All posts by Guest Post

Animals, Development

BC is moving millions of frogs for construction—no one knows if they’re surviving

The study finds that frogs and salamanders are moved by the millions, along with smaller numbers of snakes and other reptiles, to clear the way for pipelines, culverts and other development.

By Lou Bosshart, UBC News

New research shows that more than five million amphibians and reptiles were relocated to make way for development in B.C. between 2019 and 2022, yet there is no requirement to determine whether they survived.

Moving millions, tracking few 

The practice, called mitigation translocation, has been standard in B.C. for over a decade: before breaking ground, proponents obtain a provincial permit and move amphibians and reptiles off-site. What they’re not required to do: determine if those animals survive.

Continue reading BC is moving millions of frogs for construction—no one knows if they’re surviving →
Indigenous Nations, Rivers & Oceans

First Nation says federal government is absent after major spill settlement

By Sonal Gupta, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Nearly a decade after a tug spilled diesel into the territorial waters of a BC First Nation and shut down key harvesting grounds, the Heiltsuk Nation says a new settlement is only one step toward recovery.

The Heiltsuk have reached a settlement with Kirby Corporation, the Texas-based marine transportation company that owns the Nathan E. Stewart tug. The tug hit a reef near Bella Bella, BC in 2016 and spilled 110,000 litres of diesel and lubricants, fouling more than 350 kilometres of shoreline and shutting down a key clam harvesting area. 

But Heiltsuk leaders say the federal government — and Canada’s compensation fund for ship spills — are still “nowhere to be found.” 

Continue reading First Nation says federal government is absent after major spill settlement →
Communications

What Will Canada’s AI Strategy Mean for Jobs and Safety?

By Isaac Phan Nay, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada’s long-awaited and much-delayed artificial intelligence strategy on Thursday, outlining how his government plans to adopt and control the powerful technology.

The strategy signals the government’s support for large-scale AI adoption. The plan includes a $500-million fund to invest in Canadian AI companies and a commitment to support construction of data centres that will bring at least a combined 850 megawatts of compute capacity by 2030.

Continue reading What Will Canada’s AI Strategy Mean for Jobs and Safety? →
Indigenous Nations, Water

Indigenous-led watershed protection effort lacking crucial municipal support in Okanagan

By Aaron Hemens, IndigiNews, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Nearly every municipality, regional district, and First Nation across the Okanagan and Similkameen watersheds has signed on to a syilx-led initiative to restore and protect the region’s waters for the next seven generations. 

But the multi-government effort is missing two key players: the cities of Kelowna (kiʔláwnaʔ) and West Kelowna, representing a combined population of nearly 210,000 people, according to B.C. Stats.

Continue reading Indigenous-led watershed protection effort lacking crucial municipal support in Okanagan →
Indigenous Nations

Tsawwassen backs K’ómoks and Kitselas ratification amid mounting territorial disputes

By Radha Agarwal, Delta Optimist, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Drawing on nearly two decades of self-governance, Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) is endorsing the ratification of the K’ómoks and Kitselas Final Agreements.

The Nation asserts that the success of these new treaties is a vital legal precedent required to unlock TFN’s own pending treaty modifications.

Continue reading Tsawwassen backs K’ómoks and Kitselas ratification amid mounting territorial disputes →