Blayne Haggart
@bhaggart.bsky.social
Professor, Political Science, Brock University
Knowledge governance, IPE, Sydney Swans tragic
Co-author, with Natasha Tusikov, The New Knowledge: Information, Data and the Remaking of Global Power (Bloomsbury, 2023). Open Access.
Knowledge governance, IPE, Sydney Swans tragic
Co-author, with Natasha Tusikov, The New Knowledge: Information, Data and the Remaking of Global Power (Bloomsbury, 2023). Open Access.
Reposted by Blayne Haggart
I've seen people say that getting attached to ChatGPT is like "believing the stripper really loves you", but that's not true. It's more like believing that the dryer personally composed that little jingle on a lonely sockless night just to win your affections.
November 26, 2025 at 1:55 AM
I've seen people say that getting attached to ChatGPT is like "believing the stripper really loves you", but that's not true. It's more like believing that the dryer personally composed that little jingle on a lonely sockless night just to win your affections.
Reposted by Blayne Haggart
This entire theatre has nothing to do with "cooperative federalism". Either Ottawa doesn't understand how Canadian federalism works, or they are playing a purely tactical game by exploiting the institutional ambiguity entailed in the division of powers.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Some B.C. Liberal MPs concerned about prospect of a new oil pipeline: sources | CBC News
With Prime Minister Mark Carney poised to sign a "grand bargain" with Alberta later this week, some B.C. Liberal MPs are raising concerns about Ottawa possibly giving the greenlight to a new oil pipel...
www.cbc.ca
November 26, 2025 at 12:52 PM
This entire theatre has nothing to do with "cooperative federalism". Either Ottawa doesn't understand how Canadian federalism works, or they are playing a purely tactical game by exploiting the institutional ambiguity entailed in the division of powers.
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Reposted by Blayne Haggart
Good morning to Brazilian reporter Manuela Borges, who’s been waiting eleven years for this petty moment. ❤️ 🇧🇷
November 26, 2025 at 1:04 PM
Good morning to Brazilian reporter Manuela Borges, who’s been waiting eleven years for this petty moment. ❤️ 🇧🇷
It is wholly inappropriate and professionally negligent for a journalist to rely upon, let alone quote, ChatGPT as a source. CBC News should have established guidelines to make sure this kind of thing never happens.
UMMM: "CBC News asked ChatGPT whether Newfoundland could be seen from Cape Breton. The answer was "generally no," but the artificial intelligence chatbot said in theory Newfoundland can be "barely visible" under perfect atmospheric conditions from very high points.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Can you see Newfoundland from Cape Breton? Online photo sparks debate | CBC News
An online photo has sparked a passionate debate about whether or not it's possible.
www.cbc.ca
November 26, 2025 at 1:31 PM
It is wholly inappropriate and professionally negligent for a journalist to rely upon, let alone quote, ChatGPT as a source. CBC News should have established guidelines to make sure this kind of thing never happens.
Reposted by Blayne Haggart
In 2019, TikTok admitted to suppressing the content of fat, disabled, and queer users. In 2020 they claim a “glitch” caused the suppression of George Floyd content.
Sora exists to manufacture and disseminate racism, misogyny, and misogynoir at scale.
These systems are operating as intended.
Sora exists to manufacture and disseminate racism, misogyny, and misogynoir at scale.
These systems are operating as intended.
November 26, 2025 at 12:17 PM
In 2019, TikTok admitted to suppressing the content of fat, disabled, and queer users. In 2020 they claim a “glitch” caused the suppression of George Floyd content.
Sora exists to manufacture and disseminate racism, misogyny, and misogynoir at scale.
These systems are operating as intended.
Sora exists to manufacture and disseminate racism, misogyny, and misogynoir at scale.
These systems are operating as intended.
Yet again, control over software is ignored completely in this story, and from this report, in the military’s analysis.
How much good does it do to have ”the best fighter jet in the world, by far,” if you don’t actually control it?
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
How much good does it do to have ”the best fighter jet in the world, by far,” if you don’t actually control it?
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
F-35 beat Gripen fighter jet 'by a mile' in 2021 Defence Department competition | CBC News
The American-built F-35 fighter jet dominated its Swedish rival Gripen in terms of technical and military capabilities during a competition held by the Defence Department in 2021, according to data ob...
www.cbc.ca
November 26, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Yet again, control over software is ignored completely in this story, and from this report, in the military’s analysis.
How much good does it do to have ”the best fighter jet in the world, by far,” if you don’t actually control it?
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
How much good does it do to have ”the best fighter jet in the world, by far,” if you don’t actually control it?
www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
A good question, one that ideally would’ve been asked and considered months ago. That it’s being asked now is a reminder that Canadians were never given a real chance to debate or discuss our possible options and what kind of country we want to build.
Opinion: Carney brings great solutions, but is he misdiagnosing the problem?
The government may have overestimated what it can achieve because of some faulty assumptions
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 26, 2025 at 11:11 AM
A good question, one that ideally would’ve been asked and considered months ago. That it’s being asked now is a reminder that Canadians were never given a real chance to debate or discuss our possible options and what kind of country we want to build.
“He said it’s not out of the bounds of possibility such a disagreement could lead to problems with Americans providing software updates or parts for U.S.-made fighters.”
Well, yes. Buy the F-35, give the US a veto over their use. That’s been the deal since the beginning.
Well, yes. Buy the F-35, give the US a veto over their use. That’s been the deal since the beginning.
Canada should buy F-35s but plan for European fighter jets next, former general says
European jets will provide Canada with a capability that isn’t vulnerable to U.S. influence, retired lieutenant-general Yvan Blondin says
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 26, 2025 at 4:23 AM
“He said it’s not out of the bounds of possibility such a disagreement could lead to problems with Americans providing software updates or parts for U.S.-made fighters.”
Well, yes. Buy the F-35, give the US a veto over their use. That’s been the deal since the beginning.
Well, yes. Buy the F-35, give the US a veto over their use. That’s been the deal since the beginning.
Sigh.
It's the Eliza Effect. As we just covered in my 3rd-year undergrad course.
The GenAI bubble cannot burst quickly enough to sideline this kind of science journalism quackery.
It's the Eliza Effect. As we just covered in my 3rd-year undergrad course.
The GenAI bubble cannot burst quickly enough to sideline this kind of science journalism quackery.
November 25, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Sigh.
It's the Eliza Effect. As we just covered in my 3rd-year undergrad course.
The GenAI bubble cannot burst quickly enough to sideline this kind of science journalism quackery.
It's the Eliza Effect. As we just covered in my 3rd-year undergrad course.
The GenAI bubble cannot burst quickly enough to sideline this kind of science journalism quackery.
Reposted by Blayne Haggart
Nice summary of my presentation to the Canadian Standards Association.
I want to briefly focus on one slide that got short shrift but has been the subject of so much economic analysis: diversifying our international trade partners.
Short 🧵
I want to briefly focus on one slide that got short shrift but has been the subject of so much economic analysis: diversifying our international trade partners.
Short 🧵
"It's stupid not to incorporate the care economy in our budgeting. It's the foundation and economic engine of our economy.” — @armineyalnizyan.bsky.social (@atkinsonfoundation.bsky.social)
ANALYSIS: Here’s what the federal budget might have missed — by @spaikin.bsky.social
ANALYSIS: Here’s what the federal budget might have missed — by @spaikin.bsky.social
ANALYSIS: Here’s what the federal budget might have missed | TVO Today
The military got a huge boost, and oil and gas seems poised to profit. But this economist says we’ve forgotten about one huge sector.
amp.tvo.org
November 25, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Nice summary of my presentation to the Canadian Standards Association.
I want to briefly focus on one slide that got short shrift but has been the subject of so much economic analysis: diversifying our international trade partners.
Short 🧵
I want to briefly focus on one slide that got short shrift but has been the subject of so much economic analysis: diversifying our international trade partners.
Short 🧵
Reposted by Blayne Haggart
This demonstrates again that the fragile "Team Canada" spirit rests on a vague idea without any substantial meaning, let alone institutional foundation.
And it will further undermine effective intergovernmental coordination. 2026 is going to be interesting, and I am afraid not in a good way.
And it will further undermine effective intergovernmental coordination. 2026 is going to be interesting, and I am afraid not in a good way.
November 25, 2025 at 12:10 PM
This demonstrates again that the fragile "Team Canada" spirit rests on a vague idea without any substantial meaning, let alone institutional foundation.
And it will further undermine effective intergovernmental coordination. 2026 is going to be interesting, and I am afraid not in a good way.
And it will further undermine effective intergovernmental coordination. 2026 is going to be interesting, and I am afraid not in a good way.
Carney’s approach here is very much in keeping with an observation Paul Wells made back in the summer, that he’s focused on short-term deliverables, not long-term governance challenges.
The problem is, neglecting and failing to improve governance will leave Canada with weaker foundations.
The problem is, neglecting and failing to improve governance will leave Canada with weaker foundations.
So the PM intended to inform B.C.'s premier once the negotiations with Alberta have been finalized?
Nation-building promised, sausage-making delivered.
Regardless of whether this pipeline will ever be built, the process itself is profoundly damaging.
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Nation-building promised, sausage-making delivered.
Regardless of whether this pipeline will ever be built, the process itself is profoundly damaging.
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Carney and Smith to unveil energy deal in Calgary Thursday, source says
B.C. Premier says he spoke with Carney about concerns over potential oil pipeline
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:46 PM
Carney’s approach here is very much in keeping with an observation Paul Wells made back in the summer, that he’s focused on short-term deliverables, not long-term governance challenges.
The problem is, neglecting and failing to improve governance will leave Canada with weaker foundations.
The problem is, neglecting and failing to improve governance will leave Canada with weaker foundations.
Reposted by Blayne Haggart
Fires are still burning in the Arctic in the winter. The climate catastrophe is here.
Spending political energy to massively increase pipeline production in Canada is not nation-building. It is planet burning.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Spending political energy to massively increase pipeline production in Canada is not nation-building. It is planet burning.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Zombie fires: how Arctic wildfires that come back to life are ravaging forests
Blazes that smoulder in the permafrost, only to reignite, are extending fire season though winter, leaving vegetation struggling to recover
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Fires are still burning in the Arctic in the winter. The climate catastrophe is here.
Spending political energy to massively increase pipeline production in Canada is not nation-building. It is planet burning.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Spending political energy to massively increase pipeline production in Canada is not nation-building. It is planet burning.
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
Industry with over 330 years of experience in calculating risk: AI is too risky for us.
Canada’s technocrat-led federal government: AI regulation would just SLOW DOWN THE FUTURE.
As a mentor once noted: If you want to get a sense of where things are going, pay attention to the insurance industry.
Canada’s technocrat-led federal government: AI regulation would just SLOW DOWN THE FUTURE.
As a mentor once noted: If you want to get a sense of where things are going, pay attention to the insurance industry.
In more AI bubble news, major insurers are declining to insure risks from AI chatbots & agents, saying AI models are too unpredictable & error-prone with no one clearly liable when things go wrong. Firms & universities better consider this in their rush to adopt AI.
www.ft.com/content/abfe...
www.ft.com/content/abfe...
Insurers retreat from AI cover as risk of multibillion-dollar claims mounts
AIG, Great American and WR Berkley seek permission to limit liability from AI agents and chatbots
www.ft.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Industry with over 330 years of experience in calculating risk: AI is too risky for us.
Canada’s technocrat-led federal government: AI regulation would just SLOW DOWN THE FUTURE.
As a mentor once noted: If you want to get a sense of where things are going, pay attention to the insurance industry.
Canada’s technocrat-led federal government: AI regulation would just SLOW DOWN THE FUTURE.
As a mentor once noted: If you want to get a sense of where things are going, pay attention to the insurance industry.
Reposted by Blayne Haggart
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
Some Pet Shop Boys for your Monday evening.
youtu.be/ik2YF05iX2w?...
youtu.be/ik2YF05iX2w?...
Pet Shop Boys - Domino Dancing (Official Video) [HD REMASTERED]
YouTube video by PetShopBoys Parlophone
youtu.be
November 25, 2025 at 3:07 AM
Some Pet Shop Boys for your Monday evening.
youtu.be/ik2YF05iX2w?...
youtu.be/ik2YF05iX2w?...
Reposted by Blayne Haggart
So Canadians in some provinces have free contraceptives & diabetes meds but most don't. Inequitable healthcare access isn't okay.
"Mark Carney and Michel have not publicly pledged to expand to a full national, universal pharmacare program. Both have spoken about “protecting” pharmacare."
"Mark Carney and Michel have not publicly pledged to expand to a full national, universal pharmacare program. Both have spoken about “protecting” pharmacare."
November 25, 2025 at 12:59 AM
So Canadians in some provinces have free contraceptives & diabetes meds but most don't. Inequitable healthcare access isn't okay.
"Mark Carney and Michel have not publicly pledged to expand to a full national, universal pharmacare program. Both have spoken about “protecting” pharmacare."
"Mark Carney and Michel have not publicly pledged to expand to a full national, universal pharmacare program. Both have spoken about “protecting” pharmacare."
I now have my closer for next week’s generative AI lecture. Thanks, Bluesky!
lol this rocks
taking my children to see the nativity mural painted on the olde drugstore facade downtown and accidentally giving them PTSD from a hieronymous bosch version of rudolph getting eaten by elves
taking my children to see the nativity mural painted on the olde drugstore facade downtown and accidentally giving them PTSD from a hieronymous bosch version of rudolph getting eaten by elves
November 25, 2025 at 2:41 AM
I now have my closer for next week’s generative AI lecture. Thanks, Bluesky!
Reposted by Blayne Haggart
Reposted by Blayne Haggart
I'm so tired of people telling me to have students critique LLM outputs. I'm just going to print this on little cards and hand them out
I will add the following: our students lack the research skills required to audit an LLM essay for errors. They don’t arrive on campus with these skills; we teach it to them over four long years. So throwing freshmen in the deep end and saying “swim your way to a shore of rectitude” is folly.
November 24, 2025 at 2:36 PM
I'm so tired of people telling me to have students critique LLM outputs. I'm just going to print this on little cards and hand them out
Reposted by Blayne Haggart
Revealing look at Canada’s Vichy tech company.
Faked sales claims. AI-driven hunts for malefactors jn a “high-trust company.” Executives heading for the exits. @aleksagan.bsky.social has an exclusive report on bad doings at #Shopify.
Shopify rocked by sales fraud scandal that led to ultimatums and firings - The Logic
Shopify salespeople were inflating the value of the deals they were closing. When management found out, they told staff to own up or face the consequences.
thelogic.co
November 24, 2025 at 12:32 PM
Revealing look at Canada’s Vichy tech company.
Focusing on the accuracy of an LLM’s output for a specific assignment misses the actual problem: that student use of LLMs impairs the development of the skills schools are supposed to teach. It presumes that if it were to hit a certain accuracy threshold (50%? 70?) it would be ok to use.
Two years ago I had lunch with the dean of a department at one of Toronto’s major universities and she told me she had instructed all her profs teaching first-year classes to do exactly this. It sounded sensible and I wonder if it’s now more widely applied
November 24, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Focusing on the accuracy of an LLM’s output for a specific assignment misses the actual problem: that student use of LLMs impairs the development of the skills schools are supposed to teach. It presumes that if it were to hit a certain accuracy threshold (50%? 70?) it would be ok to use.
I can't even...
Also, instead of reflexively turning to computer scientists to weigh in on the policymaking process, perhaps also ask actual experts in law and public policy if it's "fine" to use generative AI to draft legislation, and why it might not be a great idea.
Also, instead of reflexively turning to computer scientists to weigh in on the policymaking process, perhaps also ask actual experts in law and public policy if it's "fine" to use generative AI to draft legislation, and why it might not be a great idea.
November 23, 2025 at 10:42 PM
I can't even...
Also, instead of reflexively turning to computer scientists to weigh in on the policymaking process, perhaps also ask actual experts in law and public policy if it's "fine" to use generative AI to draft legislation, and why it might not be a great idea.
Also, instead of reflexively turning to computer scientists to weigh in on the policymaking process, perhaps also ask actual experts in law and public policy if it's "fine" to use generative AI to draft legislation, and why it might not be a great idea.
Reposted by Blayne Haggart
As someone who is also this guy’s age I can tell you 100% this wasn’t hard at all. The Beatles were Boomer music and they were shoved down your throat everywhere and they reeked of your parents’ nostalgia. Nobody I knew liked The Beatles.
If you were into grunge, *everything* was your enemy.
If you were into grunge, *everything* was your enemy.
As someone who is this guy's age I can tell you 100% that if you were into Pixies, Nirvana, 120 Minutes stuff, etc. but didn't like the Beatles you had to have worked hard to contort yourself into that special little box. Your enemy, if you absolutely needed one, was hair metal. GTFO here with this.
November 23, 2025 at 4:57 PM
As someone who is also this guy’s age I can tell you 100% this wasn’t hard at all. The Beatles were Boomer music and they were shoved down your throat everywhere and they reeked of your parents’ nostalgia. Nobody I knew liked The Beatles.
If you were into grunge, *everything* was your enemy.
If you were into grunge, *everything* was your enemy.
Reposted by Blayne Haggart
Trudeau-era foreign policy was feminist only in the neoliberal sense where empowerment came through capital and individualist “boot-straps” mentality. Nothing was prioritized in changing the system for women as a class. Carney decided even that was too much.
November 23, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Trudeau-era foreign policy was feminist only in the neoliberal sense where empowerment came through capital and individualist “boot-straps” mentality. Nothing was prioritized in changing the system for women as a class. Carney decided even that was too much.