the US imported $48.3 billion more in goods and services from Canada, than Canada imported from the US.

Yahoo News’ Joy Joshi interviews Akaash Maharaj of the Munk School of Global Affairs, about why Americans may lose more in the trade war than Canadians.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 11/09/2026

The Freemen of the City of London held our annual garden party in August, under glorious summer skies in Toronto. Freedom of the City dates back to the thirteenth century. Today, it is a ceremonial distinction, binding together people who share a connection to London’s civic life and trade guilds.

The Honourable Company of Freemen of the City of London garden party in Toronto

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 11/09/2026

His negotiators fundamentally misunderstood Canadians’ priorities, and our willingness to endure pain to preserve our sovereignty and dignity. I spoke with Joy Joshi of AOL and @YahooNews.com, about the failure of the trade negotiations. 📰 per.maharaj.org/aol-trd

per.maharaj.org

'They simply did not understand one another': What doomed Canada-U.S. trade talks? - AOL

Canada-U.S. trade talks collapsed amid competing claims from Mark Carney and Howard Lutnick. Experts say political calculations and deeper misunderstandings may explain what went wrong.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 11/09/2026

Canadians and Americans share many superficial similarities, which belie our profound differences. Trump believed that access to US markets is so tantalising, that he could coerce Canada into agreeing to grinding concessions and abject submission.

AOL News article, on the collapse of the Canada-US trade negotiations, by Joy Joshi, speaking with Akaash Maharaj

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 10/09/2026

The Iran-US war is devastating the Iranian economy, and depleting American munitions. Yet, both states continue to grapple, stab, and spit their dwindling breaths at one another. I spoke with @GlobalNews.ca’s Miranda Anthistle, on whether the war is likely to end through negotiation or exhaustion.

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Reposted by Akaash Maharaj

Nature Canada @naturecanada.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Nature Canada Director of Policy @akaashmaharaj.bsky.social Appointed to the Canadian Environment Domestic Advisory Group If we make this treaty succeed, we will increase prosperity for all Canadians while systematically lifting environmental standards across our country. bit.ly/4AgzzeW

naturecanada.ca

Nature Canada Director of Policy Appointed to the Canadian Environment Domestic Advisory Group (CEDAG) - Nature Canada

At the invitation of Canada’s Environment Minister, Nature Canada’s Director of Policy, Akaash Maharaj has officially joined the Canadian Environment Domestic Advisory Group (CEDAG).

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 08/09/2026

I enjoyed speaking with UK High Commissioner to Canada, Rob Tinline, and First Secretary, Giorgia Racis, on public diplomacy. Our countries hold a responsibility to prove that pluralism can succeed: that our societies are better places when we recognise that we all share a common human dignity. 🇨🇦🇬🇧

From left to right: Rob Tinline, UK High Commissioner; Akaash Maharaj, GOPAC Ambassador-at-Large and Nature Canada Director of Policy; Giorgia Racis, UK High Commission First Secretary

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 31/08/2026

But export taxes on potash would also impose pain on Saskatchewanian producers, and invite panicked retaliation from the US administration. I spoke with the @NationalPost.bsky.social’s @EllieHutchings.bsky.social, about the gathering high-stakes game of chicken. 📰 per.maharaj.org/potash

per.maharaj.org

Could Canada cut off potash to the U.S.? It's a 'high-stakes game of chicken,' says an expert

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 31/08/2026

Potash could be Canada’s single most devastating countermeasure in the US tariff war. American agriculture is critically dependent on potash to fertilise its fields. Up to 90% comes from Canada; no other country can readily meet that demand.

The National Post’s Ellie Hutchings interviews Akaash Maharaj on the role of potash in the US tariff war against Canada.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 28/08/2026

Diplomacy has always involved bravado and political actors playing to the crowd. It has rarely involved such a steady torrent of juvenile insults. I spoke with @YahooNews.com about why the battle of words has become the most active front in the US tariff war against Canada. 📰 per.maharaj.org/wrd

Joy Joshi of Yahoo! News speaks with Akaash Maharaj, about the escalating war of words in the broader US trade war against Canada.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 27/08/2026

Otherwise, Smith would be tacitly conceding that she is willing to accept no measures at all, and would do nothing to protect our country in the trade war with the US. That is not standing up for Alberta. That is kneeling down before Trump and collaborating with separatists. 📰 per.maharaj.org/dst

per.maharaj.org

Reaction to Smith's response to tariffs mixed from opposition, academics and industry experts

Smith's response to trade war

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 27/08/2026

I spoke with the @CalgaryHerald.com, about Danielle Smith’s hesitant response to the Canada-US trade war. As a provincial premier, she has a right to be cautious about any retaliatory measures that would affect her province. However, she has a responsibility to say what measures she would accept.

An excerpt from an article in the Calgary Herald, written by Hiren Mansukhian, quoting Akaash Maharaj

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 26/08/2026

Climate wars are no longer dystopian prophecies. In Nigeria and Sudan, millions are fleeing extreme weather, and colliding with other populations. The wars have killed hundreds of thousands. But we can stop climate wars. I thank @SeniorsFCan.bsky.social for inviting me to speak at this webinar.

youtube.com

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 24/08/2026

Flags fly over Parliament Hill for only a few days, before being retired and distributed to Canadians. The waiting list is utterly vast, and I joined it on a lark. But thirteen years later, my flag has arrived. It now flutters over my farm, a less august but no less patriotic home for it. 🇨🇦

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 20/08/2026

I worry that too many members of Canada’s political class are rushing towards the wide gate and the broad road, to strike easy trade deals with authoritarian states that covet our resources, but scorn our ideals. I made the case for a better path forward, in The Hill Times. 📰 per.maharaj.org/trade

per.maharaj.org

Hill Times: Where should Canada turn, in turning away from Trump?

Canadians owe Donald Trump a debt of gratitude, for stripping us of any delusion that diversifying trade can wait for another day.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 19/08/2026

Canada needs to preferentially expand trade with states that share our broad national aspirations: respecting the rule of law; defending human rights and freedoms; and caring for our natural environment. My article in the @HillTimes.com, as Head of Policy at @NatureCanada.bsky.social

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 19/08/2026

Is the Iran-US war spreading too broadly to be contained? Iran has bombed US allies in Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia and the US have bombed Iranian proxies in Iraq. I spoke with Chris Glover on @CBCradioCanada.bsky.social, on whether Iran and the US can step back from the abyss.

youtube.com

Can Iran and the United States step back from the abyss?

YouTube video by Akaash Maharaj

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 18/08/2026

I enjoyed discussing these issues with ❦ Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, @Oikoumenewcc.bsky.social ❦ Bruce Clemenger, Evangelical Fellowship ❦ Nazila Isgandarova, @Emmanuel-College.bsky.social on our panel at the World Council of Churches’ NATI-RETI gathering of ecumenical leaders. 🕊️ nati-reti-2026.org

nati-reti-2026.org

NATI-RETI 2026 — Where Now for Visible Justice?

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 18/08/2026

Is a secular state one that is indifferent to the beliefs of its citizens, and treats no faith with favour or disfavour? Or is it one that expunges all overt forms of religious expression from the public sphere? What should societies do if “freedom of religion” and “freedom from religion” collide?

Left to Right: Ani Ghazaryan Drissi of the World Council of Churches; me; Nazila Isgandarova of Emmanuel College; Bruce Clemenger of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada

Attendees at the North America-Turtle Island Regional Ecumenical Theological Institute, co-hosted by the Canadian Council of Churches and the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 17/08/2026

My colleague @EmilyEMcMillan.bsky.social and I made @NatureCanada.bsky.social’s case in the @CalgaryHerald.com The federal government can only build Canada’s economy through major projects that are both fiscally and ecologically responsible. 📰 per.maharaj.org/cal

per.maharaj.org

Canada can build major projects faster without sacrificing nature protections

It is time for the federal government to adopt practical solutions that speed up project approvals without sacrificing nature protections.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 17/08/2026

Some 90% of the construction costs for the West Coast Oil Pipeline are to be met by taxpayers, and not by the oil companies that will profit from it. It is set to become the single largest act of corporate welfare in Canadian history.

Article in the Calgary Herald by Akaash Maharaj and Emily McMillan, on practical ways of ensuring that major projects in Canada are both economically and ecologically sustainable

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 31/07/2026

The @HillTimes.com’s @RiddhiKachhela.bsky.social and I discussed the true causes of, and responses to, the wildfires. I spoke with her in my capacity as @NatureCanada.bsky.social’s Director of Policy. The full article is at the Hill Times’ web site at via.maharaj.org/fires

via.maharaj.org

Canada circles the wagons - The Hill Times

Plus, separating the fact and fiction around Canada’s forest management.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 31/07/2026

Wildfires in Canada are becoming more intense, more expansive, and more frequent, because of climate change. The Trump administration’s attempt to blame Canadian forestry practices is nonsense. That claim is a poor pretext to justify otherwise-impermissible presidential tariffs against Canada.

Akaash Maharaj, Director of Policy at Nature Canada, quoted in a Hill Times article, written by Riddhi Kachhela, about Canada’s wildfires

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 29/07/2026

I spoke with @GlobalNews.ca’s Jaden Lee-Lincoln, about Mark Carney’s decision to embrace closer ties with Saudi Arabia. Canadians need to ask not only what we might obtain from Saudi Arabia, but also, what Saudi Arabia hopes to obtain from us.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 27/07/2026

My colleagues Jamie Hagar and Priscilla Santos and I enjoyed speaking with Ombeline Lecuyer and Quentin Gautier from France’s embassy to Canada. We met at @NatureCanada.bsky.social’s offices. We discussed cooperation between our countries on protection of nature, the environment, and biodiversity.

From left to right:
Ombeline Lecuyer, Ottawa Regional Economic Service, France’s Embassy to Canada;
Quentin Gautier, Sustainable Development Adviser, France’s Embassy to Canada;
Akaash Maharaj, Director of Policy, Nature Canada;
Priscilla Costa dos Santos, Policy and Campaigns Officer, Nature Canada;
(photographer) Jamie Hagar, Intern, Nature Canada.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 24/07/2026

In my experience, ministers @JulieDabrusin.bsky.social and @NathalieProvost.bsky.social have worked enthusiastically with citizen groups to advance the cause of nature. But most power to set national policy has long been drained away from parliament and cabinet, into the Prime Minister’s Office.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 23/07/2026

I spoke with Chris Glover on @CBCradioCanada.bsky.social Metro Morning, about why the Iran-US interim ceasefire agreement collapsed. The agreement was built on wilfully ambiguous terms, to enable both governments to proclaim victory at home, and buy a pause for their diplomats to try to negotiate.

youtube.com

Why did the Iran-US Interim Ceasefire Agreement Collapse? 📻 CBC Radio’s Metro Morning

YouTube video by Akaash Maharaj

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 21/07/2026

I thank Ambassador Michel Miraillet for inviting me to join the Bastille Day celebrations at the French embassy. These are dispiriting times in international affairs, so it was a great solace to chat with him about our ongoing, unfinished work, to build a world of Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.

A live band at the Bastille Day celebrations

The Bastille Day celebrations ended with fireworks.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 21/07/2026

In its darkest days, the French Revolution infamously “devoured its children”. But in Ottawa, the descendants of the Revolution fed their guests bountifully.

Ambassador Michel Miraillet and Madame Geneviève Quenum-Miraillet, leading the Bastille Day celebrations at the French embassy in Ottawa

In the gardens at the French embassy in Ottawa

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 20/07/2026

I spoke with @WHilderbrandt.bsky.social on @en.France24.com, about the wildfires in Canada, for @NatureCanada.bsky.social The situation is dire. If a fire exceeds 10 MW/m, conventional firefighting techniques fail: water from water bombers vaporises in the air. The Jasper fire reached 386 MW/m.

youtube.com

Canada wildfires affect air quality before World Cup final • FRANCE 24 English

YouTube video by FRANCE 24 English

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 16/07/2026

He is about to embark on a solo, 2'200km journey across Canada’s Northwest Passage, on a standing paddle boat. My friend and colleague Alfredo Martínez Serrano, Spain’s Ambassador to Canada, presented Antonio with an expeditionary flag for the voyage.

Spain’s Ambassador to Canada Alfredo Martínez Serrano, presents an expeditionary flag to Antonio de la Rosa, who will be making a solo crossing of Canada’s Northwest Passage.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 16/07/2026

I was delighted to represent the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (@rcgssgrc.bsky.social) at the Spanish Embassy (@embespcanada.bsky.social) dinner to honour Antonio de la Rosa. Antonio is an ultra-endurance athlete, and a former Captain of the Red Bull Adventure Racing Team.

Spain’s embassy to Canada hosts a dinner in honour of ultra-endurance athlete Antonio de la Rosa.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 16/07/2026

I spoke with @CTVYourMorning.bsky.social, on Mark Carney’s trip to Saudi Arabia. His embrace of the Saudis breaks with Trudeau’s rhetoric, but continues its substance. Carney deserves credit for being candid about his policies, but whether Canadians find his policies creditable remains to be seen.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 14/07/2026

Join us to start of a national tradition, to celebrate the benefits of being with one another in nature. #CPRAEOT 🍁 everyoneoutdoorstogether.ca

everyoneoutdoorstogether.ca

Everyone Outdoors Together

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 14/07/2026

#EveryoneOutdoorsTogether is a new movement, to strengthen our connection to the natural world and one another. On Saturday 18 July, my @NatureCanada.bsky.social colleagues and I will participate in #EOT’s moment, when people across Canada will pause, step outside, and experience nature together.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 13/07/2026

It is no surprise that Mark Carney is trying to charm Saudi Arabia into pouring its wealth into Canada. But the Saudi government expects recipient states to bite their tongues when it commits human rights atrocities. I spoke with @CHCHnews.bsky.social on the cost of doing business with dictators.

chch.com

PM Mark Carney is visiting Saudi Arabia. Why now?

Mark Carney is in Saudi Arabia, the first Canadian prime minister to visit the kingdom in 26 years.

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Akaash Maharaj @maharaj.org · 10/07/2026

All these years later, Harry Forbes’ theme song has lost none of its power. Hearing it washes away the decades, and I see a childhood version of myself watching @weareTVO.bsky.social’s Magic Shadows with my grandfather. Elwy Yost’s love of cinema was joyous, infectious, and untouched by cynicism.

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