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.
Indigenous Nations, Rivers & Oceans

First Nations wary of DFO’s proposed consultation process

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Studies show that contentious fish farms in the Discovery Islands pose little risk to wild salmon, therefore they will not face immediate closure, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) said Monday.

Nonetheless, a final decision on the fate of 18 open-net pen operations in the region will be delayed pending consultation with seven area First Nations about whether to renew the region’s fish farm licences, which are set to expire in December.

Talks will begin immediately with the Holmalco, Klahoose, K’omoks, Kwiakah, Tla’amin, We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum First Nations, DFO said.

Continue reading First Nations wary of DFO’s proposed consultation process →
Finances, Tourism

Election 2020: BC’s struggling tourism sector needs provincial support

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

BC’s struggling tourism industry was hoping for more when the B.C. government unveiled its $1.5-billion economic recovery plan just prior to calling a snap election Monday.

Continue reading Election 2020: BC’s struggling tourism sector needs provincial support →
Politics

Election 2020: Michele Babchuk NDP candidate in North Island riding

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A seasoned municipal politician will be the NDP candidate in the North Island riding in the upcoming B.C. election.

Michele Babchuk, councillor for the city of Campbell River and chair of the Strathcona Regional District, was acclaimed as the candidate — named as winner with no contest — on Tuesday. She is running in the riding recently vacated by former Transportation Minister Claire Trevena, who is not seeking re-election.

Continue reading Election 2020: Michele Babchuk NDP candidate in North Island riding →
Politics

Election 2020: Stability? Or politics at its worst?

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

B.C. Premier John Horgan called a snap fall election on Monday, a move widely determined to be taking a bet he can gain a majority government despite the risk it could alienate voters by taking them to the polls during the pandemic.

Continue reading Election 2020: Stability? Or politics at its worst? →