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
Note the UCP's meme 👇.
In this particular case, the government has broken commitments to preserve public healthcare.
More worrisome, they're keeping more promises than they made in their 2023 platform.
From @daveberta.bsky.social: open.substack.com/pub/davebert...
In this particular case, the government has broken commitments to preserve public healthcare.
More worrisome, they're keeping more promises than they made in their 2023 platform.
From @daveberta.bsky.social: open.substack.com/pub/davebert...
November 25, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Note the UCP's meme 👇.
In this particular case, the government has broken commitments to preserve public healthcare.
More worrisome, they're keeping more promises than they made in their 2023 platform.
From @daveberta.bsky.social: open.substack.com/pub/davebert...
In this particular case, the government has broken commitments to preserve public healthcare.
More worrisome, they're keeping more promises than they made in their 2023 platform.
From @daveberta.bsky.social: open.substack.com/pub/davebert...
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.
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
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.
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...
What could go wrong?
November 20, 2025 at 12:57 AM
What could go wrong?
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.
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...
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 18, 2025 at 11:08 PM
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
When the UCP uses the notwithstanding clause tomorrow, watch defenders say, "it's totally legal" or "we had no choice."
They're deflecting.
The UCP wants to exact as much harm on transgender folks as possible. And they know their actions are not justifiable in a democratic society.
Who's next?
They're deflecting.
The UCP wants to exact as much harm on transgender folks as possible. And they know their actions are not justifiable in a democratic society.
Who's next?
November 16, 2025 at 3:45 PM
When the UCP uses the notwithstanding clause tomorrow, watch defenders say, "it's totally legal" or "we had no choice."
They're deflecting.
The UCP wants to exact as much harm on transgender folks as possible. And they know their actions are not justifiable in a democratic society.
Who's next?
They're deflecting.
The UCP wants to exact as much harm on transgender folks as possible. And they know their actions are not justifiable in a democratic society.
Who's next?
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 15, 2025 at 11:27 PM
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...
Teachers and unions were first (Bill 2).
Trans Albertans are next (Bill 9).
The UCP's 2025 AGM Resolutions reveal a much longer list of folks whose rights are at risk from the party's use of the notwithstanding clause.
Trans Albertans are next (Bill 9).
The UCP's 2025 AGM Resolutions reveal a much longer list of folks whose rights are at risk from the party's use of the notwithstanding clause.
November 12, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Teachers and unions were first (Bill 2).
Trans Albertans are next (Bill 9).
The UCP's 2025 AGM Resolutions reveal a much longer list of folks whose rights are at risk from the party's use of the notwithstanding clause.
Trans Albertans are next (Bill 9).
The UCP's 2025 AGM Resolutions reveal a much longer list of folks whose rights are at risk from the party's use of the notwithstanding clause.
Funny you should ask, @aaronwherry.bsky.social.
Check out our brand new book on the topic: partyloyalty.ca
Check out our brand new book on the topic: partyloyalty.ca
November 11, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Funny you should ask, @aaronwherry.bsky.social.
Check out our brand new book on the topic: partyloyalty.ca
Check out our brand new book on the topic: partyloyalty.ca
By using s33 pre-emptively, the UCP is not simply admitting that their laws are breaching Charter rights. (Governments have done that before.)
By foregoing judicial review, they are further admitting that their laws cannot be justified in a democratic society.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
By foregoing judicial review, they are further admitting that their laws cannot be justified in a democratic society.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
November 10, 2025 at 2:32 AM
By using s33 pre-emptively, the UCP is not simply admitting that their laws are breaching Charter rights. (Governments have done that before.)
By foregoing judicial review, they are further admitting that their laws cannot be justified in a democratic society.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
By foregoing judicial review, they are further admitting that their laws cannot be justified in a democratic society.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
Like me, many Albertans are caught in the middle between those who defend and oppose the government at all costs.
Fortunately, Peter Lougheed provided us with guidelines for how to approach these issues.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
Fortunately, Peter Lougheed provided us with guidelines for how to approach these issues.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
November 10, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Like me, many Albertans are caught in the middle between those who defend and oppose the government at all costs.
Fortunately, Peter Lougheed provided us with guidelines for how to approach these issues.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
Fortunately, Peter Lougheed provided us with guidelines for how to approach these issues.
open.substack.com/pub/drjaredw...
We studied over 300 party defections in Canada since 1980 for our new book (partyloyalty.ca).
I reviewed a lot of resignation letters.
Between the lines, a few read a lot like this one.
I reviewed a lot of resignation letters.
Between the lines, a few read a lot like this one.
November 8, 2025 at 3:29 AM
We studied over 300 party defections in Canada since 1980 for our new book (partyloyalty.ca).
I reviewed a lot of resignation letters.
Between the lines, a few read a lot like this one.
I reviewed a lot of resignation letters.
Between the lines, a few read a lot like this one.
Here's the proof i was here, by the way.
November 3, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Here's the proof i was here, by the way.
I'm in Burlington, Ontario, today.
Popped by a neighborhood Shopper's to get my COVID-19 shot.
Administered by an Ontarian. Paid for by the Alberta government.
In Edmonton, the shot would have cost me $100 and I'd have had to wait weeks.
Make this make sense.
Popped by a neighborhood Shopper's to get my COVID-19 shot.
Administered by an Ontarian. Paid for by the Alberta government.
In Edmonton, the shot would have cost me $100 and I'd have had to wait weeks.
Make this make sense.
November 3, 2025 at 5:39 PM
I'm in Burlington, Ontario, today.
Popped by a neighborhood Shopper's to get my COVID-19 shot.
Administered by an Ontarian. Paid for by the Alberta government.
In Edmonton, the shot would have cost me $100 and I'd have had to wait weeks.
Make this make sense.
Popped by a neighborhood Shopper's to get my COVID-19 shot.
Administered by an Ontarian. Paid for by the Alberta government.
In Edmonton, the shot would have cost me $100 and I'd have had to wait weeks.
Make this make sense.
A reminder that this outcome was designed and predictable.
November 3, 2025 at 4:27 AM
A reminder that this outcome was designed and predictable.
The battle over Bill 2 has only solidified my view.
On the populist side, the premier and her hangers-on.
On the pluralist side, a cross-spectrum group of libertarians, tories, comservatives, moderates, centrists, and progressives. Among them, both Nenshi and Guthrie (strange bedfellows).+
On the populist side, the premier and her hangers-on.
On the pluralist side, a cross-spectrum group of libertarians, tories, comservatives, moderates, centrists, and progressives. Among them, both Nenshi and Guthrie (strange bedfellows).+
November 3, 2025 at 4:14 AM
The battle over Bill 2 has only solidified my view.
On the populist side, the premier and her hangers-on.
On the pluralist side, a cross-spectrum group of libertarians, tories, comservatives, moderates, centrists, and progressives. Among them, both Nenshi and Guthrie (strange bedfellows).+
On the populist side, the premier and her hangers-on.
On the pluralist side, a cross-spectrum group of libertarians, tories, comservatives, moderates, centrists, and progressives. Among them, both Nenshi and Guthrie (strange bedfellows).+
To all the tories and progressive conservatives denouncing Bill 2, I see you. This is an important moment for conservatism in Alberta.
November 3, 2025 at 4:07 AM
To all the tories and progressive conservatives denouncing Bill 2, I see you. This is an important moment for conservatism in Alberta.
Notice how the UCP equates constitutionality with necessity & merit?
Re: the notwithstanding clause...
"Just because something is possible doesn’t mean we have to do it, and just because we do it doesn’t make it a good idea."
🔗https://drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/can-they-must-they-should-they
Re: the notwithstanding clause...
"Just because something is possible doesn’t mean we have to do it, and just because we do it doesn’t make it a good idea."
🔗https://drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/can-they-must-they-should-they
November 1, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Notice how the UCP equates constitutionality with necessity & merit?
Re: the notwithstanding clause...
"Just because something is possible doesn’t mean we have to do it, and just because we do it doesn’t make it a good idea."
🔗https://drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/can-they-must-they-should-they
Re: the notwithstanding clause...
"Just because something is possible doesn’t mean we have to do it, and just because we do it doesn’t make it a good idea."
🔗https://drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/can-they-must-they-should-they
Here is a full-length debate about the issue, from our last edition of Inside Canadian Politics.
November 1, 2025 at 1:11 AM
Here is a full-length debate about the issue, from our last edition of Inside Canadian Politics.