Don Cochrane 🇨🇦
@doncochraneyow.bsky.social
Retired from a career that took me around the world and continually reminded me that Canada is a wonderful place. Winnipeg transplant, currently living in Ottawa. Interested in issues concerning politics, law, and human migration.
This man is one of the worst human beings ever to have the ear of a US president.
Stephen Miller: "If you subtract immigration out of test scores, all of the sudden our test scores skyrocket"
December 9, 2025 at 10:47 PM
This man is one of the worst human beings ever to have the ear of a US president.
This is an interesting visualization.
It shows what Palestine’s West Bank would look like if all non-Palestinian land suddenly turned into water.
All that would remain would be an archipelago of small islands with the sea of Israel to the west and the Jordanian ocean to the east.
...2
It shows what Palestine’s West Bank would look like if all non-Palestinian land suddenly turned into water.
All that would remain would be an archipelago of small islands with the sea of Israel to the west and the Jordanian ocean to the east.
...2
December 9, 2025 at 2:28 PM
This is an interesting visualization.
It shows what Palestine’s West Bank would look like if all non-Palestinian land suddenly turned into water.
All that would remain would be an archipelago of small islands with the sea of Israel to the west and the Jordanian ocean to the east.
...2
It shows what Palestine’s West Bank would look like if all non-Palestinian land suddenly turned into water.
All that would remain would be an archipelago of small islands with the sea of Israel to the west and the Jordanian ocean to the east.
...2
Excellent article by Canada's own Stephanie Nolen. Medically assisted death is here to stay. I had expected it to be widely accessed, having seen the erosion of dignity that accompanies aging. What surprised me was the willingness of patients and families to openly discuss it as the choice made.
Who Should Be Allowed a Medically Assisted Death?
More and more countries are legalizing medically assisted death. But even as the concept gains acceptance, there are difficult, unresolved questions about who should be eligible.
www.nytimes.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Excellent article by Canada's own Stephanie Nolen. Medically assisted death is here to stay. I had expected it to be widely accessed, having seen the erosion of dignity that accompanies aging. What surprised me was the willingness of patients and families to openly discuss it as the choice made.
This has been a tough trial to follow. Their defence is basically that they didn’t get the support from CAS, and they certainly bear some responsibility for letting this continue.
But it starts to make some sense when you understand that they were being paid $2000 a month to foster these two kids.
But it starts to make some sense when you understand that they were being paid $2000 a month to foster these two kids.
Co-accused in boy's death testifies for 1st time, says she ‘always wanted’ 2 brothers in Ontario couple's care | CBC News
Taking the witness box in her first-degree murder trial, Brandy Cooney says she called the boy she was trying to adopt a “moron” and “loser,” used zip-ties to confine him in a wetsuit and locked him i...
www.cbc.ca
December 9, 2025 at 1:19 PM
This has been a tough trial to follow. Their defence is basically that they didn’t get the support from CAS, and they certainly bear some responsibility for letting this continue.
But it starts to make some sense when you understand that they were being paid $2000 a month to foster these two kids.
But it starts to make some sense when you understand that they were being paid $2000 a month to foster these two kids.
I guess this explains why the bathroom is a little cold this morning.
December 8, 2025 at 3:22 PM
I guess this explains why the bathroom is a little cold this morning.
I have very little confidence that a pipeline - at least the one Smith seems to covet - will ever be built. That would be a good thing.
But the world notices these things, and that concerns me. Unless we walk the walk, it gives other countries little motivation to wean themselves from oil and gas.
But the world notices these things, and that concerns me. Unless we walk the walk, it gives other countries little motivation to wean themselves from oil and gas.
Canada’s environmental ‘realism’ looks more like surrender | Tzeporah Berman
At a time when the UK and other countries are finally taking bold steps for climate, Canada is preparing a new oil pipeline
www.theguardian.com
December 8, 2025 at 2:19 PM
I have very little confidence that a pipeline - at least the one Smith seems to covet - will ever be built. That would be a good thing.
But the world notices these things, and that concerns me. Unless we walk the walk, it gives other countries little motivation to wean themselves from oil and gas.
But the world notices these things, and that concerns me. Unless we walk the walk, it gives other countries little motivation to wean themselves from oil and gas.
I try to comfort myself by remembering that, as a late boomer, the greatest strain on the system will (hopefully) be a few years before I will need it.
For those who can’t afford long term care, it could be a grim last few years of life.
For those who can’t afford long term care, it could be a grim last few years of life.
Japan is facing a dementia crisis – can technology help?
Elderly people aged 65 and over now make up nearly 30% of Japan's population.
www.bbc.com
December 8, 2025 at 1:26 PM
I try to comfort myself by remembering that, as a late boomer, the greatest strain on the system will (hopefully) be a few years before I will need it.
For those who can’t afford long term care, it could be a grim last few years of life.
For those who can’t afford long term care, it could be a grim last few years of life.
“Going home” is not usually as easy for displaced persons as people think it is. People have been away for a decade and have built new lives, often with children well integrated in their country of refuge.
Schools, hospitals and public services are still being rebuilt, and unemployment is high.
Schools, hospitals and public services are still being rebuilt, and unemployment is high.
A year after fall of Assad regime, some Syrians cautious about a one-way trip home | CBC News
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s brutal regime last year, Turkish officials say more than 500,000 Syrians have returned home after living under temporary protection for several years in Turkey. Fo...
www.cbc.ca
December 8, 2025 at 12:59 PM
“Going home” is not usually as easy for displaced persons as people think it is. People have been away for a decade and have built new lives, often with children well integrated in their country of refuge.
Schools, hospitals and public services are still being rebuilt, and unemployment is high.
Schools, hospitals and public services are still being rebuilt, and unemployment is high.
Bold prediction: the Rideau Canal Skateway will have one of its earliest opening days ever.
The current record is December 18, though opening is - on average - sometime in early January.
The current record is December 18, though opening is - on average - sometime in early January.
December 8, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Bold prediction: the Rideau Canal Skateway will have one of its earliest opening days ever.
The current record is December 18, though opening is - on average - sometime in early January.
The current record is December 18, though opening is - on average - sometime in early January.
Reposted by Don Cochrane 🇨🇦
There's nothing more absurd than the US & Russia criticizing Europe on free speech. In 2025, European states dominated the World Press Freedom Index: 1-13 and 21 out of the top 30 were European. 14 is Canada whom Trump also criticizes
US ranked just 57, between Belize and Gabon, and Russia at 162.
US ranked just 57, between Belize and Gabon, and Russia at 162.
December 8, 2025 at 11:55 AM
There's nothing more absurd than the US & Russia criticizing Europe on free speech. In 2025, European states dominated the World Press Freedom Index: 1-13 and 21 out of the top 30 were European. 14 is Canada whom Trump also criticizes
US ranked just 57, between Belize and Gabon, and Russia at 162.
US ranked just 57, between Belize and Gabon, and Russia at 162.
‘All the hatred, all the persecution, seems like the panic of racists pretending they can stop the future of this country no longer being majority white through sheer cruelty.’
Trump wants to recreate a white America that never existed | Rebecca Solnit
The persecution of brown people and mass deportations will not create the white country of far-right fantasy
www.theguardian.com
December 6, 2025 at 9:26 PM
‘All the hatred, all the persecution, seems like the panic of racists pretending they can stop the future of this country no longer being majority white through sheer cruelty.’
Greed. No other reason. She was already a member of one of the best paying professions but decided she was due even more.
Calgary dentist who submitted $680k in phoney billings should get 3 years in prison: Crown | CBC News
Calgary dentist Alena Smadych, who defrauded five insurance companies over a decade, should spend up to three years in prison, the prosecution argued in court Friday.
www.cbc.ca
December 6, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Greed. No other reason. She was already a member of one of the best paying professions but decided she was due even more.
I’ve never understood fraternities. Maybe I’m the outlier, but I can’t say that I ever knew anyone from my university days or my working life who was in one.
Charges laid in frat party fire that injured sorority sisters during beer Olympics | CBC News
A young man has been charged with criminal negligence causing bodily harm after a fire at a frat party near Western University that injured five sorority sisters, including two seriously, late Tuesday...
www.cbc.ca
December 6, 2025 at 1:02 PM
I’ve never understood fraternities. Maybe I’m the outlier, but I can’t say that I ever knew anyone from my university days or my working life who was in one.
As good an evening as any for the first fire of the season.
December 6, 2025 at 12:12 AM
As good an evening as any for the first fire of the season.
The ugly result of misinformation.
Young Canadians increasingly tie immigration to home affordability problems, survey finds
Environics poll shows younger people are now more resistant to immigration than older demographic groups
www.theglobeandmail.com
December 5, 2025 at 10:24 PM
The ugly result of misinformation.
Time to start planning next summer’s vacation.
December 5, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Time to start planning next summer’s vacation.
Alberta is our own little enclave of MAGA philosophy.
Judge says proposed referendum on Alberta independence would be unconstitutional | CBC News
An Alberta judge has determined a proposed referendum question on Alberta separating from Canada is unconstitutional, less than 24 hours after the provincial government introduced legislation that wou...
www.cbc.ca
December 5, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Alberta is our own little enclave of MAGA philosophy.
Perfectly normal behaviour.
December 5, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Perfectly normal behaviour.
If you intended it to be used only in the case of ethical or illegal behaviour, then why didn’t you put that in the legislation?
Sloppy drafting is not a defence to the use of the law.
One could argue that the notwithstanding clause was also never meant for the purposes to which it’s being put.
Sloppy drafting is not a defence to the use of the law.
One could argue that the notwithstanding clause was also never meant for the purposes to which it’s being put.
Former Alberta premier Jason Kenney says recall legislation being misused | CBC News
The architect of Alberta's politician recall legislation says it was never meant to be used as a political weapon, but as an "ultimate tool of accountability" if a politician engages in illegal or une...
www.cbc.ca
December 5, 2025 at 7:30 PM
If you intended it to be used only in the case of ethical or illegal behaviour, then why didn’t you put that in the legislation?
Sloppy drafting is not a defence to the use of the law.
One could argue that the notwithstanding clause was also never meant for the purposes to which it’s being put.
Sloppy drafting is not a defence to the use of the law.
One could argue that the notwithstanding clause was also never meant for the purposes to which it’s being put.
Priorities of the Ford government: snowmobile trails.
Snowmobiles sometimes serve a purpose - I once had a job where one was essential (we were out on an island in winter and needed it to get to town and back for supplies and groceries) but they are a scourge on the environment. But, hey, votes.
Snowmobiles sometimes serve a purpose - I once had a job where one was essential (we were out on an island in winter and needed it to get to town and back for supplies and groceries) but they are a scourge on the environment. But, hey, votes.
Ontario invests millions to ensure snowmobile season gets back on track
If you’ve been waiting for a reason to get the sled out of the garage, the province says it’s doing its part to make sure Ontario’s snowmobile season gets back on track.
www.ctvnews.ca
December 5, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Priorities of the Ford government: snowmobile trails.
Snowmobiles sometimes serve a purpose - I once had a job where one was essential (we were out on an island in winter and needed it to get to town and back for supplies and groceries) but they are a scourge on the environment. But, hey, votes.
Snowmobiles sometimes serve a purpose - I once had a job where one was essential (we were out on an island in winter and needed it to get to town and back for supplies and groceries) but they are a scourge on the environment. But, hey, votes.
Responsible bird farmer calls bird flu a terrible disease, takes steps to protect his and his neighbour’s flocks.
No protest, no calls to “save the chickens”.
Contrast this with the obstinate ostrich farmers in B.C. who endangered the poultry industry for months on end.
No protest, no calls to “save the chickens”.
Contrast this with the obstinate ostrich farmers in B.C. who endangered the poultry industry for months on end.
Worst bird-flu season in years hits Alberta’s poultry farmers | CBC News
A mild fall and long migration is being blamed for increasing numbers of poultry farms coming under orders to contain the spread of highly infectious bird flu. One turkey producer in Alberta is prepar...
www.cbc.ca
December 5, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Responsible bird farmer calls bird flu a terrible disease, takes steps to protect his and his neighbour’s flocks.
No protest, no calls to “save the chickens”.
Contrast this with the obstinate ostrich farmers in B.C. who endangered the poultry industry for months on end.
No protest, no calls to “save the chickens”.
Contrast this with the obstinate ostrich farmers in B.C. who endangered the poultry industry for months on end.
Rempel Garner is the worst of the worst kind of politician.
I’ve never seen her in a positive or civil exchange with anyone.
She assumes she’ll be immigration minister if the CPC ever forms government. She would be completely lost.
I’ve never seen her in a positive or civil exchange with anyone.
She assumes she’ll be immigration minister if the CPC ever forms government. She would be completely lost.
'You are a very bad minister,' Conservative immigration critic says at tense committee meeting | CBC News
Immigration Minister Lena Diab sparred with her Conservative critic at a tense House of Commons committee meeting Thursday as the two disagreed on everything from immigration levels and deporting non-...
www.cbc.ca
December 5, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Rempel Garner is the worst of the worst kind of politician.
I’ve never seen her in a positive or civil exchange with anyone.
She assumes she’ll be immigration minister if the CPC ever forms government. She would be completely lost.
I’ve never seen her in a positive or civil exchange with anyone.
She assumes she’ll be immigration minister if the CPC ever forms government. She would be completely lost.
After the Lansdowne fiasco, I’m hoping that the NCC will see the folly in building an arena in an area with insufficient parking and over-reliance on public transit. The people from Gatineau have no choice but to drive, and I can’t imagine a sudden embracing of the O-Train by fans.
Sens to mark 35 years since NHL's return to nation's capital | CBC News
On Saturday the Ottawa Senators will mark 35 years since being awarded an NHL franchise in the league's 1990 expansion.
www.cbc.ca
December 4, 2025 at 10:28 PM
After the Lansdowne fiasco, I’m hoping that the NCC will see the folly in building an arena in an area with insufficient parking and over-reliance on public transit. The people from Gatineau have no choice but to drive, and I can’t imagine a sudden embracing of the O-Train by fans.
Reposted by Don Cochrane 🇨🇦
Clowning on Pierre the clown
"Mr. Speaker, the great thing about being a life-long Member of Parliament is you've never built anything, and you don't know numbers." - Prime Minister Mark Carney 🇨🇦 #cdnpoli
December 4, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Clowning on Pierre the clown