Micheal J
@chealion.ca
Nerd about many things - coffee, urbanism, municipal issues, OpenStack, Kubernetes.
CA President, and technical manager at Cybera (NREN non profit)
CA President, and technical manager at Cybera (NREN non profit)
Reposted by Micheal J
Vision Zero for motorists, who regularly injure or kill pedestrians and other vehicle occupants 👎
“Vision Zero” for trams, on fixed guideways, keeping them moving at half the speed of motorists 👍
“Vision Zero” for trams, on fixed guideways, keeping them moving at half the speed of motorists 👍
It’s great that stronger TSP is now a political priority.
Unfortunately, our $3B+ tramway will STILL take 46-min to go 10km, slower than the bus. This is due to:
- “Vision Zero” speed limits of 35 midblocks, 25 intersections, 15 platforms
- speed limits and gradients enforced by unnecessary CBTC
Unfortunately, our $3B+ tramway will STILL take 46-min to go 10km, slower than the bus. This is due to:
- “Vision Zero” speed limits of 35 midblocks, 25 intersections, 15 platforms
- speed limits and gradients enforced by unnecessary CBTC
December 15, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Vision Zero for motorists, who regularly injure or kill pedestrians and other vehicle occupants 👎
“Vision Zero” for trams, on fixed guideways, keeping them moving at half the speed of motorists 👍
“Vision Zero” for trams, on fixed guideways, keeping them moving at half the speed of motorists 👍
Reposted by Micheal J
This is, by far, the best, most accurate and extremely well argued analysis of the power of Danielle Smith's communications style that I have read. This deserves to be widely distributed and as Markham notes, the Alberta NDP should take note.
Danielle Smith’s Superpower: Making Radical Policies Sound Sane and Safe
A field guide to persuading smart people to believe utterly unhinged ideas.
#ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli
markhamhislop.substack.com/p/danielle-s...
A field guide to persuading smart people to believe utterly unhinged ideas.
#ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli
markhamhislop.substack.com/p/danielle-s...
Danielle Smith’s Superpower: Making Radical Policies Sound Sane and Safe
A field guide to persuading smart people to believe utterly unhinged ideas
markhamhislop.substack.com
December 14, 2025 at 7:47 PM
This is, by far, the best, most accurate and extremely well argued analysis of the power of Danielle Smith's communications style that I have read. This deserves to be widely distributed and as Markham notes, the Alberta NDP should take note.
Reposted by Micheal J
People often ask: what can ordinary people do to stop populists like Trump and Smith from running roughshod over democratic norms?
Populists rely on the widespread perception that their actions are supported by "the majority" and "common people."
Anything that punctures that myth helps. +
Populists rely on the widespread perception that their actions are supported by "the majority" and "common people."
Anything that punctures that myth helps. +
December 7, 2025 at 9:58 PM
People often ask: what can ordinary people do to stop populists like Trump and Smith from running roughshod over democratic norms?
Populists rely on the widespread perception that their actions are supported by "the majority" and "common people."
Anything that punctures that myth helps. +
Populists rely on the widespread perception that their actions are supported by "the majority" and "common people."
Anything that punctures that myth helps. +
Reposted by Micheal J
Reposted by Micheal J
Underlying all of this is the fact that most people can't or don't conceive of life without the private automobile as the primary (only) method of transportation, including the people who make decisions about our infrastructure.
An astonishing percentage of Americans are open to car-free living.
The problem isn't attitudes. The problem is the failure to invest in viable options.
humantransit.org/2025/12/many...
The problem isn't attitudes. The problem is the failure to invest in viable options.
humantransit.org/2025/12/many...
Many Americans Are Open to Car-Free Living — Human Transit
Is Americans a “car culture” or are they “car dependent”? Do they drive because they love driving, or are they in an unhealthy relationship with a substance it would be happy to do without? Obviousl...
humantransit.org
December 11, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Underlying all of this is the fact that most people can't or don't conceive of life without the private automobile as the primary (only) method of transportation, including the people who make decisions about our infrastructure.
Reposted by Micheal J
Mayor @jeromyyyc.bsky.social has an opportunity to seize the moment & demonstrate the skills he possesses as a leader and consensus builder.
Instead of talking about a total teardown of blanket rezoning, #yyccc should focus on a #yycplan rezoning renovation.
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Instead of talking about a total teardown of blanket rezoning, #yyccc should focus on a #yycplan rezoning renovation.
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Opinion: Council should renovate, not repeal, rezoning
Opinion: Council should renovate, not repeal, rezoning
calgaryherald.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Mayor @jeromyyyc.bsky.social has an opportunity to seize the moment & demonstrate the skills he possesses as a leader and consensus builder.
Instead of talking about a total teardown of blanket rezoning, #yyccc should focus on a #yycplan rezoning renovation.
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Instead of talking about a total teardown of blanket rezoning, #yyccc should focus on a #yycplan rezoning renovation.
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Reposted by Micheal J
It's so hard to keep a straight face when someone will be like "North Korean spies stole my shitty blockchain ape drawings" and that is 100% what actually happened. Everything about it is just so absurd.
December 11, 2025 at 9:33 PM
It's so hard to keep a straight face when someone will be like "North Korean spies stole my shitty blockchain ape drawings" and that is 100% what actually happened. Everything about it is just so absurd.
Reposted by Micheal J
In "Poverty segmentation: The challenge of the 'working poor'," I challenge the misconception that poverty doesn't happen to people who work. The reality is that the largest group of people living in poverty in Canada are working or live in families who work. maytree.com/publications...
Poverty segmentation: The challenge of the “working poor”
Employment doesn't guarantee financial security: 42% of those in poverty are "working poor." Read Gillian Petit’s report on a modern definition for policymakers.
maytree.com
December 11, 2025 at 1:08 PM
In "Poverty segmentation: The challenge of the 'working poor'," I challenge the misconception that poverty doesn't happen to people who work. The reality is that the largest group of people living in poverty in Canada are working or live in families who work. maytree.com/publications...
Reposted by Micheal J
December 11, 2025 at 2:49 AM
The populist playbook is being speed run here...
(Playbook: bsky.app/profile/bren...)
bsky.app/profile/live...
#yyccc #yycplan
(Playbook: bsky.app/profile/bren...)
bsky.app/profile/live...
#yyccc #yycplan
City councillors, the Mayor, receive an email letter from a local group reminding them of repeal promises made on the election trail. #yyc #yyccc #calgary
buff.ly/avgauxk
buff.ly/avgauxk
Letter sent to Calgary city council reminds members of repeal promise on campaign trail - LiveWire Calgary
Calgary councillors got a rezoning reminder in their email inboxes this week, letting them know citizens are watching how they handle an upcoming repeal. The group Calgarians For Thoughtful Growth…
livewirecalgary.com
December 10, 2025 at 9:36 PM
The populist playbook is being speed run here...
(Playbook: bsky.app/profile/bren...)
bsky.app/profile/live...
#yyccc #yycplan
(Playbook: bsky.app/profile/bren...)
bsky.app/profile/live...
#yyccc #yycplan
Reposted by Micheal J
No ethics.
No expertise.
No rule of law.
Just hate and harm in three pieces of legislation with transgender kids being made into political pawns.
The horrible tale, by @reportrix.bsky.social. What a thing to have to report. Respect.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/alb...
Just horrible.
No expertise.
No rule of law.
Just hate and harm in three pieces of legislation with transgender kids being made into political pawns.
The horrible tale, by @reportrix.bsky.social. What a thing to have to report. Respect.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/alb...
Just horrible.
Alberta legislature passes bill invoking Charter override for fourth time
EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA - Alberta's governing United Conservatives stayed up into the early pre-dawn hours of Wednesday morning to pass a bill that marks the fourth time in under two
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
December 10, 2025 at 4:43 PM
No ethics.
No expertise.
No rule of law.
Just hate and harm in three pieces of legislation with transgender kids being made into political pawns.
The horrible tale, by @reportrix.bsky.social. What a thing to have to report. Respect.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/alb...
Just horrible.
No expertise.
No rule of law.
Just hate and harm in three pieces of legislation with transgender kids being made into political pawns.
The horrible tale, by @reportrix.bsky.social. What a thing to have to report. Respect.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/national/alb...
Just horrible.
Reposted by Micheal J
No notes. ✊🏾👏🏾
Last night the UCP used their power as gov’t to limit debate on multiple bills to one hour.
They’ve done it > 80 times in six years.
I had a few choice words in response and in defence of Albertans who deserve a government that respects democracy.
Better is possible. Just not with UCP. #abpoli
They’ve done it > 80 times in six years.
I had a few choice words in response and in defence of Albertans who deserve a government that respects democracy.
Better is possible. Just not with UCP. #abpoli
December 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
No notes. ✊🏾👏🏾
Reposted by Micheal J
Today is a dark day but our pledge to transgender and gender diverse people in every part of the province is this: we will never give up and we will never stop fighting for your rights. - Senator Kristopher Wells 2/2
December 10, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Today is a dark day but our pledge to transgender and gender diverse people in every part of the province is this: we will never give up and we will never stop fighting for your rights. - Senator Kristopher Wells 2/2
Reposted by Micheal J
Today, on International Human Rights Day, Albertans woke up in a province where the rights of one of our most vulnerable minorities have been overridden by a government whose only concern is its own ideological base. 1/2
nationalnewswatch.com/2025/12/10/a...
nationalnewswatch.com/2025/12/10/a...
Alberta legislature passes bill invoking Charter override for fourth…
National Newswatch: Canada's most comprehensive site for political news and views.
nationalnewswatch.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Today, on International Human Rights Day, Albertans woke up in a province where the rights of one of our most vulnerable minorities have been overridden by a government whose only concern is its own ideological base. 1/2
nationalnewswatch.com/2025/12/10/a...
nationalnewswatch.com/2025/12/10/a...
Reposted by Micheal J
When cameras are installed, they issue many violations in the first month, followed by a steep decline in the second month. This suggests that the cameras effectively deter speeding by changing underlying driver behavior rather than relying on sustained revenue extraction.
December 8, 2025 at 8:19 PM
When cameras are installed, they issue many violations in the first month, followed by a steep decline in the second month. This suggests that the cameras effectively deter speeding by changing underlying driver behavior rather than relying on sustained revenue extraction.
I would strongly argue we don't need to learn. We know. The City knows. We just continually choose to not do it to the scale it needs to be done.
And with the modest budget adds for this year - we can both celebrate progress and know it's not enough.
#yyccc #yycwalk
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
And with the modest budget adds for this year - we can both celebrate progress and know it's not enough.
#yyccc #yycwalk
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
In a record year for pedestrian deaths, here’s what Calgary can learn from other cities | CBC News
Calgary has seen 14 pedestrian fatalities this year. It’s the highest number of pedestrian deaths on Calgary Police Service records, which date back to 1996. According to police, it’s a death toll onl...
www.cbc.ca
December 9, 2025 at 1:14 AM
I would strongly argue we don't need to learn. We know. The City knows. We just continually choose to not do it to the scale it needs to be done.
And with the modest budget adds for this year - we can both celebrate progress and know it's not enough.
#yyccc #yycwalk
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
And with the modest budget adds for this year - we can both celebrate progress and know it's not enough.
#yyccc #yycwalk
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Micheal J
“The Canadian ethos is fundamentally egalitarian. Not equal outcomes, but equal dignity. Not equal wealth, but equal worth. We believe that public systems exist to protect people, not to sort them. To lift people up, not mete out punishment for circumstance.
“Smith rejects this.”
“Smith rejects this.”
If you read nothing else I write, read this.
Canadians outside Alberta, pay particular attention. If Smith succeeds, she will infect other provinces with "ungoverning."
markhamhislop.substack.com/p/danielle-s...
Canadians outside Alberta, pay particular attention. If Smith succeeds, she will infect other provinces with "ungoverning."
markhamhislop.substack.com/p/danielle-s...
Danielle Smith is "Ungoverning" Alberta
And trying to break the very idea of Canada
markhamhislop.substack.com
December 7, 2025 at 3:51 AM
“The Canadian ethos is fundamentally egalitarian. Not equal outcomes, but equal dignity. Not equal wealth, but equal worth. We believe that public systems exist to protect people, not to sort them. To lift people up, not mete out punishment for circumstance.
“Smith rejects this.”
“Smith rejects this.”
Reposted by Micheal J
I fucking love memes you can understand through the language barrier, holy shit
December 6, 2025 at 3:39 PM
I fucking love memes you can understand through the language barrier, holy shit
Reposted by Micheal J
"Outsourcing institutions did not make our government modern; it dissolved the foundations of competence, and now we rent it back at a premium because the capacity no longer exists inside the state at all.
A government that cannot do its own work cannot defend the public interest."
A government that cannot do its own work cannot defend the public interest."
My latest for @TheHubCanada
CANADIANS MUST OPEN THEIR EYES TO OUR GROWING CULTURE OF CORRUPTION.
This is not a left or right problem. It is a Canadian problem. And we must see it plainly for what it is.
thehub.ca/2025/12/06/c...
CANADIANS MUST OPEN THEIR EYES TO OUR GROWING CULTURE OF CORRUPTION.
This is not a left or right problem. It is a Canadian problem. And we must see it plainly for what it is.
thehub.ca/2025/12/06/c...
Canadians must open their eyes to our growing culture of corruption
Not just one-off scandals, corruption is now embedded in our governments, systems, and culture
thehub.ca
December 6, 2025 at 9:11 PM
"Outsourcing institutions did not make our government modern; it dissolved the foundations of competence, and now we rent it back at a premium because the capacity no longer exists inside the state at all.
A government that cannot do its own work cannot defend the public interest."
A government that cannot do its own work cannot defend the public interest."
Reposted by Micheal J
Gee, maybe because they’re gonna lose them all? Cuz they’re violating the law on the regular?
I tallied the number of court cases or legal challenges Alberta’s government has recently stepped in to block or pre-empt. Was surprised how long the exercise took - they’re at like a one-per-week clip:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
ANALYSIS | UCP government keeps blocking or nixing Alberta court challenges. Why? | CBC News
From transgender policies to referendums to "conservative" party names, the Alberta UCP has stepped in where others have feared to tread.
www.cbc.ca
December 6, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Gee, maybe because they’re gonna lose them all? Cuz they’re violating the law on the regular?
Reposted by Micheal J
Health Minister Adriana LaGrange suppressed information about measles cases that health officials told her the public should have. Another must read from the Globe.
December 6, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Health Minister Adriana LaGrange suppressed information about measles cases that health officials told her the public should have. Another must read from the Globe.
Reposted by Micheal J
Limbless, the Black Knight concedes.
New: John Rustad steps down as leader of the BC Conservative Party, one day after saying he's "not going anywhere."
"I know many are concerned by what they saw yesterday, but I want to assure every member and supporter of the party that this was not a hostile takeover by BC Liberals of the party."
"I know many are concerned by what they saw yesterday, but I want to assure every member and supporter of the party that this was not a hostile takeover by BC Liberals of the party."
December 4, 2025 at 5:34 PM
Limbless, the Black Knight concedes.
Reposted by Micheal J
As Calgary deals with a 10-year high in traffic fatalities, including more than a dozen pedestrian deaths, millions are being approved for pedestrian safety. Details on potential upgrades included in a city briefing note. #yyc #yyccc #yyccc
buff.ly/yKcoL2m
buff.ly/yKcoL2m
City council approves $7.5 million for pedestrian safety improvements - LiveWire Calgary
Calgary will see a host of new pedestrian safety measures after councillors approved an amendment to add $7.5 million to Vision Zero initiatives. Ward 7 Coun. Myke Atkinson cited the 14 pedestrian…
livewirecalgary.com
December 3, 2025 at 8:14 PM
As Calgary deals with a 10-year high in traffic fatalities, including more than a dozen pedestrian deaths, millions are being approved for pedestrian safety. Details on potential upgrades included in a city briefing note. #yyc #yyccc #yyccc
buff.ly/yKcoL2m
buff.ly/yKcoL2m
Reposted by Micheal J
STORY: Alberta ends negotiations with two firms tied to Sam Mraiche, the businessman at centre of health care controversy
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... with @tomcardoso.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... with @tomcardoso.bsky.social
Alberta ends procurement talks with two firms tied to businessman at centre of health care controversy
The two companies owned in part by Sam Mraiche were in negotiations to build private surgical facilities
www.theglobeandmail.com
December 3, 2025 at 3:19 AM
STORY: Alberta ends negotiations with two firms tied to Sam Mraiche, the businessman at centre of health care controversy
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... with @tomcardoso.bsky.social
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alber... with @tomcardoso.bsky.social
Reposted by Micheal J
Chabot will then turn and give CPS all the money they ask for. And this motion will make the lives of CPS members, and obviously those who are struggling, much more difficult.
Council is now debating a motion from Ward 10 Coun. Andre Chabot that would take the city's mental health and addictions program out of the base operating budget, and move it into one-time funding.
December 2, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Chabot will then turn and give CPS all the money they ask for. And this motion will make the lives of CPS members, and obviously those who are struggling, much more difficult.