iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 22/09/2026

this is a first for me: two volume Criminal Code

Tremeaar's 2027 Criminal Code, in two volumes

Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 18/09/2026

I don't post a lot on here and furthermore don't do a lot of personal stuff but my friend of 40+ years and I did the Rockwall Trail in Kootenay this week and it was a very good experience.

me and my buddy Mark at the Paint Pots trailhead

a trail leading up to Mt. Drysdale. the late afternoon sun glistens off it's
north side. clouds are trapped in a canuon beside it

looking east over an expansive green valley

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 01/07/2026

I'd love to be with you today, Leduc, catching The East Pointers, but as it turns out, I am in East Point. Happy Canada Day!

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 24/06/2026

went on a little walk, got soaked Wellington to Portage (PEI), 31 km

picture of me from below with the blue sky and white clouds above

a railbed trail stretching out in front with a marsh on either side and tall trees in the background

an old displaced railway culvert with the date "1922" embedded in the concrete

me in front of sign that reads "Portage, Route 2". the railbed trail stretches out behind me. I am soaked but smiling. the old Sharbell's Quick Mart is also in the background

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 02/06/2026

if this flag offends you, I'll help you pack

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 05/03/2026

"such action as it deems necessary" lot of off ramps in the NATO treaty, not the least being Article 7, which says we don't have to violate our UN obligations. what if a Prime Minister with courage said "it's actually necessary not to escalate things, we're assisting by sitting on our damn thumbs"

Article 5

The Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all and consequently agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of them, in exercise of the right of individual or collective self-defence recognised by Artile 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith, individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the security of the North Atlantic area.

Any such armed attack and all measures taken as a result thereof shall immediately be reported to the Security Council. Such measures shall be terminated when the Security Council has taken the measures necessary to restore and maintain international peace and security.

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 01/03/2026

I cannot convey with words the profound peace and beauty of walking through the ancient hardwoods stands of Eastern PEI. if we are lost the very soul of PEI would be diminished. please consider supporting

a view of a railbed trail traversing an old hardwood stand, somewhere "Up East" in Prince Edward Island

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 01/03/2026

brb going to find some gears and some wheels ushistoryscene.com/article/free...

"There is a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can't take part; you can even passibely take part, and you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus, and you've got to make it stop. And you've got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it, that unless you're free, the machine will be prevented from working at all!"

- Marco Savio

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 25/02/2026

e.g. my experience in this area is, unless you are in the village of Morell, there's nothing (and even then not great). another thing I'm not hyped about, Weatherradio is a public service, cell service is not

a screen shot of a map depicting cell towers, roughly centred on St. Peter's, PEI. there are four towers in the village of Morell, and another tower a few kilometres east of St. Peter's.

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 24/02/2026

同胞に親切なれ親善鄰居 आपके पड़ोसी से प्रेम पूर्वक व्यवहार कीजिए اپنے ہمساءے دوستانی برتاؤ کرؤ اَحِب قَرِيبَ וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ Любите ближнего своего Amu vian najbaron Elsk din nabo Ama a tu prójimo Liebe deinen Nächsten Amate il prossimo Aimez votre prochain Love your neighbour

A still from the NFB animation, "Neighbours." Two men sit in lawnchairs, reading newspapers. One headline reads, "Peace Certain If No War." The other reads, "War Certain If No Peace."

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 21/01/2026

I must say that was a real shot in the arm. I‘m not sure I’ve ever seen or heard a leader on the national stage like this before, and it left us tremendously hopeful for the future. I feel like we’re on the verge of something big and good, can’t remember the last time I felt that. Go @avilewis.ca !

Elder Russell Auger standing at a lectern in front of a standing crowd. A huge backdrop reads “Free Palestine”

A crowd of hundreds of people before the event began

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 28/12/2025

I don't go onto Facebook very often anymore, but this greeted me today: Strombo talking with Kevin Martin of The Lobby, "the last video store" Kevin is great. The Lobby is great. @strombo.bsky.social is great.

(continued from last screen shot)

"PS. Honourable mention to the underrated beauty, The Edge with Baldwin, Hopkins, and that bear.

And no Alberta vibe would be complete without Fubar. If the EAst Coast has the Trailer Park Boys, we've got the Fubar boys. Stereotype? Maybe. Funny as hell. You goddamn right.

And of course, legendary Alberta-born director Tommy Chong. Yup. Dude directed every Cheech and Chong flick after the original

thanks Kevin!
[links]

[photo of Kevin Martin, standing with his arms crossed, beside Strombo, with his elbow on Kevin's shoulder, standing in The Lobby]

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 05/11/2025

also interesting the options presented for sharing on social media

screenshot:

"Spread the word

Share the Ours to Protect website with your community.

[buttons]
Share on Facebook
Share on LinkedIn
Share on Bluesky"

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 21/10/2025

Well the votes are counted (lately, manually, expensively) and we have some unofficial results! An especial congratulations to my good friend Lars, and my former benchmates Laura and Bill. Congratulations to the newly elected as well. I anticipate you will all do us proud!

A screenshot from the City of Leduc website:

"The unofficial results for the City of Leduc are now available with the following individuals receiving the highest number of votes.

Mayor:

HANSEN, Lars

Councillor:

BAYNES, Brett
HAMILTON, Bill
MILLER, Ryley
RAYMOND, Shawn
SPINKS, Jill
TILLACK, Laura"

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 20/10/2025

Municipal election day in Alberta! For City of Leduc Mayor, I have not been shy about my endorsement of Lars Hansen.

Councillor Ryan Pollard
035m • 0

Today's the day everyone! The day you get your say in who runs your municipality for the next four years!

It's well known of course that I am not running again, so don't bother looking for my name on the ballot

You have your work cut out for you in making choices for councillors, with so many names on the ballot. I'm not going to weigh in on that race, but I will say that the thing I heard time and again from residents is that if you pay attention, you can tell who is really serious about it, knows what the job is about, and who has worked hard to earn your trust. Every candidate, I have observed, has strenths and weaknesses (this was no less true for me when I ran). I mean that.
Reward the people who have shown you that they have what it takes.

In terms of the mayoral race, I have not been shy about whom I endorse. I have nothing bad I will say about the other candidates, but I have much to say about the qualifications of Elect Lars Hansen for Mayor.

Lars is a man I've known for many years, before either of us were polticians. He's always been serious, informed, intelligent, and had views about what was going well in the world and what was not. More to the point, he's always had a vision for making the world a better place, and it was my extreme privilege to bear witness to him putting that vision into action. He knows what's up. He knows how to make things happen. He works hard and accomplishes much.

He is the choice for Mayor of Leduc.
Lars, my dear friend, I pray for you and I pray for our City. Go make it happen buddy.
Elect Lars Hansen for Mayor

[a shared post from Lars Hansen, with a graphic of an endorsement from Councillor Ryan Pollard]

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 05/10/2025

We were at the Alberta legislature today to show support for teachers as the largest strike in Alberta history is about to begin. Shannon is a CUPE member and she just went through this last spring. A lot of great signs, leave it to a teacher to use the future perfect tense

Ryan, Shannon and Isaac Pollare. Shannon is holding a sign that says:

CUPE

THE WORKERS UNITED WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED

A sign that reads,

School population will have grown by 12.5 % in 3 years

To keep up we need 6,400 more teachers

And a lot more to fix the situation

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 16/09/2025

My final council meeting has ended. I remain your humble event until the next council is sworn in, but that’s a wrap on all the business taking place in the council chamber. It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to serve you!

Councillor Ryan Pollard outside the Leduc Civic Centre. In the background is a fountain and the setting sun.

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 06/09/2025

Spam account addressing me as “Pollard” like some old friend from high school is funny as hell to me

Instagram DM from “Aileen” where she asks

“Hey Pollard Leaning on the railing looking out feels like saying goodbye to social media have you already found a more natural way to express yourself”

I respond, “yeh”

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 22/07/2025

I endorse Lars Hansen for Mayor of Leduc in biggest possible way

Screenshot of an Instagram post from Lars Hansen. There is a photo of Councillor Ryan Pollard and the text,

ENDORSEMENT
Ryan Pollard
Leduc City Councillor

larshansenformayor.ca

LARS HANSEN FOR MAYOR

larshansenleduc Thanks for the endorsement, Ryan!

"Lars Hansen is, as a leader, beyond comparison. I have never in my life met someone more suited to this role. He stands alone in this community as possessing the intelligence, vision, and experience required to deliver the good governance our citizens need and deserve. I have seen that his sole motivation is the delivery of excellence in service to others. There is no one better."

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 20/07/2025

Thank you @tommorelloofficial.bsky.social for your performance in Edmonton last night. Your message of hope and solidarity is both timely and urgent, and is just what is required in this moment, both in Alberta and worldwide.

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 02/07/2025

Topping off the day with Corb Lund and @naheednenshi.bsky.social . Thank you both for spending Canada Day with us!!

Naheed Nenshi and Ryan Pollard, with Corb Lund and the Hurtin’ Albertans in the background

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 01/07/2025

Myself and the rest of council were at the splash park today for the unveiling of its new sponsor, the Leduc Rotary Club

Left to right, Cllrs. Finstad, Hamilton, Mayor Young, Cllrs. Tillack, Hansen, and Pollard. In the background is the Leduc Civic Centre

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 01/07/2025

The fountain front of the Civic Centre. Beautiful day!

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 01/07/2025

My favourite entry was this 59 Ford Escort decked out for a picnic, complete with an antique picnic set and cigarettes for the kids

Back view of the Escort, with picnic supplies in the boot, including a handmade quilt

Back seat of the Escort with antique Players and Export A cigarette packages sitting on top of the picnic basket

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 01/07/2025

Thank you to Block 50 for hosting the car show. I’m kind of a sucker for car shows

Hot rod with a bunch of guys hanging out

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 01/07/2025

I would like to thank the Leduc Arts Foundry for having their summer student Gian do this painting of the grain elevator (in progress). When it is done it will hang outside on the chain link fence. It’s so great to have art in our community.

A man standing beside an in-progress green grain elevator against a blue sky.

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 01/07/2025

Happy Canada Day, Leduc! Things got off to an early start at the grain elevator, with the Lions pancake breakfast! Busy!

The Leduc Legacy Heritage Society grain elevator parade float. There is a model of a green grain elevator marked “Alberta Wheat Pool,” and Alberta and Canada grain railway cars.

A Land Rover antique military vehicle with radio annentas attached

A very long line up for pancakes outside of the grain elevator

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 08/06/2025

I gave this dance a try. If that didn’t it make it to video on someone’s phone it’s likely for the best

Two dancers stepping between shifting bamboo poles

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 08/06/2025

Today the City of Leduc raised the Filipino Flag at our 4th annual event to mark Filipino Independence Day. About 11% of Leduc’s population is Filipino and this annual event is always beautiful and lively. Thank you to the Filipino-Canadian Association of Leduc.

Members of the Filipino-Canadian Association of Leduc with Filipino flags and in traditional dress

Roger Villa of the Filipino-Canadian Association of Leduc with Mayor Bob Young as Mayor Young reads a proclamation.

Councillors Ryan Pollard and Lars Hansen

Two people doing at Filipino courtship dance

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 08/06/2025

This Pentecost marks 100 years since the founding of the United Church of Canada. I was pleased to celebrate with St. David’s United in Leduc, which has been our home church since we moved here.

Councillor Ryan Pollard in front of St. David’s United Church

A cake that reads “United Church of Canada 100th Anniversary”

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 07/06/2025

A beautiful day to plant some trees! Arbour Day in Leduc is always well-attended and a great family event. Happy to see Cllrs Hansen, Tillack, and Finstad, friends Shawn Raymond and Cindy Danyluk-Boisvert, 1st Leduc Scouting, Leduc Wildlife Conservation, LEAB members, amongst others

Councillor Ryan Pollard and Cindy Danyluk-Boisvert standing in a field, fluffy clouds in the background

Councillor Ryan Pollard and Shawn Raymond standing in a field

Councillors Ryan Pollard, Lars Hansen, and Glen Finstad standing in a field

Councillors Ryan Pollard and Laura Tillack standing in a field

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 03/06/2025

Yesterday was the annual flag raising to make the start of Pride Month in Leduc, Alberta. The event is organized by the Leduc Pride Society and we raise an official City of Leduc flag that then flies at municipal installations throughout the city.

Leduc Pride Society members Trevor Francis (Vice President) and Shawn Raymond (President and Leduc City Council Candidate)

Leduc City Councillor and Mayoral Candidate Lars Hansen speaking at a podium and wearing a Leduc Pride t-shirt

A large gathering of people in front of the Leduc Civic Centre. The City of Leduc Pride flag flies alongside the flags of Canada, Alberta, Treaty 6, and the Metis flag

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 03/06/2025

A comment on the City of Leduc's Facebook page, in response to us changing our profile pic to our multi-coloured city flag for the month of June. omg got em

Facebook comment from David Hennig:

"City of LedWoke"

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 03/06/2025

Yesterday I said goodbye to Ottawa, to the @fcm.ca Annual Conference, to the old friends reunited with, and the new ones I made. The annual conference is vital for municipal representatives to work and learn together. The perspectives gained there are invaluable. Until we meet again!

Councillor Ryan Pollard with the Rideau Canal and Peace Tower in the background.

Maire Maxime Bourgeois de la Village de Memramcook, Nouveau-Brunswick, Councillor Ryan Pollard, and Councillor Christian Lachance from Cartier, Manitoba

Councillors Corey Frizzell, Town of Cornwall, P.E.I.; Jaime Marr, Town of Sundre, Alberta; Ryan Pollard; Christian Lachance, RM of Cartier, Manitoba; Owen Petersen, Town of Sundre

An illuminated Ottawa sign with Cllrs. Marr, Pollard, Lachance, Petersen, and Frizzell standing in front of it.

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 03/06/2025

I love this monument to Canadian veterans of the Mackenzie-Papineau Regiment/International Brigades I saw in Victoria, BC a couple of years back.

A statue of a woman wearing a crown, a wreath in one hand and a dove in the other.

Plaque from the memorial, reads in part:

“THE MACKENZIE PAPINEAU BATTALION OF THE INTERNATIONAL BRIGADES
SPANISH CIVIL WAR 1936-1939

This monument commemorates the gallant men and women of British Columbia and Canada who offered cheir lives to defend che principles of democracy and served as the Mackenzie-Papincau Battalion of the International Brigades in defence of the Republic of Spain..

In July 1936, the opening shots of the Second World War were fired in Spain. Insurgent forces led by General Franco staged a rebellion to crush the democratically clected Government of the Spanish Republic. This treason was met with armed resistance by che people of Spain who rose to defend che New Republic. Thus the Spanish Civil War had begun which pitted the democracy embodied in che Spanish Republic against the fascism of the insurgent forces led by Franco, whose allies were the fascist regimes of Hitler and Mussolini.:
Against a backdrop of appeasement of Hitler, the policy of Non-Intervention, and arms embargoes against the Republic rendering it virtually defenseless, volunteers from 53 countries - who formed the International Brigades - went to Spain co defend democracy and resist the spread of fascism.

…

Over 600 volunteers in the Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion were killed in Spain. These brave individuals are forever part of the earth of Spain. Many of the survivors of the Battalion who returned to Canada in 1939 endeavoured to join and did join the Canadian forces to fight with the Alfies in World War Il, which began six months later. Once again, they were fighting fascism. The fascist alliance of the Axis Powers was finally defeated in 1945.

NO PASARAN”

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 01/06/2025

“Canadians need reassurance that the things they need will be there for them.” Alberta 2025 municipal candidates, take note. People need hope and reassurance.

A slide depicting three cartoon figures with thought bubbles over their heads, that read “?”

The caption reads, “What role will you play in creating certainty—or at least reducing uncertainty-for the people who count on you most?”

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 01/06/2025

@davidcoletto.bsky.social from Abacus Research addressing #FCM on the topic of “From Scarcity to Precarity” About half of Canadians have gone from “just” being able to carry on personally, and have moved onto fearing complete foundational collapse. Hm, seems bad.

David Coletto on stage. A projected slide reads,

“Scarcity is about not having enough.

Precarity is about not knowing whether anything will hold.”

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 31/05/2025

Thank you to @cupescfp.bsky.social for presenting on the perils and opportunities presented by AI for municipalities at #FCM. The topic is a preoccupation of mine. I recognize the efficiencies possible but the ways I see it being used in nefarious ways spooks me.

CUPE president Mark Hancock introducing the panel. A project slide says

“l'intelligence artificielle en assemblée:
Conseils et considerérations pour les élus”

A projected slide with various headlines and captions regarding AI.

“Warnings Al tools used by government on UK public are 'racist and biased'”

“Transparency campalgners welcome govemment move to publish details of system algorithms”

“Amazon Pulled the Plug on an Al Recruitment Tool That Was Blased Against Woman”

“Al generates covertly racist decisions about people based on their dialect”

“Al overwhelmingly prefers white and male job candidates in new test of resume-screening bias”

“Artificial intelligence and algorithmic tools used by central government are to published on a public register after warnings they can contain "entrenched" racism and bias”

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Ryan Pollard @ryanpollard.ca · 31/05/2025

“Now Joe had to portage from the Gatineau down To see a little girl he had in Kempville town He was back and forth so many times to see that gal The path he wore became the Rideau Canal The best man in Ottawa was Mufferaw Joe”

Rideau Canal UNESCO Word Heritage Site monument

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