Who’s Afraid of AI? Most People, It Turns Out.

by Cole Martin for The 44 North, Contributing Writer - Politics

Regina will be the location of Bell Canada’s new AI data centre (Alexander Quon/CBC)

"If Canada is all-in on AI, why haven’t law and policymakers been more on top of protecting Canadians from AI-related harms?"

If, like me, you’re guilty of scrolling social media way past your bedtime (“doom-scrolling” if you prefer), odds are you’ve encountered an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated photo/video, if not a deluge of them. Most of the time, they’re easy to spot, particularly those of fantastical flavour: a dancing dog; a baby driving a bus; a photo-realistic SpongeBob delivering a State of the Union address. However, it’s not difficult to imagine the harms that arise when the tech is wielded with verisimilitude.

Public skepticism towards AI reflects such apprehensions. According to a 2025 survey, “Half of U.S. adults say the increased use of AI in daily life makes them feel more concerned than excited.” Given that some of our most cherished media explicitly detail the dystopian threats of artificial intelligence (Black Mirror, Minority Report, Terminator, etc.), this statistic isn’t exactly surprising. But I think there’s more to it than mere prejudice.

50% of Americans are more concerned than excited about the increased use of AI in daily life, via Pew Research Center.

AI is a strange commodity. Capitalist markets purport to follow supply and demand: increased demand for a product leads to increased production, and so forth. Yet, in the case of AI, this relation appears inverted. Every company is chomping at the bit to inject AI into its products and services, hoping to capitalize on the emergent technology, even if shoving it into people’s faces only seems to make them more obstinate.

The problem is that the major players in AI (Google, Meta, OpenAI, Nvidia, etc.) have too much money invested in the technology to turn back. AI has been the darling of the stock market for years, and now, with 10 AI-adjacent stocks accounting for over a third of the S&P 500 earnings, there’s cause to compare it to the dot-com economic bubble of the late 90s. If confidence in AI’s profitability wanes, then the bubble could burst, and the whole market could go down with it. Consequently, these companies need users to justify their AI investment to shareholders, and if people aren’t volunteering to be users, companies are forcing them to be: Apps and websites that worked just fine before the AI craze are now inundated with AI search functions and chatbots, and consumers are understandably disgruntled (I know I am).

It’s not solely companies that are shackled to the runaway AI train, either; Canada itself is a notable player in the AI race, with Prime Minister Mark Carney proposing over $1 billion of the federal budget towards strengthening Canada’s position in the field, and Bell Canada set to construct Canada's largest AI data centre in Regina.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REQnuKsMv4k

Whether the AI economy booms or busts, only time will tell, but I think the language companies and governments use to discuss AI is telling. Evan Solomon, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, made Canada’s intentions explicit when he called artificial intelligence “one of the greatest economic opportunities of our time.” It’s the sales strategy: Tout the technology's economic potential while downplaying or outright ignoring its harms.

Troubles have been brewing with AI for a while (environmental tolls, copyright issues, and psychological dangers, to name a few), and Canada is already falling behind on mitigating them. A recent example occurred in Nova Scotia, where a man was acquitted of charges for using AI to generate and publish nude images of his high-school classmates without their consent.

While section 162.1 (1) of the Criminal Code states that “everyone who knowingly publishes [...] intimate image of a person knowing that the person depicted in the image did not give their consent” is guilty of  a criminal offence, the judge attached to the case stated that “existing legislation does not adequately cover what the accused did, because it didn’t meet the current legal definition of intimate images.”

Cases like this are, unfortunately, far from novel in the realm of machine-learning technology. Deepfakes have been around for over a decade, spanning back to at least 2014 with the advent of the Generative Adversarial Network (GAN). Even in its nascent stages, the technology was used to generate pornographic content, leading to a flurry of websites that, like Grok (X’s proprietary AI that reportedly produced over 6000 sexualized deepfakes an hour), allowed users to submit images for the tech to undress.

In December 2025, Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, was introduced to parliament, with one of its express goals being to “expand the offence prohibiting the non-consensual distribution of intimate images to ensure that it applies to non-consensual deepfakes” (“deepfakes” being the colloquial term for images/videos created using deep-learning AI to resemble real people). This is certainly a welcome step, but given that it has yet to be voted on, one can’t help but feel that it’s arrived much too late.

Justice Minister Sean Fraser, introducing Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, via Justin Tang/The Canadian Press

If Canada is all-in on AI, why haven’t law and policymakers been more on top of protecting Canadians from AI-related harms?

The answer is couched in the question. As mentioned above, Canada is, like much of the world, economically entrenched in AI. Alongside Carney’s proposed investment, most Canadians who invest in the stock market—whether through personal investments, group RRSPs, etc.—are deeply entangled with AI, and it could spell disaster if the bubble bursts. In other words, there is a vested interest in AI’s economic success.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum, 2026, via World Economic Forum / Ciaran McCrickard

That said, a more circumspect approach is not impossible. The EU was relatively quick to regulate AI, and Canada even tried to follow their lead with the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) in 2022, but the attempt was regarded as lacklustre, and the bill ultimately died when parliament was prorogued in 2025. Despite the death of AIDA, the desire of Canadians is clear: per a 2025 poll, 85% of Canadians believe the government should regulate AI.

Canada has had a storied career of not seeing the forest for the trees, and its habit of ceding to lobbyist pressure and choosing short-term economic windfalls over regulations that protect citizens and strengthen workers has had lasting damage, and is one of the principal reasons for our becoming economically reliant on the U.S in the past. And, despite Carney’s defiant speech at the World Economic Forum, Canada seems determined, like a snake eating its own tail, to throw caution to the wind once more with AI.

Canadians deserve a government that prioritizes their well-being as much as it does its economic interests; one needn’t always be sacrificed for the other. If Canada is doubling down on AI, it should also be doubling down on protecting Canadians.

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Cole Martin is a writer from Atlantic Canada. He can be found on Bluesky @coleboy.bsky.social

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The Strait of Hormuz is a key player in the US-Israel war against Iran. Here’s why.

by Sylphia Basak for The 44 North, Contributing Writer - Politics

 Map of the Strait of Hormuz (Getty Images)

Is the Strait of Hormuz the key to victory?

Disclaimer: This article discusses Iranian policy and military strategy within the context of war with the USA and Israel. Views reflected in this article should not be taken as condoning the Iranian government and military as a whole, particularly regarding the prior treatment of its citizens.

"By controlling who is allowed passage through one of the most critical waterways, Iran is not only reconfiguring the global economy but is also normalizing the political and economic isolation of America, Israel, and their allies."

From cars to planes, furnaces and lights,  MRI machines and even clothing fibre, many of our most essential needs contain some form of oil and natural gas. One passage determines the destination of over 25% of that global supply, and it’s currently blockaded, all because of a war the Trump administration started as a final defense of US/Israeli hegemony. 

On the north coast of Iran, flanked by Oman and the UAE, is one of the world's most important waterways.  Despite it only being 21–60 miles wide, the Strait of Hormuz is the world's most vital energy bottleneck, transporting one-fifth of global oil and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) shipments. (Wiki)

So why is the Strait of Hormuz so important?

The Strait provides the only sea passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. It’s a major source of petroleum products globally and the only maritime route for several Gulf regions, including Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Disruption to the strait can cause “severe supply shortages.” On February 28th, 2026,  the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps  (IRGC) announced its closure and declaration of military offence on ships who try to pass through the Strait without approval from the Iranian government.  

Since then, “more than 18 merchant ships of various nationalities have been hit by projectiles, missiles, drone boats and sea mines,” according to one UAE estimate, quoted by AFP (BBC). The USA and Israel have responded to this blockade with airstrikes on Iran’s oil and natural gas resources, including an Israeli airstrike on the South Pars gas field, one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world. Despite this, it was Iran’s retaliation via the attacking of Israeli and Gulf nations' oil and LNG facilities that seemed to trigger concern among Western allies regarding ‘escalation’ of war and concern regarding ‘global energy supplies.’

Toxic fumes (black rain) in Tehran after an American/Israeli airstrikes on an Iranian oil refinery (via NBC)

Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that the strait was “open, but closed to our enemies.” The Iranian proposition made to the EU was to remove U.S. and Israeli ambassadors in exchange for safe passage through the Strait. Since this announcement, Iran has allowed Chinese, Greek, and Indian boats, as well as others, but overall traffic through the strait has been reduced by 70%. 

Why should this matter to us? How does it impact the war between the U.S-Israel, and Iran? 

Disruptions to the global supply chain have already started taking effect. Since the closing of the Strait, oil prices have risen by over 50%, from approximately $60-70 to over $100 per barrel (as of March 24, 2026). The bombing of the South Pars gas field has also led to global energy prices “soaring.” 

Interview with French intellectual, Emmanuel Todd, via X

In other words, everything is getting even more expensive and will continue to. 

From commercial travel to fertilizer, regular creature comforts and luxuries will become increasingly limited as this war continues. Expect the prices of essentials to increase as well. The unpopularity of this war will be further exacerbated by the strain on the American and Western economies caused by the closing of Hormuz. 

It’s no secret that America and much of the world’s energy relies on the oil reserves of West Asia (the “Middle East”), and this war seems to increasingly reveal itself as being principally about controlling those assets. This, combined with increasing colonial violence both in and outside of Western countries, indicates an empire aware of its decline and determined to hold onto its power for as long as it can. Iran is using this knowledge to reshape the global power structure. By controlling who is allowed passage through one of the most critical waterways, Iran is not only reconfiguring the global economy but is also normalizing the political and economic isolation of America, Israel, and their allies.  

"Iran’s play is not military; it’s financially nuclear. What makes it all easier is that Iran is already offering the model for the rest of the Global South to follow: nearly 90 percent of Tehran’s crude exports are settled in yuan via the CIPS payment system. The Global South may eventually lock in the very simple model. Tehran is not saying the Strait of Hormuz is blocked. It’s blocked only to the hostile Epstein Syndicate – the US – and its minions trading in petrodollars. Shipping lanes are being turned in real time into political filters. As the Global South migrates to the petroyuan, the hegemonic petrodollar – since 1974 – drops dead." —Pepe Escobar, “How Iran and China Shaped the War Chessboard”, The Cradle

Many experts believe America is not equipped for a significant reduction of its oil and LNG supply, and that the Strait of Hormuz is one of the many reasons Iran is likely to outlast America and Israel in this war of attrition. Despite this, the current American administration has continued to target Iran’s natural resource facilities as well as their civilian infrastructure.

Graves dug for children killed in a deadly strike on a school in Minab, © AFP PHOTO / IRANIAN PRESS CENTER (via Amnesty International)

According to Iranian officials, the scale of their retaliation is yet to be seen. This past week, they have been calling for the evacuation of U.S.-owned energy centres and the continued targeting of American military bases and oil reserves in the region; 

Iran, following the doctrines of decentralized, guerrilla warfare, is far more prepared for long-term war than America and Israel, who are already allegedly struggling with ammunition shortages and rapidly depleting public approval. 

Statement from Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Aragchi, via X

Ironically, the American sanctions placed on Iran mean that Iran will not be affected by this massive disruption in the global economy. What was once a major political burden has now incidentally been turned into a huge strategic advantage. In fact, America is now considering lifting their own sanctions on Iranian oil to save the economy. All evidence suggests it is becoming less and less viable to support America and Israel, but only time can determine how their hegemony may collapse. 

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Sylphia Basak is a journalist/writer and activist who uses a variety of mediums to convey the story she wants to tell. Her work prioritizes a decolonial lens, and seeks to counteract and analyze Western media and culture as a way of highlighting the primary contradictions of the current political climate.

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Artist Spotlight: Feels Zine

by Mikaela Brewer for The 44 North

Senior Editor

Photo of Feels Zine’s “Sexy” issue by Melissa Blackall

“[Q]ueer romances have far fewer representations in the media, and often the ones we do aren’t written by us, and are rooted in pain and trauma. This, for me, is a huge part of why I believe queer love stories are so important to share–because seeing ourselves represented gives those of us who don’t yet feel safe or seen a place to have their experiences reflected back and honoured.”

Editor's Note: Recently, I had a chance to speak with the co-founders of a zine I've long admired. We chatted all things queer love, romance, reclaiming sexiness, and more! Please check out their newest issue, "Hunger," and many others here. —Mikaela

The 44 North (44N): Firstly, before we begin, could you share why you started something like Feels Zine? How do you, your families, ancestors, community, politics, and values braid into your work on these zines? Where/how would you like folks to witness/experience this when spending time with the zines' pages? Is there anything you hope people pay particular attention to? Take action with/from?

Feels Zine (FZ): FEELS started with a dream and a friendship! Hannah, our co-founder and creative director, has worked in magazine design for a long time, but always wanted to have her own. Sarah, the co-founder and editor, is a social worker by trade and a big fan of talking about feelings. After visiting the Toronto Art Book Fair about a decade ago, we made the decision to take the leap and try making our own.

Thematically, it comes from a couple of decades of friendship centred around a deep comfort with each other discussing challenging feelings in a culture that does not always support or encourage it. It is also deeply political in nature, focusing on justice, community care, and storytelling. 

In terms of experiencing FEELS, one thing we’ve really loved is hearing the vast array of rituals people who consume it seem to have that are very personal to them. Just like feelings! We want people to sit with the content in a way that feels most true to them. The content is emotional and often challenging, and we want that to feel as safe as possible. 

Co-founders Hannah (left) and Sarah (right) at a booth offering Feels Zine issues

44N: I love that your publication is about feelings. More specifically, I admire the message that our inner worlds aren't necessarily safest when kept private. As you say, "Having an open dialogue about what’s going on inside of us can foster meaningful connection and make us feel less alone, especially in the social-media era that asks us to curate and polish our lives and feelings before sharing them—if we share them at all." When you began curating & creating zines like "Sexy" and your "Queer Romance Mini Zine," I'd love to know how you thought about representing feelings, especially since so many other emotions are present & connected to queer sex positivity, health, and safety. How did these two zines, in particular, fit into the fabric of what Feels Zine is & hopes to do?

FZ: With those issues in particular, we wanted to move away from media representations of what it means to be sexy, or what queer romance looks like, and shift the focus back onto how it actually looks in our lives—far messier and more nuanced, but also more real. As a queer person (Sarah here, so speaking for myself), I’ve always found myself disappointed in the majority of representations of queer love and sex—so much so that when I find something I connect to, I won’t shut up about it and am so excited about it. I felt that way in receiving the submissions for those issues—so thrilled to see experiences that might look different from my subjective experiences, but also so similar in the feelings and the authenticity in them. I think this is really the epitome of what we want FEELS to be—a space for something we feel in our guts as true to life.

44N: Issue 18, "Sexy," explored feeling sexy, worth, and desire. Safe, positive sex & sexiness can empower us, as you say, and should be something to celebrate! Across the work included in this zine, how did you curate/capture this beautiful balance of feeling sexy—not only re: sex, but also in how we show up in the world? 

FZ: One thing that people may not know about our process is that, once we put out a call for submissions with our overarching mission statement, we really let the submissions we receive guide the final product. We work hard to curate that mission statement to touch on different viewpoints and angles to a feeling and not lock in on any one element. But at the end of the day, the most important component is how people relate to that statement and that feeling. As much as it would be nice for our egos to say we captured all that, the truth is, the contributors did that work. We also worked hard to curate submissions that explored the spectrum of how sexiness shows up for us—in ourselves, with others, with the world, and how we communicate about it. We don’t want to showcase just one type of experience—we want as many unique experiences as possible.

The front cover of Feels Zine’s “Sexy” issue

44N: Your "Queer Romance Mini Zine" explored queer romance as an act of resistance & resilience, creating intentional space for queer love stories. I so admire this. And in conversation with what we've been discussing: romance, love, and desire aren't insufficient without sex, of course! Intimacy beyond sex is a vital part of queer love stories, and I'd love to know how this mini zine approached queer romance beyond or alongside sex?

FZ: The complementing mini zines are a concept we’ve used a few times over the years, and come straight from the submissions we receive. Every once in a while, when we’re curating an issue and reviewing submissions, a related but distinct emotion or topic jumps out at us that necessitates space-making. As we worked through our Pride Issue submissions, this became very clear as a topic that was resonating with a lot of people, and a huge component of their subjective queer identities. Romance can involve sex for a lot of people, but it isn’t a necessary component, and we hope that that rings true in the overall storytelling of the Queer Romance mini zine. 

The other thing I would note, which I mentioned above, is that queer romances have far fewer representations in the media, and often the ones we do aren’t written by us, and are rooted in pain and trauma. This, for me, is a huge part of why I believe queer love stories are so important to share–because seeing ourselves represented gives those of us who don’t yet feel safe or seen a place to have their experiences reflected back and honoured.

The front cover of Feels Zine’s “Queer Romance” mini zine

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About Feels Zine

A collage of Feels Zine issues

Feels is a publication about feelings. It is a place to explore, to share, and to be honest. Having an open dialogue about what’s going on inside of us can foster meaningful connection and make us feel less alone, especially in the social-media era that asks us to curate and polish our lives and feelings before sharing them — if we share them at all. Feels believes there are no good or bad feelings — the value comes from how we relate to them, how we experience them, and what we learn from them.

Feels believes in inclusion and recognizes that certain voices have been given the lion’s share of the spotlight throughout history. Our pages are for everyone. We are a feminist, sex-positive, 2SLGBTQ*, anti-racist, anti-colonial publication.

—Feels Zine Instagram & website