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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦

@senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social
8.6K followers 652 following 2.9K posts

I am an independent Senator, representing Alberta in the Senate of Canada. I live on Treaty Six Territory. Host of the podcast Alberta Unbound. She/her/elle Vive le Canada. Forever a Canadian. No to the Nine. senatorpaulasimons.ca

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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 14h
Posted this last night. Reposting this morning, ICYMI.
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Today, I had the privilege of attending two very different events, honouring two very remarkable Alberta women, two Edmontonians who helped to build and define our community: Jane Flett MacKay and Chief Justice Ritu Khullar. #yeg #Alberta #yegheritage #cdnpoli
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Reposted by Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦
Courtney Theriault @ctheriault.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Make Alberta America again? The fantastic Globe crew unearths even deeper ties between Alberta separatists and Republican officials, including a pledge to give the U.S. some of our resources in exchange for backing sovereignty www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
theglobeandmail.com
The elephant in the room
Alberta separatists have gone to D.C. offering fresh water and oil in exchange for American support – and Republican operatives have provided tactical assistance inside the province
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Reposted by Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦
Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The numbers are in; the latest Alberta Unbound is one of our most downloaded episodes! If you missed it, here’s my fiery conversation with @carterab.bsky.social, @jaredwesley.ca and Avnish Nanda of @ouralbertadvantage.bsky.social about how to fight the noxious nine. #saynotothenine #abpoli #cdnpoli
open.spotify.com
Saying No to the Nine
Alberta Unbound · Episode
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The numbers are in; the latest Alberta Unbound is one of our most downloaded episodes! If you missed it, here’s my fiery conversation with @carterab.bsky.social, @jaredwesley.ca and Avnish Nanda of @ouralbertadvantage.bsky.social about how to fight the noxious nine. #saynotothenine #abpoli #cdnpoli
open.spotify.com
Saying No to the Nine
Alberta Unbound · Episode
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Today’s Remember the Children memorial on Parliament Hill was wonderfully crafted - interspersing testimonies from elder survivors with sharp performances by rising Indigenous musical stars, including Soleil Laumière, Adrian Sutherland, Charlotte Qamaniq, and Alberta’s own Tia Wood.
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The main Truth and Reconciliation Day ceremony on Parliament Hill begins with the Eagle River Singers. (The national broadcast will start in 5 minutes.) #cdnpoli #yow #Canada #Ottawa
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
On Parliament Hill this morning for the flag raising ceremony that will begin a day of solemn remembrance on this Truth and Reconciliation Day. It seems even more important this year, in a moment of rising residential school denialism. #cdnpoli #Canada #yow #Ottawa
An audience, dressed in orange shirts (and rain coats) sit on a foggy, slightly drizzly morning in front of a stage set up in front of the parliamentary visitors centre. In the background, one can see the construction equipment renovating Centre Block.
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
This grim, gripping report on Canada’s biggest Covid-19 outbreak from the University of Alberta’s Parkland Institute should be required reading for all Albertans - and all Canadians. Especially those who’ve decided to forget how deadly and terrifying the early months of Covid truly were.
parklandinstitute.ca
Parkland Institute
Parkland Institute is an Alberta-wide, non-partisan research centre situated within the Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta.
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
This grim, gripping report on Canada’s biggest Covid-19 outbreak from the University of Alberta’s Parkland Institute should be required reading for all Albertans - and all Canadians. Especially those who’ve decided to forget how deadly and terrifying the early months of Covid truly were.
parklandinstitute.ca
Parkland Institute
Parkland Institute is an Alberta-wide, non-partisan research centre situated within the Faculty of Arts at the University of Alberta.
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
The Senate is back - and we begin by swearing in four new colleagues. You can watch the lovely ceremony here: senparlvu.parl.gc.ca/Harmony/en/P... #cdnpoli #SenCa #Canada
senparlvu.parl.gc.ca
Senate sitting no. 87
Senate sitting no. 87
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
So much talk about Alberta separatism. But what about a counter factual? Suppose Rupert’s Land had never joined Canada in the first place? I explored that idea in this essay 8 years ago. It seems apt to share it here - as we prepare for Truth and Reconciliation Day. #yeg #Canada #abpoli
ecf.ca
To Revive and Not Revise
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
The good news? My Porter flight back to Ottawa boarded early. The bad news? We are now in line for DE-ICING! And that, ladies and gentlemen, means summer is well and truly over. #yeg
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
This piece, by @jaredwesley.ca and my high school debate club chum Don Padget is a very detailed analysis. But it can be summed up this way: be careful what you wish for. #ableg #cdnpoli #abpoli
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Ok. Can we now also stop pretending that Alberta is being overrun by international students? Or that the children of international students are overwhelming our public schools? #abpoli #cdnpoli #notothenine
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Nomi Claire Lazar @nomiclairelazar.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
OMG. What is this madness. Please touch some political grass and listen to @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social .
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Where will you vote on Alberta’s referendum questions? The answer may surprise you - since your polling stations may be quite different than usual. Be sure you know where to go, whether you’ll be at an advance poll, or casting your ballots on Oct. 19. #abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
map.elections.ab.ca
Where To Vote - Elections Alberta
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Useful context for Alberta’s anti-inmigrant referendum questions. We are not being “flooded” with newcomers. And scapegoating immigrants for longstanding structural problems with our public health care system, in particular, is gutter politics. #cdnpoli #abpoli #notothenine.
ca.finance.yahoo.com
Canada's population growth slows to lowest level in 80 years
The population is also aging with the median age now at 40.9 years
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
This afternoon, I had the chance to visit Thunderhesd, the new national memorial commemorating the injustice and violence suffered by Canada’s 2SLBGQTI+ community - and celebrating their courage and resistance. What a beautiful, inspiring work of public architecture. #yow #Ottawa #Canada #cdnpoli
A curved white sign with black letters, reading, in English and French, 2SLGBTQI+ National Monument. A curved white hollow cylinder shaped statue, with cut out cloud shapes, through which you can see the deep blue autumn sky. The cut out frames a young maple tree, From inside the memorial, looking out at the trees and an Indigenous healing garden. The inside of the statue is lined with thousands of of reflective silvery tiles, like a disco ball. Shooting up into the blue sky from inside the reflective interior.
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
This morning, I was elected Deputy Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Transport And Communications, on which I’ve served for almost eight years. Very excited to be stepping into this new role. Today, we’re tackling Bill C-31 and changes to the Air Passenger Bill of Rights. #C31 #cdnpoli
Head shots of Sen. David Wells, the TRCM committee chair, Sen. Simons, the deputy chair, and the two other steering committee members, Réjean Aucoin and Duncan Wilson
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I keep meeting smart informed Albertans who tell me they do not intend to vote, because they don’t want to legitimize the process, or because they know the premier is not bound by the results. But what if making us give up on voting is the whole point? My argument to vote - no matter the absurdity.
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
I keep meeting smart informed Albertans who tell me they do not intend to vote, because they don’t want to legitimize the process, or because they know the premier is not bound by the results. But what if making us give up on voting is the whole point? My argument to vote - no matter the absurdity.
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Monday, September 21st. A month till Albertans vote on a multiple choice separation ballot AND nine other racist/useless questions. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at fighting the noxious nine, with @carterab.bsky.social, @jaredwesley.ca & Avnish Nanda of @ouralbertadvantage.bsky.social. #cdnpoli
podcasts.apple.com
Saying No to the Nine
Podcast Episode · Alberta Unbound · September 18 · 39m
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A thread about Edmonton, the city I love. This was the weekend for the Kaleido Festival, the last hurrah of the Edmonton summer. Kaleido is like a microcosm of Edmonton’s festival scene - the chance to catch up on anything you might have missed. #yeg #Edmonton #abpoli #cdnpoli
The word YEG painted in black on the side of a grey brick building. A red T-shirt patterned in yellow stars and hearts with the words Kaleido Family Arts Festival written in yellow.
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
My latest column for Forward Weekly. Why you should absolutely vote in Alberta’s referendum, even if the process seems absurdist and performative. Indeed, BECAUSE it is absurdist and performative. #cdnpoli #abpoli #ableg #Alberta #Canada
forwardweekly.ca
We Can’t Boycott Our Way Out of a Meaningless Referendum | By Paula Simons | Forward Weekly
Forward Weekly feature for September 20, 2026.
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
My latest column for Forward Weekly. Why you should absolutely vote in Alberta’s referendum, even if the process seems absurdist and performative. Indeed, BECAUSE it is absurdist and performative. #cdnpoli #abpoli #ableg #Alberta #Canada
forwardweekly.ca
We Can’t Boycott Our Way Out of a Meaningless Referendum | By Paula Simons | Forward Weekly
Forward Weekly feature for September 20, 2026.
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I was up bright and early this morning to be Lisa Dublin’s guest on The Basement Chronicles, a show aimed at Edmonton’s Caribbean community, to talk about separation and the “noxious nine” other referendum questions. My thanks, again, to My Radio 580 for hosting these important conversations.
Paula Simons, in a blue sweater, red scarf and white mask, sits behind a bright blue My Radio 580 micSimons, left, stands with radio host Lisa Dublin, a St. Lucian-Canadian in a black dress. They stand either side of a My Radio poster.
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Jared Wesley @jaredwesley.ca · 19/09/2026
Putting a human face on the Smith government's xenophobic referendum questions is important. These are not about the immigration system. They are about immigrants - humans, workers, taxpayers, neighbours, family members. www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
theglobeandmail.com
Opinion: Alberta’s shameless attempt to scapegoat immigrants
Opponents of secession have been vocal, but where are the people standing up for newcomers to the province?
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Thank you again to the Heritage Roots Coalition and Edmonton’s Nigerian community for inviting me, and CPC MP Billy Morin to a great discussion of the implications of ALL the referendum questions. As Billy put it, “Say No to the Nine.” #cdnpoli #yeg #Edmonton #abpoli
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Thank you to Edmonton’s Nigerian/Yoruba community for inviting me to speak at their forum on Alberta’s referendum questions this afternoon. Happy to make common cause with my parliamentary colleague, CPC MP Billy Morin, in defence of Canada. #yeg #cdnpoli
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
The Kaleido Arts Festival kicked off tonight on Alberta Avenue with the annual Lantern Parade, and the opening concert by Locarno. I finally fulfilled my childhood ugly duckling dream and became a swan! (Or at least, carried a swan lantern.) #yeg #Edmonton #ArtsontheAve
Paula Simons in jeans and a puffy pink vest holds aloft a lantern in the shape of a giant swan. A huge huge puppet stands in front a sign that reads Kaleido Welcomes You in the dusk A huge blue puppet is carried in front of the stage while the band plays The salsa band Locarno on the main stage - we see a guy playing a guitar, a woman playing the trumpet and a fella playing trombone. They were cooking!
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Normally we drop Alberta Unbound episodes on Mondays. But this panel with @jaredwesley.ca, @carterab.bsky.social and Avnish Nanda was too powerful and urgent to wait. A strategic look at fighting the noxious nine. @5xforcanada.bsky.social #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #AlbertaUnbound #notothenine
open.spotify.com
Saying No to the Nine
Alberta Unbound · Episode
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Normally we drop Alberta Unbound episodes on Mondays. But this panel with @jaredwesley.ca, @carterab.bsky.social and Avnish Nanda was too powerful and urgent to wait. A strategic look at fighting the noxious nine. @5xforcanada.bsky.social #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #AlbertaUnbound #notothenine
open.spotify.com
Saying No to the Nine
Alberta Unbound · Episode
57246
Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
I spent the afternoon at @ualberta.bsky.social, talking with @parlcharlie.bsky.social about his new book, Unparliamentary, in front of an audience of very engaged poli science students. Thanks to Charlie for being a terrific interview and to the audience for all the smart questions. #cdnpoli #yeg
A selfie of Senator Simons, in a bee-spotted sundress and white mask, with a smiling Charlie Feldman in a burgundy sweater, with a classroom of smiling students behind them.Charlie Feldman and Paula Simons stand in front of a screen, showing a projection with the cover of Charlie’s book - art of Centre Block, above the word, Unparliamentary.
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Last night, I had the pleasure of joining host Rolan Latorre on his Tagalog/English radio show on My Radio 580, to talk about the separation referendum and the noxious nine other questions. Thank you, Rolan, for helping me connect with the Filipino community across Alberta. #ableg #abpoli #yeg
Host Rolan Latorre, seen from behind, interviews Senator Simons from behind his radio control board.Senator Simons, seen from the front, talks with her hands, as per usual, behind a microphone
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
This afternoon! (This meaning Thursday, Sept 17 at 2 pm.)
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Before I turn out the light - an invitation to join me tomorrow at the @ualberta.bsky.social where I’ll be interviewing @parlcharlie.bsky.social, the most delightful of parliamentary nerds, about his delightful new book, Unparliamentary. We’ll be in Tory 1-090 at 2 pm. #cdnpoli #Canada #yeg
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
A pyramid scheme I can wholly endorse. This is fierce and funny, and deserves to be shared. #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #notothenine
youtube.com
5X for Canada: Stop Separation. Crush the 9 Questions. Defeat Danielle Smith.
YouTube video by 5X for Canada
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
A pyramid scheme I can wholly endorse. This is fierce and funny, and deserves to be shared. #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #notothenine
youtube.com
5X for Canada: Stop Separation. Crush the 9 Questions. Defeat Danielle Smith.
YouTube video by 5X for Canada
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
I had the privilege of being a guest on My Radio 580 again this morning. Here’s that conversation. #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #notothenine
facebook.com
Facebook
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Tonight’s Rosh Hashanah inspired dessert: Royal Gala apples from BC, stuffed with Canadian oats and BC dried cherries, drizzled with Alberta honey from Edmonton hives! Thanks to the vendors of the Edmonton Downtown Farmers Market for sweetening my weekend.
Two white bowls. Each holds a cored roasted Gala apples stuffed with large flake oats and dried cherries, and covered with honey.A bag of red apples on a kitchen counter, next to a jar of golden honey with a spoon in it. The label reads Maple Greenview Urban Honey.
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
I visited MacEwan University yesterday to speak to Dr. Regan Lipes’ class of Comparative Literature students, about my own comp lit studies - and about the value of close comparative readings of all kinds of texts, from Gilgamesh to the referendum questions! #yeg #Edmonton #macewan
Dr. Lipes, in a white dress with little purple flowers and Sen Simons in a light blue suit, scarf, and N95 mask.Sen Simons, talking with her hands, stands lecturing at the front of a university classroom.
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Borscht made with locally grown beets, cabbage, carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes & dill. A BC apple dipped in Alberta honey. Shana tovah from Canada. Wishing you all a sweet new year.
A white and blue soup plate, filled with bright magenta borscht, topped with a dollop of plain yogurt and fresh chopped dill.A wooden cutting board, topped with apple slices and a little glass dish of liquid honey.
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Ryan Jespersen @ryanjespersen.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social remembers the sacrifice that followed, including Canada standing alongside the United States in Afghanistan. 👀 FULL: rtrj.info/091126Simons 🎧 FULL: rtrj.info/091126 #September11 #neverforget #RealTalkRJ
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Ryan Jespersen @ryanjespersen.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
"Please don't 'Albertasplain' to me..." @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social says Alberta's referendum questions on immigration fly in the face of the province's history and identity. Do you agree with her? 👀 FULL: rtrj.info/091126Simons 🎧 FULL: rtrj.info/091126 #abpoli #cdnpoli #RealTalkRJ
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
About to sit down with my “husband” @ryanjespersen.bsky.social for a wide-ranging talk about 9/11, national sovereignty, national unity, and whatever else Ryan throws at me! (note: not my actual husband, despite what AI thinks.)
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Tomorrow marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11, when Canadians responded, united, to support and protect our American neighbours. Tonight, I was reflecting on the sacrifices our country made - only to see them now derided by US leaders. I wrote this 6 years ago. I think it’s worth a reread now.
albertaviews.ca
Finding Fortitude - Alberta Views
Canada’s most powerful memorial.
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Ximena González @ximenaka.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Last week, Smith posted on social media that “For every $1 of taxes a guest worker generates, taxpayers are covering $10 in services.” While this figure might ring true for many, it is far from accurate. I fact-checked Smith’s claims in my latest for @thetyee.ca
thetyee.ca
Does Alberta Provide $10 in Services for Every $1 of ‘Guest Worker’ Taxes? | The Tyee
Ahead of a divisive referendum question, we fact checked Danielle Smith’s claims.
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Please come join me, @ricacuna.bsky.social, @funkeolokude.bsky.social and Matt Wildcat for a vital conversation tonight. #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #notothenine @ualberta.bsky.social
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Senator Paula Simons 🇨🇦 @senatorpaulasimons.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Please come join me, @ricacuna.bsky.social, @funkeolokude.bsky.social and Matt Wildcat for a vital conversation tonight. #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #notothenine @ualberta.bsky.social
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