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.
Reposted by Jared Wesley
What Could We Get for $134 Million?
What could Alberta get for $134.3 million instead of a referendum?
whatcouldweget.ca
September 21, 2026 at 10:38 PM
This weekend, the premier said these referendums were called to "prove a point." Now, her party president is confirming they are all about "leverage."
They share this rhetoric and the flawed strategy underlying it with the separatists.
🔗 calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
They share this rhetoric and the flawed strategy underlying it with the separatists.
🔗 calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
September 21, 2026 at 6:39 PM
This weekend, the premier said these referendums were called to "prove a point." Now, her party president is confirming they are all about "leverage."
They share this rhetoric and the flawed strategy underlying it with the separatists.
🔗 calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
They share this rhetoric and the flawed strategy underlying it with the separatists.
🔗 calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Reposted by Jared Wesley
Monday, September 21st. A month till Albertans vote on a multiple choice separation ballot AND nine other racist/useless questions. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at fighting the noxious nine, with @carterab.bsky.social, @jaredwesley.ca & Avnish Nanda of @ouralbertadvantage.bsky.social. #cdnpoli
Saying No to the Nine
Podcast Episode · Alberta Unbound · September 18 · 39m
podcasts.apple.com
September 21, 2026 at 12:33 PM
Monday, September 21st. A month till Albertans vote on a multiple choice separation ballot AND nine other racist/useless questions. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at fighting the noxious nine, with @carterab.bsky.social, @jaredwesley.ca & Avnish Nanda of @ouralbertadvantage.bsky.social. #cdnpoli
Why separatists bent on convincing us of the stability of the transition to independence are now openly musing about a unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) is beyond me.
www.stalbertgazette.com/alberta-deci...
www.stalbertgazette.com/alberta-deci...
Unilateral independence declaration would be 'destabilizing,' U of A prof says
Per the Supreme Court of Canada, a Canadian province cannot unilaterally secede without negotiation
www.stalbertgazette.com
September 20, 2026 at 3:26 PM
Why separatists bent on convincing us of the stability of the transition to independence are now openly musing about a unilateral declaration of independence (UDI) is beyond me.
www.stalbertgazette.com/alberta-deci...
www.stalbertgazette.com/alberta-deci...
There is nothing stopping people on all sides of these referendums from signing up to work. They must, however, cease all work with TPAs when they do.
The separatists (with UCP assistance) will be stacking the EA positions with the intent of corrupting the count. Then they and Smith can appeal to a MAGA, as an oppressed minority needing a rescue.
September 20, 2026 at 2:37 PM
There is nothing stopping people on all sides of these referendums from signing up to work. They must, however, cease all work with TPAs when they do.
Elections Alberta is under no communications control by the UCP government. It is an independent agemcy.
Is EA allowed to communicate freely? I expect Smith is running their comms process at the executive level, under the threat of immediate dismissal if people disagree. Either that or UCP operatives are running it. She needs EA to be discredited so the separatists can appeal to the US for intervention
September 20, 2026 at 2:36 PM
Elections Alberta is under no communications control by the UCP government. It is an independent agemcy.
When it comes to explaining the agency's shaky performance, there is all kinds of evidence of the Smith government's underfunding, overburdening, and hamstringing of Elections Alberta.
There is a huge difference between that, and Smith having direct control over Elections Alberta and the vote.
There is a huge difference between that, and Smith having direct control over Elections Alberta and the vote.
September 20, 2026 at 2:10 AM
When it comes to explaining the agency's shaky performance, there is all kinds of evidence of the Smith government's underfunding, overburdening, and hamstringing of Elections Alberta.
There is a huge difference between that, and Smith having direct control over Elections Alberta and the vote.
There is a huge difference between that, and Smith having direct control over Elections Alberta and the vote.
Alberta separatists refusing to talk about separatism during a referendum is like asking someone to help you light the fuse, then insisting everyone’s being hysterical about the explosion.
If you don’t want to talk about what happens, maybe don’t ask us to light it.
If you don’t want to talk about what happens, maybe don’t ask us to light it.
September 20, 2026 at 1:41 AM
Alberta separatists refusing to talk about separatism during a referendum is like asking someone to help you light the fuse, then insisting everyone’s being hysterical about the explosion.
If you don’t want to talk about what happens, maybe don’t ask us to light it.
If you don’t want to talk about what happens, maybe don’t ask us to light it.
@jlisayoung.bsky.social is absolutely right. It's time for Elections Alberta to take a crisis comms approach to administering this referendum.
lisayoung.substack.com/p/some-crisi...
lisayoung.substack.com/p/some-crisi...
Some Crisis Comms Advice for Elections Alberta
It’s absolutely essential that citizens have confidence in the administration of elections.
lisayoung.substack.com
September 20, 2026 at 1:01 AM
@jlisayoung.bsky.social is absolutely right. It's time for Elections Alberta to take a crisis comms approach to administering this referendum.
lisayoung.substack.com/p/some-crisi...
lisayoung.substack.com/p/some-crisi...
Putting a human face on the Smith government's xenophobic referendum questions is important.
These are not about the immigration system. They are about immigrants - humans, workers, taxpayers, neighbours, family members.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
These are not about the immigration system. They are about immigrants - humans, workers, taxpayers, neighbours, family members.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: Alberta’s shameless attempt to scapegoat immigrants
Opponents of secession have been vocal, but where are the people standing up for newcomers to the province?
www.theglobeandmail.com
September 19, 2026 at 4:36 PM
Putting a human face on the Smith government's xenophobic referendum questions is important.
These are not about the immigration system. They are about immigrants - humans, workers, taxpayers, neighbours, family members.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
These are not about the immigration system. They are about immigrants - humans, workers, taxpayers, neighbours, family members.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Jared Wesley
Five reports. One deep dive into Alberta’s independence referendum.
Our final finding may be the most important: Albertans don’t expect October 19 to settle anything.
They see it as another chapter in a debate that could reshape Alberta politics for years.
abacusdata.ca/alberta-at-...
Our final finding may be the most important: Albertans don’t expect October 19 to settle anything.
They see it as another chapter in a debate that could reshape Alberta politics for years.
abacusdata.ca/alberta-at-...
September 19, 2026 at 2:15 AM
Five reports. One deep dive into Alberta’s independence referendum.
Our final finding may be the most important: Albertans don’t expect October 19 to settle anything.
They see it as another chapter in a debate that could reshape Alberta politics for years.
abacusdata.ca/alberta-at-...
Our final finding may be the most important: Albertans don’t expect October 19 to settle anything.
They see it as another chapter in a debate that could reshape Alberta politics for years.
abacusdata.ca/alberta-at-...
Reposted by Jared Wesley
Banff once again hosts the Prairie Political Science Association conference, September 18 to 20.
It's a wonderful opportunity to talk to our acquisitions editor, Kay Rollans, and browse our strong list of publications!
##Conference #PPSA2026 #PoliSci #ABpol
@fsnagovsky.bsky.social @jaredwesley.ca
It's a wonderful opportunity to talk to our acquisitions editor, Kay Rollans, and browse our strong list of publications!
##Conference #PPSA2026 #PoliSci #ABpol
@fsnagovsky.bsky.social @jaredwesley.ca
September 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Banff once again hosts the Prairie Political Science Association conference, September 18 to 20.
It's a wonderful opportunity to talk to our acquisitions editor, Kay Rollans, and browse our strong list of publications!
##Conference #PPSA2026 #PoliSci #ABpol
@fsnagovsky.bsky.social @jaredwesley.ca
It's a wonderful opportunity to talk to our acquisitions editor, Kay Rollans, and browse our strong list of publications!
##Conference #PPSA2026 #PoliSci #ABpol
@fsnagovsky.bsky.social @jaredwesley.ca
Reposted by Jared Wesley
Normally we drop Alberta Unbound episodes on Mondays. But this panel with @jaredwesley.ca, @carterab.bsky.social and Avnish Nanda was too powerful and urgent to wait. A strategic look at fighting the noxious nine. @5xforcanada.bsky.social #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #AlbertaUnbound #notothenine
Saying No to the Nine
Alberta Unbound · Episode
open.spotify.com
September 18, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Normally we drop Alberta Unbound episodes on Mondays. But this panel with @jaredwesley.ca, @carterab.bsky.social and Avnish Nanda was too powerful and urgent to wait. A strategic look at fighting the noxious nine. @5xforcanada.bsky.social #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #AlbertaUnbound #notothenine
“The main principle at stake... is to ensure that voters choose their representatives and that governments don’t get to pick their voters. This is not an exercise in pulling out a Sharpie marker and redrawing boundaries because they make the most sense politically."
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
The Alberta NDP won Calgary’s byelection. But next election, the map could look very different | CBC News
As work is underway to redraw Alberta's electoral map, Calgary-Shaw provides an up-to-date case study illustrating how proposed changes to provincial ridings could affect election results.
www.cbc.ca
September 18, 2026 at 3:01 PM
“The main principle at stake... is to ensure that voters choose their representatives and that governments don’t get to pick their voters. This is not an exercise in pulling out a Sharpie marker and redrawing boundaries because they make the most sense politically."
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Great analysis by @samgoertz.bsky.social, uncovering the deep story of Alberta politics through the milch-cow meme.
cground.substack.com/p/the-meme-t...
cground.substack.com/p/the-meme-t...
The Meme That Explains Alberta’s Politics
Reflections on Alberta’s October 19th referendum and why an old cartoon turned into an AI meme is at the heart of Alberta’s views on confederation
cground.substack.com
September 18, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Great analysis by @samgoertz.bsky.social, uncovering the deep story of Alberta politics through the milch-cow meme.
cground.substack.com/p/the-meme-t...
cground.substack.com/p/the-meme-t...
A month to go. Here's what everyday Albertans can do to win this referendum (or lose it).
drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/how-to-los...
drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/how-to-los...
How to lose a referendum in 30 days
And 5 ways to win
drjaredwesley.substack.com
September 18, 2026 at 2:11 PM
A month to go. Here's what everyday Albertans can do to win this referendum (or lose it).
drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/how-to-los...
drjaredwesley.substack.com/p/how-to-los...
Reposted by Jared Wesley
Call for Proposals #CPSA_ACSP27
⏰ Nov 10 2026
📍 UBC-Vancouver-CANADA|May 26–28 2027
mycpsa-cpsa-acsp.ca/cfp/cfp_index
@amyjanzwood.bsky.social @alexmarland.bsky.social
@jaredwesley.ca @sjkiss.bsky.social @jacobtlevy.bsky.social
@sdebrouw.bsky.social @jlisayoung.bsky.social @qalbaugh.bsky.social
⏰ Nov 10 2026
📍 UBC-Vancouver-CANADA|May 26–28 2027
mycpsa-cpsa-acsp.ca/cfp/cfp_index
@amyjanzwood.bsky.social @alexmarland.bsky.social
@jaredwesley.ca @sjkiss.bsky.social @jacobtlevy.bsky.social
@sdebrouw.bsky.social @jlisayoung.bsky.social @qalbaugh.bsky.social
September 17, 2026 at 9:19 PM
Call for Proposals #CPSA_ACSP27
⏰ Nov 10 2026
📍 UBC-Vancouver-CANADA|May 26–28 2027
mycpsa-cpsa-acsp.ca/cfp/cfp_index
@amyjanzwood.bsky.social @alexmarland.bsky.social
@jaredwesley.ca @sjkiss.bsky.social @jacobtlevy.bsky.social
@sdebrouw.bsky.social @jlisayoung.bsky.social @qalbaugh.bsky.social
⏰ Nov 10 2026
📍 UBC-Vancouver-CANADA|May 26–28 2027
mycpsa-cpsa-acsp.ca/cfp/cfp_index
@amyjanzwood.bsky.social @alexmarland.bsky.social
@jaredwesley.ca @sjkiss.bsky.social @jacobtlevy.bsky.social
@sdebrouw.bsky.social @jlisayoung.bsky.social @qalbaugh.bsky.social
"You never once saw a serious Quebec separatist begging for federalists to lend them their votes for “leverage” against Ottawa to accomplish their agenda."
My latest on why the separatists' push for "leverage" is ill-conceived and ill-fated.
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
My latest on why the separatists' push for "leverage" is ill-conceived and ill-fated.
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
When 'leverage' isn’t leverage: Why the separatists’ push for bargaining power is an empty bluff
Why the separatists’ push for bargaining power is an empty bluff.
calgaryherald.com
September 17, 2026 at 12:39 PM
"You never once saw a serious Quebec separatist begging for federalists to lend them their votes for “leverage” against Ottawa to accomplish their agenda."
My latest on why the separatists' push for "leverage" is ill-conceived and ill-fated.
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
My latest on why the separatists' push for "leverage" is ill-conceived and ill-fated.
calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu...
Leading in Confederation requires more than simply asking everyone else to change. Here's one way Alberta can strengthen its position in Canada, from my LeadNotLeave.ca colleague, Ken Boessenkool. An 8-8-8 tax regime, including an HST offset by PIT cuts.
thehub.ca/2026/09/17/8...
thehub.ca/2026/09/17/8...
8/8/8: A clear path to smarter taxation in Alberta
A woman carries a large Alberta flag on Alberta Day in Calgary, Alta., Aug. 30, 2026. Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press.
thehub.ca
September 17, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Leading in Confederation requires more than simply asking everyone else to change. Here's one way Alberta can strengthen its position in Canada, from my LeadNotLeave.ca colleague, Ken Boessenkool. An 8-8-8 tax regime, including an HST offset by PIT cuts.
thehub.ca/2026/09/17/8...
thehub.ca/2026/09/17/8...
There's not a conservative worth that label who would look at the costs of separation and view it as a wise decision.
We didn't need a blue ribbon report to tell us that.
Now, it's even harder to view Option 2 as a means of building a credible case for leverage when the threat is so absurd.
We didn't need a blue ribbon report to tell us that.
Now, it's even harder to view Option 2 as a means of building a credible case for leverage when the threat is so absurd.
September 16, 2026 at 2:59 PM
There's not a conservative worth that label who would look at the costs of separation and view it as a wise decision.
We didn't need a blue ribbon report to tell us that.
Now, it's even harder to view Option 2 as a means of building a credible case for leverage when the threat is so absurd.
We didn't need a blue ribbon report to tell us that.
Now, it's even harder to view Option 2 as a means of building a credible case for leverage when the threat is so absurd.
We all know Alberta separatist leaders have a crush on their Quebec cousins.
But blaming their Calgary by-election loss on "the ethnic vote" is a little thirsty, even for them.
But blaming their Calgary by-election loss on "the ethnic vote" is a little thirsty, even for them.
September 16, 2026 at 2:56 PM
We all know Alberta separatist leaders have a crush on their Quebec cousins.
But blaming their Calgary by-election loss on "the ethnic vote" is a little thirsty, even for them.
But blaming their Calgary by-election loss on "the ethnic vote" is a little thirsty, even for them.
Did you know?
Alberta receives federal funding to support health care, education, and social services for each person living in our province.
These federal transfers are calculated on a per capita basis, and *include* both permanent and non-permanent residents.
Alberta receives federal funding to support health care, education, and social services for each person living in our province.
These federal transfers are calculated on a per capita basis, and *include* both permanent and non-permanent residents.
September 16, 2026 at 1:13 PM
Did you know?
Alberta receives federal funding to support health care, education, and social services for each person living in our province.
These federal transfers are calculated on a per capita basis, and *include* both permanent and non-permanent residents.
Alberta receives federal funding to support health care, education, and social services for each person living in our province.
These federal transfers are calculated on a per capita basis, and *include* both permanent and non-permanent residents.
Alberta is mired in polarization. Join me and Kathleen Petty at Mount Royal University in Calgary on November 4 to discuss what lies ahead, after the referendums.
Registration is free, but required: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Registration is free, but required: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
September 16, 2026 at 10:38 AM
Alberta is mired in polarization. Join me and Kathleen Petty at Mount Royal University in Calgary on November 4 to discuss what lies ahead, after the referendums.
Registration is free, but required: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Registration is free, but required: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
