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.
Politics

Pierre Poilievre promises patriotism but stays vague about U.S. tariff threat

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On the eve of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s meeting with premiers to tackle the threat of looming U.S. tariffs, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was on the West Coast hosting a packed “axe the tax” rally. 

Poilievre’s speech Tuesday night to the large crowd at Dwight Hall in Powell River was heavy with patriotism but didn’t address how he’d tackle incoming U.S. president Donald Trump’s promise to impose a 25-per-cent tariff on Canadian goods. 

Continue reading Pierre Poilievre promises patriotism but stays vague about U.S. tariff threat →
Politics

B.C.’s new clean-energy czar is a climate ‘wild card’

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Adrian Dix is B.C.’s new climate and clean energy czar, but it’s not clear whether his appointment signals a new commitment by the NDP government to tackle the province’s growing oil and gas emissions.

Dix, the former health minister who once ran for premier himself, was appointed as the Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions during Premier David Eby’s cabinet shuffle.

With the appointment, Eby also combined responsibility for energy and climate accountability under one roof.

Continue reading B.C.’s new clean-energy czar is a climate ‘wild card’ →
Politics

BC NDP and Greens ink new deal to stave off provincial Conservatives

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The governing BC NDP and Green Party have hashed out a new agreement to bolster the NDP’s slim margin in the Legislature after the recent election. 

Deputy Premier Niki Sharma and the Green Party’s two newly elected MLAs unveiled the four-year deal Friday. 

Continue reading BC NDP and Greens ink new deal to stave off provincial Conservatives →
Environment

Vancouver Island community wants government held liable for ship-breaking pollution

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A Vancouver Island community long frustrated by a ship-breaking operation leaching toxic heavy metals into the ocean is pitching a legal argument that the provincial government may be liable for pollution violations. 

Union Bay residents are calling out provincial and federal regulators for failing to shut down Deep Water Recovery, a company dismantling ships for years on the shoreline of Baynes Sound, said Marilynne Manning, vice president of the Concerned Citizens of Baynes Sound (CCOBS).

Pollution from the large-vessel dismantling operation is a concern for human health and the environment, on land and in water, Manning said. The sensitive area, she added, is also home to the last commercial herring fishery on the coast and half of B.C.’s shellfish farms. 

Continue reading Vancouver Island community wants government held liable for ship-breaking pollution →