Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 21/09/2026We all benefit from accessible, affordable postsecondary education that gives students meaningful choices. #UnlockEducation #GrantsNotLoans @pattyhajdu.bsky.social, don't cut student grants. 010
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 16/09/2026First Dog for PM. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comI used to think AI would kill us all, until the techbro CEOs said AI will kill us all and now I’m not so sure | First Dog on the MoonIs AI going rogue the worst that could happen? Maybe not … 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 15/09/2026"We should...demand...a public inquiry to verify whether the new agreement is in the public interest...MOU 2 places in jeopardy our ability to make the choices that best serve...our people..." unclegnarley.ca/2026/09/sove...unclegnarley.caSOVEREIGNTY SURRENDERED by MOU2 - Uncle GnarleyMOU 2 places in jeopardy our ability to make the choices that best serve the benefit our people and make them the “principal beneficiary” of our resources. We must do better than MOU 2, which is an ab... 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 11/09/2026Churchill Falls MoU PSA: Anyone who is looking for help with questions for your MHA ahead of the "information session" next week, check out Uncle Gnarley's handy summary: unclegnarley.ca/2026/09/20-q...unclegnarley.ca20 Questions Voters need to ask their MHAs about the Churchill Falls MOU (with a selection of photographs of that “Grand River”) - Uncle GnarleySeveral Facebook, and other readers, asked for questions that they could use to challenge their MHAs. Many people want to find out if MHAs are merely 'holding their noses' and supporting the Progressi... 011
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 11/09/2026action.seiulocal2.ca/petitions/te...action.seiulocal2.caTell Fairmont Château Laurier: Bring back fired steward!A member and union steward working at Fairmont Château Laurier, and employed by the cleaning contractor ServeGreen, was recently fired in what is clearly an example of retaliation for his union activi... 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 07/09/2026Sensible commentary from @theglobeandmail.com's Marcus Gee. #urbanism #cycling www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/toron...theglobeandmail.comWhere is the ‘common sense’ here?Ripping out Toronto bike lanes is more than just a waste of money 010
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 02/09/2026Sound familiar, Canadians? www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comA glacier collapsed in Nepal but this is not the time to talk about climate change | First Dog on the MoonIt’s always thoughts and prayers and please don’t politicise this horrible disaster 050
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 28/08/2026'Khan said: “Introducing and expanding the Ulez involved some incredibly difficult decisions.... but I knew that – as mayor – I could not stand by while Londoners young and old lost their lives to a problem it was within my power to solve."' www.theguardian.com/environment/...theguardian.comUlez led to better lung size and function among London children, study findsResearchers find capacity stunted by pollution restored after introduction of ultra-low emission zone 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 18/08/2026Good reporting here: recommended reading. www.cyclingweekly.com/news/the-uci...cyclingweekly.comUCI is boasting the green credentials of a race sponsored by an oil companyThe UCI praises the Arctic Race of Norway’s pioneering use of electric vehicles. However, as Matt Rendell reports, that’s not even half the story 110
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 16/08/2026www.currentaffairs.org/news/the-mas...currentaffairs.orgThe Gargantuan Lie That is Collapsing The World’s ClimateThinking we have time left to address climate change, or that “Net Zero by 2050” will save us, is driving us toward full social collapse in ways that become more obvious with every new broken temperat... 021
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 16/08/2026'Francis Aguillard articulated it nicely by saying “Liveability often comes down to reducing the friction of ordinary life.” Can you reach work, school, groceries, a park, a doctor and your friends without building your entire day around a car?' challengercities.substack.com/p/the-quest-...challengercities.substack.comThe Quest for the Holy Grail of Downtown RecoveryNobody is withholding the secret of a thriving city centre, because there isn't one. How to rebuild successful urban cores through imperfect, compounding actions over yet another consultancy study. 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 14/08/2026ICYMI: "The sceptics who doubted the quality of the women’s peloton have been silenced." www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...theguardian.comTour de France Femmes steps out of Pogacar’s shadow to showcase truly compelling racing | Jeremy WhittleOverall winner of Tour de France Femmes was uncertain until final climb – a world away from Tadej Pogacar’s dominance of men’s event 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 11/08/2026"...the impacts of climate change are already being felt across this country. Every new fossil fuel project deepens that crisis.” “Consultation cannot be meaningful if First Nations are invited only to discuss how a predetermined project will proceed” www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...theglobeandmail.comGroup representing First Nations in B.C. calls on Carney, Smith to halt West Coast pipelineIndigenous group warned Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith of the consequences of expanding fossil fuel production as B.C. grappled with widespread wildfires 051
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 10/08/2026ICYMI, some good news for cycling in Bogatá, and lessons for other cities. www.theguardian.com/global-devel...theguardian.com‘They were told bikes were for men’: how Latin America’s city of cycling is breaking gender barriersWith less than a third of cycling journeys taken by women, Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, is installing bike lanes, teaching cycling and making sure ‘stereotypes are left behind’ 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 06/08/2026With all the attention on home-ownership, this research shows that a lack of affordable rental homes drives increased homelessness. Notice this, politicians and planners, when approving new developments. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...theglobeandmail.comRising cost of low-end rental units driving increase in homelessness, report showsFindings challenge assumption that other factors, such as mental health or substance use, are the reason rates have surged in Canada 031
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 30/07/2026Remember when flying WestJet actually felt different? That airline is gone. WestJet’s flight attendants are fighting to bring back the airline you deserve. They need public support to stop the race to the bottom. endunpaidwork.caendunpaidwork.caWestJet Flight Attendants: Ready to strike to end unpaid work | CUPE 8125 WestJet ComponentWestJet flight attendants aren't paid for boarding, safety checks or ground delays — up to 35 unpaid hours a month. See the facts about the possible strike and take action. 040
Reposted by Robin WhitakerUrban Truth Collective @urbantruth.bsky.social · 28/07/2026Not JUST lies. Organized disinformation. #Wildfires #ClimateChange 08433
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 29/07/2026Sauvons Glendon! Save Glendon! Join students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters in calling on York University's Board of Governors to keep Glendon in its historic home. ✍️ Sign now: actionnetwork.org/.../sauvons-... #SaveGlendon #SpaceMeansPlaceactionnetwork.org 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 12/07/2026www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comBritain’s cars and SUVs are growing bigger – but there is a way to stop this deadly ‘carspreading’ | Christian WolmarLarger vehicles crowd our roads and are far more dangerous to pedestrians. Let’s curb them before they do even more damage, says says transport commentator Christian Wolmar 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 10/07/2026NEW ACTION Please join me in urging the Canadian government to put an end to the injustice against #HassanDiab once and for all! #cdnpoli #Canada share.nwmd.social/s/nhfxZba9share.nwmd.socialJustice Minister Sean Fraser must act now to end the injustice against Dr. Hassan Diab! 010
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 29/06/2026www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...theguardian.comFive Americans die every hour from toxic vehicle emissions, study findsResearch suggests 41,800 premature US deaths in 2024 were attributable to road pollution 010
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 27/06/2026Let's do this here too: "The authors recommended capping bonnet heights and car widths, changing taxes to discourage people from buying bigger vehicles, and tightening vehicle standards so they considered the visibility of young children from the driver’s seat." www.theguardian.com/environment/...theguardian.com‘Carspreading’ could lead to extra 400 crash deaths a year by 2040, study findsAnalysis shows cars in Europe have grown longer, taller and wider every year since 2000 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 23/06/2026www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...theguardian.comEurope heatwave live: ‘London is cooking,’ says UN chief as UK forecast to hit 38C; France has hottest night since records beganAntónio Guterres urges world to act on fossil fuels as continent braces for record-breaking heat; French PM to hold emergency meeting after heat deaths 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 23/06/2026An essential component to any of the federal government's much-promoted nation-building programs. Now let's see secure funding across the whole spectrum of public education from early childhood through to colleges and universities. www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...theglobeandmail.comMore moms in work force, increased GDP as result of national child-care program, report saysSome child-care operators and advocates say these gains are proof there is a persuasive economic case for government investment 010
Reposted by Robin WhitakerDavid Zipper @davidzipper.bsky.social · 22/06/2026NYT investigates US car bloat: “About 200 to 400 pedestrians a year would not have died if vehicles had remained approximately the same size over the past quarter-century. That represents about 10 percent of the recent increase in pedestrian deaths.”nytimes.comThe Deadly Rise of Giant Trucks and S.U.V.sThe vehicles on American roads have grown larger — and they are killing thousands more pedestrians, a Times investigation found. 1631193
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 22/06/2026Public Service post: www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...theguardian.comO Romeow … cat steals the show during final scene at Romeo and Juliet ballet - videoA cat decided it was the main character during the final scene of a Romeo and Juliet performance by the Imperial Russian Ballet Company in Izmir, Turkey 110
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 14/06/2026"Our results provide clear evidence that clean air zones and low emission zones can bring public health benefits.” www.theguardian.com/environment/...theguardian.comEmergency hospital admissions fell after introduction of London’s T-charge and Ulez, study suggestsImperial College scientists analysed health records before and after introduction of air pollution reduction zones 010
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 13/06/2026ICYMI: www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/b92d06d...theglobeandmail.comThe trap of removing speed camerasRiskiest forms of speeding on rise in months after Ford government orders end to automated enforcement 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 12/06/2026www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...theguardian.com‘They are thugs thriving on division’: residents voice disgust and shame at Belfast riotersPeople tell of feeling alienated in own city, disruption to daily life including healthcare, and frustration with politicians 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 12/06/2026Support people and groups impacted by racist attacks chuffed.org/project/1854...chuffed.orgSupport people and groups impacted by racist attacksWe are raising funds to support people who have been attacked, displaced and traumatised in racist attacks in Belfast. 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 12/06/2026www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...theguardian.comHug a climate scientist today! Just don’t make it weird, they are already dealing with enough | First Dog on the MoonToday we show our love and gratitude to the brave boffins at the coal face of existential dread 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 07/06/2026Provincial governments are getting way too cozy with the s33 shortcut to restrict labour and other charter-protected rights. Sign this parliamentary petition to tell MPs know that fundamental rights must be treated as such. @ctffce.bsky.social @caut.bsky.social www.ctf-fce.ca/take-action/...ctf-fce.caPetition to End Notwithstanding Clause Use - CTF-FCEGovernments are enacting the notwithstanding clause to deny human and democratic rights – and it’s at the expense of youth, educators, and all workers. 023
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 26/05/2026New special issue of @caut.bsky.social Journal,guest edited by @profsavage.bsky.social & Susan Spronk, on organizing in Canada's universities: "Organizing for power in Canada’s university sector is becoming an urgent necessity rather than a strategic choice." journal.caut.ca/index.php/ca...journal.caut.ca 2026: Organizing for Power in Canada’s University Sector: Lessons for Academic Staff Associations | CAUT Journal 074
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 26/05/2026I just wrote a @theactionnetwork.bsky.social letter: Reverse the Loss of ECCC Severe Weather Radar Science. Write one here: actionnetwork.org/letters/reve...actionnetwork.orgReverse the Loss of ECCC Severe Weather Radar ScienceEnvironment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) recently disbanded its High Impact Weather Research section that included radar research. The radar research group was tasked with ensuring that our new $1... 001
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 25/05/2026We have given you a university — if you can keep it theindependent.ca/commentary/c...theindependent.caWe have given you a university — if you can keep it – The IndependentThe defunding of Memorial is not a story of fiscal misfortune or demographic bad luck. It is one of a deliberate, decades-long ideological project whose purpose is the transformation of public univers... 032
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 16/05/2026www.theguardian.com/membership/2...theguardian.comOne thing Guardian staff have done to defend press freedom … and one thing you can doWhat does defending press freedom mean in practice? We asked people across the Guardian to tell us something they have done to protect it this past year. The range of responses will likely surprise yo... 010
Reposted by Robin WhitakerCAUT/ACPPU @caut.bsky.social · 13/05/2026NUCAUT President Robin Whitaker speaking to a CLC resolution on precarious work, highlighting the realities of contract academic staff and “invisible job cuts” caused by public underfunding at the @canadianlabour.bsky.social's Constitutional Convention #CLC2026 #CTC2026 096
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 13/05/2026Dr Adelle Blackett addressing the delegates at #clc2026 on how equitable inclusion is solidarity in action. 010
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 13/05/2026NDP leader Avi Lewis talking to delegates at #CLC2026 about why labour needs to be at all the tables. 040
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 12/05/2026The ATU's John di Nino talking to delegates at @canadianlabour.bsky.social convention about why public transit is a workers' issue. 010
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 16/04/2026Recommended reading: @pamdowne.bsky.social on the myth that faculty are the obstacle to change. usaskfaculty.ca/wp-content/u...usaskfaculty.ca 020
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 16/04/2026theindependent.ca/announcement...theindependent.caWe’re hiring a Publisher! – The IndependentPublisher The Lowdown Position: PublisherLocation: Remote, Newfoundland & LabradorHours: Full time (40 hours/week)Annual Salary: $75,000Type: 020
Reposted by Robin WhitakerCAUT/ACPPU @caut.bsky.social · 14/04/2026"It is now time for a federal-provincial strategy on public postsecondary education: essential infrastructure in this nation-building era." CAUT President Robin Whitaker on the hollowing out of public postsecondary education: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...policyalternatives.caThe hollowing out of public postsecondary education: What do we have to lose? - CCPAIs post-secondary education in Canada a pipeline to train students for jobs or a source of critical perspectives essential to a healthy society? 0108
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 12/04/2026'The demolitions came after Israel’s minister of defence, Israel Katz, called for the destruction of “all houses” in border villages “in accordance with the model used in Rafah and Beit Hanoun in Gaza...”' www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a...theguardian.com‘Everything is gone’: Israel destroys entire villages in LebanonRights groups fear tactic of ‘domicide’ trialled in Gaza, where entire areas are made uninhabitable, is being used again 121
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 10/04/2026What do we stand to lose if Memorial continues to be starved of basic funding? Students' freedom to learn and thrive through a diverse set of pathways to life-changing and world-changing knowledge. #WeAreMUN @munfaculty.bsky.social themuse.ca/letter-fund-...themuse.caLETTER: Fund the Freedom to Learn | The MuseMUN professor Josh Lepawsky makes the case for funding Memorial University ahead of Budget 2026 075
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 09/04/2026www.theguardian.com/environment/...theguardian.comMass drowning of chicks puts emperor penguins at risk of extinctionRecord low levels of Antarctic sea ice is having grim consequences for penguins yet to grow waterproof feathers 020
Reposted by Robin WhitakerCUPW @cupwsttp.bsky.social · 04/04/2026Take Action: Stop Canada Post’s Sweeping Service Cuts! Canada Post has been given the green light by the Federal Government to move forward with sweeping service cuts to the public post office. Postal workers need your support! Take Action: www.cupw.ca/take-action 142
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 04/04/2026“In every conflict, classrooms are usually the first to close and some of the last places to reopen. Every missed lesson deepens the scars of war.” “Wars have laws and children must be off limits in every conflict.” www.theguardian.com/world/2026/a...theguardian.comDeath, displacement and military duties: children plunged into crisis by Middle East warThe US-Israeli war will have a lifelong impact on millions of children across the Middle East 040
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 03/04/2026www.theguardian.com/culture/gall...theguardian.comCulture of care: surreal celebrations of Iranian tenderness – in picturesIranian American artist Sheida Soleimani’s work reframes caring for bodies – both human and animal - as a political act 000
Robin Whitaker @rgwhitaker.bsky.social · 02/04/2026Everyone deserves access to affordable and fulfilling public education that offers pathways to a future where we can all thrive. #WeAreMUN 092