Michelle Gamage
@michellegamage.bsky.social
Health reporter for TheTyee.ca. Covering local research, sex, toxic drugs, what your grandmother is up to, and all the different ways you can (but haven't yet) become dead in B.C.
Cutest protest I've ever seen! Still, serious and important. Removing baby changing tables is a slap in the face to parents, especially when other departments (police, fire) are getting a big boost. If the budget passes we'll give the VPD around half a billion every year. But not change tables.
About a dozen parents and children here at Vancouver city hall this morning for a change-in protest in response to the city looking at removing change tables and hygiene stations. Today, council votes on the 2026 budget that would see a zero percent property tax increase.
November 25, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Cutest protest I've ever seen! Still, serious and important. Removing baby changing tables is a slap in the face to parents, especially when other departments (police, fire) are getting a big boost. If the budget passes we'll give the VPD around half a billion every year. But not change tables.
“We need the city to invest in children and
families. Instead, this budget hands the VPD a $50 million
increase, while I am told that maintaining baby change tables is
too expensive and will be cut. I can’t accept that.” - Margie Sanderson, Women Transforming Cities member.
Protest at City Hall tmo
families. Instead, this budget hands the VPD a $50 million
increase, while I am told that maintaining baby change tables is
too expensive and will be cut. I can’t accept that.” - Margie Sanderson, Women Transforming Cities member.
Protest at City Hall tmo
November 24, 2025 at 6:44 PM
“We need the city to invest in children and
families. Instead, this budget hands the VPD a $50 million
increase, while I am told that maintaining baby change tables is
too expensive and will be cut. I can’t accept that.” - Margie Sanderson, Women Transforming Cities member.
Protest at City Hall tmo
families. Instead, this budget hands the VPD a $50 million
increase, while I am told that maintaining baby change tables is
too expensive and will be cut. I can’t accept that.” - Margie Sanderson, Women Transforming Cities member.
Protest at City Hall tmo
Fact check: nicotine patches may not actually treat Long COVID and there isn't a lot of research done on the long-term health risks for non-smokers using nicotine patches.
www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/...
www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/...
The Strange Story of Nicotine Patches to Treat Long COVID
Long COVID can feel like being adrift at sea, tiringly kicking those legs to stay above water. Social media provides lifebuoys but many turn out to be tricks of the light. What about nicotine? On Face...
www.mcgill.ca
November 24, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Fact check: nicotine patches may not actually treat Long COVID and there isn't a lot of research done on the long-term health risks for non-smokers using nicotine patches.
www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/...
www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/...
"Our tongues aren’t just wet flavour rugs."
That's all.
Okay well actually "They’re covered in tiny wart-like structures."
Fun story on how you taste everything, all over your tongue. With some excellent, toe-curling phrases thrown in.
www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/...
That's all.
Okay well actually "They’re covered in tiny wart-like structures."
Fun story on how you taste everything, all over your tongue. With some excellent, toe-curling phrases thrown in.
www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/...
The Tongue Map Trap
Let me set the scene: it’s the evening, I’m doomscrolling in bed (as is tradition), and a video from Emma Chamberlain pops up. She's slurping espresso with a “coffee expert” who confidently explains t...
www.mcgill.ca
November 24, 2025 at 6:15 PM
"Our tongues aren’t just wet flavour rugs."
That's all.
Okay well actually "They’re covered in tiny wart-like structures."
Fun story on how you taste everything, all over your tongue. With some excellent, toe-curling phrases thrown in.
www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/...
That's all.
Okay well actually "They’re covered in tiny wart-like structures."
Fun story on how you taste everything, all over your tongue. With some excellent, toe-curling phrases thrown in.
www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/...
Reposted by Michelle Gamage
"[N]umber of sex workers using the Kingsway drop-in space [has doubled], which is likely due to the overall reduction in services for sex workers in Vancouver."
"For the funding to be at risk in this moment in time feels particularly dangerous to me."
#BritishColumbia #Canada #SexWork #Nonprofit
"For the funding to be at risk in this moment in time feels particularly dangerous to me."
#BritishColumbia #Canada #SexWork #Nonprofit
Vancouver's Last Sex Worker Drop-In Centre May Shutter in Spring
The city is changing how it funds Kingsway Community Station. That’s 'dangerous,' its program director says.
thetyee.ca
November 21, 2025 at 8:52 PM
"[N]umber of sex workers using the Kingsway drop-in space [has doubled], which is likely due to the overall reduction in services for sex workers in Vancouver."
"For the funding to be at risk in this moment in time feels particularly dangerous to me."
#BritishColumbia #Canada #SexWork #Nonprofit
"For the funding to be at risk in this moment in time feels particularly dangerous to me."
#BritishColumbia #Canada #SexWork #Nonprofit
Reposted by Michelle Gamage
Vancouver’s last drop-in space for sex workers is facing an uncertain future as the city changes how it funds the non-profit. @michellegamage.bsky.social reports. #vanpoli
Vancouver’s Last Sex Worker Drop-In Centre May Shutter in Spring | The Tyee
The city is changing how it funds Kingsway Community Station. That’s ‘dangerous,’ its program director says.
thetyee.ca
November 21, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Vancouver’s last drop-in space for sex workers is facing an uncertain future as the city changes how it funds the non-profit. @michellegamage.bsky.social reports. #vanpoli
Reposted by Michelle Gamage
Vancouver's Last Sex Worker Drop-In Centre May Shutter in Spring thetyee.ca/News/2025/11... @michellegamage.bsky.social @thetyee.ca
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 ⇢ CanadaHealthwatch.ca 🍁
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 ⇢ CanadaHealthwatch.ca 🍁
November 21, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Vancouver's Last Sex Worker Drop-In Centre May Shutter in Spring thetyee.ca/News/2025/11... @michellegamage.bsky.social @thetyee.ca
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 ⇢ CanadaHealthwatch.ca 🍁
𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 ⇢ CanadaHealthwatch.ca 🍁
Vancouver's last all-night drop in centre for street-based sex workers is facing an uncertain future as the city considers changing how its funded.
If the KCS closed there would be no other drop in centres for sex workers, anywhere in the city. That's dangerous.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
If the KCS closed there would be no other drop in centres for sex workers, anywhere in the city. That's dangerous.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
Vancouver’s Last Sex Worker Drop-In Centre May Shutter in Spring | The Tyee
The city is changing how it funds Kingsway Community Station. That’s ‘dangerous,’ its program director says.
thetyee.ca
November 21, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Vancouver's last all-night drop in centre for street-based sex workers is facing an uncertain future as the city considers changing how its funded.
If the KCS closed there would be no other drop in centres for sex workers, anywhere in the city. That's dangerous.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
If the KCS closed there would be no other drop in centres for sex workers, anywhere in the city. That's dangerous.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
Reposted by Michelle Gamage
The City of Vancouver is changing its funding model for the city’s last drop-in space for vulnerable sex workers, leading to concerns it may have to close.
Kingsway Community Station supports some of the most marginalized people in our city. by @michellegamage.bsky.social thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
Kingsway Community Station supports some of the most marginalized people in our city. by @michellegamage.bsky.social thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
Vancouver’s Last Sex Worker Drop-In Centre May Shutter in Spring | The Tyee
The city is changing how it funds Kingsway Community Station. That’s ‘dangerous,’ its program director says.
thetyee.ca
November 21, 2025 at 3:33 PM
The City of Vancouver is changing its funding model for the city’s last drop-in space for vulnerable sex workers, leading to concerns it may have to close.
Kingsway Community Station supports some of the most marginalized people in our city. by @michellegamage.bsky.social thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
Kingsway Community Station supports some of the most marginalized people in our city. by @michellegamage.bsky.social thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
Really alarmed to see any government use a notwithstanding clause. That should be for extraordinary circumstances, not for punishing trans kids.
Incredible explainer from @melwoods.me
thetyee.ca/Opinion/2025...
Incredible explainer from @melwoods.me
thetyee.ca/Opinion/2025...
Danielle Smith Goes Nuclear on Trans Rights | The Tyee
Alberta’s premier is overriding Charter protections. Here’s a fact check on her claims.
thetyee.ca
November 21, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Really alarmed to see any government use a notwithstanding clause. That should be for extraordinary circumstances, not for punishing trans kids.
Incredible explainer from @melwoods.me
thetyee.ca/Opinion/2025...
Incredible explainer from @melwoods.me
thetyee.ca/Opinion/2025...
Mayor Sim making a completely nonsense claim that spending an extra $5.6 million on police reduced overdoses. Several experts reply: "lol what? Absolutely not."
Will Sim claim VPD reduced rents next? Or made groceries more affordable? Whatever to justify paying them nearly HALF A BILLION every year.
Will Sim claim VPD reduced rents next? Or made groceries more affordable? Whatever to justify paying them nearly HALF A BILLION every year.
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
“Lives are at stake. And to suggest that policing is having that kind of impact on overdose deaths, when that is really not what evidence supports and is not what the data supports, is irresponsible and a real disservice to the public.”
#bcpoli #harmreduction
“Lives are at stake. And to suggest that policing is having that kind of impact on overdose deaths, when that is really not what evidence supports and is not what the data supports, is irresponsible and a real disservice to the public.”
#bcpoli #harmreduction
Vancouver mayor credits DTES task force with reducing overdoses. Here’s what public health experts say
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim continues to laud the impacts of a police-led task force focused on crime on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, claiming it led to a reduction in overdoses.
www.ctvnews.ca
November 20, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Mayor Sim making a completely nonsense claim that spending an extra $5.6 million on police reduced overdoses. Several experts reply: "lol what? Absolutely not."
Will Sim claim VPD reduced rents next? Or made groceries more affordable? Whatever to justify paying them nearly HALF A BILLION every year.
Will Sim claim VPD reduced rents next? Or made groceries more affordable? Whatever to justify paying them nearly HALF A BILLION every year.
"Dr. M.J. Milloy, of the B.C. Centre on Substance Use said research studies show anti-crime initiatives can increase the risk of fatal overdose by making people less likely to use overdose prevention sites or methadone clinics."
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
Vancouver mayor credits DTES task force with reducing overdoses. Here’s what public health experts say
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim continues to laud the impacts of a police-led task force focused on crime on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, claiming it led to a reduction in overdoses.
www.ctvnews.ca
November 20, 2025 at 6:43 PM
"Dr. M.J. Milloy, of the B.C. Centre on Substance Use said research studies show anti-crime initiatives can increase the risk of fatal overdose by making people less likely to use overdose prevention sites or methadone clinics."
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
Reposted by Michelle Gamage
On this Trans Day of Remembrance, I particularly want to stress that the violence we talk about trans people experiencing isn't just murder or domestic abuse or assault.
There is also legislative violence—far too much of it. And we lose lives to that every year too.
There is also legislative violence—far too much of it. And we lose lives to that every year too.
The Alberta government putting out a statement for Trans Day of Remembrance two days after using the Notwithstanding Clause to override trans kids rights feels like parody at this point
"Our government remains a dedicated partner of transgender Albertans.”
"Our government remains a dedicated partner of transgender Albertans.”
November 20, 2025 at 5:48 PM
On this Trans Day of Remembrance, I particularly want to stress that the violence we talk about trans people experiencing isn't just murder or domestic abuse or assault.
There is also legislative violence—far too much of it. And we lose lives to that every year too.
There is also legislative violence—far too much of it. And we lose lives to that every year too.
Reposted by Michelle Gamage
We need to tell our non-scientist people that the CDC is no longer a trusted source of information.
I follow mostly scientists here and we’re all right on top of what’s going on at federal agencies but I wouldn’t take it for granted that lay people have the same awareness.
I follow mostly scientists here and we’re all right on top of what’s going on at federal agencies but I wouldn’t take it for granted that lay people have the same awareness.
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage that previously stated "Vaccines do not cause autism" has been changed to cast doubt on the scientific research that supports the finding. n.pr/4oiyHPO
The CDC revives debunked 'link' between childhood vaccines and autism
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage that previously stated "Vaccines do not cause autism" has been changed to cast doubt on the scientific research that supports the finding.
n.pr
November 20, 2025 at 6:27 PM
We need to tell our non-scientist people that the CDC is no longer a trusted source of information.
I follow mostly scientists here and we’re all right on top of what’s going on at federal agencies but I wouldn’t take it for granted that lay people have the same awareness.
I follow mostly scientists here and we’re all right on top of what’s going on at federal agencies but I wouldn’t take it for granted that lay people have the same awareness.
Good to see the soft takeover has begun.
November 20, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Good to see the soft takeover has begun.
"Since 1998 researchers across seven countries have conducted more than 40 high-quality studies involving more than 5.6 million people that have investigated such claims and have found no link between autism and vaccines."
The US CDC ignores that.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/cdc-...
The US CDC ignores that.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/cdc-...
CDC Vaccine Website Promotes Antiscience Claims of Autism Ties
The CDC this week quietly changed its official language to suggest vaccines may cause autism, a claim that scientists say has no basis in evidence
www.scientificamerican.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:31 PM
"Since 1998 researchers across seven countries have conducted more than 40 high-quality studies involving more than 5.6 million people that have investigated such claims and have found no link between autism and vaccines."
The US CDC ignores that.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/cdc-...
The US CDC ignores that.
www.scientificamerican.com/article/cdc-...
This story is a gut punch but likely the most important story you'll read today.
Lead in car batteries can be recycled. When it's recycled cheaply, like it is in Nigeria, workers and the surrounding communities get blanketed in poisonous lead dust.
www.theexamination.org/articles/bat...
Lead in car batteries can be recycled. When it's recycled cheaply, like it is in Nigeria, workers and the surrounding communities get blanketed in poisonous lead dust.
www.theexamination.org/articles/bat...
Recycling lead for U.S. car batteries is poisoning people
We documented the toxic fallout of a green technology.
www.theexamination.org
November 19, 2025 at 6:26 PM
This story is a gut punch but likely the most important story you'll read today.
Lead in car batteries can be recycled. When it's recycled cheaply, like it is in Nigeria, workers and the surrounding communities get blanketed in poisonous lead dust.
www.theexamination.org/articles/bat...
Lead in car batteries can be recycled. When it's recycled cheaply, like it is in Nigeria, workers and the surrounding communities get blanketed in poisonous lead dust.
www.theexamination.org/articles/bat...
"The solution to the male loneliness epidemic is to refrain from the gendered talk that frames the situation as “men vs. women.” In reality, it’s being driven by capitalist vultures who have monetized people’s misery."
www.salon.com/2025/11/17/d...
www.salon.com/2025/11/17/d...
Don’t blame women for men’s loneliness. Blame capitalism
There’s a lot of money to be made off angry, isolated men
www.salon.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:26 PM
"The solution to the male loneliness epidemic is to refrain from the gendered talk that frames the situation as “men vs. women.” In reality, it’s being driven by capitalist vultures who have monetized people’s misery."
www.salon.com/2025/11/17/d...
www.salon.com/2025/11/17/d...
Bots and other hateful people out in full force to remind women that the only achievement they can have is babies, and anything except babies is a waste of... idk, the opportunity to have their babies? Neonatalism isn't women's liberation, it's patriarichal control of a gender out in full force.
POV: you are a young woman celebrating a recent academic success
November 17, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Bots and other hateful people out in full force to remind women that the only achievement they can have is babies, and anything except babies is a waste of... idk, the opportunity to have their babies? Neonatalism isn't women's liberation, it's patriarichal control of a gender out in full force.
It is an amazing feeling as a journalist to publish a series and then spend the whole weekend having people reach out to you and say, "this happened to me! You caputred this so well!"
Someone please help my head is huge but I am really, really happy.
Someone please help my head is huge but I am really, really happy.
British Columbians who use manual and power wheelchairs say they’re tearing their hair out trying to get local businesses to service and maintain their wheelchairs. @michellegamage.bsky.social reports.
Why Is It So Hard to Fix a Wheelchair in BC? | The Tyee
Disabled people say companies are struggling to service their equipment, which can trap them in bed or at home.
thetyee.ca
November 17, 2025 at 5:40 PM
It is an amazing feeling as a journalist to publish a series and then spend the whole weekend having people reach out to you and say, "this happened to me! You caputred this so well!"
Someone please help my head is huge but I am really, really happy.
Someone please help my head is huge but I am really, really happy.
Solutions solutions solutions! I friggen love talking solutions. Everything is bad. Here's what we can do about it.
Yesterday, The Tyee looked at how the industry is struggling to meet demands for wheelchair maintenance and repairs — a situation that can trap people at home or even in bed while they wait.
In part two today, we look at solutions. @michellegamage.bsky.social reports. 🦽 #bcpoli
In part two today, we look at solutions. @michellegamage.bsky.social reports. 🦽 #bcpoli
How to Speed Up Wheelchair Repairs | The Tyee
Systemic changes are needed from government and industry, experts say. In the meantime, users are turning to DIY.
thetyee.ca
November 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Solutions solutions solutions! I friggen love talking solutions. Everything is bad. Here's what we can do about it.
Part 2 of my @thetyee.ca series is out! People who use wheelchairs can be forced to wait for weeks or months for wheelchair repairs. Here's how we can improve that.
Spoilers: we love a second hand market, some bike mechanics and encouraging people to buy generic parts.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
Spoilers: we love a second hand market, some bike mechanics and encouraging people to buy generic parts.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
How to Speed Up Wheelchair Repairs | The Tyee
Systemic changes are needed from government and industry, experts say. In the meantime, users are turning to DIY.
thetyee.ca
November 14, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Part 2 of my @thetyee.ca series is out! People who use wheelchairs can be forced to wait for weeks or months for wheelchair repairs. Here's how we can improve that.
Spoilers: we love a second hand market, some bike mechanics and encouraging people to buy generic parts.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
Spoilers: we love a second hand market, some bike mechanics and encouraging people to buy generic parts.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
Reposted by Michelle Gamage
“The fifth estate obtained internal Health Canada reports that reveal the federal government was advised by its own experts to expand access to a greater range of safe and regulated drugs for people across Canada.”
From CBC: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
From CBC: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
They’re at risk of dying from opioid overdose. The government cut funding that could help them | CBC News
As deadly drug overdoses climbed across Canada, decision-makers faced political backlash for funding programs that gave drug users prescribed opioids and, against their own experts’ advice, scaled bac...
www.cbc.ca
November 14, 2025 at 5:50 PM
“The fifth estate obtained internal Health Canada reports that reveal the federal government was advised by its own experts to expand access to a greater range of safe and regulated drugs for people across Canada.”
From CBC: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
From CBC: www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Important update was yesterday B.C.'s Human Rights Commissioner said the B.C. gov's approach to drug use has been a human rights violation. Here's to hoping CBC adds that into the story because it's kinda real big.
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
November 14, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Important update was yesterday B.C.'s Human Rights Commissioner said the B.C. gov's approach to drug use has been a human rights violation. Here's to hoping CBC adds that into the story because it's kinda real big.
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
Excellent deep dive by Eva Uguen-Csenge, getting the drug crisis and DULF's initative out to a national audience for CBC.
Feds were advised by their own experts to expand access to a safe supply. Instead they watered down safe supply programs, ending it in March.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Feds were advised by their own experts to expand access to a safe supply. Instead they watered down safe supply programs, ending it in March.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
They’re at risk of dying from opioid overdose. The government cut funding that could help them | CBC News
As deadly drug overdoses climbed across Canada, decision-makers faced political backlash for funding programs that gave drug users prescribed opioids and, against their own experts’ advice, scaled bac...
www.cbc.ca
November 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Excellent deep dive by Eva Uguen-Csenge, getting the drug crisis and DULF's initative out to a national audience for CBC.
Feds were advised by their own experts to expand access to a safe supply. Instead they watered down safe supply programs, ending it in March.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Feds were advised by their own experts to expand access to a safe supply. Instead they watered down safe supply programs, ending it in March.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...