Michael J Armstrong
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profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
Michael J Armstrong
@profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
500 followers 120 following 210 posts
Associate professor of operations research at Brock University. I teach quality improvement & game theory. I research the economic aspects of cannabis legalization.
https://brocku.ca/goodman/faculty-research/faculty-directory/michael-armstrong/
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profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
Alberta collects more cannabis taxes per capita because it has many licensed stores & charges a higher excise tax than any other province.

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Since legalization, Alberta has collected most cannabis tax revenue per capita of any province | CBC News
Ontario took in the greatest provincial share of revenue — $1.5 billion — with Alberta coming in second at just over $1 billion, despite having less than a third of Ontario's population.
www.cbc.ca
November 26, 2025 at 3:01 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
Since recreational cannabis became legal in 2018, the Canadian government has collected $1.2 billion in taxes while the provinces got $4.2 billion.

Ontario got the largest total $ amount, while Alberta got the most per capita.

www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
Canada collected over $5.4B in cannabis tax revenue since legalization | CBC News
Ottawa and the provinces raked in more than $5.4 billion in cannabis tax revenue since the drug was legalized for recreational use in October 2018.
www.cbc.ca
November 25, 2025 at 10:58 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
“recent regulatory changes in the U.S. have made it much more challenging for international students, who have become the majority of the school’s student body, to attend classes in person.”

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Prestigious Chicago brewing school relocating to Montreal amid U.S. regulatory changes | CBC News
The Siebel Institute of Technology, North America’s oldest brewing school, is moving from Chicago to Montreal in January 2026. The relocation is aimed at improving accessibility for international stud...
www.cbc.ca
November 25, 2025 at 4:54 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
"Alcohol is still a direct or indirect state monopoly that generates money for the province. And so the removal of those barriers threatens their ability to make money."

www.cbc.ca/news/busines...
Alcohol industry disappointed to be left out of interprovincial trade agreement | CBC News
Some in the alcohol industry say they’re perplexed and disappointed that booze was left out of a recent agreement between provinces to drop interprovincial trade barriers.
www.cbc.ca
November 24, 2025 at 3:46 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
FYI #EpiSky
mlandersen.com Maria L. Andersen @mlandersen.com · 8d
New preprint📈📉

What happens to health and work when people become grandparents? Using Norwegian register data on all individuals born 1950-1960, we use event-study models comparing grandparents to not-yet grandparents to track changes in health and labour supply.

🔗 www.ssrn.com/abstract=571...
Figure showing event-study plots centred around the birth of one's first grandchild. The left plot shows health changes, the right shows labour market changes (separated by grandparent gender). The image shows the following abstract: The Cost of Caring: Gendered Health and Labour Market Effects of Grandparenthood While the effects of the transition to parenthood are well-researched, less is known about how the transition to grandparenthood affects health and labour market outcomes. Using comprehensive Norwegian register data covering the entire population born between 1950 and 1960, we examine the effects of first-born grandchildren born during 2007–2018. Employing event-study models with person-year records, we compare grandparents to not-yet grandparents. Our findings reveal a sharp increase in the likelihood of respiratory infections during the first two years of grandparenthood, with infections increasing by 56% for women and 31% for men. Additionally, grandparenthood modestly reduces the likelihood of doctor’s visits related to mental disorders (4.5%) and cardiovascular health (3.3%). Grandmothers also see a decline in musculoskeletal-related visits (3.8%). These health-related changes coincide with notable gendered effects on labour market participation. Ten years after the birth of their first grandchild, employed women are 12% less likely to hold full-time positions compared to a 2% reduction for men. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the transition to grandparenthood significantly reshapes health and economic outcomes for both women and men. The larger effects observed for women likely reflect their greater involvement in informal childcare provision. Our results underscore the intersection of health, family dynamics, and gendered labour market behaviours in late adulthood.
November 20, 2025 at 10:03 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
Canadian college & university enrollments rose 5.8% in 2023-2024. That was the last year before the federal government began limiting international student visas. Business, social sciences, & health care remained the 3 biggest fields.

www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quo...
This line chart shows enrollment trends at Canadian colleges and universities from 2013-2014 to 2023-2024. The top 3 field of study all showed increases: business, social sciences, and health care. Note that 2023-2024 was the last year before the federal government imposed caps on international student enrollments.
November 20, 2025 at 4:02 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
"the exhibit connects Niagara’s modern wine industry with its roots, going all the back to the 1800s, and showcases how science and education helped grow a world class wine region" 🍷

brocku.ca/brock-news/2...
Exhibit digs into Niagara wine industry’s historic roots
A new Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre exhibit is bringing Niagara’s winemaking heritage to life with support from several Brock University departments. Modeled after similar exhibits in museums in ...
brocku.ca
November 19, 2025 at 6:29 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
This article by @brocku.ca coworker Martin Danahay describes how Trump's form of “murder by necessity,” was essentially outlawed in a landmark case in 1884'.

theconversation.com/trumps-aggre...
Trump’s aggression in the Caribbean could violate a Victorian-era court ruling on cannibalism at sea
A landmark 1884 court ruling essentially outlawed ‘murder by necessity’ on the high seas. Is Donald Trump running afoul of the law with his boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific?
theconversation.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:22 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
'"If you increase the number of scientists that will apply for the same budget, it will be a terrible type of situation," he said, with even tougher competition and even more excellent proposals left unfunded'

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Canada seeks star academics from abroad, but stable funding for higher education remains a concern | CBC News
Proponents believe a current push to recruit star researchers from abroad will mean top-tier learning for Canadian students and a boost to research innovation and excellence. Yet concerns remain about...
www.cbc.ca
November 14, 2025 at 3:19 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
30% fewer Canadians have visited the USA by land in 2025 so far, compared to 2024.
This line plot displays Statistics Canada estimates of the number of Canadian travelers returning from the USA by land (e.g., by car) each month. For each month from February onward, the count was lower in 2025 than in 2024. The solid line represents final counts and the dashed line represents leading indicator estimates.
November 13, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Reposted by Michael J Armstrong
patrickcain.bsky.social
Here is a working link to the original Poppy File map, which shows about 3,300 of Toronto's Second World War war dead at the household level. Click on a home to see details. The First World War map follows in the thread /1 t.co/4P9GUkl8m0
November 10, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Reposted by Michael J Armstrong
jonchevreau.bsky.social
'Manufactured crisis': Fentanyl seized at Canadian border by U.S. authorities plummets #CanadaSky #USpol #EconSky #cdnpoli #Canada nationalpost.com/news/canada/...
'Manufactured crisis': Fentanyl seized at Canadian border by U.S. authorities plummets
After a brief spike in the volume of fentanyl seized in April and May, the numbers have plummeted to their lowest level since 2023.
nationalpost.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Reposted by Michael J Armstrong
mantheyjakob.bsky.social
Good morning!
Our new paper compared different types of cannabis sources in a sample of 1500 users after cannabis #legalisation in DEU.

At the time of data collection in Dec 2024, about 50% of users have obtained at least some of their cannabis from legal sources.
doi.org/10.1007/s11469-025-01574-3
Legal and Illegal Sources of Cannabis in Germany Shortly After Legalisation - International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
The aim of this study is to examine cannabis sources shortly after the legalisation of recreational cannabis possession and cultivation and liberalisation of medical cannabis prescription in Germany i...
doi.org
November 6, 2025 at 7:07 AM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
"of Mamdani’s campaign commitments, free high-quality child care for every New Yorker from 6 weeks to 5 years old – while boosting child care workers’ wages to match that of the city’s public school teachers – could be the most transformative."
@brocku.ca
theconversation.com/zohran-mamda...
Zohran Mamdani’s transformative child care plan builds on a history of NYC social innovations
Mamdani’s child care plans could set an example for other policymakers to follow, as Democratic and Republican voters say child care costs are a major problem.
theconversation.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:43 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
The Canadian government is cutting its reimbursement to veterans for medically prescribed cannabis from $8.50 to $6 per gram.

www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
They're not the big-ticket items, but these 5 budget items could impact you | CBC News
They might not get the flashy headlines, but sprinkled throughout Tuesday’s budget and its digital-only annexes are several measures that could impact the lives of many Canadians. We take a closer loo...
www.cbc.ca
November 5, 2025 at 2:23 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
If the feds cut international student enrollment my 65%, there'll be no point in spending billions to attract new professors. Universities will be doing mass layoffs of their existing ones.

universityaffairs.ca/news/budget-...
Budget cuts international student permits by 65 per cent in 2026 - University Affairs
Carney government also proposes $1.7 billion to recruit international researchers.
universityaffairs.ca
November 5, 2025 at 1:11 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
"some researchers have raised concerns regarding the quality and student outcomes associated with asynchronous online courses. As well, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has exposed fundamental challenges to this mode of delivery"
@brocku.ca

theconversation.com/how-ai-is-ch...
How AI is challenging the credibility of some online courses
AI agents can navigate course sites, consume materials and complete assignments, effectively simulating student engagement.
theconversation.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Reposted by Michael J Armstrong
waters-wine.bsky.social
The changing climate in Bordeaux has led the industry to welcome new grape varieties to maintain quality winemaking in the future, but Château Mouton Rothschild and other properties in Pauillac welcome “the golden age of cabernet sauvignon.”
www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
Rising temperatures in Bordeaux usher in a golden age for cabernet sauvignon
Grape growers are changing their approaches to adapt to the warming climate
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 2, 2025 at 7:37 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
A PhD student studying beer yeast has put her theories into practice.

www.ctvnews.ca/canada/artic...
‘Lick the science’: This university is using craft beer to show off its ag research
A Saskatchewan researcher has brewed a beer that allows consumers to taste and talk about advancements made in the agriculture sector.
www.ctvnews.ca
November 1, 2025 at 4:40 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
"The craft beer boom peaked in 2018 in the province, said Blair Berdusco with the Alberta Small Brewers Association"

www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
As tastes change, Alberta’s craft brewers expand their offerings | CBC News
According to Statistics Canada, beer consumption in Alberta has declined over the past decade. During the same time period, the market share of ciders, coolers and ready-to-drink cocktails has doubled...
www.cbc.ca
October 28, 2025 at 3:57 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
"it could be difficult for property owners to hold on to their properties when they are losing money. He predicts the situation will lead many owners to default on the mortgages and face foreclosure"

www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
‘If there is no demand, we can’t operate’: Small landlords ponder future after foreign student cuts
The case for investing in student housing isn’t as obvious as it once was as the federal cap on international students enters its second year
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 13, 2025 at 10:59 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
"exports of American spirits fell 9% year-over-year in the second quarter, driven by ongoing trade tensions"

US spirits exports fell 85% to Canada, 29% to Britain, 23% to Japan, & 12% to Europe. 🍸

#EconSky
www.distilledspirits.org/news/america...
American Spirits Exports 2025 Mid-Year Report: U.S. Spirits Exports Decline Sharply in Second Quarter
American Spirits Exports 2025 Mid-Year Report: U.S. Spirits Exports Decline Sharply in Second Quarter Amid Rising Trade Tensions Exports Declined 9% Year-Over-Year in Second Quarter 2025 WASHINGTON — ...
www.distilledspirits.org
October 13, 2025 at 2:24 PM
Reposted by Michael J Armstrong
waters-wine.bsky.social
Canadian winemakers have joined forces with Come Over October, a community-driven movement that asks consumers to meet and share a glass of wine with someone this month. The campaign is expanding across Canada with the support of Wine Growers Canada.

www.theglobeandmail.com/life/style/f...
A toast to wine’s ability to inspire social and family celebrations
Wine Growers Canada gets behind Come Over October campaign to promote togetherness – and wine, of course
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 12, 2025 at 11:11 AM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
My @brocku.ca colleague Antonia Mantonakis discussed booming sales of Ontario wines with CTV.

www.ctvnews.ca/business/art...
‘Why would we buy U.S. wines?’ Ontario vintners reap benefits of trade dispute
The grape harvest is well underway and sales of local wines are booming, thanks in part to the province’s ongoing boycott of U.S. wines and spirits.
www.ctvnews.ca
October 11, 2025 at 3:42 PM
profmjarmstrong.bsky.social
"Government cannabis stores are on strike" is a headline that could only appear in Canada.

7 years after legalization, cannabis has become so ordinary that headlines like this are mere footnotes in the daily news.

www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
All government-run liquor, cannabis stores in B.C. closed as strike escalates
All government-run liquor and cannabis stores in B.C. are now behind picket lines, according to the union representing striking public service workers.
www.ctvnews.ca
October 9, 2025 at 1:20 PM