Brent Wittmeier
@wittmeier.bsky.social
Former reporter, politico, university instructor, brewery drone and seminarian.
Always digging for cheap records.
Always digging for cheap records.
It’s called “being good at politics.”
‘Carney doesn’t actually want a pipeline or think one will get built, he’s just a duplicitous weasel’ is not the defence you think it is.
November 29, 2025 at 7:01 PM
It’s called “being good at politics.”
Reposted by Brent Wittmeier
This gets at the fundamentally flawed approach of the federal government: they are trying to find a policy solution to an identity problem.
It is part of the polarized, populist identity to be opposed to an Ottawa and Liberal Canada are not them. No policy will change that, as TMX revealed.
It is part of the polarized, populist identity to be opposed to an Ottawa and Liberal Canada are not them. No policy will change that, as TMX revealed.
Danielle Smith gets booed at UCP convention after mentioning working with Canada
November 29, 2025 at 4:32 PM
This gets at the fundamentally flawed approach of the federal government: they are trying to find a policy solution to an identity problem.
It is part of the polarized, populist identity to be opposed to an Ottawa and Liberal Canada are not them. No policy will change that, as TMX revealed.
It is part of the polarized, populist identity to be opposed to an Ottawa and Liberal Canada are not them. No policy will change that, as TMX revealed.
Reposted by Brent Wittmeier
In the words of an AWS software engineer, "When the AI bubble pops, Amazon will have taken a huge amount of land, water, and wealth, and the public needs to know."
We're firing a shot across the bow!
1000 Amazon workers have signed our Open Letter: AI hype is a distraction from its staggering costs.
And here's the letter if you haven't signed yet (Not just for Amazonians; we also love solidarity signatures): www.amazonclimatejustice.org
1000 Amazon workers have signed our Open Letter: AI hype is a distraction from its staggering costs.
And here's the letter if you haven't signed yet (Not just for Amazonians; we also love solidarity signatures): www.amazonclimatejustice.org
PR: AI hype is a distraction from its staggering costs, say 1000+ Amazon employees
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, November 26, 2025 Press contact: [email protected] AI hype is a distraction from its staggering costs, say 1000+ Amazon employees Over 1,000 Amazon emplo...
docs.google.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:45 PM
In the words of an AWS software engineer, "When the AI bubble pops, Amazon will have taken a huge amount of land, water, and wealth, and the public needs to know."
Reposted by Brent Wittmeier
Adam Radwanski does a good roundup of the climate policy implications here.
(I think I did a gift link?)
Anyway, my concern is less about phantom pipelines than it is the future of emissions reductions, renewables and clean tech in AB & BC.
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/64d9ad7...
(I think I did a gift link?)
Anyway, my concern is less about phantom pipelines than it is the future of emissions reductions, renewables and clean tech in AB & BC.
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/64d9ad7...
Carney’s new bargain: An end to Trudeau-era climate policies, and a big bet on industrial carbon pricing
New energy deal with Alberta brings Prime Minister’s approach to fighting climate change into full view
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Adam Radwanski does a good roundup of the climate policy implications here.
(I think I did a gift link?)
Anyway, my concern is less about phantom pipelines than it is the future of emissions reductions, renewables and clean tech in AB & BC.
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/64d9ad7...
(I think I did a gift link?)
Anyway, my concern is less about phantom pipelines than it is the future of emissions reductions, renewables and clean tech in AB & BC.
www.theglobeandmail.com/gift/64d9ad7...
This Banking Bro makes Poilievre seem charming by comparison.
People who care about climate change are “dreaming nostalgically about the past.” - Minister Hodgson
Gotcha. That explains a lot.
Gotcha. That explains a lot.
November 28, 2025 at 3:02 AM
This Banking Bro makes Poilievre seem charming by comparison.
Reposted by Brent Wittmeier
People who care about climate change are “dreaming nostalgically about the past.” - Minister Hodgson
Gotcha. That explains a lot.
Gotcha. That explains a lot.
November 28, 2025 at 2:03 AM
People who care about climate change are “dreaming nostalgically about the past.” - Minister Hodgson
Gotcha. That explains a lot.
Gotcha. That explains a lot.
Reposted by Brent Wittmeier
I can’t say I’m looking forward to dying of some preventable, pollution related disease and going bankrupt in the process. Truly, The Alberta Advantage.
The Canada-Alberta deal pushes a pipeline AND
- Allows Alberta to delay cutting methane emissions
- Suspends clean energy regulations in Alberta
- Loosens restrictions on tax breaks for clean tech to encourage more oil drilling
- Allows oil tankers on the west coast
thenarwhal.ca/carney-alber...
- Allows Alberta to delay cutting methane emissions
- Suspends clean energy regulations in Alberta
- Loosens restrictions on tax breaks for clean tech to encourage more oil drilling
- Allows oil tankers on the west coast
thenarwhal.ca/carney-alber...
Carney’s Alberta pipeline deal weakens climate policies | The Narwhal
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s ‘grand bargain’ isn’t just about an Alberta pipeline —it also proposes rolling back a host of climate policies
thenarwhal.ca
November 28, 2025 at 12:53 AM
I can’t say I’m looking forward to dying of some preventable, pollution related disease and going bankrupt in the process. Truly, The Alberta Advantage.
So what happens now? Does Danielle Smith call an election now that Carney has given her a win?
November 28, 2025 at 12:37 AM
So what happens now? Does Danielle Smith call an election now that Carney has given her a win?
Reposted by Brent Wittmeier
Giving Alberta an exemption to the Clean Electricity Standard means the policy is DOA.
There’s no way SK isn’t asking for the same thing, as they restart coal plants.
One Canadian economy? Nope. Likely scenario is no electricity regs at all, meaning we’re back to Harper-era policy.
There’s no way SK isn’t asking for the same thing, as they restart coal plants.
One Canadian economy? Nope. Likely scenario is no electricity regs at all, meaning we’re back to Harper-era policy.
Today’s MOU between the federal government and Alberta risks unravelling Canada’s climate policy. Read our full statement ⬇️
climateinstitute.ca/news/mou-alb...
climateinstitute.ca/news/mou-alb...
Federal-Alberta MOU risks unravelling Canada’s climate policy
While promised improvements to industrial carbon pricing are positive and important, other aspects of Alberta-Canada MOU will undermine policy effectiveness across the country.
climateinstitute.ca
November 28, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Giving Alberta an exemption to the Clean Electricity Standard means the policy is DOA.
There’s no way SK isn’t asking for the same thing, as they restart coal plants.
One Canadian economy? Nope. Likely scenario is no electricity regs at all, meaning we’re back to Harper-era policy.
There’s no way SK isn’t asking for the same thing, as they restart coal plants.
One Canadian economy? Nope. Likely scenario is no electricity regs at all, meaning we’re back to Harper-era policy.
I’d be worried about a) handing Danielle Smith a pipe to bludgeon you with (if it doesn’t get built), b) the possibility of more infrastructure (if it does) plus c) total capitulation (either way) from a guy who had previously marketed himself as someone who wouldn’t completely capitulate.
If I were Guibeault, or other environmentally focused Liberal cabinet members, I think I'd be less worried about the pipeline (which is a longshot regardless of what's said tomorrow) than the possible gutting of other climate policies put in place under Trudeau. www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Carney's expected green light for oil pipeline causes unease in caucus and cabinet: sources | CBC News
With Prime Minister Mark Carney expected to lay out a path forward for an oil pipeline to northwest B.C. on Thursday, senior people around him have had to assuage skittish MPs and at least one cabinet...
www.cbc.ca
November 27, 2025 at 2:13 AM
I’d be worried about a) handing Danielle Smith a pipe to bludgeon you with (if it doesn’t get built), b) the possibility of more infrastructure (if it does) plus c) total capitulation (either way) from a guy who had previously marketed himself as someone who wouldn’t completely capitulate.
I thought the whole point of Bluesky was so that we can forget about the existence of Jen Gerson.
November 26, 2025 at 6:07 AM
I thought the whole point of Bluesky was so that we can forget about the existence of Jen Gerson.
Reposted by Brent Wittmeier
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 Brent Wittmeier
If only there was some way for the state to get money from the “wealthy older Canadians”
Like some kind of percentage you take each year that was in proportion to their ability to pay based on the amount of money their investments make? Or when they pass on inheritance?
Wonder what we could call it
Like some kind of percentage you take each year that was in proportion to their ability to pay based on the amount of money their investments make? Or when they pass on inheritance?
Wonder what we could call it
November 23, 2025 at 7:19 PM
If only there was some way for the state to get money from the “wealthy older Canadians”
Like some kind of percentage you take each year that was in proportion to their ability to pay based on the amount of money their investments make? Or when they pass on inheritance?
Wonder what we could call it
Like some kind of percentage you take each year that was in proportion to their ability to pay based on the amount of money their investments make? Or when they pass on inheritance?
Wonder what we could call it
As predictable as Rick Bell.
November 23, 2025 at 6:06 PM
As predictable as Rick Bell.
Danielle is a fascist and she’s bending our institutions accordingly.
Markham is right: she might dress things up so we can pretend that it’s just business as usual.
But the longer she’s in power, the more ordinary Albertans will have to pay.
Markham is right: she might dress things up so we can pretend that it’s just business as usual.
But the longer she’s in power, the more ordinary Albertans will have to pay.
My first published story was in The Western Producer in 1985.
It took 40 years, but this is my best sentence:
"Democracy dies with a shrug, not a coup"
markhamhislop.substack.com/p/part-ii-th...
It took 40 years, but this is my best sentence:
"Democracy dies with a shrug, not a coup"
markhamhislop.substack.com/p/part-ii-th...
Alberta's Attack on the Idea of Canada
Democracy dies with a shrug, not a coup
markhamhislop.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Danielle is a fascist and she’s bending our institutions accordingly.
Markham is right: she might dress things up so we can pretend that it’s just business as usual.
But the longer she’s in power, the more ordinary Albertans will have to pay.
Markham is right: she might dress things up so we can pretend that it’s just business as usual.
But the longer she’s in power, the more ordinary Albertans will have to pay.
Reposted by Brent Wittmeier
I feel like a lot of us in the comedy world failed the world at large when we stayed silent despite knowing all about Cosby and Louis so let me say right now that Steve Martin has eaten one banjo a year for the last 25 years
November 22, 2025 at 5:00 AM
I feel like a lot of us in the comedy world failed the world at large when we stayed silent despite knowing all about Cosby and Louis so let me say right now that Steve Martin has eaten one banjo a year for the last 25 years
Reposted by Brent Wittmeier
The nerve these people have
November 20, 2025 at 4:44 PM
The nerve these people have
When Kenney is lying, he has a tell: he uses a $5 word.
November 19, 2025 at 3:48 AM
When Kenney is lying, he has a tell: he uses a $5 word.
Reposted by Brent Wittmeier
The only rights that the UCP seem to care about, courtesy of their DM of Justice, Malcolm Lavoie, are the so-called "property rights" of Australian coal companies.
In other words the non-constitutionally protected corporate property rights over real constitutionally protected human rights. #abpoli
In other words the non-constitutionally protected corporate property rights over real constitutionally protected human rights. #abpoli
November 19, 2025 at 3:29 AM
The only rights that the UCP seem to care about, courtesy of their DM of Justice, Malcolm Lavoie, are the so-called "property rights" of Australian coal companies.
In other words the non-constitutionally protected corporate property rights over real constitutionally protected human rights. #abpoli
In other words the non-constitutionally protected corporate property rights over real constitutionally protected human rights. #abpoli
Reposted by Brent Wittmeier
Imagine losing “access” to this
When asked if there was anything "incriminating" in Epstein's emails, Trump pointed a finger in a female reporter's face and snapped. 'Quiet. Quiet, Piggy.'
people.com/donald-trump...
people.com/donald-trump...
Donald Trump Snaps at Female Reporter Who Asks About Epstein Files: 'Quiet Piggy'
Donald Trump Says 'Quiet Piggy' to Female Reporter Asking About Epstein Files
people.com
November 18, 2025 at 5:29 AM
Imagine losing “access” to this
I dunno, UCP Status of Women minister using a misogynistic expletive seems just about right to me.
If you asked me last week to make a list of 10 Alberta MLA’s who I’d predict might have to apologize for dropping an MF bomb, Tanya Fir wouldn’t have been on that list.
Alberta minister of arts, culture and Status of Women apologizes for using expletive
CP style prevents the use of certain words in print, but if you haven’t already seen it Tanya Fir said “mother****er.”
From @fakihabaig.bsky.social today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/alb...
CP style prevents the use of certain words in print, but if you haven’t already seen it Tanya Fir said “mother****er.”
From @fakihabaig.bsky.social today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/alb...
November 18, 2025 at 1:24 AM
I dunno, UCP Status of Women minister using a misogynistic expletive seems just about right to me.
We’re totally not even gonna come close to the Paris commitments, and we’re barely even virtue signaling.
November 18, 2025 at 1:12 AM
We’re totally not even gonna come close to the Paris commitments, and we’re barely even virtue signaling.
You kiss Danielle Smith’s boots with that mouth?!?!?
November 16, 2025 at 9:10 PM
You kiss Danielle Smith’s boots with that mouth?!?!?
Using power to compensate for inner weakness.
Albertans have got to stop freely handing their lunch money over to these bullies.
Albertans have got to stop freely handing their lunch money over to these bullies.
The UCP is widely expected to use the notwithstanding clause once again on Monday.
Why?
Not just because they can.
And not because they have to.
They're doing it deliberately, whether out of spite, laziness, or expediency.
My latest:
🔗 open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
Why?
Not just because they can.
And not because they have to.
They're doing it deliberately, whether out of spite, laziness, or expediency.
My latest:
🔗 open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
November 16, 2025 at 5:47 PM
Using power to compensate for inner weakness.
Albertans have got to stop freely handing their lunch money over to these bullies.
Albertans have got to stop freely handing their lunch money over to these bullies.
Reposted by Brent Wittmeier
We're all trying to find the guy who did this 🌭
Alberta premier says loss of measles elimination status concerning, urges vigilance
From me today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
From me today:
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/prairies_bc/...
Alberta premier says loss of measles elimination status concerning, urges vigilance
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Canada recently losing its measles elimination status is concerning, but her government might not have many options on the table to help get it back.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
November 15, 2025 at 3:16 AM
We're all trying to find the guy who did this 🌭