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Matthew Black

@matthewblack.ca
812 followers 120 following 121 posts

📰 Postmedia Alberta legislature reporter (Edmonton Journal/Sun) | Works with 📊 data & 📃 documents | 🎓 UBC & UAlberta (2x) | Profile pic by my 3 y/o daughter MatthewBlack.ca

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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 3h
New West Coast pipeline expected to be designated project of national interest by Thursday via @theglobeandmail.com
theglobeandmail.com
New West Coast pipeline expected to be designated project of national interest by Thursday
Pipeline is key part of Carney’s suite of policy changes that aim to reset federal relations with Alberta and diversify exports away from U.S.
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Edmonton Journal @edmontonjournal.com · 4h
Wednesday's letters: UCP steamrolling ahead on data centres edmontonjournal.com/opinion/lett...
edmontonjournal.com
Wednesday's letters: UCP steamrolling ahead on data centres
Edmonton Journal readers have their say on data centres and proposed immigration limits.
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Calgary Herald @calgaryherald.com · 28/09/2026
Braid: A social media bombardment will tell the world the referendum is rigged calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 26/09/2026
"This is not on the radar of a lot of seniors,' said Larry Mathieson, president and CEO of Unison at Kerby Centre. 'They probably don't need an extra cost at this point'" #ableg #abpoli
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Edmonton Journal @edmontonjournal.com · 25/09/2026
Alberta referendum: Here are the latest third-party advertiser figures ahead of Oct. 19 vote edmontonjournal.com/news/politic...
edmontonjournal.com
Alberta referendum: Here are the latest third-party advertiser figures ahead of Oct. 19 vote
Check this page on Fridays to see the latest figures and analysis on advertiser fundraising from each side of the Alberta separation vote.
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Alberta NDP @albertandp.ca · 25/09/2026
Thank you to @nagwanyyc.bsky.social and @sweetmla.bsky.social , who have both announced that they will not be seeking re-election at the end of their current terms. Their dedication to public service is making a lasting difference in the lives of Albertans, and we are deeply grateful for their work.
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 25/09/2026
This is also true! The reports do not specify exactly when the $ was contributed
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 25/09/2026
Worth noting that Forever Canadian's first non-$0 disclosure spans from March 31 to yesterday efpublic.elections.ab.ca/efOFSRTPAWee... #ableg #abpoli
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 25/09/2026
Weekly referendum advertiser update: *Federalists: $506,483 (+113,550.85) *Separatists: $999,607 (+$42,862.38) *Margin: $488K (-$76K, lowest since mid-July) *Federalists are 4 of the 5 highest increases this week *Forever Canadian logs $48,345, most of all advertisers this week #ableg #abpoli
edmontonjournal.com
Alberta referendum: Here are the latest third-party advertiser figures ahead of Oct. 19 vote
Check this page on Fridays to see the latest figures and analysis on advertiser fundraising from each side of the Alberta separation vote.
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Jason Markusoff @markusoff.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
UCP support has plunged in Calgary and outside major cities www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... and the independence movement is now below 25% support. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... It’s Janet Brown/CBC poll time, folks!
cbc.ca
Danielle Smith’s popularity dips as her party now tied with NDP in support: poll | CBC News
The Janet Brown Opinion Research Poll for CBC News suggests 41 per cent of respondents would vote for the UCP if an election were held today, while 41 per cent would vote for the NDP.
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 25/09/2026
The Alberta government granted the chair of the Alberta Energy Regulator a 14% pay raise, bringing the role's compensation to 2 1/2 times what it was 6 years ago AER $ comes from the industry. Govt says top pay is needed to retain top staff. NDP says AER is a "captured regulator" #ableg #abpoli
edmontonjournal.com
Alberta gives energy regulator board chair a 14 per cent pay raise
Duncan Au was appointed board chair in late 2024 and was given a more than $24,000 pay hike this week via an order in council.
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 25/09/2026
From court yesterday: A judge has largely sided with the govt/AHS in ordering former AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos to surrender dozens of documents she had planned to rely on in her wrongful dismissal lawsuit, ruling them to be either legally privileged or confidential #ableg #abpoli
edmontonjournal.com
Judge orders former AHS CEO to return dozens of documents
Athana Mentzelopoulos is suing the government for wrongful dismissal, while the province says she was fired from AHS for incompetence
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 22/09/2026
Rebel News has lost its bid to have a complaint it filed vs Forever Canadian expedited to be heard & decided before Oct. 19 referendum A judge ruled its litigation timeline was unworkable and wouldn't have produced any tangible result before voting day #ableg #abpoli
edmontonjournal.com
Judge rejects Rebel News bid to expedite ad finance complaint versus Forever Canadian
The far-right outlet sought to have a complaint it filed against elections officials heard before the Oct. 19 referendum
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 18/09/2026
Weekly referendum advertiser round-up: *Federalist Alberta's Voice tops contribution for 2nd week in a row (+$59K) *Separatist $ lead cut to <$600K *Former Lib candidate from Red Deer leads latest new advertiser More 📊s here ⬇️ edmontonjournal.com/news/politic... #ableg #abpoli
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trevorrobb.bsky.social @trevorrobb.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
From @matthewblack.ca — The Alberta government is poised to introduce legislation this fall that is expected to include new regulations governing the use of e-scooters and other personal micromobility devices. #ableg #abpoli edmontonjournal.com/news/politic...
edmontonjournal.com
Alberta poised to bring in legislation governing e-scooters, e-bikes
Alberta is considering a provincial framework to support the safe and consistent use of personal micromobility devices, the province said
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 13/09/2026
I got a batch of early responses to the province's "Report Concerns About Bike Lanes" portal *Nearly 50/50 split pro v anti bike lane *Opponents cite issues with parking, traffic, and access *Proponents challenged those, questioned the survey and why the province was involved at all #ableg #abpoli
edmontonjournal.com
Albertans flood new complaint portal with concerns about bike lanes, UCP interference
Early responses to Alberta's bike lane concern portal were split, with opponents citing issues with traffic while advocates pointed to benefits
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 11/09/2026
Weekly referendum advertiser round-up: *Federalist advertiser tops weekly fundraising (Alberta's Voice) for 1st time *Separatists continue to lead overall (~$600K margin) *U of A faculty union registers as (federalist) advertiser More words and 📊s here: #ableg #abpoli
edmontonjournal.com
Alberta referendum: Here are the latest third-party advertiser figures ahead of Oct. 19 vote
Check this page on Fridays to see the latest figures and analysis on advertiser fundraising from each side of the Alberta separation vote.
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 21/08/2026
Also new: The most recent week-long reporting period was the 1st that federalist referendum advertisers outfundraised their separatist opponents who still enjoy a $550K advantage since the start of July Story and interactives 🔽 #abpoli #ableg
edmontonjournal.com
Federalist referendum advertisers outraise Alberta separatists for first time: Data
Federalist advertisers have outraised their Alberta separatist rivals less than two months away from the Oct. 19 referendum.
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 21/08/2026
New: Alberta cabinet ministers were cautioned that further $100 rebates cannot be guaranteed "Subsequent payments would risk the rebate being classified by the CRA as reportable or taxable income" Govt says future rebates remain on the table as do other relief options #abpoli #ableg
edmontonjournal.com
Further automatic Alberta energy rebates could draw CRA tax concerns: leaked document
Alberta government will not offer a second $100 energy rebate because the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) could classify it as taxable income.
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Edmonton Journal @edmontonjournal.com · 31/07/2026
Keith Gerein: Does KDays have a future once Edmonton's wrecking ball comes for the old Northlands racetrack and coliseum? edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
edmontonjournal.com
Keith Gerein: Does KDays have a future once Edmonton's wrecking ball comes for the old Northlands racetrack and coliseum?
Does KDays have a future once Edmonton's wrecking ball comes for the old Northlands racetrack and coliseum?
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 31/07/2026
Elections Alberta has updated its referendum advertising contributions Some notes: *$80K in new contributions this week, 2nd highest on record, but also $136K less than last week *Separatist advertisers continue to lead and extended their margin for a 5th straight week, up to $537K #ableg #abpoli
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Jonny Wakefield @jonnywakefield.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
From the inbox: there's now a proposed class action in the Alberta voter data breach. Alberta gov, chief electoral officer, David Parker, Centurion Project and Alberta Republican Party named as defendants.
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 14/06/2026
🏆Proud that our restaurant inspections series was recognized last night by the CAJ Months of digging into inspection records revealed serious violations and raised questions about transparency in Alberta's food safety system Grateful to the students, sources, & editors who made the stories possible
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Dave Breakenridge @davebreakenridge.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
Well this is wonderful news! Congrats to @lillebuen.bsky.social and his students, as well as @matthewblack.ca @keithgerein.bsky.social for their strong work
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Dave Lee @davelee.me · 13/06/2026
Scotland fans found the Boston cop slide
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 13/06/2026
🎵 No Scotland, no party🎵
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Edmonton Journal @edmontonjournal.com · 05/06/2026
Alberta unveils 30-year passenger rail master plan after nearly a year-long delay edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
edmontonjournal.com
Alberta unveils 30-year passenger rail master plan after nearly a year-long delay
Dreeshen said Alberta is investing $15 million over three years to advance the planning phase of the passenger rail system.
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Jason Markusoff @markusoff.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Rather than say he supports remaining in Canada like other Danielle Smith ministers have, Transportation Min. Devin Dreeshen said the onus is on Ottawa to fight to keep Canada together. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Alberta cabinet minister won't say if he supports keeping province in Canada | CBC News
While other cabinet members have backed Smith's pledge to vote to stay in Canada, Devin Dreeshen avoided answering the question.
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Jason Markusoff @markusoff.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Danielle Smith's senior Calgary aide vends in several disproven 2020 US election conspiracy theories here, including noncitizen voter fraud and rigged vote machines. As part of argument for putting Canadian citizenship markers on Alberta drivers' licences.
Bruce McAllister
@McAllisterBruce
Sorry 
@SPhillipsAB
 
Requiring proof of citizenship to vote isn’t a restriction. It’s the bare minimum for real democracy. Citizenship decides who gets a say. Without upfront checks you’re inviting fraud and that’s exactly what we see when verification is weak.
Look at the pattern in the US. States that don’t require ID at the polls overwhelmingly vote Democrat. California, New York, Illinois, Oregon, Minnesota, and the rest of that list. Is that a coincidence? Or does loose verification help one side?
Premier Danielle Smith gets this right. She’s making Alberta the first province with a combined card that puts citizenship proof, photo ID, and even your health number all in one secure spot at no extra cost. It streamlines services so Albertans can access student aid, health benefits, and disability supports faster without hauling around extra documents. It builds trust and directly protects elections by making sure only eligible citizens vote. Smart move that makes life easier for real Albertans while closing loopholes.
Securing elections means proof of citizenship, paper ballots only, and real scrutineers from all sides watching every step. No hackable machines that can be flipped without a trace. Anything less leaves the system open to manipulation.
So why fight basic safeguards like this card? Why frame it as some partisan attack instead of common sense? The practical result is elections that can be tainted. Do you actually want that? Because fighting every layer of verification sure looks like it.
Democracy needs paper, eyes on the count, and confirmed citizens only. No excuses.
#Alberta #DanielleSmith #ElectionIntegrity #ProofOfCitizenship #AlbertaStrong #CanadaPolitics #SecureOurVote #AlbertaFirst
What do you think Alberta? Let’s get this right for the next generation.
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 05/06/2026
Rath does have a future sanctions hearing on a 3rd citation after conceding he used language that was "discourteous, offensive or otherwise inconsistent with the proper tone of professional communication from a lawyer" #ableg #abpoli
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The Beaverton @thebeaverton.com · 04/06/2026
Nation's sports franchises mark Pride Month with the annual closing of the comment section www.thebeaverton.com/2026/06/nati...
thebeaverton.com
Nation's sports franchises mark Pride Month with the annual closing of the comment section
TORONTO - In what has become an annual tradition in community outreach, sports teams across Canada are marking June as Pride Month by adding rainbow logos to their profile pictures, releasing an offic...
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Catherine Lévesque @calevesque7.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Former Alberta finance minister Travis Toews says it is important for federal Conservatives in Alberta to publicly state their position about remaining a part of Canada, but acknowledged there are “various levels of comfort in entering the debate” in caucus. nationalpost.com/news/politic...
nationalpost.com
Conservative MPs are being asked to speak up on separatism. Some are louder than others
A former Alberta finance minister says it is important for federal Conservatives in Alberta to publicly state their position.
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 03/06/2026
One of 400+ messages received by OIPC re: voter list leak: "Knowing that personal information tied to our household could now potentially be accessed, shared, or misused is honestly terrifying” Info commish is calling for tougher rules for political parties #ableg #abpoli
edmontonjournal.com
'Worst breach in Canadian history': Privacy watchdog cites Alberta voter list leak concerns in renewed call for oversight
Office received over 400 emails and calls from Albertans expressing fears about their safety after the list provided to the Republican Party.
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 29/05/2026
2 podcasters have been cited for contempt of court for what a judge described as a campaign targeting ex-AHS CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos Justice Michael Lema wrote commentary by David Wallace & James Di Fiore had "no apparent purpose other than sapping her will to continue with her case” #abpoli
edmontonjournal.com
'Baseless humiliation': Podcasters cited for criminal contempt for targeting former Alberta Health Services CEO
An Alberta judge is citing two podcasters for criminal contempt after targeting former Alberta Health Services CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos.
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 29/05/2026
Infrastructure says "unanticipated water loss" has kept the reflecting pool at the Alberta legislature building closed after its typical May long weekend opening date. It reopened in 2024 after being closed since 2020 following a $20M overhaul of the ledge grounds' 3 water features #ableg #abpoli
edmontonjournal.com
Alberta legislature pool remains closed, under repair 2 years after reopening
Alberta Infrastructure said unanticipated water loss was identified as the pool readied for its traditional May long weekend opening date.
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 29/05/2026
I asked all 47 UCP MLAs how they'll vote in the separation referendum. Non-ministers (21): *0 replies, deferred to caucus statement Ministers (26): *4 sent original replies supporting pro-🇨🇦 *2 caucus statement verbatim *19 sent part of caucus statement *1 deferred to prior comments #ableg #abpoli
edmontonjournal.com
We asked all 47 Alberta UCP MLAs how they will vote in the fall referendum. Here is what they said (and didn't say)
Alberta UCP ministers said they support the pro-Canada side in the coming referendum but backbench MLAs deferred to a caucus statement.
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Don Braid @donbraid.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Smith's struggle to wrest the UCP away from separatists has finally begun. Ministers, MLAs, firing off messages urging people to join up and oust the intruders. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #canpoli #yyc #yeg
calgaryherald.com
Braid: Smith finally begins the struggle to win UCP back from the separatists
Premier Danielle Smith finally makes her call. She won't bow to the separatists claiming control of her party.
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Eric Bowling @ericbowling.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
My latest for @edmontonjournal.com 'If #Alberta can secede from #Canada, can #Edmonton secede from Alberta?' #YegCC #AlbertaPolitics #AlbertaSeparation #Autonomy edmontonjournal.com/news/local-n...
edmontonjournal.com
Councillor wants Edmonton to rejoin Canada if Alberta separates
'If Alberta can secede from Canada, can Edmonton secede from Alberta?'
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Charles Rusnell @charlesrusnell.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Alberta Is Spending $5 Million to Win BC Indigenous Pipeline Support via @thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/News/2026/05...
thetyee.ca
Alberta Is Spending $5 Million to Win BC Indigenous Pipeline Support | The Tyee
Well-connected lobbyists and consultants have been given contracts to smooth the way.
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 28/05/2026
From @jonnywakefield.bsky.social : Alberta separatist lawyer Jeffrey Rath is facing yet another Law Society hearing over 3 allegations, inc that he used “abusive” and “offensive” communications He was reprimanded 2x in 2025 and is awaiting a ruling from another hearing in January #ableg #abpoli
edmontonjournal.com
Alberta separatist lawyer facing hearing over allegations of 'abusive, offensive' communication in legal case
Alberta separatist lawyer Jeffrey Rath is facing citations from Alberta's legal regulator over dealings with a Saskatchewan First Nation.
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Don Braid @donbraid.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
The Prime Minister waves the Clarity Act over Smith's 'dangerous bluff', Could yet another question be ruled out of order? Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg
calgaryherald.com
Braid: Prime Minister Carney waves the Clarity Act over Smith's 'dangerous bluff'
Prime Minister Mark Carney unloaded on Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's "dangerous bluff" and threatens Clarity Act review.
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Jason Markusoff @markusoff.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
If Danielle Smith tries calling her own separation referendum, a judge could declare it invalid because of lack of First Nations consultation — once again. For the third time. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... by me
cbc.ca
ANALYSIS | For Danielle Smith and Alberta separatists, no clear path left for referendum after court loss | CBC News
Pressure is mounting for premier to commit to the vote her UCP base wants, but First Nations have blocked.
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Jon M. Sweeney @jonmsweeney.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
I’m skeptical.
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Robson Fletcher @robsonfletcher.com · 14/05/2026
There's been lots of polling about the *possibility* of a referendum question on Alberta separation. But how do Albertans' feel about the nine OTHER questions that are guranteed to be on the ballot? The ones about immigration and the Canadian constitution? Not great, it turns out. 🧵
robsonfletcher.com
We asked 1,484 Albertans one open-ended question. Their answers surprised me. — Robson Fletcher: Data & Storytelling Strategist
We wanted to find out how Albetans feel about the whole referendum process — in their own words. They did not hold back.
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 14/05/2026
David Parker and Take Back Alberta will argue in court next month that $120K in Elections Alberta fines from 2023 should be tossed due to Charter violations The fines were for what EA deemed to be "numerous substantive breaches" of financial disclosure rules ahead of the '23 election #ableg #abpoli
edmontonjournal.com
Take Back Alberta, David Parker fighting 2023 Elections Alberta fines over alleged Charter breaches
Take Back Alberta and its founder David Parker say Alberta disclosure laws breach the Charter and over $112K in fines should be tossed out.
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trevorrobb.bsky.social @trevorrobb.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
"A sixth coach in the last 12 years. Canning a guy who took them to two Stanley Cup Finals in three years. Signing a guy to a three-year deal and then canning him before the deal even kicks in." #LetsGoOilers edmontonjournal.com/sports/edmon...
edmontonjournal.com
'Not all on Knoblauch,' Bowman addresses Edmonton Oilers coaching mess
Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman addresses the team's coaching situation after head coach Kris Knoblauch on Thursday morning.
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Matthew Black @matthewblack.ca · 14/05/2026
Separatist petition proponent Mitch Sylvestre told me he expects Premier Smith to to put his question on a referendum ballot in the fall. And, if she doesn't... "If the party is in favour of this, and the leader of the party doesn’t do it, I would suggest that would cause problems” #ableg #abpoli
edmontonjournal.com
Alberta separatists call on Smith to put their question on referendum ballot despite court defeat
Mitch Sylvestre said most Alberta UCP members want a separation question put to a referendum, warning failing to do so would cause problems
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trevorrobb.bsky.social @trevorrobb.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
Story from @matthewblack.ca — UCP caucus staff attended April call with Alberta separatist group accused of publishing voters list edmontonjournal.com/news/ucp-cau...
edmontonjournal.com
UCP caucus staff attended April call with Alberta separatist group accused of publishing voters list
The Alberta NDP published screenshots alleging at least one UCP executive was on a video meeting with David Parker's Centurion Project
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Excellent news for Alberta’s courts - but a real loss for the @ualberta.bsky.social and its law school. Eric Adams is a great constitutional scholar and legal historian - and he’s always been generous in sharing his knowledge with the public (and with me.) #cdnpoli #abpoli #ualberta #yeg #Edmonton
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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Simon Little 🍁 @simonplittle.ca · 23/04/2026
People based in the Netherlands are behind several YouTube channels that promote Alberta separatism but are fronted by hired actors, according to an investigation by CBC News’s visual investigations team and Radio-Canada’s Décrypteurs. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Dutch YouTube creators behind Alberta separatist videos getting millions of views | CBC News
A number of accounts creating misleading YouTube videos about Alberta separatism with millions of views appear to have their origins in a Dutch digital marketing course, a CBC/Radio-Canada investigati...
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