Jared Wesley
@jaredwesley.ca
#UAlberta political scientist | Black Faculty Collective | Lead: Common Ground (@cgroundpolitics.bsky.social) | jaredwesley.ca | drjaredwesley.substack.com | co-author: partyloyalty.ca
Pinned
Jared Wesley
@jaredwesley.ca
· Nov 15
Jared Wesley
Political culture & public opinion.
Knowledge & practice.
Politics & policy.
jaredwesley.ca
New to my feed? Welcome! Here, you'll find commentary based on my research on (Western) Canadian politics. Learn more about my work at jaredwesley.ca.
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 Jared Wesley
The crux of Alberta's surgical facility scandal is that organizations were taking public money for private gain
Now, allowing physicians and partners to openly accept private money is a way of shielding everyone from this criticism
Hey, it's all above board now. Leave us alone
Now, allowing physicians and partners to openly accept private money is a way of shielding everyone from this criticism
Hey, it's all above board now. Leave us alone
November 22, 2025 at 3:41 PM
The crux of Alberta's surgical facility scandal is that organizations were taking public money for private gain
Now, allowing physicians and partners to openly accept private money is a way of shielding everyone from this criticism
Hey, it's all above board now. Leave us alone
Now, allowing physicians and partners to openly accept private money is a way of shielding everyone from this criticism
Hey, it's all above board now. Leave us alone
An important read for new/far right leaders in Alberta bent on using the state to control culture and society.
Theirs is not a conservative position.
It's the opposite.
thehub.ca/2025/11/21/s...
Theirs is not a conservative position.
It's the opposite.
thehub.ca/2025/11/21/s...
Six reasons why a state-imposed conservative culture is a terrible idea
thehub.ca
November 22, 2025 at 1:36 PM
An important read for new/far right leaders in Alberta bent on using the state to control culture and society.
Theirs is not a conservative position.
It's the opposite.
thehub.ca/2025/11/21/s...
Theirs is not a conservative position.
It's the opposite.
thehub.ca/2025/11/21/s...
Reposted by Jared Wesley
How did D'Entremont's floor crossing compare to others in Canadian history? And what can we do to improve party democracy? Our @alexmarland.bsky.social sat down with David Cochrane on Power & Politics today.
youtu.be/WJqFpwGIy_k?...
youtu.be/WJqFpwGIy_k?...
Should floor-crossers sit as Independents first? | Power & Politics
YouTube video by CBC News
youtu.be
November 22, 2025 at 3:37 AM
How did D'Entremont's floor crossing compare to others in Canadian history? And what can we do to improve party democracy? Our @alexmarland.bsky.social sat down with David Cochrane on Power & Politics today.
youtu.be/WJqFpwGIy_k?...
youtu.be/WJqFpwGIy_k?...
I'm not a fan of recall, petitions, and referenda.
However, it is entirely predictable that these tools would be used against a government that refuses to consult on policy and a caucus that has put partisanship ahead of listening to constituents.
However, it is entirely predictable that these tools would be used against a government that refuses to consult on policy and a caucus that has put partisanship ahead of listening to constituents.
November 21, 2025 at 2:31 PM
I'm not a fan of recall, petitions, and referenda.
However, it is entirely predictable that these tools would be used against a government that refuses to consult on policy and a caucus that has put partisanship ahead of listening to constituents.
However, it is entirely predictable that these tools would be used against a government that refuses to consult on policy and a caucus that has put partisanship ahead of listening to constituents.
What if the UCP operated the way Smith wants regulatory bodies to treat their members?
In our new book (partyloyalty.ca), we discuss the control leaders like the premier have over their own MLAs.
It's considerably more than Jordan Peterson faced.
theconversation.com/team-work-an...
In our new book (partyloyalty.ca), we discuss the control leaders like the premier have over their own MLAs.
It's considerably more than Jordan Peterson faced.
theconversation.com/team-work-an...
November 21, 2025 at 5:27 AM
What if the UCP operated the way Smith wants regulatory bodies to treat their members?
In our new book (partyloyalty.ca), we discuss the control leaders like the premier have over their own MLAs.
It's considerably more than Jordan Peterson faced.
theconversation.com/team-work-an...
In our new book (partyloyalty.ca), we discuss the control leaders like the premier have over their own MLAs.
It's considerably more than Jordan Peterson faced.
theconversation.com/team-work-an...
Reposted by Jared Wesley
On this Trans Day of Remembrance, I hope Albertans will remember that trans kids and teens are living breathing humans who just want to be themselves, without fear of hate and discrimination. Demonizing kids merely to score political points in some weird culture war is craven and cruel.
November 20, 2025 at 8:21 PM
On this Trans Day of Remembrance, I hope Albertans will remember that trans kids and teens are living breathing humans who just want to be themselves, without fear of hate and discrimination. Demonizing kids merely to score political points in some weird culture war is craven and cruel.
Reposted by Jared Wesley
This week, I withdrew from a speaking engagement at a public university because they sent me a list of prohibited “words & concepts.” I will not humor this censorship. It does a disservice to the stories I’m discussing & the audience, who deserve unfettered access to information & conversation.
November 20, 2025 at 10:20 PM
This week, I withdrew from a speaking engagement at a public university because they sent me a list of prohibited “words & concepts.” I will not humor this censorship. It does a disservice to the stories I’m discussing & the audience, who deserve unfettered access to information & conversation.
Spoke to a room of lawyers and judges tonight. Told them: when many Albertans picture the UCP base, they picture you.
They were shocked — most of them oppose the democratic backsliding.
I reminded them: as long as they stay silent, that perception will stick.
All pluralists need to speak out.
They were shocked — most of them oppose the democratic backsliding.
I reminded them: as long as they stay silent, that perception will stick.
All pluralists need to speak out.
November 21, 2025 at 4:00 AM
Spoke to a room of lawyers and judges tonight. Told them: when many Albertans picture the UCP base, they picture you.
They were shocked — most of them oppose the democratic backsliding.
I reminded them: as long as they stay silent, that perception will stick.
All pluralists need to speak out.
They were shocked — most of them oppose the democratic backsliding.
I reminded them: as long as they stay silent, that perception will stick.
All pluralists need to speak out.
We are excited to announce two book launch events in Edmonton in early-December!
🔴 Thu Dec 4, hosted by Alberta Counsel: www.eventbrite.ca/e/no-i-in-te...
🔴 Fri Dec 5, hosted at the University of Alberta: bit.ly/TeamBook25
🔴 Thu Dec 4, hosted by Alberta Counsel: www.eventbrite.ca/e/no-i-in-te...
🔴 Fri Dec 5, hosted at the University of Alberta: bit.ly/TeamBook25
November 20, 2025 at 9:32 PM
We are excited to announce two book launch events in Edmonton in early-December!
🔴 Thu Dec 4, hosted by Alberta Counsel: www.eventbrite.ca/e/no-i-in-te...
🔴 Fri Dec 5, hosted at the University of Alberta: bit.ly/TeamBook25
🔴 Thu Dec 4, hosted by Alberta Counsel: www.eventbrite.ca/e/no-i-in-te...
🔴 Fri Dec 5, hosted at the University of Alberta: bit.ly/TeamBook25
The UCP has abandoned conservatism. Not just Lougheed's brand. Klein's brand, too.
The party lost its grip years ago.
It's time for conservatives in this province to speak up about it.
www.readtheline.ca/p/jared-wesl...
The party lost its grip years ago.
It's time for conservatives in this province to speak up about it.
www.readtheline.ca/p/jared-wesl...
November 20, 2025 at 4:06 PM
The UCP has abandoned conservatism. Not just Lougheed's brand. Klein's brand, too.
The party lost its grip years ago.
It's time for conservatives in this province to speak up about it.
www.readtheline.ca/p/jared-wesl...
The party lost its grip years ago.
It's time for conservatives in this province to speak up about it.
www.readtheline.ca/p/jared-wesl...
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.
After the $100M privatization boondoggle...
"...AHS took over provincial laboratory testing and returned Alberta to a fully public model. By December, 2023, patient waiting times were reduced by 76%."
The same day as this report is released, UCP announced more privatization.
"...AHS took over provincial laboratory testing and returned Alberta to a fully public model. By December, 2023, patient waiting times were reduced by 76%."
The same day as this report is released, UCP announced more privatization.
November 20, 2025 at 3:50 AM
After the $100M privatization boondoggle...
"...AHS took over provincial laboratory testing and returned Alberta to a fully public model. By December, 2023, patient waiting times were reduced by 76%."
The same day as this report is released, UCP announced more privatization.
"...AHS took over provincial laboratory testing and returned Alberta to a fully public model. By December, 2023, patient waiting times were reduced by 76%."
The same day as this report is released, UCP announced more privatization.
The UCP could have ended the teachers' strike using s1. Other govts have.
Not Bill 9. The UCP has no evidence to support a s1 claim that their removal of parental & child rights is proportional or justifiable in a free and democratic society. Only vengeance.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
Not Bill 9. The UCP has no evidence to support a s1 claim that their removal of parental & child rights is proportional or justifiable in a free and democratic society. Only vengeance.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
November 20, 2025 at 3:14 AM
The UCP could have ended the teachers' strike using s1. Other govts have.
Not Bill 9. The UCP has no evidence to support a s1 claim that their removal of parental & child rights is proportional or justifiable in a free and democratic society. Only vengeance.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
Not Bill 9. The UCP has no evidence to support a s1 claim that their removal of parental & child rights is proportional or justifiable in a free and democratic society. Only vengeance.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
Reposted by Jared Wesley
⚠️ BREAKING ⚠️
This afternoon, country music artist @corblund.bsky.social headed to #Edmonton to submit his application to Elections Alberta for a petition to prohibit coal mining in the #EasternSlopes of the Rocky Mountains.
#MountainsNotMines #WaterNotCoal #Calgary #YYC #Alberta #AbLeg #AbPoli
This afternoon, country music artist @corblund.bsky.social headed to #Edmonton to submit his application to Elections Alberta for a petition to prohibit coal mining in the #EasternSlopes of the Rocky Mountains.
#MountainsNotMines #WaterNotCoal #Calgary #YYC #Alberta #AbLeg #AbPoli
November 20, 2025 at 1:53 AM
⚠️ BREAKING ⚠️
This afternoon, country music artist @corblund.bsky.social headed to #Edmonton to submit his application to Elections Alberta for a petition to prohibit coal mining in the #EasternSlopes of the Rocky Mountains.
#MountainsNotMines #WaterNotCoal #Calgary #YYC #Alberta #AbLeg #AbPoli
This afternoon, country music artist @corblund.bsky.social headed to #Edmonton to submit his application to Elections Alberta for a petition to prohibit coal mining in the #EasternSlopes of the Rocky Mountains.
#MountainsNotMines #WaterNotCoal #Calgary #YYC #Alberta #AbLeg #AbPoli
I sat down with Rob Breakenridge to talk about the state of (direct) democracy in Alberta. Recalls, petitions, referenda, and hyperpartisanship.
substack.com/@thelinealbe...
substack.com/@thelinealbe...
Podcast: UCP’s recall plans come back to bite them
A number of government MLAs are now being targeted with voter recall campaigns.
substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 1:13 AM
I sat down with Rob Breakenridge to talk about the state of (direct) democracy in Alberta. Recalls, petitions, referenda, and hyperpartisanship.
substack.com/@thelinealbe...
substack.com/@thelinealbe...
What could go wrong?
November 20, 2025 at 12:57 AM
What could go wrong?
Bill 9 is a trans rights issue.
Don't be fooled, because it's also a parental rights and bodily autonomy issue.
The UCP has no place in the living rooms and physicians offices of this province.
Don't be fooled, because it's also a parental rights and bodily autonomy issue.
The UCP has no place in the living rooms and physicians offices of this province.
November 19, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Bill 9 is a trans rights issue.
Don't be fooled, because it's also a parental rights and bodily autonomy issue.
The UCP has no place in the living rooms and physicians offices of this province.
Don't be fooled, because it's also a parental rights and bodily autonomy issue.
The UCP has no place in the living rooms and physicians offices of this province.
We're almost at capacity, so register today!
Join Rachel Notley, @alexmarland.bsky.social, and me to discuss the bounds of party (dis)loyalty in Canada.
🗓️ Friday, Dec. 5
🕓 4:00–5:30pm
📍 Alfred Sorensen Community Hall, University Commons (University of Alberta)
Free registration: bit.ly/TeamBook25
🗓️ Friday, Dec. 5
🕓 4:00–5:30pm
📍 Alfred Sorensen Community Hall, University Commons (University of Alberta)
Free registration: bit.ly/TeamBook25
November 19, 2025 at 2:07 PM
We're almost at capacity, so register today!
I agree. Of all the policy measures on the table, Albertans are warmest to the notion of securing more federal jobs out West. Way more popular than a provincial pension plan or police force.
Albertans want bridges not firewalls.
macleans.ca/politics/how...
Albertans want bridges not firewalls.
macleans.ca/politics/how...
How to Fix Western Alienation - Macleans.ca
Ottawa feels out of touch. Spreading the federal government across the country would rebuild trust.
macleans.ca
November 19, 2025 at 5:41 AM
I agree. Of all the policy measures on the table, Albertans are warmest to the notion of securing more federal jobs out West. Way more popular than a provincial pension plan or police force.
Albertans want bridges not firewalls.
macleans.ca/politics/how...
Albertans want bridges not firewalls.
macleans.ca/politics/how...
Who's next?
Now that the notwithstanding clause has become a routine policymaking tool for the UCP, we need to look ahead to their next targets.
This month's AGM will provide clues.
Now that the notwithstanding clause has become a routine policymaking tool for the UCP, we need to look ahead to their next targets.
This month's AGM will provide clues.
November 19, 2025 at 4:28 AM
Who's next?
Now that the notwithstanding clause has become a routine policymaking tool for the UCP, we need to look ahead to their next targets.
This month's AGM will provide clues.
Now that the notwithstanding clause has become a routine policymaking tool for the UCP, we need to look ahead to their next targets.
This month's AGM will provide clues.
To protect Alberta children, the UCP is removing their human rights and the ability of their parents, teachers, and physicians to protect them.
The UCP knows best.
This is a classic populist trope.
The UCP knows best.
This is a classic populist trope.
November 19, 2025 at 4:00 AM
To protect Alberta children, the UCP is removing their human rights and the ability of their parents, teachers, and physicians to protect them.
The UCP knows best.
This is a classic populist trope.
The UCP knows best.
This is a classic populist trope.
Tomorrow, the Auditor General will release his report into the UCP's Dynalife fiasco.
They're hoping to flood the zone this week with citizenship markers and anti-trans legislation.
Keep your focus on the targets.
And the broader pattern.
The UCP is shifting Alberta away from liberal democracy.
They're hoping to flood the zone this week with citizenship markers and anti-trans legislation.
Keep your focus on the targets.
And the broader pattern.
The UCP is shifting Alberta away from liberal democracy.
Keeping up with the UCP government's democratic transgressions can be difficult.
But not impossible.
Here’s a running list since Danielle Smith became premier. 🧵👇
But not impossible.
Here’s a running list since Danielle Smith became premier. 🧵👇
November 19, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Tomorrow, the Auditor General will release his report into the UCP's Dynalife fiasco.
They're hoping to flood the zone this week with citizenship markers and anti-trans legislation.
Keep your focus on the targets.
And the broader pattern.
The UCP is shifting Alberta away from liberal democracy.
They're hoping to flood the zone this week with citizenship markers and anti-trans legislation.
Keep your focus on the targets.
And the broader pattern.
The UCP is shifting Alberta away from liberal democracy.
They could. They didn't have to. But they did it anyway.
Why did the UCP use the notwithstanding clause to strip trans folks of their Charter rights?
Laziness? Impatience? Vengence?
Motives matter little. The impact is by design: maximal harm in minimal time.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
Why did the UCP use the notwithstanding clause to strip trans folks of their Charter rights?
Laziness? Impatience? Vengence?
Motives matter little. The impact is by design: maximal harm in minimal time.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
November 19, 2025 at 3:34 AM
They could. They didn't have to. But they did it anyway.
Why did the UCP use the notwithstanding clause to strip trans folks of their Charter rights?
Laziness? Impatience? Vengence?
Motives matter little. The impact is by design: maximal harm in minimal time.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
Why did the UCP use the notwithstanding clause to strip trans folks of their Charter rights?
Laziness? Impatience? Vengence?
Motives matter little. The impact is by design: maximal harm in minimal time.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...