This Thursday evening, I’ll be speaking as part of Simon Fraser University’s Media Democracy Days: Spry Memorial Panel in Vancouver.

I’m super excited for it because we’ll cover some of the reasons that sit right at the heart of why I started The Level.

I’ll speak about why I built a news platform designed entirely to explain two sides of a story, why I believe the media industry partially caused its own near-death, and why Canada needs a different approach to journalism policy.

So, you know, light Thursday night stuff.

The event takes place this Thursday, May 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at SFU Harbour Centre.

If you’re in the Vancouver area and want to come by, you can find the full event details and registration here.

Today’s feature story brings us to Alberta, where the drive for separation shows no signs of slowing down — even though polling suggests the majority of Albertans are opposed to it.

You’ll find the breakdown below like usual, and remember to share your opinion by voting afterwards.

Thanks as always for reading.

-Neil

Smith’s decision to have a referendum on a referendum sounds silly, but it makes sense.

She's showing support for the separatists, even after a judge ruled their petition was unconstitutional, while also giving Albertans who oppose separation a chance to vote "no" and kill the idea once and for all.

And as much as you might dislike Smith's approach, her track record lately indicates she's good at getting what she wants.

If Brexit taught us anything, it's never say never.

Smith insists she wants Alberta to stick with Canada. But if that’s true, why keep pushing ahead with the referendum at all?

Proper governing means telling your supporters what you really think, not validating bad ideas because you're afraid of a loud minority — especially since separation was never part of your election platform to begin with.