Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
@mitchellab.bsky.social
Informed opinion columnist. Acerbic UofC Alum, Schrodinger’s politics; may piss everyone off at some point. WomenOfABpoli on Substack. Biased against false statements & equivalencies. Canadian-Albertan political commentator.
Pinned
Stoned and free
Now I want to get a new licence plate just to deface it.
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
Not the most important thing in the world, but the Conservative party has a shadow minister for foreign affairs, a shadow minister for Canada-US trade and a shadow minister for international trade.
And none of those people are Jamil Jivani.
And none of those people are Jamil Jivani.
February 5, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Not the most important thing in the world, but the Conservative party has a shadow minister for foreign affairs, a shadow minister for Canada-US trade and a shadow minister for international trade.
And none of those people are Jamil Jivani.
And none of those people are Jamil Jivani.
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
"directly recruited several new legal members to the review board, many of whom were aligned politically with the provincial government," including Gerald Chipeur.”
Is this Alberta’s distinct legal tradition Smith refers to?
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Is this Alberta’s distinct legal tradition Smith refers to?
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
'Political interference' with review board alleged in Matthew de Grood's appeal | CBC News
The lawyer for Matthew de Grood, who was found not criminally responsible for the killing of five people in Calgary, alleges "political interference" by a former justice minister in the review board p...
www.cbc.ca
February 5, 2026 at 2:48 PM
"directly recruited several new legal members to the review board, many of whom were aligned politically with the provincial government," including Gerald Chipeur.”
Is this Alberta’s distinct legal tradition Smith refers to?
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Is this Alberta’s distinct legal tradition Smith refers to?
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
It'd be ironic if it was because of this (which is actually really bad!)
Spotlighting The World Factbook as We Bid a Fond Farewell - CIA
www.cia.gov
February 4, 2026 at 10:00 PM
It'd be ironic if it was because of this (which is actually really bad!)
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
Have you registered yet to be a part of our Alberta Unbound live audience? Come join us this Friday! #Edmonton #yeg #ualberta #Alberta #cdnpoli #SenateOfCanada #ALES
Alberta Unbound live taping at I-Week
Join Senator Paula Simons for a special live recording of the Alberta Unbound podcast. In an era of shifting geopolitical tides and economic...
www.ualberta.ca
February 4, 2026 at 1:25 AM
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
“We must preserve Canada, this country handed down to us by providence, preserved by our ancestors and held in trust for our descendants. We must make any sacrifice necessary to preserve the independence and the unity of this blessed land.”
Well put.
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Well put.
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Harper continues call for national unity at portrait unveiling
Former prime minister says country must be prepared to make any sacrifice necessary to preserve Canada’s independence
www.theglobeandmail.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:53 AM
“We must preserve Canada, this country handed down to us by providence, preserved by our ancestors and held in trust for our descendants. We must make any sacrifice necessary to preserve the independence and the unity of this blessed land.”
Well put.
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Well put.
www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/art...
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
Strain of Alberta Exceptionalism Drives Separatism, Not Grievances
Separatists like Jeff Rath, Cam Davies et al are not Albertans. Certainly not Canadians.
They are Americans who happen to live in Alberta.
Send them home. There's the border, folks.
youtu.be/WSCfKXXSrd4
Separatists like Jeff Rath, Cam Davies et al are not Albertans. Certainly not Canadians.
They are Americans who happen to live in Alberta.
Send them home. There's the border, folks.
youtu.be/WSCfKXXSrd4
Strain of Alberta Exceptionalism Drives Separatism, Not Grievances
YouTube video by Energi Media
youtu.be
February 3, 2026 at 11:03 PM
Strain of Alberta Exceptionalism Drives Separatism, Not Grievances
Separatists like Jeff Rath, Cam Davies et al are not Albertans. Certainly not Canadians.
They are Americans who happen to live in Alberta.
Send them home. There's the border, folks.
youtu.be/WSCfKXXSrd4
Separatists like Jeff Rath, Cam Davies et al are not Albertans. Certainly not Canadians.
They are Americans who happen to live in Alberta.
Send them home. There's the border, folks.
youtu.be/WSCfKXXSrd4
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
The crazy thing about the crazy things I‘m hearing, is that it isn’t rando rally-goers from the party’s base saying them.
It’s delegates, the party brass and membership. These are folks who run the party.
www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/30/o...
It’s delegates, the party brass and membership. These are folks who run the party.
www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/30/o...
The sad predictability of the CPC Convention
None of what Arno Kopecky saw from Conservatives speaking on the first night of the party's Calgary convention was any more surprising than the strange disconnect from reality he encountered among att...
www.nationalobserver.com
January 30, 2026 at 10:09 PM
The crazy thing about the crazy things I‘m hearing, is that it isn’t rando rally-goers from the party’s base saying them.
It’s delegates, the party brass and membership. These are folks who run the party.
www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/30/o...
It’s delegates, the party brass and membership. These are folks who run the party.
www.nationalobserver.com/2026/01/30/o...
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
Just a reminder that Danielle Smith won't demonize the 30% who support separatism but will demonize the 44% who didn't vote for the UCP in the last election 🤷
Danielle Smith says Alberta separatist movement is a "pressure release valve."
February 2, 2026 at 11:09 PM
Just a reminder that Danielle Smith won't demonize the 30% who support separatism but will demonize the 44% who didn't vote for the UCP in the last election 🤷
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
iPolitics asked me to expand on my thoughts on question period reform - which I was happy to do.
1. Have longer exchanges
2. Set a roster for who's up
3. Stop the repetition
4. Experiment
This week, we talk about it as MPs. What changes would you make? www.ipolitics.ca/2026/02/02/c...
1. Have longer exchanges
2. Set a roster for who's up
3. Stop the repetition
4. Experiment
This week, we talk about it as MPs. What changes would you make? www.ipolitics.ca/2026/02/02/c...
Canadians deserve a better question period
Our most visible accountability tool has drifted from its purpose. Parliament should use the Standing Orders debate to fix it.
www.ipolitics.ca
February 3, 2026 at 12:40 AM
iPolitics asked me to expand on my thoughts on question period reform - which I was happy to do.
1. Have longer exchanges
2. Set a roster for who's up
3. Stop the repetition
4. Experiment
This week, we talk about it as MPs. What changes would you make? www.ipolitics.ca/2026/02/02/c...
1. Have longer exchanges
2. Set a roster for who's up
3. Stop the repetition
4. Experiment
This week, we talk about it as MPs. What changes would you make? www.ipolitics.ca/2026/02/02/c...
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
Wait... it gets worse... this is what it is like after the weekend.
Might not want to get sick on Monday's in Edmonton Area...
Premier still thinks "it's just the Flu"...
Might not want to get sick on Monday's in Edmonton Area...
Premier still thinks "it's just the Flu"...
February 2, 2026 at 6:50 PM
Wait... it gets worse... this is what it is like after the weekend.
Might not want to get sick on Monday's in Edmonton Area...
Premier still thinks "it's just the Flu"...
Might not want to get sick on Monday's in Edmonton Area...
Premier still thinks "it's just the Flu"...
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
This Friday, the House of Commons will be debating our Standing Orders.
I think this would be a great time to talk about whether Question Period is serving Canadians well as currently constructed (35 second questions, 35 second answers).
Here's some ideas: 🧵 (1/6)
I think this would be a great time to talk about whether Question Period is serving Canadians well as currently constructed (35 second questions, 35 second answers).
Here's some ideas: 🧵 (1/6)
February 2, 2026 at 6:37 PM
This Friday, the House of Commons will be debating our Standing Orders.
I think this would be a great time to talk about whether Question Period is serving Canadians well as currently constructed (35 second questions, 35 second answers).
Here's some ideas: 🧵 (1/6)
I think this would be a great time to talk about whether Question Period is serving Canadians well as currently constructed (35 second questions, 35 second answers).
Here's some ideas: 🧵 (1/6)
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
Accountability is a huge strength of our system. We should welcome it. A deteriorating executive cannot hide in Canada.
But we can certainly make it better. More illuminating, more substantive. We can look to other jurisdictions, and make tweaks to serve Canadians better. (6/6)
But we can certainly make it better. More illuminating, more substantive. We can look to other jurisdictions, and make tweaks to serve Canadians better. (6/6)
February 2, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Accountability is a huge strength of our system. We should welcome it. A deteriorating executive cannot hide in Canada.
But we can certainly make it better. More illuminating, more substantive. We can look to other jurisdictions, and make tweaks to serve Canadians better. (6/6)
But we can certainly make it better. More illuminating, more substantive. We can look to other jurisdictions, and make tweaks to serve Canadians better. (6/6)
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
Anyone else find it odd that the same fucks who drove their mini vans and 96 F150s to Ottawa during the Freedom Convoy to " Save Canada" now are the same folks leading petitions to leave Canada?
I guess when the USA is paying for it, these folks will do what's required
I guess when the USA is paying for it, these folks will do what's required
February 1, 2026 at 11:15 PM
Anyone else find it odd that the same fucks who drove their mini vans and 96 F150s to Ottawa during the Freedom Convoy to " Save Canada" now are the same folks leading petitions to leave Canada?
I guess when the USA is paying for it, these folks will do what's required
I guess when the USA is paying for it, these folks will do what's required
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
Just so everyone is clear: the valve here releases pressure that would otherwise build on her leadership from within her party.
She would rather lose the country than her own job.
She would rather lose the country than her own job.
Danielle Smith says Alberta separatist movement is a "pressure release valve."
February 1, 2026 at 6:19 PM
Just so everyone is clear: the valve here releases pressure that would otherwise build on her leadership from within her party.
She would rather lose the country than her own job.
She would rather lose the country than her own job.
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
Being a proud Canadian is great, but it's so much more meaningful when you embrace our strong and unique identity.
Canadian pluralism (the "cultural mosaic") is core to that identity and it's more than just an idea. It's a set of values backed by strong legislative and institutional infrastructure.
Canadian pluralism (the "cultural mosaic") is core to that identity and it's more than just an idea. It's a set of values backed by strong legislative and institutional infrastructure.
February 1, 2026 at 8:52 PM
Being a proud Canadian is great, but it's so much more meaningful when you embrace our strong and unique identity.
Canadian pluralism (the "cultural mosaic") is core to that identity and it's more than just an idea. It's a set of values backed by strong legislative and institutional infrastructure.
Canadian pluralism (the "cultural mosaic") is core to that identity and it's more than just an idea. It's a set of values backed by strong legislative and institutional infrastructure.
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
NEW: This week on Whatever This Is, the one word everyone missed from Carney’s speech.
Pluralism.
Pluralism isn’t weakness. It’s an economic super-weapon.
It’s how we survive while others burn down.
We refuse to live in a country that doesn't have room for everyone.
#cdnpoli #canpoli #abpoli
Pluralism.
Pluralism isn’t weakness. It’s an economic super-weapon.
It’s how we survive while others burn down.
We refuse to live in a country that doesn't have room for everyone.
#cdnpoli #canpoli #abpoli
February 1, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
My piece on our break with our closest neighbor and ally:
"There’s no talk about a mutually beneficial relationship; Canada, Trump says, is not even a vassal state. Its very existence is dependent on the US, which means it is dependent on him personally. 'Canada lives because of the US,' he says, like a domestic abuser sneering." — @paulwaldman.bsky.social
Trump blames Canada
And tears our closest international relationship apart.
www.publicnotice.co
January 31, 2026 at 10:27 PM
My piece on our break with our closest neighbor and ally:
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
More than 34,000 Minnesotans signed up to be trained as ICED observers with various activist groups in recent weeks, many of them since Jan. 7, when a federal agent shot and killed Renée Good.
Thousands of new ICE watchers hit the streets after two killings
Minnesotans outraged by the killings of Renée Good and Alex Pretti have signed up in large numbers to monitor and protest ICE with other activists.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 31, 2026 at 7:30 PM
More than 34,000 Minnesotans signed up to be trained as ICED observers with various activist groups in recent weeks, many of them since Jan. 7, when a federal agent shot and killed Renée Good.
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
Sweet Jesus let’s go!
This judge does the thing quoting the Declaration of Independence at the Trump regime then adds for good measure: "Observing human behavior confirms that for some among us, the perfidious lust for unbridled power & the imposition of cruelty in its quest know no bounds & are bereft of human decency."
Order to release Adrian and Liam Arias is a real barn burner storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
January 31, 2026 at 9:32 PM
Sweet Jesus let’s go!
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
Protest music really is back.
corook - Scooby (Lyric Video)
YouTube video by hicorook
www.youtube.com
February 1, 2026 at 1:27 AM
Protest music really is back.
“the fact is, that the United Conservative Association clutching its pearls in offence does not constitute compensable damage or loss.”
Lindsay is awesome.
#ableg #abpoli
Lindsay is awesome.
#ableg #abpoli
“The former president of the Alberta Party has filed a counterclaim against the United Conservative Party, seeking $500,000 in damages and the dismissal of a suit alleging trademark infringement.”
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Former Alberta Party head files counterclaim in suit over Progressive Conservative branding | CBC News
The former head of the Alberta Party has filed a counterclaim against the United Conservative Party, seeking $500,000 in damages and the dismissal of a suit alleging trademark infringement.
www.cbc.ca
January 31, 2026 at 11:56 PM
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
Did not have Jason Kenney defending a LIBERAL Prime Minister while going full “yeah well your POTUS is a pedophile!” on my 2026 bingo card, and yet here we are.
Surreal.
#cdnpoli
Surreal.
#cdnpoli
January 29, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Did not have Jason Kenney defending a LIBERAL Prime Minister while going full “yeah well your POTUS is a pedophile!” on my 2026 bingo card, and yet here we are.
Surreal.
#cdnpoli
Surreal.
#cdnpoli
Reposted by Deirdre Mitchell-MacLean
I never met Catherine O’Hara. I have no charming Catherine O’Hara anecdote. I can’t even explain why the news of her death hit me so hard. But I know her memory will be a blessing to all who knew and loved her work, and the joy she brought to Canada and the world.
a woman in a black dress is smiling with #schitts creek written in the corner
Alt: A Gif from Schitt’s Creek of Catherine O’Hara as Moira, dressed in black and blowing us a kiss. May her memory be for a blessing.
media.tenor.com
January 30, 2026 at 7:54 PM
I never met Catherine O’Hara. I have no charming Catherine O’Hara anecdote. I can’t even explain why the news of her death hit me so hard. But I know her memory will be a blessing to all who knew and loved her work, and the joy she brought to Canada and the world.