Shannon Waters
@sobittersosweet.bsky.social
Stubbornly sesquipedalian, just not at work
B.C. politics reporter with The Narwhal
She/her
Recent work: https://thenarwhal.ca/author/shannon-waters/
🏳️🌈 🐈⬛ 📚 🌊 🌱
B.C. politics reporter with The Narwhal
She/her
Recent work: https://thenarwhal.ca/author/shannon-waters/
🏳️🌈 🐈⬛ 📚 🌊 🌱
Pinned
Hi, new followers 👋 Here's what you can expect from me:
- BC politics reporting with a focus on environment and climate action issues
- irreverent, critical commentary (sometimes 🌶️)
- journalism as a passion and public service
- West Coast, best coast vibes
- books 📚💙
AND, most importantly ...
- BC politics reporting with a focus on environment and climate action issues
- irreverent, critical commentary (sometimes 🌶️)
- journalism as a passion and public service
- West Coast, best coast vibes
- books 📚💙
AND, most importantly ...
Someone hit and killed a deer on Bay St., right around Rock Bay 😞
November 25, 2025 at 2:25 AM
Someone hit and killed a deer on Bay St., right around Rock Bay 😞
Most questions from press gallery reporters following this announcement are about the looming MOU between Alberta and the federal government on a new pipeline
Eby's rhetoric remains consistent, he reiterates how weird it is that BC has been pretty much shut out of the discussion #bcpoli
Eby's rhetoric remains consistent, he reiterates how weird it is that BC has been pretty much shut out of the discussion #bcpoli
They're making changes to the Mental Health Act, Sec 31, subsection 1
Eby says the amendments will update outdated language to protect health care professionals from being sued for providing involuntary care
Bill will be tabled today with 9 sitting days left on the session #bcpoli
Eby says the amendments will update outdated language to protect health care professionals from being sued for providing involuntary care
Bill will be tabled today with 9 sitting days left on the session #bcpoli
The premier and the health minister have a press conference at noon to talk about "strengthening access to involuntary care" 😐
November 24, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Most questions from press gallery reporters following this announcement are about the looming MOU between Alberta and the federal government on a new pipeline
Eby's rhetoric remains consistent, he reiterates how weird it is that BC has been pretty much shut out of the discussion #bcpoli
Eby's rhetoric remains consistent, he reiterates how weird it is that BC has been pretty much shut out of the discussion #bcpoli
Asked for details, Eby describes current language in Sec 31 regarding deemed consent - the primary issue raised in the lawsuit - as "archaic"
Deemed consent has caused confusion, Eby says, because consent often isn't involved
The province still believes the challenge should be heard #bcpoli
Deemed consent has caused confusion, Eby says, because consent often isn't involved
The province still believes the challenge should be heard #bcpoli
He acknowledges the ongoing legal challenge against the MHA but says the amendments do not directly address that case #bcpoli
Critically Important Charter Challenge on BC's Mental Health Act Underway Today - CMHA British Columbia
Vancouver, BC – (May 29, 2025): Today, after almost a decade since the Council of Canadians with Disabilities filed their Charter challenge, the BC Supreme Court will finally begin proceedings to cons...
bc.cmha.ca
November 24, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Asked for details, Eby describes current language in Sec 31 regarding deemed consent - the primary issue raised in the lawsuit - as "archaic"
Deemed consent has caused confusion, Eby says, because consent often isn't involved
The province still believes the challenge should be heard #bcpoli
Deemed consent has caused confusion, Eby says, because consent often isn't involved
The province still believes the challenge should be heard #bcpoli
They're making changes to the Mental Health Act, Sec 31, subsection 1
Eby says the amendments will update outdated language to protect health care professionals from being sued for providing involuntary care
Bill will be tabled today with 9 sitting days left on the session #bcpoli
Eby says the amendments will update outdated language to protect health care professionals from being sued for providing involuntary care
Bill will be tabled today with 9 sitting days left on the session #bcpoli
The premier and the health minister have a press conference at noon to talk about "strengthening access to involuntary care" 😐
November 24, 2025 at 8:10 PM
They're making changes to the Mental Health Act, Sec 31, subsection 1
Eby says the amendments will update outdated language to protect health care professionals from being sued for providing involuntary care
Bill will be tabled today with 9 sitting days left on the session #bcpoli
Eby says the amendments will update outdated language to protect health care professionals from being sued for providing involuntary care
Bill will be tabled today with 9 sitting days left on the session #bcpoli
The premier and the health minister have a press conference at noon to talk about "strengthening access to involuntary care" 😐
November 24, 2025 at 4:25 PM
The premier and the health minister have a press conference at noon to talk about "strengthening access to involuntary care" 😐
We finally started watching Peacemaker and I cajoled bf into attempting the intro dance
He did
The cats fled in terror
I cackled
He did
The cats fled in terror
I cackled
November 24, 2025 at 5:26 AM
We finally started watching Peacemaker and I cajoled bf into attempting the intro dance
He did
The cats fled in terror
I cackled
He did
The cats fled in terror
I cackled
The scale of power demand for projects on the North Coast is mindboggling
Just three could use +1,100 megawatts. That's almost all of Site C's capacity
Ksi Lisims = 600 MW
Cedar LNG = 214 MW
Galore Creek mine = 307 MW
Today, the largest electricity use in BC is Highland Valley copper at 130 MW
Just three could use +1,100 megawatts. That's almost all of Site C's capacity
Ksi Lisims = 600 MW
Cedar LNG = 214 MW
Galore Creek mine = 307 MW
Today, the largest electricity use in BC is Highland Valley copper at 130 MW
Two of northwestern B.C.'s biggest economic projects just got added to Carney's fast-tracked list. But details on their impacts and operations are limited, as @sobittersosweet.bsky.social reports. thenarwhal.ca/north-coast-...
B.C.’s North Coast transmission line: big claims, few details | The Narwhal
B.C. says the North Coast transmission line would create 10,000 jobs and billions in economic activity, but hasn’t shown its work
thenarwhal.ca
November 21, 2025 at 11:27 PM
The scale of power demand for projects on the North Coast is mindboggling
Just three could use +1,100 megawatts. That's almost all of Site C's capacity
Ksi Lisims = 600 MW
Cedar LNG = 214 MW
Galore Creek mine = 307 MW
Today, the largest electricity use in BC is Highland Valley copper at 130 MW
Just three could use +1,100 megawatts. That's almost all of Site C's capacity
Ksi Lisims = 600 MW
Cedar LNG = 214 MW
Galore Creek mine = 307 MW
Today, the largest electricity use in BC is Highland Valley copper at 130 MW
If you've got questions about federal fast-tracking and what the Major Projects Office actually does, The Narwhal is hosting a webinar Dec. 2 to break it all down!
We're taking questions in advance and yes, there will be a link to watch the webinar later 😉
We're taking questions in advance and yes, there will be a link to watch the webinar later 😉
Join us for a free Zoom event on Dec. 2 to unpack the process, politics and potential impacts of Canada’s push to build major projects. Get the details on that, plus more fresh reporting from The Narwhal, in our latest newsletter: thenarwhal.ca/newsletter-r...
RSVP: Unpacking Carney’s major projects push | The Narwhal
Join The Narwhal for a free Zoom event on Dec. 2 to unpack the process, politics and potential impacts of Canada’s push to build major projects
thenarwhal.ca
November 21, 2025 at 11:02 PM
If you've got questions about federal fast-tracking and what the Major Projects Office actually does, The Narwhal is hosting a webinar Dec. 2 to break it all down!
We're taking questions in advance and yes, there will be a link to watch the webinar later 😉
We're taking questions in advance and yes, there will be a link to watch the webinar later 😉
Reposted by Shannon Waters
Major projects, major problems: anger at Carney’s unclear plans is the real shared national interest, @drewanderson.bsky.social writes:
thenarwhal.ca/alberta-pipe...
thenarwhal.ca/alberta-pipe...
The real major project is politics, not pipelines | The Narwhal
Carney’s major projects push has angered many in Alberta over perceived lack of support for a pipeline project that doesn’t exist
thenarwhal.ca
November 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Major projects, major problems: anger at Carney’s unclear plans is the real shared national interest, @drewanderson.bsky.social writes:
thenarwhal.ca/alberta-pipe...
thenarwhal.ca/alberta-pipe...
Live TV is less intimidating for me than filming video, something I haven't done since J-school 🫠
Deeply appreciated the help from my editor for this and our video producer putting it all together!
TL;DR Clearcutting remains a major part of BC's forestry industry. We just use "reserves" now 👇
Deeply appreciated the help from my editor for this and our video producer putting it all together!
TL;DR Clearcutting remains a major part of BC's forestry industry. We just use "reserves" now 👇
B.C. says 1950s-style clear-cut logging isn’t happening anymore. Is that true? @sobittersosweet.bsky.social explains #clearcutlogging
November 21, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Live TV is less intimidating for me than filming video, something I haven't done since J-school 🫠
Deeply appreciated the help from my editor for this and our video producer putting it all together!
TL;DR Clearcutting remains a major part of BC's forestry industry. We just use "reserves" now 👇
Deeply appreciated the help from my editor for this and our video producer putting it all together!
TL;DR Clearcutting remains a major part of BC's forestry industry. We just use "reserves" now 👇
There are 10 days left in the fall session, not counting today
The government has put forward 15 bills so far
5 have made it past committee stage and gone through third reading
I wonder if we're going to see those three bills this fall 🤔
The government has put forward 15 bills so far
5 have made it past committee stage and gone through third reading
I wonder if we're going to see those three bills this fall 🤔
Bells just rang to signal the start of the morning sitting, the first time BC's MLAs have been in the chamber since May
The government says it plans to put forward 18 bills this session, including another second bill to make sure the North Coast transmission line gets built
Meanwhile...
#bcpoli
The government says it plans to put forward 18 bills this session, including another second bill to make sure the North Coast transmission line gets built
Meanwhile...
#bcpoli
B.C.’s legislature is back. The Greens have a new leader, the Conservatives have a new seat count and the NDP need another bill to build the North Coast transmission line, @sobittersosweet.bsky.social reports. thenarwhal.ca/bc-legislatu...
November 20, 2025 at 7:33 PM
There are 10 days left in the fall session, not counting today
The government has put forward 15 bills so far
5 have made it past committee stage and gone through third reading
I wonder if we're going to see those three bills this fall 🤔
The government has put forward 15 bills so far
5 have made it past committee stage and gone through third reading
I wonder if we're going to see those three bills this fall 🤔
BC NDP caucus decides to spin the passage of Bill 31, Energy Statutes Amendment Act, claiming it will "fast-track construction of the North Coast Transmission Line"
This spring's Bill 14 did that and the government says it will bypass a BCUC review of the project but that's not in the bill 💁♀️#bcpoli
This spring's Bill 14 did that and the government says it will bypass a BCUC review of the project but that's not in the bill 💁♀️#bcpoli
November 20, 2025 at 7:01 PM
BC NDP caucus decides to spin the passage of Bill 31, Energy Statutes Amendment Act, claiming it will "fast-track construction of the North Coast Transmission Line"
This spring's Bill 14 did that and the government says it will bypass a BCUC review of the project but that's not in the bill 💁♀️#bcpoli
This spring's Bill 14 did that and the government says it will bypass a BCUC review of the project but that's not in the bill 💁♀️#bcpoli
One BC's Dallas Brodie is at it again, introducing a bill that would end BC observing Truth and Reconciliation Day as a holiday
Her introduction is full of residential school and genocide denialism, revisionist history and colonial sentiment
It's going to division at first reading #bcpoli
Her introduction is full of residential school and genocide denialism, revisionist history and colonial sentiment
It's going to division at first reading #bcpoli
November 20, 2025 at 6:23 PM
One BC's Dallas Brodie is at it again, introducing a bill that would end BC observing Truth and Reconciliation Day as a holiday
Her introduction is full of residential school and genocide denialism, revisionist history and colonial sentiment
It's going to division at first reading #bcpoli
Her introduction is full of residential school and genocide denialism, revisionist history and colonial sentiment
It's going to division at first reading #bcpoli
My initial reaction to Minister Parmar's comments was raised eyebrows and rolled eyes
A few weeks later, standing on the edge of a freshly logged cutblock in the Walbran Valley, his words seemed even more jarring
In fact, "the clearcutting continues as we speak" #bcpoli
A few weeks later, standing on the edge of a freshly logged cutblock in the Walbran Valley, his words seemed even more jarring
In fact, "the clearcutting continues as we speak" #bcpoli
B.C.’s forests minister says logging practices have improved since the 1950s. But clear-cutting remains common and it's something experts are worried about, @sobittersosweet.bsky.social reports: thenarwhal.ca/bc-forests-m... #bcpoli
Is clear-cutting a thing of the past in B.C. forests? | The Narwhal
Research shows clear-cutting increases the risk of floods and wildfires. B.C.’s Forests ministry says it’s ‘a viable and appropriate’ way to log
thenarwhal.ca
November 20, 2025 at 6:08 PM
My initial reaction to Minister Parmar's comments was raised eyebrows and rolled eyes
A few weeks later, standing on the edge of a freshly logged cutblock in the Walbran Valley, his words seemed even more jarring
In fact, "the clearcutting continues as we speak" #bcpoli
A few weeks later, standing on the edge of a freshly logged cutblock in the Walbran Valley, his words seemed even more jarring
In fact, "the clearcutting continues as we speak" #bcpoli
Reposted by Shannon Waters
Different decade, same problem.
Back then, the “boogeyman” for local residents was townhouses; today, it’s towers.
I wonder how many of the people opposing the Quadra–McKenzie plan now are living in homes that were fiercely opposed in 1977.
Back then, the “boogeyman” for local residents was townhouses; today, it’s towers.
I wonder how many of the people opposing the Quadra–McKenzie plan now are living in homes that were fiercely opposed in 1977.
November 19, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Different decade, same problem.
Back then, the “boogeyman” for local residents was townhouses; today, it’s towers.
I wonder how many of the people opposing the Quadra–McKenzie plan now are living in homes that were fiercely opposed in 1977.
Back then, the “boogeyman” for local residents was townhouses; today, it’s towers.
I wonder how many of the people opposing the Quadra–McKenzie plan now are living in homes that were fiercely opposed in 1977.
"One expert with the Ministry of Forests who spoke on condition of anonymity said the way timber supply reviews are conducted in B.C. amounts to 'voodoo science' and grossly overestimates harvestable wood.
'It’s a dirty secret. But if you lower that number, it’s seen as some kind of loss.'#bcpoli
'It’s a dirty secret. But if you lower that number, it’s seen as some kind of loss.'#bcpoli
November 20, 2025 at 3:22 AM
"One expert with the Ministry of Forests who spoke on condition of anonymity said the way timber supply reviews are conducted in B.C. amounts to 'voodoo science' and grossly overestimates harvestable wood.
'It’s a dirty secret. But if you lower that number, it’s seen as some kind of loss.'#bcpoli
'It’s a dirty secret. But if you lower that number, it’s seen as some kind of loss.'#bcpoli
Before voting to break the tie on Bill 31's passage, the Speaker cited majority support for the bill to pass prior stages
Both Green MLAs voted for Bill 31 at second reading but against it at third. I wonder if they'll rethink supporting legislation they have concerns about going forward
Both Green MLAs voted for Bill 31 at second reading but against it at third. I wonder if they'll rethink supporting legislation they have concerns about going forward
Division vote on Bill 31, Energy Statutes Amendment Act, happening in the house right now
This is the bill Premier David Eby said is "non-negotiable" for his government and has threatened an election over if it doesn't pass #bcpoli
This is the bill Premier David Eby said is "non-negotiable" for his government and has threatened an election over if it doesn't pass #bcpoli
Bill 31: B.C. plans energy overhaul to court major projects | The Narwhal
Bill 31 aims to advance the North Coast transmission line and prioritize power for resource industries in northwest B.C.
thenarwhal.ca
November 20, 2025 at 2:31 AM
Before voting to break the tie on Bill 31's passage, the Speaker cited majority support for the bill to pass prior stages
Both Green MLAs voted for Bill 31 at second reading but against it at third. I wonder if they'll rethink supporting legislation they have concerns about going forward
Both Green MLAs voted for Bill 31 at second reading but against it at third. I wonder if they'll rethink supporting legislation they have concerns about going forward
Division vote on Bill 31, Energy Statutes Amendment Act, happening in the house right now
This is the bill Premier David Eby said is "non-negotiable" for his government and has threatened an election over if it doesn't pass #bcpoli
This is the bill Premier David Eby said is "non-negotiable" for his government and has threatened an election over if it doesn't pass #bcpoli
Bill 31: B.C. plans energy overhaul to court major projects | The Narwhal
Bill 31 aims to advance the North Coast transmission line and prioritize power for resource industries in northwest B.C.
thenarwhal.ca
November 20, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Division vote on Bill 31, Energy Statutes Amendment Act, happening in the house right now
This is the bill Premier David Eby said is "non-negotiable" for his government and has threatened an election over if it doesn't pass #bcpoli
This is the bill Premier David Eby said is "non-negotiable" for his government and has threatened an election over if it doesn't pass #bcpoli
Some context on first reading division votes
Once unusual in the BC legislature, they have become routine this fall
Typically, bills proceed to second reading with a unanimous verbal vote. MLAs say, "Aye" - basically an acknowledgement there is merit to debating whatever the bill proposes #bcpoli
Once unusual in the BC legislature, they have become routine this fall
Typically, bills proceed to second reading with a unanimous verbal vote. MLAs say, "Aye" - basically an acknowledgement there is merit to debating whatever the bill proposes #bcpoli
Yays: BC Conservative caucus, OneBC caucus and all three Independents (Kealy, Elenore Sturko and Amelia Boultbee)
Nays: BC NDP caucus, BC Green caucus
The bills fails at first reading #bcpoli
Nays: BC NDP caucus, BC Green caucus
The bills fails at first reading #bcpoli
Another bill that would repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act introduced in the BC legislature today
This time by Independent MLA Jordan Kealy
Just like similar legislation put forward by One BC, there's division at first reading #bcpoli
This time by Independent MLA Jordan Kealy
Just like similar legislation put forward by One BC, there's division at first reading #bcpoli
November 19, 2025 at 10:47 PM
Some context on first reading division votes
Once unusual in the BC legislature, they have become routine this fall
Typically, bills proceed to second reading with a unanimous verbal vote. MLAs say, "Aye" - basically an acknowledgement there is merit to debating whatever the bill proposes #bcpoli
Once unusual in the BC legislature, they have become routine this fall
Typically, bills proceed to second reading with a unanimous verbal vote. MLAs say, "Aye" - basically an acknowledgement there is merit to debating whatever the bill proposes #bcpoli
And we do!
One BC, Conservatives and Independent Kealy in support; NDP, Greens and Independents Sturko and Boultbee against
Another One BC bill fails to past first reading #bcpoli
One BC, Conservatives and Independent Kealy in support; NDP, Greens and Independents Sturko and Boultbee against
Another One BC bill fails to past first reading #bcpoli
Another bill from One BC MLA Tara Armstrong proposes to ban DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) at post-secondary institutions
Betting we're gonna have another division vote at first reading #bcpoli
Betting we're gonna have another division vote at first reading #bcpoli
November 19, 2025 at 10:29 PM
And we do!
One BC, Conservatives and Independent Kealy in support; NDP, Greens and Independents Sturko and Boultbee against
Another One BC bill fails to past first reading #bcpoli
One BC, Conservatives and Independent Kealy in support; NDP, Greens and Independents Sturko and Boultbee against
Another One BC bill fails to past first reading #bcpoli
Another bill from One BC MLA Tara Armstrong proposes to ban DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) at post-secondary institutions
Betting we're gonna have another division vote at first reading #bcpoli
Betting we're gonna have another division vote at first reading #bcpoli
November 19, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Another bill from One BC MLA Tara Armstrong proposes to ban DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) at post-secondary institutions
Betting we're gonna have another division vote at first reading #bcpoli
Betting we're gonna have another division vote at first reading #bcpoli
Yays: BC Conservative caucus, OneBC caucus and all three Independents (Kealy, Elenore Sturko and Amelia Boultbee)
Nays: BC NDP caucus, BC Green caucus
The bills fails at first reading #bcpoli
Nays: BC NDP caucus, BC Green caucus
The bills fails at first reading #bcpoli
Another bill that would repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act introduced in the BC legislature today
This time by Independent MLA Jordan Kealy
Just like similar legislation put forward by One BC, there's division at first reading #bcpoli
This time by Independent MLA Jordan Kealy
Just like similar legislation put forward by One BC, there's division at first reading #bcpoli
November 19, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Yays: BC Conservative caucus, OneBC caucus and all three Independents (Kealy, Elenore Sturko and Amelia Boultbee)
Nays: BC NDP caucus, BC Green caucus
The bills fails at first reading #bcpoli
Nays: BC NDP caucus, BC Green caucus
The bills fails at first reading #bcpoli
Coastal First Nations say the federal government hasn't been talking to them about Alberta's pipeline proposal, despite multiple requests for nation-to-nation meetings
"We are tired of learning about these discussions regarding our traditional territories in the press," reads a press release
"We are tired of learning about these discussions regarding our traditional territories in the press," reads a press release
November 19, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Coastal First Nations say the federal government hasn't been talking to them about Alberta's pipeline proposal, despite multiple requests for nation-to-nation meetings
"We are tired of learning about these discussions regarding our traditional territories in the press," reads a press release
"We are tired of learning about these discussions regarding our traditional territories in the press," reads a press release
Another bill that would repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act introduced in the BC legislature today
This time by Independent MLA Jordan Kealy
Just like similar legislation put forward by One BC, there's division at first reading #bcpoli
This time by Independent MLA Jordan Kealy
Just like similar legislation put forward by One BC, there's division at first reading #bcpoli
November 19, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Another bill that would repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act introduced in the BC legislature today
This time by Independent MLA Jordan Kealy
Just like similar legislation put forward by One BC, there's division at first reading #bcpoli
This time by Independent MLA Jordan Kealy
Just like similar legislation put forward by One BC, there's division at first reading #bcpoli
A press release from the Heiltsuk Nation, which is currently dealing with a floundering freight barge in its territorial waters, responds directly to reports about the MOU:
November 19, 2025 at 8:37 PM
A press release from the Heiltsuk Nation, which is currently dealing with a floundering freight barge in its territorial waters, responds directly to reports about the MOU: