All posts by Rochelle Baker

Rochelle Baker is a staff reporter with Canada’s National Observer, thanks thanks to a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada. She previously worked as a newspaper reporter and photographer in BC’s Lower Mainland for over 7 years and is also the Vice President of Cortes Community Radio, CKTZ, 89.5 FM.
Food

COVID-19 Relief Aid For Fish Harvesters

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Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The federal government released details of long-anticipated COVID-19 relief aid for fish harvesters Wednesday.

But critics argue that while the government was slow to deliver the programs, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) expects commercial fish harvesters to apply quickly, and right in the middle of fishing season. The relief programs may also shut out some new fishers carrying heavy debt, they say.

Continue reading COVID-19 Relief Aid For Fish Harvesters →
Food

Quadra Island’s Community Garden PLots

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Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

At first glance, lugging around heavy water containers in a wheelbarrow or pulling weeds under the hot mid-day sun may not seem a rewarding pastime during the pandemic.

Surely weathering the COVID-19 crisis is tough enough? Why add to the burden?

But for Heather Kent, the returns from her Quadra Island, B.C., community garden plot are ample — and measured by more than just what she harvests for the table.

Continue reading Quadra Island’s Community Garden PLots →
Sustainability

Saving Three entangled Humpback Whales

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Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Marine mammal rescue groups are frantically mobilizing to try to save three entangled humpback whales in B.C. waters.

Continue reading Saving Three entangled Humpback Whales →
Health

Advocates Call For Government To Rescind Bill 22

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Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Calling it punitive and backwards, advocates want the B.C. government to rescind proposed legislation that would allow youth to be held in hospital against their will after a drug overdose. The B.C. Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions has announced it is putting Bill 22 to amend the Mental Health Act on hold. But critics want it nixed entirely.

Continue reading Advocates Call For Government To Rescind Bill 22 →