Orlagh O’Kelly
@orlaghokelly.bsky.social
Public interest lawyer and First Nation rights advocate. Never a KC.
Treaty No 6 territory
YEG
🇨🇦
okellylaw.ca
Treaty No 6 territory
YEG
🇨🇦
okellylaw.ca
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
"Stereotypes related to Indigeneity, trauma, or disability have no place in child-welfare decision-making."
The mother first made a human rights complaint against the child welfare agency in 2017 after her four children were apprehended.
The mother first made a human rights complaint against the child welfare agency in 2017 after her four children were apprehended.
Indigenous B.C. mom’s years-long legal fight comes to an end with Supreme Court of Canada decision
The Supreme Court of Canada will not hear an appeal of a decision awarding $150,000 in damages for discrimination to an Indigenous mom in B.C. whose children were taken from her and put in foster care...
www.ctvnews.ca
November 27, 2025 at 8:45 AM
"Stereotypes related to Indigeneity, trauma, or disability have no place in child-welfare decision-making."
The mother first made a human rights complaint against the child welfare agency in 2017 after her four children were apprehended.
The mother first made a human rights complaint against the child welfare agency in 2017 after her four children were apprehended.
Alberta's Recall Act: UCP comeuppance or threat to representative democracy?
Substack struggles aside, here's my
Part 1 - explanation of the Recall Act process and purpose: lnkd.in/g4837UyA
Part 2 - overview of the comeuppance and the issues with Nally's response:
lnkd.in/g4837UyA
#ableg
Substack struggles aside, here's my
Part 1 - explanation of the Recall Act process and purpose: lnkd.in/g4837UyA
Part 2 - overview of the comeuppance and the issues with Nally's response:
lnkd.in/g4837UyA
#ableg
November 25, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Alberta's Recall Act: UCP comeuppance or threat to representative democracy?
Substack struggles aside, here's my
Part 1 - explanation of the Recall Act process and purpose: lnkd.in/g4837UyA
Part 2 - overview of the comeuppance and the issues with Nally's response:
lnkd.in/g4837UyA
#ableg
Substack struggles aside, here's my
Part 1 - explanation of the Recall Act process and purpose: lnkd.in/g4837UyA
Part 2 - overview of the comeuppance and the issues with Nally's response:
lnkd.in/g4837UyA
#ableg
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Danielle Smith has already used the notwithstanding clause to remove workers', parents', and patients' rights to choose.
It's not hard to see where the road is leading. The UCP has given a roadmap, for those who need the help.
It's not hard to see where the road is leading. The UCP has given a roadmap, for those who need the help.
November 22, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Danielle Smith has already used the notwithstanding clause to remove workers', parents', and patients' rights to choose.
It's not hard to see where the road is leading. The UCP has given a roadmap, for those who need the help.
It's not hard to see where the road is leading. The UCP has given a roadmap, for those who need the help.
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
"Local reports warn that if a big earthquake were to strike densely populated cities like Tehran, Shiraz, or Tabriz, millions of people could be killed under the rubble of construction sites and high-rise apartments"
Iran Faces Widespread Land Subsidence Amid Escalating Water Emergency
In many Iranian cities, the ground is sinking due to land subsidence caused by the excessive extraction of water resources, putting lives and livelihoods at serious risk.
www.forbes.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:18 PM
"Local reports warn that if a big earthquake were to strike densely populated cities like Tehran, Shiraz, or Tabriz, millions of people could be killed under the rubble of construction sites and high-rise apartments"
Busy day in Court. Incredible honour to represent two First Nations with incredible evidence from Professor Darcy lindberg . But it was definitely a fist to have the judge question Rath about meeting with the Trump administration …
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Alberta judge to decide whether proposed separation referendum is constitutional | CBC News
Arguments began Wednesday from lawyers representing the head of a pro-Alberta sovereignty group, the province’s chief electoral officer and five First Nations groups who have been granted intervenor s...
www.cbc.ca
November 21, 2025 at 2:18 AM
Busy day in Court. Incredible honour to represent two First Nations with incredible evidence from Professor Darcy lindberg . But it was definitely a fist to have the judge question Rath about meeting with the Trump administration …
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
They're not even hiding it. Resolution #29 at this month's UCP AGM promises to roll back reproductive rights.
Don't think they'll use the notwithstanding clause to do it?
I've got a lab testing contract and boatload of Turkish Tylenol to sell you.
Don't think they'll use the notwithstanding clause to do it?
I've got a lab testing contract and boatload of Turkish Tylenol to sell you.
November 20, 2025 at 4:43 AM
They're not even hiding it. Resolution #29 at this month's UCP AGM promises to roll back reproductive rights.
Don't think they'll use the notwithstanding clause to do it?
I've got a lab testing contract and boatload of Turkish Tylenol to sell you.
Don't think they'll use the notwithstanding clause to do it?
I've got a lab testing contract and boatload of Turkish Tylenol to sell you.
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
The 2025 fall session of the Alberta legislature will come to be known, infamously, as the Notwithstanding Session.
I hope that it will also give rise to what will be known as the Notwithstanding General Strike.
The Charter shd protect the rights of minorities not the bigotry of the majority
#abpoli
I hope that it will also give rise to what will be known as the Notwithstanding General Strike.
The Charter shd protect the rights of minorities not the bigotry of the majority
#abpoli
November 19, 2025 at 1:32 AM
The 2025 fall session of the Alberta legislature will come to be known, infamously, as the Notwithstanding Session.
I hope that it will also give rise to what will be known as the Notwithstanding General Strike.
The Charter shd protect the rights of minorities not the bigotry of the majority
#abpoli
I hope that it will also give rise to what will be known as the Notwithstanding General Strike.
The Charter shd protect the rights of minorities not the bigotry of the majority
#abpoli
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Harmful and inaccurate. Bill 29, the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, applies to adult athletes too (those who are trans or suspected of being ‘not female at birth’). Bills 26, 27 & 29 have inconsistent objectives (parental rights! no parental rights!) and are as chaotic as the rollout of Bill 9.
This alleged protection for children is harmful discourse. And I wish people would stop enabling those who use it, normalizing this insidious language. @cherylanneo.bsky.social .
We know they don’t care about kids, especially do they are disabled or in public schools.
We know they don’t care about kids, especially do they are disabled or in public schools.
November 19, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Harmful and inaccurate. Bill 29, the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act, applies to adult athletes too (those who are trans or suspected of being ‘not female at birth’). Bills 26, 27 & 29 have inconsistent objectives (parental rights! no parental rights!) and are as chaotic as the rollout of Bill 9.
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
SCOOP: Alberta intends to allow doctors working in the public health care system to simultaneously offers services in a parallel private market, according to draft amendments obtained by The Globe and Mail
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
Alberta plans to allow doctors to deliver public and private services
Draft legislation would establish a model for medicine unlike any other in Canada
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 18, 2025 at 2:20 PM
SCOOP: Alberta intends to allow doctors working in the public health care system to simultaneously offers services in a parallel private market, according to draft amendments obtained by The Globe and Mail
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
First Monday, then Wednesday, but Tuesday was the day the UCP invoked s 33 to override the rights of trans + gender diverse youth. If it really believed it had strong evidence to “protect” youth it would have used s 1 of the Charter in ongoing litigation. Watch for my @ablawg.bsky.social post tmrw.
The Bill that will invoke the s 33 notwithstanding clause in relation to legislation restricting the rights of trans and gender diverse youth was not introduced today. The UCP also appeared to have their supporters on this issue in the Leg today, so this is a bit of a mystery. Anyone know why?
There are trans folks and allies being introduced in the gallery, so it appears that the speculation about a Bill being introduced that will invoke the notwithstanding clause to override the rights of trans and gender diverse youth was accurate. To be continued...
November 19, 2025 at 12:36 AM
First Monday, then Wednesday, but Tuesday was the day the UCP invoked s 33 to override the rights of trans + gender diverse youth. If it really believed it had strong evidence to “protect” youth it would have used s 1 of the Charter in ongoing litigation. Watch for my @ablawg.bsky.social post tmrw.
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
I don't want to hear Danielle Smith ever describe herself as a libertarian again.
November 19, 2025 at 12:09 AM
I don't want to hear Danielle Smith ever describe herself as a libertarian again.
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Don't ever ask Canadians why they aren't pursuing fun US vacays. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Irish tourist jailed by Ice for months after overstaying US visit by three days: ‘Nobody is safe’
Exclusive: For roughly 100 days, Thomas says he faced harsh detention conditions, despite agreeing to deportation
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:24 PM
Don't ever ask Canadians why they aren't pursuing fun US vacays. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Erika Barootes may want to check her notes on ATA offer vs UNA www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Alberta nurses' union, province reach four-year deal, with pay increases of about 20 per cent | CBC News
The union that represents more than 30,000 nurses in Alberta has signed a four-year contract with the province after months of bargaining and mediation.
www.cbc.ca
October 25, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Erika Barootes may want to check her notes on ATA offer vs UNA www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Alberta Healthcare Universality is Clearly in Smith's Sights
Pay more taxes, get fewer public services. Not satisfied? Then pay out of your own pocket.
That's the playbook, folks. You've been warned.
@Lorian_H @ABDanielleSmith #ableg #abpoli
youtu.be/508Ub40OM8c
Pay more taxes, get fewer public services. Not satisfied? Then pay out of your own pocket.
That's the playbook, folks. You've been warned.
@Lorian_H @ABDanielleSmith #ableg #abpoli
youtu.be/508Ub40OM8c
Alberta Healthcare Universality is Clearly in Smith's Sights
YouTube video by Energi Media
youtu.be
November 10, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Alberta Healthcare Universality is Clearly in Smith's Sights
Pay more taxes, get fewer public services. Not satisfied? Then pay out of your own pocket.
That's the playbook, folks. You've been warned.
@Lorian_H @ABDanielleSmith #ableg #abpoli
youtu.be/508Ub40OM8c
Pay more taxes, get fewer public services. Not satisfied? Then pay out of your own pocket.
That's the playbook, folks. You've been warned.
@Lorian_H @ABDanielleSmith #ableg #abpoli
youtu.be/508Ub40OM8c
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Not only did the AER's CEO unlawfully interfere with the hearing process for Summit's Mine 14, he called the Minister's office for "input" pretty much as soon as the application for reconsideration came in. That's a foul.
#abpoli #ableg @cpawsnab.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
#abpoli #ableg @cpawsnab.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
Documents related to Summit coal decision raise more questions about Alberta Energy Regulator’s independence
Regulator’s CEO sought ‘input’ from Energy Minister’s chief of staff on a motion to cancel hearings about a proposed mine
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Not only did the AER's CEO unlawfully interfere with the hearing process for Summit's Mine 14, he called the Minister's office for "input" pretty much as soon as the application for reconsideration came in. That's a foul.
#abpoli #ableg @cpawsnab.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
#abpoli #ableg @cpawsnab.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
“Smith…said she’s concerned such petition drives aren’t using the legislation in good faith but instead are trying to overthrow her government.”
She’s the husband who wants the open marriage until he finds out his wife is getting all the action.
She’s the husband who wants the open marriage until he finds out his wife is getting all the action.
No changes coming ‘at the moment’ for Alberta’s recall legislation: Danielle Smith | Globalnews.ca
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says she's concerned such petition drives aren't using the recall legislation in good faith but instead, are trying to overthrow her government.
globalnews.ca
November 6, 2025 at 2:15 AM
“Smith…said she’s concerned such petition drives aren’t using the legislation in good faith but instead are trying to overthrow her government.”
She’s the husband who wants the open marriage until he finds out his wife is getting all the action.
She’s the husband who wants the open marriage until he finds out his wife is getting all the action.
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
What will it take for UCP back benchers to show some spine and stop following their Imperial edict?
Let this man do his job.
#abpoli #cdnpol #ableg
Let this man do his job.
#abpoli #cdnpol #ableg
Alberta's Auditor General is racing to finish his investigation into healthcare procurement after the UCP govt rejected his proposed contract extension.
He's done in April, 2026, and wants his probe wrapped then, too.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
He's done in April, 2026, and wants his probe wrapped then, too.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber...
Alberta Auditor-General rushing health care probe after government denies term extension
Doug Wylie said he offered to stay for two more years to wrap up major files including the health care investigation
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 4, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
Ah, yes. Only straight white men are qualified to be judges. How silly of us to forget.
November 3, 2025 at 3:12 AM
Ah, yes. Only straight white men are qualified to be judges. How silly of us to forget.
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
My latest in the @edmontonjournal.com on the province’s pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause to override the Charter rights to strike…. And to meaningful bargaining… of 50,000 teachers
#ableg
edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
#ableg
edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
Opinion: Invoking notwithstanding clause a slippery slope for Alberta
Pre-emptively and actively overriding rights is a slippery slope. Whose rights are next?
edmontonjournal.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:05 AM
My latest in the @edmontonjournal.com on the province’s pre-emptive use of the notwithstanding clause to override the Charter rights to strike…. And to meaningful bargaining… of 50,000 teachers
#ableg
edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
#ableg
edmontonjournal.com/opinion/colu...
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
"A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought"
- Ronald Reagan
- Ronald Reagan
October 30, 2025 at 3:11 AM
"A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought"
- Ronald Reagan
- Ronald Reagan
So happy to be able to contribute knowledge regarding the unprecedented use of the notwithstanding clause in Alberta, was on 880 Ched show this afternoon and Ian Hanomansing this evening, talking about what is happening in Alberta.
globalnews.ca/edmonton/pro...
globalnews.ca/edmonton/pro...
October 30, 2025 at 4:00 AM
So happy to be able to contribute knowledge regarding the unprecedented use of the notwithstanding clause in Alberta, was on 880 Ched show this afternoon and Ian Hanomansing this evening, talking about what is happening in Alberta.
globalnews.ca/edmonton/pro...
globalnews.ca/edmonton/pro...
Reposted by Orlagh O’Kelly
“Smith’s personal approval has gone down to 38 per cent, a six-point drop from May.
And nearly half of respondents — 47 per cent — reported that their opinion of the premier has worsened over the past six months.”
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
calgaryherald.com/news/politic...
And nearly half of respondents — 47 per cent — reported that their opinion of the premier has worsened over the past six months.”
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
calgaryherald.com/news/politic...
'Reputational challenges': New poll shows public support for Smith, UCP has dipped amid teachers' strike
Response to teachers' strike appeared to sour some Albertans' opinions of Premier Danielle Smith and the UCP, suggests new survey from Leger
calgaryherald.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:58 AM
“Smith’s personal approval has gone down to 38 per cent, a six-point drop from May.
And nearly half of respondents — 47 per cent — reported that their opinion of the premier has worsened over the past six months.”
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
calgaryherald.com/news/politic...
And nearly half of respondents — 47 per cent — reported that their opinion of the premier has worsened over the past six months.”
#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli
calgaryherald.com/news/politic...