Privacy Badger on Bluesky

Using an older version of Firefox?

ALL add-ons will stop working on Firefox versions older than 128 (or older than ESR 115.13+) on March 14, in just a few days from now.

To keep using your add-ons including Privacy Badger, you will need to update Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/root-certificate-expiration

The Narwhal on Bluesky

For a half-century, a pulp mill in northern Ontario has used a tributary of Lake Superior to dispose of its wastewater. With the mill shuttered, the creek is bouncing back, but it’s been through boom and bust before: https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-pulp-mill-blackbird-creek/

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/40374512

Electoral Renewal Canada on Bluesky

Did strategic voting matter in the Ontario Election?

My verdict is that a large number of people DID vote strategically in this election. However, I don't believe it was a determining factor.

It did deliver a massive advantage to sitting MPPs. Let's look at the numbers. (1/6)

🟧 NDP incumbents performed remarkably well.

Avg. NDP candidate: -5.5% (compared to '22) Ridings NDP won in '22: -0.7% Ridings w/ NDP inc. running for re-election: +3.0% (‼️)

This difference is unusual, but it's quite clear that the NDP benefitted >when they had a strong name to rally around. (2/6)

🟥 Liberal incumbents also overperformed.

Avg. OLP candidate: +6.1 Ridings w/ Liberal incumbent running for re-election: +13.4

In all elections, incumbents do have a name recognition advantage, but beating the median by more than 7% is notable. (3/6)

Here's why I think strategic voting was at play. Here is he swing for:

🟧 NDP candidates in OLP ridings: -10.0% (4.5% below avg.)

🟥 OLP candidates in NDP ridings: +0.8% (5.3% below avg.)

I think this shows, when there was a clear name to rally around, a noticeable % of NDP and OLP voters did (4/6)

Here is where I dispel some enthusiasm.

In 2018, if you bundled Liberal and NDP votes into one party, they would have won 82 seats.

In 2022, that number was down to 71.

In 2025, it was 61. Which means that even with "perfect" strategic voting, there would be no majority for the coalition. (5/6)

The fact is that, even as it seems that many Ontarians did attempt to vote strategically, it did not impact the outcome of the election.

If voters are frustrated that a third consecutive Ford government is being upheld by a 40% majority, perhaps we should consider proportional representation. (6/6)

FFRF on Bluesky

Bragging about low vaccination rates during a measles outbreak isn’t a flex—it’s reckless endangerment. Protecting children should come before politics or ideology. Public health isn’t a debate.

Measles 🦠

• highly contagious! One person catching could spread it up to R~0~: ~17 other people, while COVID-19 has R~0~: ~3. That means measles is ~5.67× more contagious than COVID-19.
• is unique in that measles wipes out existing immunity for other diseases. Measles can cause you to become infected to pathogens you were once immune to.
• is caused by a virus, therefore antibiotics are wholly ineffective
• can be vaccinated against 💉

Recognizing and Responding to Measles Symptoms

If you are travelling this spring, remain vigilant for measles symptoms. Measles typically starts with fever; red, watery eyes; runny nose; and, cough; followed by a red rash that spreads from the face to the rest of the body.

If you suspect you have measles while travelling in or returning to Canada:

• Wear a well-fitting medical mask and minimize contact with others.
• Inform a flight attendant, cruise staff, or border services officer upon arrival.

Stay Protected: Get Vaccinated

With measles cases rising worldwide and in Canada, keeping up with routine vaccinations is more critical than ever. Measles vaccination is highly effective in limiting transmission and preventing severe outcomes. If you are unsure of your vaccination status, check with your healthcare provider or local public health unit.

By staying vigilant and working together to increase measles vaccine coverage, we can prevent outbreaks and keep our communities safe against this preventable disease. The measles vaccine is the best way to protect you and your family.

If you think you or a family member has the measles, or you think you’ve been exposed to measles, call your health care provider immediately – do not go to a health care facility or office without calling ahead first

Please go get vaccinated, folks. Vaccines are demonstrated to be safe and effective time and time again.

Unimmunized 159 (89.8%) (from Public Health Ontario)

External links 🖇️

• Digital and Virtual Care Services | Ontario Health

Related article: Measles cases nearly double in Ontario over last 2 weeks, far surpassing last decade's total | CBC News.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/40252923

Fair Vote Canada on Bluesky

Germany under PR: Far-right gets 20% but is shut out by democratic parties.

USA under FPTP: Far-right takes over the GOP, erodes democracy, and works to economically weaken us for annexation.

FPTP doesn’t protect democracy—it endangers it.

#cdnpoli