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.
Animals, Politics

‘No end in sight’ for systematic killing of BC wolves to save caribou

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Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The BC government spent a decade killing wolves to protect caribou. Now, critics warn that despite questions about its effectiveness, ethics and impact on the rest of the environment, the government is moving to make the wolf cull a permanent part of its strategy. 

Launched as a short-term emergency measure in 2015, the decade-long wolf cull is a morally outrageous tactic to divert public attention from the root cause of caribou declines — the province’s failure to significantly address habitat destruction — said Pacific Wild co-founder Ian McAllister.

“Wolves are just paying the ultimate price for total government negligence, and there’s no end in sight,” he said.  

Continue reading ‘No end in sight’ for systematic killing of BC wolves to save caribou →
Cost of Climate Change

Wind, rain and ruin: Iconic wilderness trails limp into summer after storm season

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Windfalls, landslides and washouts.

The iconic West Coast Trail took a serious beating from wild weather this winter — with Parks Canada warning hikers to take extra care navigating the famed hiking route in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on the southwest edge of Vancouver Island. 

Indigenous Guardians and park crews have been working hard to remove fallen trees and fix walkways, bridges and ladders wrecked by extreme weather, likely aggravated by climate change, said Huu-ay-aht Chief Councillor Sayaač̓atḥ, John Jack. 

Continue reading Wind, rain and ruin: Iconic wilderness trails limp into summer after storm season →
Indigenous Nations, Rivers & Oceans

Ancient clam gardens nourish the Mamalilikulla’s past and future

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Mamalilikulla Chief Winidi, or John Powell, wiggles his pitchfork back and forth to loosen the sand and gravel along a remote stretch of beach in the Broughton Archipelago, sandwiched between Vancouver Island and the BC mainland.

As he churns over layers of sediment, a fistful of clams surface with a couple of disturbingly large, fiery red marine worms that flail hundreds of legs to rapidly burrow back into the sand.

“Look at all those worms. That’s a good sign,” Powell said.  

“You see those a lot when you’re digging. They seem to aerate the soil.” 

Continue reading Ancient clam gardens nourish the Mamalilikulla’s past and future →
Politics

Split vote lifted Gunn to victory despite controversy

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

Controversial Conservative candidate Aaron Gunn ended his successful campaign the same way he started it: by keeping his whereabouts secret and avoiding questions from the media.

Gunn, whose inflammatory social media history drew national attention and widespread calls for his removal as candidate, was elected in North Island-Powell River with 39% of the vote. He flipped the riding, defeating NDP candidate Tanille Johnston, who garnered 33% of the vote. Liberal Jennifer Lash carried 26% and Green Jessica Wegg drew 2%.

Continue reading Split vote lifted Gunn to victory despite controversy →
Politics

Aaron Gunn MIA after Vancouver Island riding debate suddenly cancelled

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It turns out the biggest question at the all-candidates debate in Campbell River Tuesday night was if it would go ahead at all. 

It didn’t.

The event, organized by the board of the Campbell River & District Chamber of Commerce and the sponsored by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, was officially cancelled on Facebook as people were already filing into the Tidemark Theatre when the venue’s doors opened at 4 p.m.

Continue reading Aaron Gunn MIA after Vancouver Island riding debate suddenly cancelled →