iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

AB Chief Justices pen letter to address public misunderstandings the courts & justices. Why? Possibly the musing of Prem. Smith who says she “accepts” judicial independence yet talks of elected judges🇺🇸. Directed = risk of impartiality replaced w/ party bias. www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/27/n...

nationalobserver.com

Alberta judges urge respect after Smith said she wants to 'direct' them

The province's three chief justices, in a rare public statement, say democracy only functions when all three branches of government operate independently and respect each other's role.

010

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

Small business owners see crushing burden of rising electricity costs - 29 % increase last year, driven largely by higher spending by the ON Gov’t on nuclear power & by natural gas companies passing on higher “buy Canadian” procurement costs on to customers. www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/16/a...

nationalobserver.com

Ontario's small businesses struggle to stay afloat as electricity costs rise

Several times, Cindy Lougheed came close to closing her café because of high energy costs. But she stayed open, thinking about her staff and her customers — especially her regulars.

021

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Diagio looked to create supply chain efficiencies. It sadly closed its location in ON after 50 yrs. ON Premier’s knee jerk reaction to pull Crown Royal from its shelves which could hurt Canadian production & cost more jobs in QC & MB. So much for team 🇨🇦. www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/13/n...

nationalobserver.com

Manitoba Premier Kinew asks Ontario counterpart Ford to rethink Crown Royal boycott

Ford has said that in retaliation for parent company Diageo deciding to close its bottling plant in Amherstburg, Ont., he will pull Crown Royal from Ontario liquor store shelves starting next month. T...

143

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

ON government has spent $452 million on advertising since being elected in 2018. 38 per cent of the province’s ad budget in 2024/25 was spent on ads that focused on drumming up a “positive impression” of the government, w/o facts to back up their claims. www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/13/n...

nationalobserver.com

Documents reveal Ontario's $7M Ring of Fire ad bill

These ads are pushing the controversial mega-project through a campaign it has dubbed “Protect Ontario,” which Canada’s National Observer has learned is earmarked with a budget of more than $7 million...

010

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

ON Gov’t approved more than 100 permits in past 5 yrs allowing industry to take water for industrial & commercial use in Waterloo Region incl. w/ high environmental impact. Outcome: a water capacity limit so serious WR has been forced to halt new development. www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/13/a...

nationalobserver.com

Ford's permit approvals have driven Waterloo to its water-taking limit

The Ford government approved more than 100 permits in the past five years, allowing industry to take water for industrial and commercial use in Waterloo Region, despite the province’s own data showing...

078

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

ON Gov’t proposing mineral exploration companies can take water for early-stage work w/o permit. Water extraction has risks, including groundwater depletion, harm to ecosystems, habitat degradation, etc. No permits = no assessment/monitoring. #WaterIsLife www.nationalobserver.com/2025/12/09/n...

nationalobserver.com

Ford moves to let mining companies take water — no permit required

Ontario is proposing changes that would allow hundreds of mineral exploration companies to take water for early-stage work without a permit.

121

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

So outside those who get it for free - only those who have privilege will be able to access it. It’s no longer a true choice of one’s care. #DoBetter #HealthcareIsHumancare

010

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

“Standing up for the values of justice, equity, and our shared humanity has never been more important. Ben & Jerry’s has been silenced, sidelined for fear of upsetting those in power.” ~ Jerry Greenfield www.nytimes.com/2025/09/17/b...

nytimes.com

Jerry of Ben & Jerry’s Resigns, Saying Company Has Been ‘Silenced’

020

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

Dangerously dry conditions have forced Nova Scotia to restrict public access to forests and trails. Why the decision is the latest litmus test of our collective willingness to pull together in a crisis — and how some people are failing it badly. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/08/07/o...

000

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

Under current water-taking rules, a permit transfer requires a new application, public review, environmental assessment & First Nations consultation. Ontario’s proposed changes cd remove this oversight, public input, & check to ensure proper water-taking. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/08/05/n...

nationalobserver.com

Ford government's proposed water rules will suck Ontario dry, critics say

The Ford government is facing backlash from advocates and water experts over proposed changes to Ontario’s Water Resources Act that would remove key oversight and public input from the province’s wate...

011

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 05/08/2025

Killing Democracy—And Not Bothering to Hide It open.substack.com/pub/thebulwa...

011

Reposted by Michele Sparling

My IRL friends call me Chris @christyceeck.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

Up 288% in June year-over-year. Shameful. This is on Doug Ford and Sylvia Jones, who lied through her teeth about the risk as she closed safe consumption sites.

A Toronto-based network representing more than 50 drop-in centres and allied community agencies says overdoses recorded within these spaces have skyrocketed since new provincial legislation forced five supervised consumption sites (SCS) across the city to shut down this spring.

According to data collected by the Toronto Drop-In Network (TDIN), overdoses at its member sites are up by 288 per cent in the month of June, compared to the previous year.

The network said it immediately noted a sharp increase in overdoses at the drop-ins under its umbrella in the month following the closures, which were ordered to take effect by no later than March 31.

27344

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

I still have a few of those quilts that my grandmother made. She braided cloth rugs too. She also used the cotton sugar & flour bags to make pillow cases, putting a brightly coloured trim on the edge. Every scrap was used, even yarn. I have mittens made of all her left over yarn one year (my ask).

050

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Housing & other community services are needed not shame and blame needed to address homeless encampments. www.thestar.com/opinion/cont...

thestar.com

031

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

Streamlining the assessment process doesn’t mean no Fed’l Laws. “Without national standards, decisions made in one province can harm ecosystems & communities elsewhere, whether through shared waterways, migratory species or air pollution” ~ Michael Drescher www.nationalobserver.com/2025/07/09/n...

nationalobserver.com

Ford gutted Ontario's environmental laws. Now he wants Ottawa to clear the last line of defence

If the Bill 5 megaprojects proposed by Ontario Premier Doug Ford — like mining in the Ring of Fire or building Highway 413 — push federally listed species, such as the boreal caribou or redside dace, ...

020

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

For some, not all, even when they can use it if there are capacity or access issues. It requires better upstream supports in communities to ensure those who need it can get access to it.

110

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

In the very early stages, a Norwegian company is looking to build a LNG export facility in Quebec to help supply European markets. The Quebec Premier is clear that such a project must benefit Quebec and its people. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/07/04/n...

nationalobserver.com

Norwegian company has plans for LNG export project in Quebec

As Canada looks to fast-track major projects that could reduce its dependence on the United States, a new subsidiary of a Norwegian energy company says it wants to build a liquefied natural gas export...

000

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

Agree. It’s not just massive direct education to non-filers. There are many reasons why some people don’t file/file regularly. When you are struggling to survive day to day annual or quarterly rebates are a far off thought vs food, housing, healthcare; add no 🏦 acct, internet, literacy, access, etc.

110

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

Water is life. So why are the Alberta & Ontario Govts responses about economic growth & competitiveness rather than the people? “Daily life is a very, very long day simply because people don’t have a direct water source,” said Carolina Budiman, Pikangikum. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/07/07/n...

nationalobserver.com

First Nation’s fight for clean water stalls amid federal-provincial tensions

A remote northern Ontario First Nation’s daily struggle for safe drinking water is stuck in the middle of a political fight between the federal and provincial governments.

020

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

Agree. Not unusual in negotiations to have items in the mix that you know you are prepared to step back from in order to get the best deal possible or to advance the negotiations - even ones you talk about in public. He & his team are negotiating for 🇨🇦.

141

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

1200 acres that was once farm land. Pumping out 2.2 million gallons per hour of water for 730 days to “dewater” the area to run cables. Use 2.2 gigawatts of electricity, enough to power a million homes & millions of gallons of water to help with cooling. All for AI. 😳 www.nytimes.com/2025/06/24/t...

nytimes.com

At Amazon’s Biggest Data Center, Everything Is Supersized for A.I.

001

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

“They paved paradise & put up a parking lot.” Old growth forests are a rare sight these days near cities. Most trees are less than 100 years old. Saint John, NB has the chance to save trees around since the days of Champlain - but will they? #Environment www.nationalobserver.com/2025/06/24/n...

nationalobserver.com

Saint John is warned against paving old-growth forest and putting up industrial park

A spruce tree in Saint John, N.B., likely dating back to around the time of famed French explorer Samuel de Champlain, is part of a forested area at risk of being paved over to make room for a new kin...

051

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

The Canada Strong Pass takes effect this Friday, offering free admission to national parks, national historic sites and marine conservation areas maintained by Parks Canada. The pass also includes a 25 per cent discount on camping fees at national parks. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/06/16/n...

nationalobserver.com

Free entry to national parks, camp site discounts start Friday

The Canada Strong Pass takes effect Friday, offering free admission to national parks, national historic sites and marine conservation areas maintained by Parks Canada. The pass also includes a 25 per...

010

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

The Fort Macleod & District Community Hall was packed to capacity w/ people frustrated w/ the Alberta Gov’t’s decision to allow coal mining on the Rockies' eastern slopes & risking their water. Water is life, & for farmers & others, it’s economic life. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/06/12/n...

nationalobserver.com

At a boisterous town hall, UCP coal mining plans clash with Alberta ranchers' water concerns

The Fort Macleod & District Community Hall was packed to capacity with nearly 500 people, with the premier and cabinet ministers facing near-constant jeers from a majority of attendees who came to exp...

010

Reposted by Michele Sparling

Canada Healthwatch 🍁 @canadahealthwatch.ca · 06/06/2025

Health minister says mental health and access to care are on her list of priorities www.hilltimes.com/story/2025/0... @tessiesanci.bsky.social 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 ⇢ CanadaHealthwatch.ca

Health Minister Marjorie Michel sits for an interview with The Hill Times in West Block on May 29, 2025

2185

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

The Ford government passed controversial legislation on Tuesday, stripping Ontario cities of the ability to set their own green building standards. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/06/04/n...

101

Reposted by Michele Sparling

Rick MacDonald MD @kidsdoc1.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

I care the sickest of children w/ chronic illnesses. Their resiliency inspires me. They & their parents are close to my heart. It is soul crushing to have others dismiss their setbacks , often profound, when they contract old and new viruses because they have “preexisting” diseases. Just stop.

112735

Reposted by Michele Sparling

Iva Cheung @ivacheung.com · 21/05/2025

This finally compelled me to complete the OurCare survey about primary care in Canada: www.ourcare.ca/survey

ourcare.ca

Survey — OurCare

2114

Reposted by Michele Sparling

Cheryl in Nova Scotia 🇨🇦🍁🍁 @minibubbly.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

Going to private #healthcare clinics, your data is being sold. #Canada Millions of Canadians' health data available for sale to pharmaceutical industry, study shows New study shows private clinics give companies access to patient data to sell to pharmaceutical companies www.cbc.ca/news/health/...

cbc.ca

Millions of Canadians' health data available for sale to pharmaceutical industry, study shows | CBC News

Details about your health, medical history and prescriptions can all be found in your medical record. A new Canadian study found in some cases, private companies are accessing parts of that data and s...

20322209

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 09/05/2025

NOAA’s database is the gold standard but it will no longer track the cost of climate change-fueled weather disasters, including floods, heat waves, wildfires and more - at a time when assessing the cost/impact of climate change on disasters loss is critical. www.nationalobserver.com/2025/05/08/n...

nationalobserver.com

US to stop tracking disaster costs of climate change

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will no longer track the cost of climate change-fueled weather disasters, including floods, heat waves, wildfires and more. It is the latest example...

000

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

How I missed those jokes. Thanks for that 🤦🏼‍♀️😂🤣

020

Reposted by Michele Sparling

PEIPolitical 🇨🇦 @peipolitical.bsky.social · 27/04/2025

Liberals - do not listen to any messaging that says "Liberals already have it in the bag so Liberal voters needn't bother voting". Disregard that stuff, it is a voter suppression technique. Tomorrow get out and vote come hell or high water. #cdnpoli

15535621367

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 27/04/2025

I make a yeast-free one that is more akin to a tea biscuit dough, roll flat, spread with butter, brown sugar and cinnamon, roll up, and cut into sections - cook on a cookie sheet or in muffin tins.

020

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

“….a lot of rhetoric… about getting rid of regulations & fast-tracking approvals … that is about creating a better investment climate,… assumes that you have large capital-rich private firms that are ready to jump in, & that’s not necessarily the case.” www.nationalobserver.com/2025/04/23/n...

nationalobserver.com

Conservative platform is 'flipping the bird' at climate change, expert suggests

The platform signals a new direction for the Conservative Party, away from technological and market-based policies to mitigate emissions that were included in the platforms of previous party leaders l...

011

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 12/04/2025

Wow!! They are beautiful! Enjoy your indoor sunshine.☀️

120

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

For one of our kiddos living in HRM it’s been a 5% year over year for 2024 & now 2025. Big numbers when starting out and income don’t align. There needs to be policies & a model defining what is truly affordable housing, and to ensure investment. Lack of housing has a spill out effect as we know.

020

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

My grand uncle went and never came home - Lance Corporal John MacKay - Italy, 1944, Cape Breton Highlanders. My father-in-law went as well and spent the next 68 years reading about it to trying to figure out the how and why.

050

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Awww.🥰 Any time my friend, any time. Oh, and right back at you!!

020

Michele Sparling @michelesparling.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

I have seen an image of that day many times at the local Legion in Iona when I am home; a community that still remembers and honours those that left home to never return, those that left home and came back with ghosts, those that left home and came back forever changed all in the hope of a better 🌎

190