We only have to look at the supposed parental rights policies introduced in New Brunswick, Saskatchewan and most recently in Alberta and book bans in schools across the country to see that the vile import of hate and intolerance disguised as care for kids has crossed the border.
But here is what these same politicians fear the most: us taking their power back. And while this might sound slightly foreboding, it's because for anyone on the other side of these issues, like me and hopefully you, I'm hoping its a reality check to pay attention and actually do something about it.
What Madame Premier is Listening To
What Madame Premier is Reading
I'm going to be honest and share that I am having a really hard time getting back into reading. As a young girl, you couldn't get books out of my hands but since having kids and the start of the pandemic, my attention span for reading is really limited. That being said, my obsession with news continues to go strong. As unhealthy as it is, before going to sleep I read my regular rotation of sites starting with Fox, going to CNN, BBC, CBC and CTV. You might be wondering why I read Fox and I will also share that I am also a regular watcher of Fox on TV because even though it's not a place that I consider an always legitimate source of news, the commentary that Fox offers gives invaluable insights into what a lot of Americans, and Canadians, are watching, talking about and most importantly, believing. I think of it like good opposition research - you need to know what is being said and discussed on the other side in order to be informed. And in a world where misinformation is rampant, I want to be armed with all sides of information so that I can make informed decisions about what I consume and also with what I share on Madame Premier.
What Madame Premier is Watching
Besides blasting through the new season of Forumla 1 Drive to Survive (hello to my fellow F1 fans!), here's what I've watched recently or just really love:
Bank of Dave on Netflix for a really feel good watch.
Love Korean dramas? Try Queenmaker on Netflix.
You have to watch The Family. It will open your eyes to some of the conservative religious infiltration and the outsized influence of a movement on a mission to control the highest levels of American politics.
Mary for Mayor on YouTube or Prime is a good one for kids and families. It might inspire some future runs for mayor!
There is a series called Elected from Brazil that tells the story of a very, very, very unlikely election of an influencer getting elected as president. It's obviously satire but it cuts deep when you think where we are politically and with the age of social media.
I am also trying to make more videos to share on Instagram/the internet to not only make the Algorithm God happy but to share news and issues that I care about and hope others care about too.
What Madame Premier is Doing
I mean, I'm a mom of a five year old and a six year old so am I really doing anything?! My kids are at an age where they want me to put them to bed so I really focus on being there for them and occasionally make the time to do things outside of reading books that name every single Pokemon character in alphabetical order.
I constantly feel like I am going in so many directions and wish that I could be more focused, do more, be in more places, driving more change. I also acknowledge that it's much easier to focus on what I'm not doing than to focus on everything that I am doing. A really common question women in politics are asked is "How do you do it all?" and the answer that I hear 99% of the time is that they have help. A supportive partner, but most of the time it's paid help. And if you have it, I am genuinely so happy for you. I mean it. I see that it can be a total game-changer in terms of what you can do in a day.
The newest installation at my neighbour Viviane Art by Toronto artist Winnie Truong is STUNNING. Truong's art is so detailed, so feminine, so beautiful. Winnie Truong herself will be at Viviane Art tomorrow for the opening, so if you are in Calgary, come see it for yourself and meet her.
Beautiful Man at Motel Theatre in Calgary. Pulling this straight from the Arts Commons website, "In this biting satire about the portrayal of women in film and television, three friends take us on a whirlwind tour of a world where women rule society as politicians, hunters, queens and policewomen - all while gazing at the semi-nude Beautiful Man. This comedy joyfully exposes the insidious and toxic aspects of popular culture with a sense of playful audacity."
The Canadian Women in Medicine conference is happening May 23 to 25 in Halfiax this year.
And some big dates to keep in mind and on your political calendars:
March 15th is the deadline to get into the Alberta NDP leadership race.
April 16th is when we will find out the details of the next federal budget
April 22nd is the membership deadline for the Alberta NDP leadership
June 22nd is the Alberta NDP leadership election which makes June 23rd the day a lot of people will get to kind of rest!
October 17th are municipal elections in Yukon
October 19th are municipal and provincial elections in my home province of BC and you may see me out door knocking if and when I get the chance to go back
October 21 is the date of a provincial election in New Brunswick and municipal elections in the North West Territories
October 28th is the date Saskatchewan heads to the polls for their next provincial election. It's going to be one to watch as the Saskatchewan Party goes up against a competitive NDP!
And then just weeks later, Saskatchewan will be back to vote in municipal elections on November 13th
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