I welcome Edmonton-based journalist Jeremy Appel, of The Orchard who is based in Edmonton and contributes to numerous news outlets including the National Observer, the Toronto Star, and Ricochet. Appel also has a book forthcoming on Premier Danielle Smith titled “Dark Phoenix: The Rise, Fall and Reemergence of Danielle Smith,” which he describes as a spiritual sequel to his earlier book on Jason Kenney. We then turn to a story Appel covered regarding Reuters, which is owned by Canada’s Thompson family and derives much of its revenue not from journalism but from data and AI services. Specifically, Reuters operates a database called CLEAR that aggregates personal information on Americans, including immigration status and social security numbers, and has contracted with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to assist with deportation efforts. When Reuters was asked about safeguards, their response amounted to cancelling the contract if misuse were discovered, which Appel found unconvincing.
The discussion then broadens to the role of big tech in serving state interests, including Google Maps renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America” at Trump’s informal request and Zuckerberg gutting Meta’s fact-checking apparatus upon Trump’s return to office. Appel connects this to the Alberta referendum, arguing that the immigration questions underpinning it are built on fiction and that the broader separatist movement is fundamentally about liberating the oil and gas industry from federal constraints. He traces this narrative back to Jason Kenney, who amplified Alberta grievance politics around equalization payments and pension contributions, framing federal structures as conspiring against the province despite Alberta being among the wealthiest provinces per capita. Appel argues that Danielle Smith has taken this further, fusing state power with corporate interests in a manner he describes as more authoritarian than the neoliberalism practiced by Kenney.
Our conversation turns to the political landscape ahead of the referendum, with both speakers expressing frustration at the Alberta NDP’s strategic approach of targeting an imagined suburban Calgary swing voter rather than articulating a bold alternative vision. The host shares her own experience running as an independent candidate after Notley refused to discuss a just transition before the election, and argues that the NDP cannot win by trying to out-promise the UCP on oil and gas. Appel notes that Smith is skilled at framing hard-right positions, including restrictions on immigrant access to healthcare and schooling, as reasonable compromises, while the underlying claims are based on misinformation. He also raises concerns that gerrymandering of Calgary ridings may render electoral strategy discussions largely moot.
In the final portion of the conversation, Appel outlines his upcoming work, including a piece for The Walrus on the AI data centre revolt, an excerpt from his book in The Walrus, a piece in Maclean’s on Smith’s new authoritarianism, and a Globe and Mail op-ed arguing that Smith is not a separatist but that the truth is actually worse. The host reflects on the broader stakes facing Alberta, arguing that the province is being distracted by the referendum spectacle while facing genuine existential challenges around water, ecological collapse, and economic transition away from fossil fuels. Both speakers express admiration for federal NDP leader Avi Lewis as a rare political figure willing to speak honestly about these issues. The conversation closes with Appel plugging his book launch in Edmonton on October 13th and a planned event in Calgary in early November.
If you’re in the Edmonton area, get tickets for Jeremy’s book launch event here.
