Dave Arnott

Metis ∞ living on Treaty 6 land, retired cdn 031-023, PPCLI-CAR-NSaskR

[Yasmina @yasminalombaert]

Brilliant!

“Trump, the peacemaker.” - Jonathan Pie

“Back to you, Sophie.
Thank you. It's interesting, isn't it, that Trump signed this deal in Versailles, you know, the location of another famous humiliating, total capitulation. But you know, of course, Trump will spin this as a massive success because he's got form in declaring he's won when clearly he hasn't.

But this war was a success in the same way that paying $14 million to have large chunks of blue paint floating in an algae-infested reflecting pool was money well spent.

The truth is, the United States has rarely looked weaker, and Iran has rarely looked stronger, having now worked out that if anyone doesn't do exactly what they want them to, they'll just close the Strait of Hormuz, and they've got the whole world by the bullbags.

We went from week one: "I will win. Victory will be easier than that time I kidnapped the president of Venezuela."

To week two: "I won."

To week three: "Why aren't you helping me win?"

To week four: "I don't need your help to win, but if you don't help me win, I'm going to destroy NATO."

Week five: "If you don't let me win, I'll annihilate an entire civilization."
It's quite a feat to give the Iranian regime the moral high ground, but luckily, Donald Trump shattered the illusion of American morality a long time ago.

Week six: "We're winning, and to prove it, here's an AI picture of me dressed as Jesus.”

Week seven: "The Pope is a soy-filled, woke, Guardian reader."

Week eight: "I'm getting bored now."

Weeks nine through to 14: "Really bored now, and I've got ballrooms to build and cage fights on the White House lawn to organise."

And four months later, victory!

Thank you very much, where's my peace prize?

And if the rest of the G7 can just clear up the mess and pay the bill, that would be great.

The outcome was always inevitable, but you know, it's been fun to watch.

Most of Trump's posts on Truth Social around the conflict have sounded less like the leader of the free world and more like a 14-year-old boy who's the only one left in the class not to have fingered anyone.

One particular highlight being on Easter Sunday, when Trump went on to Truth Social to write, "Open the fucking strait, you crazy bastards."
Which are the words of a true diplomat with supreme control of the situation.

He then spent some time at the White House Easter Egg Roll, where he gave a speech to a bunch of bemused primary school children about how he's thinking of starting World War III in Iran and Joe Biden's auto-pen.

But this conflict hasn't all been plain sailing. Trump got really angry with the UK, and Spain, and Canada, Australia, Italy—in fact, anyone who raised any objections to this gross example of imperial overreach was branded a coward.

It was as if he felt like we should all be grateful that his latest piece of American expansionism didn't involve making Canada the 51st state or carpet bombing the sleepy village of Greenland.

Perhaps if you want your allies to be good allies, then maybe start treating us like allies. Don't bully your allies, or slam illegal tariffs on your allies, or interfere with their elections by overtly promoting far-right parties across Europe whilst hurling insults at our leaders and threatening to invade Allied sovereign territory, and then demand we come to your aid just because you started a war because one, Benjamin Netanyahu told you to, and two, to distract from the fact that you appear in the Epstein files more times than Jesus is mentioned in the Bible.

But at least someone did all right out of this whole thing. Well, for me, the highlight of the whole shit show was the $2.1 billion in bets placed minutes before presidential announcements about the war in Iran.

1/2

[🎼🌺Music Love♥️ @ThoNg676733]

One of the best songs ever. The sound of the sax sends shivers down one’s spine 🎷

[Keith Maxwell 🇨🇦🇺🇦🇮🇱🇬🇪🇬🇱 @MaxontheCoast]

@DrewPavlou And across the valley, the Canadians (2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry) did the same thing. Heroes all!

[APTN News @APTNNews]

Métis Nation–Saskatchewan announced a new housing project to help those facing gender-based violence.

The facility will provide housing that bridges gaps between temporary emergency shelters and permanent homes for people fleeing domestic violence.

https://t.co/u0gC9CltoW

[650 CKOM @CKOMNews]

In the last three years, the largest Métis festival in the country has grown from 20,000 visitors to over 40,000 and a large feast is cooked every day at the national historic site.

#Sask

https://t.co/lNzziTSpmf

[Project '44 @project4_4]

On 10 July 1943, the 1st Canadian Infantry Division landed in southeastern Sicily as part of Operation Husky - the Allied invasion of Europe’s “soft underbelly.” The division's assault was split across two main beaches: “Roger” Beach to the east and “Sugar” Beach to the west of the village of Le Grotticelle. These beaches formed the right flank of the British Eighth Army’s landings.

General Simonds’ plan for the Canadians was a two-brigade front:
- The 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade would land on Roger Beach and push inland to destroy a coastal battery near Maucini, seize the Pachino airfield, and establish contact with nearby British forces around Pachino town.
- The 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade would land on Sugar Beach, clear beach defences, support the adjacent British Special Service Brigade landing on the far left, and advance north past the Pantano Longarini marshes.
- The Special Service Brigade (British Commandos) would land west of Punta Castellazzo, eliminate enemy resistance in their zone, and cover the Canadians' western flank from elevated ground north of the marshes.

The landings were scheduled for 2:45 a.m., with Commandos hitting the shore ten minutes earlier. Objectives were clear: knock out coastal defences, secure strategic positions, and quickly link up with Allied forces to expand the beachhead.

The Landings

Despite rough seas from a storm the day before, the landings went ahead as planned in the early hours of 10 July 1943. Just after 1:00 a.m., British Commandos began landing west of the Canadian sector, encountering only light resistance. By 1:34 a.m., the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade - the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry - were heading for Sugar Beach under covering fire from naval guns, including the 15-inch guns of HMS Roberts.

Navigation errors caused the Seaforth Highlanders to land to the right of the Patricias, reversing their intended order. But the heavy surf helped carry landing craft over a false beach, and both units came ashore with minimal opposition. They quickly cleared light beach obstacles and scattered Italian machine-gun posts. By 3:00 a.m., both battalions had successfully landed and were advancing inland toward their objectives.

On Roger Beach, however, the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade faced delays. Their assault relied on DUKWs and landing craft (LCTs) arriving from Malta. When these were delayed, Brigadier Howard Graham initiated a backup plan, switching to Landing Craft Assault (LCAs). Confusion and the heavy swell caused further delay, with some units landing as late as 5:30 a.m. - nearly three hours behind schedule.

Despite the setbacks, the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment and the Royal Canadian Regiment landed successfully. The Hastings had one reserve company land 5,000 yards off target in the Commando sector but regrouped without major issue. Both units met minimal resistance. The RCR encountered light shelling from the Maucini battery, but naval gunfire quickly silenced it.

By 6:45 a.m., all three lead brigades had secured their assigned beachheads, with support units and armour - including Shermans from the Three Rivers Regiment - beginning to land. The 48th Highlanders of Canada and The Edmonton Regiment followed their respective brigades ashore, some accompanied by pipe bands.

Opposition during the landings was light overall. Many Italian defenders withdrew as the naval bombardment and confusion of the assault overwhelmed them. However, isolated machine-gun fire and limited artillery shelling still resulted in several Canadian casualties, primarily on Roger Beach.

If you want to learn more about Operation Husky check out our blog full of photos, story maps, and links to our web map of the Italian Campaign:

https://t.co/sMptE23663

📷Naval convoy on route to Sicily
📷Canadian troops on their way to Sicily.
📷Semaphore instructions being used to instruct landing craft during Operation Husky
📷Map from 3rd Canadian Infantry Brigade showing unit positions on the 10th of July 1943

[Dave Arnott @dave_arnott]

https://t.co/vYfh0XIWl3

[Project Athena @TFProjectAthena]

Last night, I rewatched Shake Hands with the Devil. I first read the book when I was 15, and it left a lasting impression. The way the UN left LGen Roméo Dallaire out to dry—and the vague, restrictive rules of engagement during his mission—deeply troubled me. It made me question what I’d do if I ever found myself in that kind of situation.

When I deployed on TF 3-09 to Afghanistan, I was relieved to find that our work-up training provided us with clear and well-communicated rules of engagement. I knew exactly when I could use force, and under what conditions. I never felt handcuffed by the ROEs. I felt confident that I could protect myself, my comrades, and the people we were there to help.

This experience reinforced something critical: leadership matters. Clear, unambiguous communication of the rules of engagement builds trust, ensures accountability, and allows troops to act decisively in chaotic environments.

If you haven’t yet, I strongly recommend watching Shake Hands with the Devil and reading the book. It’s a tough but important look at what happens when leadership, mandate, and communication fall apart—lessons that still matter today.

[Project Athena @TFProjectAthena]

Last night, I rewatched Shake Hands with the Devil. I first read the book when I was 15, and it left a lasting impression. The way the UN left LGen Roméo Dallaire out to dry—and the vague, restrictive rules of engagement during his mission—deeply troubled me. It made me question what I’d do if I ever found myself in that kind of situation.

When I deployed on TF 3-09 to Afghanistan, I was relieved to find that our work-up training provided us with clear and well-communicated rules of engagement. I knew exactly when I could use force, and under what conditions. I never felt handcuffed by the ROEs. I felt confident that I could protect myself, my comrades, and the people we were there to help.

This experience reinforced something critical: leadership matters. Clear, unambiguous communication of the rules of engagement builds trust, ensures accountability, and allows troops to act decisively in chaotic environments.

If you haven’t yet, I strongly recommend watching Shake Hands with the Devil and reading the book. It’s a tough but important look at what happens when leadership, mandate, and communication fall apart—lessons that still matter today.

[Veterans_Can @Veterans_Can]

It’s important to remember, despite what you may hear elsewhere, Veterans are not wrecks of their former selves, cast aside by their old world - but are “actually in a much cooler club now…!”

What do you do now that leans on your mil experience to support others?
#VeteransCan

[Britainy Zapshalla @britrzap]

Thank you @TheStarPhoenix & @jocelynbennett for including @DanceSkyTHEATRE's Paper Wheat (Now - May 11 in Meacham) AND @SumTheatreSK's Breath (Touring SK May 15th - June 27th) in your May Theatre column.
https://t.co/IqiiMl2Rci

[Dave Arnott @dave_arnott]

@CJMENews Regina wins 3-2 in overtime

[Britainy Zapshalla @britrzap]

Thank you @rogerstv for helping tell your audiences about 25th Street Theatre's Luna. The show is on a tour of #sask schools this week and on Fri. & Sat. there are 3 public performances on the BackStage Stage - Remai Arts Centre.
Info: https://t.co/7O0jGo6TeB

[Treaty Commissioner @TreatyOfficeSK]

Leaders gather to commemorate 140th anniversary of Battle of Duck Lake /via @MBCRadioNews https://t.co/JO9VWB8otF

[Keith Maxwell 🇨🇦🇺🇦🇮🇱🇬🇪🇬🇱 @MaxontheCoast]

@GeneralHillier This is what a party platform should include for the upcoming election -
Make it illegal to express support for any designated terrorist group – flags, banners, public verbal expression of support, etc
Make it illegal attend a public political rally wearing face coverings
/2

[Britainy Zapshalla @britrzap]

Luna's BACK! 25th Street Theatre is hitting the road touring Sask schools Monday with Danielle Roy's play about a young girl who builds a time machine to go back and save her mother. 👍
And don't miss the show in #yxe April 11 - 12
📸 @MatthewOlson
https://t.co/p05XVELrLS

[Peter MacKay @PeterMacKay]

Check out this passionate patriot anthem "Canada's song" by brilliant singer songwriter actor, author and philanthropist Alan Frew. A song for the times, for our Nation. Strong + Free Forever !

[Dave Arnott @dave_arnott]

See this Instagram humorous post by @thefeathernews https://t.co/TB02dXtFp9

[David W Grebstad🇨🇦🇺🇦 @DavidGrebstad]

December 27: A Defining Moment in Canadian, Manitoba, and Métis History

On this day in 1869, a pivotal moment unfolded in the saga of Canada’s westward expansion and the quest for Métis self-determination. Donald Smith, a commissioner of the Dominion of Canada, was received by the Legislative Assembly of the Provisional Government of Assiniboia. This historic event underscored not only Canada’s de facto recognition of the Provisional Government as the representative of the people of the North-West but also highlighted the principles of negotiation, cooperation, and self-determination that would shape the foundation of Manitoba and Canada’s relationship with the Métis.

The journey to this meeting was far from straightforward. The Métis, led by Louis Riel, had formed a Provisional Government to assert their rights amidst a chaotic transfer of Rupert’s Land from the Hudson’s Bay Company to Canada. This bold move was rooted in the Métis’ determination to safeguard their land, culture, and political voice. When Canada’s initial plans for governance excluded meaningful input from the region’s residents, tensions escalated, culminating in the Métis assuming control of Fort Garry.

Donald Smith’s arrival marked a shift in Canada’s approach. Unlike earlier overtures that dismissed the Provisional Government, Smith was tasked with negotiating directly with the representatives of the people of the Red River Settlement. This act, whether driven by pragmatism or necessity, signified Canada’s acknowledgment of the Provisional Government’s legitimacy. Smith’s mission was not to impose but to engage, offering a pathway to Confederation that recognized the Métis as equal partners in the nation-building process.

The proceedings of December 27 encapsulate the spirit of negotiation. The Métis, steadfast yet open to dialogue, demonstrated their willingness to join Confederation—provided their rights were respected and their unique identity preserved. In turn, Smith’s presence and his communication with the Provisional Government illustrated a rare moment of Canadian flexibility and willingness to compromise.

This day also highlights the principle of self-determination. The Métis had formed their Provisional Government not as an act of defiance but as a necessary measure to ensure their voices were heard. Their insistence on negotiating terms of entry into Confederation was a profound assertion of their autonomy and a demand for respect that resonates with Canada’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

The legacy of December 27, 1869, is felt profoundly in Canadian history. It set the stage for the eventual negotiation of the Manitoba Act in 1870, which brought Manitoba into Confederation as Canada’s fifth province. It also cemented the Métis’ role as architects of their destiny, showcasing their resilience and diplomatic acumen.

As we reflect on this day, let us recognize the enduring lessons it offers. It is a reminder that Canada’s strength lies in its diversity, in its willingness to listen, and in its capacity for dialogue and cooperation. It is a moment to honor the Métis people and their unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the preservation of their heritage.

Today, let us commemorate December 27 as a day of profound historical significance—a day when negotiation triumphed over conflict and when the principles of mutual respect and partnership laid the groundwork for a more inclusive Canada.

[True Patriot Love Foundation @tplfoundation]

A heartfelt thank-you for your unwavering dedication to Veterans. Your leadership and advocacy have made a profound impact on their lives, and we are deeply grateful for your commitment to their well-being.