Russian botnets want us angry. Fringe groups operating in Canada, domestic or foreignly funded want us angry. Political use of AI, as by way of example, showing a certain clown with a crown, fying a plane and dumping poop on citizens was designed to anger.
Heed Geezerwise' words. The garbage will arrive. Each one of us can personally refuse it's acceptance. Vet your sources, and be sleuth like in considering who is posting, and who it serves. We help each other every day we choose to stop the baton hand off of material that's designed to disturb.
🇨🇦💙 CBC’s investigation found 14 overseas accounts posting on FACEBOOK in popular Alberta independence Facebook groups — run from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, the US, and Sri Lanka. They impersonate real Albertans, steal content from actual separatists, and earn money through Meta’s creator monetization program, which rewards engagement. 
The most prominent case: a woman named “Nieta Aqila” racked up over 2,000 reactions in the Alberta Independence group (100,000+ members) claiming to be canvassing in Calgary — while CBC found she was actually in Palembang, Indonesia, and also runs a page selling homemade noodles. 
Let’s put the blame where it lies. Danielle Smith is the full owner of the referendum. Without HER, it wouldn’t even be happening. The attackers would have nothing to attack. She could stop it now too, hopefully the pissed off separatists force her out before it gets to fall.
Fred you have some great ideas. I for one would like to believe that it is possible to inspire the people who are separatist thinkers in the province of Alberta to change their minds. I've read lots on both side of the question! We only have to look at what happened in Quebec to see the future of Alberta if they get their way! Leaving Canada is not the way to go!
Here is the answer— we should all get off Meta, Tik Tok n X — the fuckers who got us here. We meed digital town Squares where the haters liars n rage baiters are kept out.
I am a Canadian, and have never before sent a missive to the Head of Government. I am a senior (ie. Old!) soldier, a Conservative that voted for the only party that he ever formally joined: the Progressive Conservative Party; I have considered voting for the current Conservative Party in all National Elections since, but never decided to do so: that party always seemed rather regional instead of national, or/and seemed fundamentally interested in what was best for the party rather than what was best for the nation.
At this past election, I voted for the Mark Carney Party! … and am delighted with his policies!! I am also delighted with his leadership: his proven competence, practical knowledge of economics, coolness while under stress, and practiced communication skills (he would have probably been a great General!).
That said, I have some opinions on some National Political Issues:
NATIONAL WEAPONS POLICIES:
I loved firearms; I joined the Army; I was a good shot; I still love firearms, but do not want, or need, or own one.
Weapons are developed primarily for war, secondarily for police, and occasionally for hunting, although calling hunting a sport makes me shudder.
National Firearms Policy should limit possession of all firearms to the armed forces and police/security agencies.
Firearms for hunting must be long barrel, and single round fed; I must admit that I suggest this mostly to give the prey a break.
If some Canadians strongly desire to use more capable weapons, I recommend that they enroll in the armed forces, primarily in the Reserves, period!!
COMMUNICATION
I have a Master Degree in Economics; I understand economic policy, objectives, and the time process. A large proportion of our people understand and approve the aim, but do not understand the time it will/must take, and how financially difficult it will be for a significant proportion of Canadians.
A Roosevelt fireside chat “à la Mark Carney “ would not only be superb, it might be essential: Simple public briefings to the nation; a large % of national audience are probably not familiar with macroeconomics, and need to understand the process, its difficulties, its length, and its likely impact on personal income.
On national budgets: we shall see deficit budgets for some time, but a significant share of the budget will be crucial investments that are essential to the nation’s economic future; would it not be useful to identify these as “Investments”, and not deficits?
The national investment plan in which Canadians can invest, energize our future economy, and return income to investors and the nation. Norway is a shining example; explain its impact to the nation, and how it will function. Could not Canadians invest in their nation, and eventually benefit financially? I would be thrilled to invest my TFSA!
CANADA GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES
Lastly, provincial separation attempts: International and national laws allow change of national boundaries subject to successful negotiation between the nation and the province in question. In Canada, any mutually negotiated provincial separation would result in significant changes to our provincial and national boundaries, and enormous impact to the nation and the remaining provinces: In the Quebec case, four Eastern provinces would loose all overland links with the remaining provinces; in the other case, one province would be isolated, with international boundaries with two nations not particularly sympathetic to Canadian provincial needs, and with significantly extended overland links with the nation.
We must face the fact: an agreed negotiated agreement between the separating province, the remaining provinces and territories, and the first nations is not really possible. We, as a nation, must face this.
Our nation must accept that separation is not possible! Citizens must have only two options: resolve internal disaffection, or immigrate!
Georges, many good points here worthy of discussion.
But the biggest suggestion you had that's most constructive: The fireside chats. Carney actually did one of these a couple of months back -- the one where he talked about his figurine of MGen Brock. He sort-of hinted that these might become a regular thing but we haven't seen one since.
I took your comment to mean the same as my thoughts: Carney needs to do these to give simple explanations about certain policies (especially economic ones) of why doing ____ will create more jobs, or better jobs, or solve whatever pain-point Canadians face now. Or if in doing the pivot, what pain they may face in the future (but describe the end of the tunnel). As they say with many things that affect "customers" or "owners", part of the job is managing the expectations!
One reason he might have stopped doing these -- likely as you say, he's very busy, for starters -- could be that his "loyal opposition" is very good at twisting words and attempting to turn discussion points against Carney. Fortunately, they are not terribly good at doing that. But, that's all the more reason he should be doing the firesides -- present fact, counter the crap, keep Canadians seeing the purpose (if people want to disagree with that, that's also fine - but factually keep stating WHY you (Carney) think a course of action is prudent. Discuss problems on merits, not PP 3-word Trumpish slogans.
Fred, if you're looking for subject material for some future articles, maybe it would be good to do the occasional dive into some of Alberta's grievances (and/or Western/Eastern/Northern Canada alienation, in general). This might need some thought, as we wouldn't want to be fueling disunity or rhetorical flames -- all of that plays into hands of USA/Russia or frankly anyone out to harm us. But it might also help bridge the communication gap, so that Canadians in general can understand what "problems" we do face, and maybe then we can see if we can improve things. You/others have touched on some of the separatist rhetoric in you in other posts.
I know that my (feeble) attempts to try and understand the concerns usually end up with me shaking my head in bewilderment and saying internally, "THAT's your concern, seriously?!?!" -- so I'm either missing some nuance, or we've had very poor leaders all ways around at dealing with conflicts. Oh, and I do realize that there's the not-so-secret cabal of primarily USA-owned oil companies prodding a lot of the sentiment (and funding at least half of the CPC coffers, as well (probably UPC, too)).
I learned my lesson on TikTok (which I deleted). There is no point in engaging with CPC trolls, US influencers and Russian bots spewing disinformation or misinformation. They want us to think we’re divided but we’re not to the extent that we need to worry about it. The CPC is polling low, we don’t have an election for 3 years and the majority of us are happy with Mark Carney. We do not have a maniacal leader working to overthrow the rule of law and the Constitution. Well except for Danielle Smith whom the majority of Albertans hate. So, for my peace of mind and to keep my blood pressure low, I do not feed the beast. Ignoring it/them is way more effective than engaging, in my mind anyway. Engaging changes nothing and they win when we do.
Divide and rule. And keep us distracted from the real issues.
Who profits? Follow the money...
And, not to be too cynical, but it sure looks like the system (especially the monetary/financial system) is basically designed to extract value and to further concentrate wealth and power: money is issued on the basis of interest-bearing debt (which creates an artificial scarcity of money and keeps us in a collective state of perpetual debt); and credit is often misallocated for unproductive purposes (which leads to inflation, and erodes the purchasing power of the currency and the value of savings).
“Let’s Build Something Better” Maybe we need to think about reforming the monetary/financial system or building alternative exchange systems. Perhaps there’s a chance that more people (on the left and right) might actually be able to agree that money should be created as needed by allocating interest-free credit to facilitate the production and exchange of value, within ecological limitations and material economic constraints (...but I’m not holding my breath).
I outed a Russian bot today.
With this:
#YouAreARussianBot 🤖
твоя мать знает, что ты хуеплёт?
“Does your mother know that you're a dickhead?”
😂 Gordon, I have to admit, that gave me a laugh.
Whether it's a bot or just someone pretending to be Canadian, shining a light on suspicious accounts is a good thing.
That said, I'd rather win with facts than insults.
Nothing frustrates trolls more than being ignored, fact-checked, or exposed for who they really are.
Keep your sense of humour... it may be one of the best defences we have.
Well, Fred all this individual did was post memes. Probably had little command of the English language.
So, I gave them the facts! 😝
May I adopt this? Spectacular response.
You most welcome too.
Hahahaha Good for you!
Russian botnets want us angry. Fringe groups operating in Canada, domestic or foreignly funded want us angry. Political use of AI, as by way of example, showing a certain clown with a crown, fying a plane and dumping poop on citizens was designed to anger.
Heed Geezerwise' words. The garbage will arrive. Each one of us can personally refuse it's acceptance. Vet your sources, and be sleuth like in considering who is posting, and who it serves. We help each other every day we choose to stop the baton hand off of material that's designed to disturb.
Pete, that is exactly it.
The garbage will arrive.
We can't stop every bad actor from tossing it into the feed.
But we can refuse to pick it up, carry it around, and hand it to the next person.
That baton hand-off line is perfect.
Every time we pause, verify, and choose not to spread manufactured outrage, we break the chain.
That's how ordinary people fight back... with attention, discipline, and a little old-fashioned common sense.
🇨🇦💙 CBC’s investigation found 14 overseas accounts posting on FACEBOOK in popular Alberta independence Facebook groups — run from Indonesia, Pakistan, India, the US, and Sri Lanka. They impersonate real Albertans, steal content from actual separatists, and earn money through Meta’s creator monetization program, which rewards engagement. 
The most prominent case: a woman named “Nieta Aqila” racked up over 2,000 reactions in the Alberta Independence group (100,000+ members) claiming to be canvassing in Calgary — while CBC found she was actually in Palembang, Indonesia, and also runs a page selling homemade noodles. 
This is a war.
Roxy, thank you for sharing this.
It illustrates why we all need to be a little more skeptical about what shows up in our feeds.
The fact that overseas accounts can impersonate Canadians, repost divisive content, and earn money from engagement should concern all of us.
It reminds us that not every "Canadian voice" online is actually Canadian.
I'd stop short of calling it a war, but I do believe it's a battle for attention, trust, and public opinion.
The best defence isn't panic... it's critical thinking.
Question the source.
Verify before sharing.
And don't let someone halfway around the world manipulate how you feel about your fellow Canadians.
That's how we protect our country... and each other.
Let’s put the blame where it lies. Danielle Smith is the full owner of the referendum. Without HER, it wouldn’t even be happening. The attackers would have nothing to attack. She could stop it now too, hopefully the pissed off separatists force her out before it gets to fall.
Nice sleuthing! Thanks for highlighting this example as a perfect case in point.
I agree. Stop the rage baiting and use critical thinking. It will work better for everyone.
Fred, I mused the other day that we need strategies to counter all this devisive crap.
Your request in this posting really is an excellent start!
Kudos!
Thank you, Grant. That means a lot coming from you.
I've spent plenty of time exposing the problem.
It finally struck me that it's time we start building solutions, too.
None of us can stop every troll, bot, or foreign influence campaign.
But thousands of ordinary Canadians, each sharing facts, encouraging critical thinking, and refusing to amplify division?
That can make a real difference.
If we can build a community that chooses unity over outrage, we've already started winning.
Thanks for being part of it, my friend.
Fred you have some great ideas. I for one would like to believe that it is possible to inspire the people who are separatist thinkers in the province of Alberta to change their minds. I've read lots on both side of the question! We only have to look at what happened in Quebec to see the future of Alberta if they get their way! Leaving Canada is not the way to go!
Thank you, Sandi.
I believe it's possible too... but not by yelling louder than the other side.
Most Albertans who feel alienated aren't bad people.
They're Canadians with real concerns, even if I don't always agree with the conclusions they've reached.
If we want to keep this country together, we have to be willing to listen as well as explain.
History gives us some perspective.
Quebec spent decades debating separation, and in the end, remaining part of Canada proved to be the stronger path.
I believe Alberta's future is stronger inside a united Canada too.
My goal has never been to win an argument.
It's to build understanding, because a country that keeps talking to itself has a much better chance of staying together.
Thank you for being part of that conversation.
Here is the answer— we should all get off Meta, Tik Tok n X — the fuckers who got us here. We meed digital town Squares where the haters liars n rage baiters are kept out.
Thank you for this, Geezer!
I drafted the following to send to our PM, but did not, as I thought he was busy enough
but did not send it; you might be interested:
Dear Prime Minister,
I am a Canadian, and have never before sent a missive to the Head of Government. I am a senior (ie. Old!) soldier, a Conservative that voted for the only party that he ever formally joined: the Progressive Conservative Party; I have considered voting for the current Conservative Party in all National Elections since, but never decided to do so: that party always seemed rather regional instead of national, or/and seemed fundamentally interested in what was best for the party rather than what was best for the nation.
At this past election, I voted for the Mark Carney Party! … and am delighted with his policies!! I am also delighted with his leadership: his proven competence, practical knowledge of economics, coolness while under stress, and practiced communication skills (he would have probably been a great General!).
That said, I have some opinions on some National Political Issues:
NATIONAL WEAPONS POLICIES:
I loved firearms; I joined the Army; I was a good shot; I still love firearms, but do not want, or need, or own one.
Weapons are developed primarily for war, secondarily for police, and occasionally for hunting, although calling hunting a sport makes me shudder.
National Firearms Policy should limit possession of all firearms to the armed forces and police/security agencies.
Firearms for hunting must be long barrel, and single round fed; I must admit that I suggest this mostly to give the prey a break.
If some Canadians strongly desire to use more capable weapons, I recommend that they enroll in the armed forces, primarily in the Reserves, period!!
COMMUNICATION
I have a Master Degree in Economics; I understand economic policy, objectives, and the time process. A large proportion of our people understand and approve the aim, but do not understand the time it will/must take, and how financially difficult it will be for a significant proportion of Canadians.
A Roosevelt fireside chat “à la Mark Carney “ would not only be superb, it might be essential: Simple public briefings to the nation; a large % of national audience are probably not familiar with macroeconomics, and need to understand the process, its difficulties, its length, and its likely impact on personal income.
On national budgets: we shall see deficit budgets for some time, but a significant share of the budget will be crucial investments that are essential to the nation’s economic future; would it not be useful to identify these as “Investments”, and not deficits?
The national investment plan in which Canadians can invest, energize our future economy, and return income to investors and the nation. Norway is a shining example; explain its impact to the nation, and how it will function. Could not Canadians invest in their nation, and eventually benefit financially? I would be thrilled to invest my TFSA!
CANADA GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES
Lastly, provincial separation attempts: International and national laws allow change of national boundaries subject to successful negotiation between the nation and the province in question. In Canada, any mutually negotiated provincial separation would result in significant changes to our provincial and national boundaries, and enormous impact to the nation and the remaining provinces: In the Quebec case, four Eastern provinces would loose all overland links with the remaining provinces; in the other case, one province would be isolated, with international boundaries with two nations not particularly sympathetic to Canadian provincial needs, and with significantly extended overland links with the nation.
We must face the fact: an agreed negotiated agreement between the separating province, the remaining provinces and territories, and the first nations is not really possible. We, as a nation, must face this.
Our nation must accept that separation is not possible! Citizens must have only two options: resolve internal disaffection, or immigrate!
Change the constitution accordingly!
Georges, thank you for taking the time to put your thoughts into words.
Whether or not every idea is adopted, citizens who care enough to think deeply and engage respectfully are essential to a healthy democracy.
What struck me most is that you weren't writing as a partisan... you were writing as a Canadian who wants the country to succeed.
That takes integrity.
Too many people complain from the sidelines.
You took the time to think, write, and offer constructive ideas.
We need more of that.
Please don't underestimate the value of speaking up.
Every thoughtful voice adds to the conversation, and sometimes it's those voices... not the loudest ones... that help move a country forward.
Thank you for caring enough to take action.
Georges, many good points here worthy of discussion.
But the biggest suggestion you had that's most constructive: The fireside chats. Carney actually did one of these a couple of months back -- the one where he talked about his figurine of MGen Brock. He sort-of hinted that these might become a regular thing but we haven't seen one since.
I took your comment to mean the same as my thoughts: Carney needs to do these to give simple explanations about certain policies (especially economic ones) of why doing ____ will create more jobs, or better jobs, or solve whatever pain-point Canadians face now. Or if in doing the pivot, what pain they may face in the future (but describe the end of the tunnel). As they say with many things that affect "customers" or "owners", part of the job is managing the expectations!
One reason he might have stopped doing these -- likely as you say, he's very busy, for starters -- could be that his "loyal opposition" is very good at twisting words and attempting to turn discussion points against Carney. Fortunately, they are not terribly good at doing that. But, that's all the more reason he should be doing the firesides -- present fact, counter the crap, keep Canadians seeing the purpose (if people want to disagree with that, that's also fine - but factually keep stating WHY you (Carney) think a course of action is prudent. Discuss problems on merits, not PP 3-word Trumpish slogans.
Fred, if you're looking for subject material for some future articles, maybe it would be good to do the occasional dive into some of Alberta's grievances (and/or Western/Eastern/Northern Canada alienation, in general). This might need some thought, as we wouldn't want to be fueling disunity or rhetorical flames -- all of that plays into hands of USA/Russia or frankly anyone out to harm us. But it might also help bridge the communication gap, so that Canadians in general can understand what "problems" we do face, and maybe then we can see if we can improve things. You/others have touched on some of the separatist rhetoric in you in other posts.
I know that my (feeble) attempts to try and understand the concerns usually end up with me shaking my head in bewilderment and saying internally, "THAT's your concern, seriously?!?!" -- so I'm either missing some nuance, or we've had very poor leaders all ways around at dealing with conflicts. Oh, and I do realize that there's the not-so-secret cabal of primarily USA-owned oil companies prodding a lot of the sentiment (and funding at least half of the CPC coffers, as well (probably UPC, too)).
Grant, this is exactly the kind of thoughtful discussion I was hoping this community would have.
I agree that regular "fireside chats" could go a long way toward helping Canadians understand not just what the government is doing, but why.
Big economic shifts don't happen overnight, and people deserve clear, plain-language explanations along the way.
I also appreciate your suggestion about exploring regional grievances.
One thing I've tried to do from the beginning is separate legitimate concerns from political narratives designed to divide us.
Canadians don't have to agree on everything, but we do need to understand each other better.
If we spend more time listening and less time shouting, we'll be a much stronger country for it.
Thanks for another thoughtful contribution, my friend.
These conversations are exactly why I enjoy writing this Substack.
I learned my lesson on TikTok (which I deleted). There is no point in engaging with CPC trolls, US influencers and Russian bots spewing disinformation or misinformation. They want us to think we’re divided but we’re not to the extent that we need to worry about it. The CPC is polling low, we don’t have an election for 3 years and the majority of us are happy with Mark Carney. We do not have a maniacal leader working to overthrow the rule of law and the Constitution. Well except for Danielle Smith whom the majority of Albertans hate. So, for my peace of mind and to keep my blood pressure low, I do not feed the beast. Ignoring it/them is way more effective than engaging, in my mind anyway. Engaging changes nothing and they win when we do.
Barbara, I think you've touched on something important... protecting your peace of mind.
Not every battle needs to be fought, and not every post deserves a response.
I've learned that some people are looking for a conversation, while others are simply looking for a reaction.
The first group is worth engaging with.
The second group is usually feeding on attention.
I also agree that refusing to amplify outrage can be more effective than arguing with it.
Sometimes the strongest response is no response at all.
Save your energy for real conversations, real people, and real solutions.
That's where progress happens.
Agreed!
Their are always people trying to sink the ship that’s why we have must have the glue to keep it together.
Thanks, Fred. It’s good to be reminded that wisdom takes time to think and kindness is always appropriate.
Beautifully said, Rebecca.
I've come to believe that one of the greatest acts of wisdom today is simply refusing to react instantly.
Taking a moment to think before we respond is becoming a rare skill.
And you're absolutely right... kindness costs us nothing, but it can completely change the direction of a conversation.
Thank you for that reminder.
We could all use a little more wisdom and a little more kindness these days.
Divide and rule. And keep us distracted from the real issues.
Who profits? Follow the money...
And, not to be too cynical, but it sure looks like the system (especially the monetary/financial system) is basically designed to extract value and to further concentrate wealth and power: money is issued on the basis of interest-bearing debt (which creates an artificial scarcity of money and keeps us in a collective state of perpetual debt); and credit is often misallocated for unproductive purposes (which leads to inflation, and erodes the purchasing power of the currency and the value of savings).
“Let’s Build Something Better” Maybe we need to think about reforming the monetary/financial system or building alternative exchange systems. Perhaps there’s a chance that more people (on the left and right) might actually be able to agree that money should be created as needed by allocating interest-free credit to facilitate the production and exchange of value, within ecological limitations and material economic constraints (...but I’m not holding my breath).