mastodon 4.8.0-nightly.2026-10-06Independent Senator for Alberta, Senate of Canada. 🇨🇦 Former Canada Research Chair for the Public Understanding of Sexual and Gender Minority Youth. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ Treaty 6. He/Him.
A reminder that Canada is proud to have one of the most comprehensive bans on “conversion therapy” in the world.
This is because it is fraudulent, harmful, and never works.
We choose evidence over ideology and protection over harm. 🇨🇦
Ok, Canadians. You know what to do.
Tighten our belts.
Strengthen our resolve.
Show our unity.
Demonstrate our national pride.
Support our real allies.
Put Canada first forever and always.
Upset by what you are seeing in the U.S. at home and abroad?
Buy Canadian. Support national unity. Travel only to NATO countries. Bolster local independent media.
Vote for political candidates who value multiculturalism, public education & inclusion.
This is how we survive.
Despite Danielle Smith’s repeated false claims, “there is no evidence-based justification for limiting access” to gender affirming care.
Rather, restricting access only harms youth as evidenced by this American study, which showed that “anti-trans laws were associated with increases in suicide attempts of up to 72 per cent.”
https://theconversation.com/is-alberta-really-following-the-science-on-trans-healthcare-275901
Say no to gerrymandering. This is not how we do things in Canada.
An informal state of the nation address from the Prime Minister to Canadians.
Worth 10 minutes to watch.
We are “a country of tough, decent, caring people. People who go stronger in adversity. It’s our country. It’s our future.” 🇨🇦
We may not have won the hockey gold but we still are the biggest winners by being citizens of Canada. 🇨🇦❤️
My mom was the Director of the Unit at the time who made this and many other “firsts” happen during her 25+ year career in maternity, neonatology, and gynaecology.
She saved countless children and supported women and families her entire life.
May her memory be a blessing.
“We are too close to be so far away.” - Reverend Jesse Jackson speaking about the relationship between the U.S. and Canada.
He also recalled how Canada supported the Underground Railroad, the NAACP & Jackie Robinson.
How we long to return to those better days.
Hope never dies.
#RIP
Back to banning books.
Those afraid of libraries are the ones who should be using them.
“It's the most significant order banning books in the history of Canada. There's never been anything like this.”
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-school-book-ban-order-graphic-novels-9.7118495
When you willfully propogate hate there will be accountability and a cost.
Yup. Fear and anxiety lead to uncertainty. Bad for Alberta. Bad for the economy.
Chosen and biological families come in all shapes, sizes and constellations. Today, we celebrate all families across Canada.
Pink Shirt Day is a time for us to stand together and renew our commitment to address all forms of bullying, including speaking out against homophobic and transphobic bullying in sports, schools, workplaces, & communities.
Kindness & inclusion should always be the norm, rather than the exception. 💕
It is a very sad day for human rights when youth have to live in fear and are pushed back into the closet by the UCP government’s discriminatory and hateful laws.
We will continue to fight to have them repealed or struck down.
No one should have to hide who they are.
“Respect for civil liberties and human rights is the cornerstone of Canadian democracy. Albertans rely on the protections guaranteed by the Alberta Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Suspending those rights, particularly for vulnerable groups, places the freedoms of all Canadians at serious risk.”
Access to sport is no longer a human right when you ban an entire category of individuals from participating equally.
Bad policy backed by ignorance not evidence. Welcome to the Trump effect.
What does a progressive future look like to you? Join us for this important community dialogue!
Last week, on behalf of the federal government, I introduced Bill C-9 Combatting Hate Act at 2nd reading in the Senate of Canada.
On Saturday evening, I had the privilege to speak as part of the HIV Edmonton Positive Light gala. It was wonderful to connect with so many community champions & leaders.
We have the science, now we need the political will and resources to end the scourge of HIV in our lifetime.
A great discussion with community members in my hometown.
A better Alberta is possible but we need to come together and continue to fight for it.
Trans people have always existed throughout history around the world.
What’s new is the “anti-gender” movement attacking trans and LGBTQ+ communities.
Education should never be “neutral” that’s exactly how you continue to perpetuate inequity and a history of systemic discrimination.
Good education produces critical thinkers not docile and compliant citizens.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-education-bill-ideology-politics-classroom-9.7148982
Clearly, there is a serious and growing concern the notwithstanding clause is being weaponized by some provincial governments who insist on using political ideology over evidence, facts, and research.
Looking forward to this upcoming community conversation!
Youth have power!
This could foreshadow what might happen with the Alberta referendum questions are voted upon this fall.
Educate. Mobilize. Vote.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/28/young-voters-italy-referendum-giorgia-meloni
A strong argument for using federal disallowance power.
Guardrails and guidelines must be placed on the use (and abuse) of the notwithstanding clause.
Human rights should never be optional or excluded in Canada no matter which government is in power.
Is Canada’s inclusive democracy in peril?
One of the most significant legal cases in Canadian history is about to be heard by the Supreme Court of Canada.
Celebrating 10 years with a wonderful story about the power and purpose of Pride Tape. 🌈🏒
https://surreynowleader.com/2026/03/03/pride-tape-a-game-changer-for-lgbtq-visibility-in-hockey/#
We miss you, Ros. Your teachings and leadership have inspired so many of us. Our public education system carries forth your legacy and inspiration.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11677519/rosalind-smith-edmonton-public-schools-trailblazer/
An excellent overview of notwithstanding clause legal cases involving Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec.
Join us at the new Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation Pride Skate on Saturday, March 7. It’s free and fun!
Pre-registration encouraged and waiver required to skate. https://oilers.formstack.com/forms/pride_skate
Lots of suprises await!
Don’t forget the Oilers Pride Game on March 19. It will be a Heated Rivalry against the Florida Panthers! 🏒🌈
