Emily Fagan
@thatemfagan.bsky.social
Journalist with the CBC | formerly with the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail | tips: [email protected]
B.C. could be on the verge of flirting with another attempt at proportional representation. But after three failed attempts, what would make this time different?
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
B.C. has tried and failed to change its voting system. Could this time be different? | CBC News
Recommendations from an all-party B.C. committee on democratic reform has reignited a longstanding conversation in the province about the possibility of proportional representation.
www.cbc.ca
December 1, 2025 at 5:08 PM
B.C. could be on the verge of flirting with another attempt at proportional representation. But after three failed attempts, what would make this time different?
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
Canada’s drug laws are facing a constitutional challenge from the founders of a Vancouver compassion club.
In trying to beat back a wave of toxic street drugs, "You feel lost and powerless, because you are," Jeremy Kalicum testified.
pressprogress.ca/drug-laws-fa...
In trying to beat back a wave of toxic street drugs, "You feel lost and powerless, because you are," Jeremy Kalicum testified.
pressprogress.ca/drug-laws-fa...
Canada’s Drug Laws Face Challenge from Founders of Vancouver Compassion Club
'You feel lost and powerless, because you are,' Drug User Liberation Front co-founder testifies on day one of weeks-long hearing
pressprogress.ca
November 25, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Canada’s drug laws are facing a constitutional challenge from the founders of a Vancouver compassion club.
In trying to beat back a wave of toxic street drugs, "You feel lost and powerless, because you are," Jeremy Kalicum testified.
pressprogress.ca/drug-laws-fa...
In trying to beat back a wave of toxic street drugs, "You feel lost and powerless, because you are," Jeremy Kalicum testified.
pressprogress.ca/drug-laws-fa...
While Premier Eby says changes to the Mental Health Act are necessary to make sure workers are protected from liability, some in the industry have raised questions about why this change is necessary — as they say the act already covers liability protection.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
B.C. gov't says Mental Health Act changes intended to help nurses, but critics concerned | CBC News
While Premier David Eby says these changes are necessary to make sure health-care workers are clearly protected from liability, some in the health-care industry have raised questions about why this ch...
www.cbc.ca
November 25, 2025 at 5:22 PM
While Premier Eby says changes to the Mental Health Act are necessary to make sure workers are protected from liability, some in the industry have raised questions about why this change is necessary — as they say the act already covers liability protection.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
You wouldn’t believe the lengths @kehyslop.bsky.social had to go to to get basic info on the training for school liaison officers. This contoversial VPD program was briefly shuttered in 2021 before being reinstated in 2023. #vanpoli thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
We Finally Have Some Info on School Liaison Officer Training | The Tyee
After two years of FOI requests and complaints, the Vancouver police finally let The Tyee review some training modules.
thetyee.ca
November 25, 2025 at 3:00 PM
You wouldn’t believe the lengths @kehyslop.bsky.social had to go to to get basic info on the training for school liaison officers. This contoversial VPD program was briefly shuttered in 2021 before being reinstated in 2023. #vanpoli thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
Politicians and experts are calling for nasal naloxone to be free for everyone in B.C.—as it is in other provinces—as they say providing a more accessible option for the general public could make a difference in saving lives amid the toxic drug crisis.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Experts, politicians are pushing for widespread free nasal naloxone. So why doesn’t B.C. have it? | CBC News
While the province has explored wider distribution of the spray for free as a pilot program, Health Minister Josie Osborne says it has not completed an evaluation of the program initially set to be co...
www.cbc.ca
November 24, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Politicians and experts are calling for nasal naloxone to be free for everyone in B.C.—as it is in other provinces—as they say providing a more accessible option for the general public could make a difference in saving lives amid the toxic drug crisis.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
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
A Canada-wide agreement signed today will drop interprovincial trade barriers on many goods, except food and alcohol, starting in December.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Provinces sign agreement to drop interprovincial trade barriers on goods except food, alcohol | CBC News
An agreement, signed today, between all Canadian provinces, territories, and the federal government, will drop interprovincial trade barriers on many goods except food and alcohol. It's part of an eff...
www.cbc.ca
November 19, 2025 at 11:57 PM
A Canada-wide agreement signed today will drop interprovincial trade barriers on many goods, except food and alcohol, starting in December.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
Columbia Journalism Review recently interviewed Betsy Reed, editor of the Guardian's U.S. edition. www.cjr.org/the-intervie...
She says: "If we regard it, for good reason, as being extreme and out of line with basic humane values, we won’t treat it as part of the normal discourse in America."
She says: "If we regard it, for good reason, as being extreme and out of line with basic humane values, we won’t treat it as part of the normal discourse in America."
November 19, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Columbia Journalism Review recently interviewed Betsy Reed, editor of the Guardian's U.S. edition. www.cjr.org/the-intervie...
She says: "If we regard it, for good reason, as being extreme and out of line with basic humane values, we won’t treat it as part of the normal discourse in America."
She says: "If we regard it, for good reason, as being extreme and out of line with basic humane values, we won’t treat it as part of the normal discourse in America."
Many services on Salt Spring Island are experiencing a labor shortage, driven by a lack of housing workers can afford.
It's pushed businesses around the island to offer housing for workers in order to improve recruitment — including illegal trailers.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
It's pushed businesses around the island to offer housing for workers in order to improve recruitment — including illegal trailers.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Illegal housing essential to keep Salt Spring Island businesses open, employers say | CBC News
Many services on Salt Spring Island are experiencing a labour shortage, driven by a lack of housing workers can afford.
It’s pushed businesses around the island to offer housing for workers in order t...
www.cbc.ca
November 17, 2025 at 5:41 PM
Many services on Salt Spring Island are experiencing a labor shortage, driven by a lack of housing workers can afford.
It's pushed businesses around the island to offer housing for workers in order to improve recruitment — including illegal trailers.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
It's pushed businesses around the island to offer housing for workers in order to improve recruitment — including illegal trailers.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
B.C. Green Party MLA Rob Botterell says in a province where a third of residents are renters, it’s time to remove the ability for landlords to raise rent prices after evicting tenants.
He's pushing for vacancy control — but is facing an uphill battle.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
He's pushing for vacancy control — but is facing an uphill battle.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
B.C. Greens want to tie rent increases to units, not tenants – but face uphill battle | CBC News
A B.C. Green MLA bill this week aims to create vacancy control – a policy that would limit rent increases by tying them to a unit, not an individual tenancy. It's generated support from poverty reduct...
www.cbc.ca
October 30, 2025 at 10:50 PM
B.C. Green Party MLA Rob Botterell says in a province where a third of residents are renters, it’s time to remove the ability for landlords to raise rent prices after evicting tenants.
He's pushing for vacancy control — but is facing an uphill battle.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
He's pushing for vacancy control — but is facing an uphill battle.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
The Victoria Police Department spent more than $22,000 in public funds on a celebration for its outgoing and incoming police chiefs this summer, according to documents obtained through FOI by @stephenharrison.bsky.social
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Victoria police spent $22K on party for outgoing, incoming chiefs | CBC News
The Victoria Police Department spent more than $22,000 in public funds on a celebration that honoured its outgoing and incoming police chiefs, according to a freedom of information request.
www.cbc.ca
October 30, 2025 at 5:56 PM
The Victoria Police Department spent more than $22,000 in public funds on a celebration for its outgoing and incoming police chiefs this summer, according to documents obtained through FOI by @stephenharrison.bsky.social
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
I'm really glad Stephen keeps such a close eye on the goings on related to our local police department
It's such essential, public service reporting that I don't see from other local outlets
It's such essential, public service reporting that I don't see from other local outlets
VicPD held a party for their outgoing and incoming chiefs this summer at Government House. They talked repeatedly about how much work it was, and the event seemed strange, so I FOI'd the costs. They spent $22,015 in public money on this event. 🧵 www.needsmorespikes.com/blog/vicpd-p... #yyj #cdnfoi
VicPD parties at Government House for $22,000 — Needs More Spikes
This summer, VicPD used its bottomless budget to throw a party for their outgoing and incoming chiefs. Via FOI, we now know that event cost $22,015.
www.needsmorespikes.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:01 AM
I'm really glad Stephen keeps such a close eye on the goings on related to our local police department
It's such essential, public service reporting that I don't see from other local outlets
It's such essential, public service reporting that I don't see from other local outlets
Reposted by Emily Fagan
The #yyj police board is presenting its draft 2026 budget at 5:00 pm. They want $90 million+, including 25 new officers. It would be an $11 million increase, or 14% (a 52%, $31 million increase from 2021). Budget: vicpd.ca/wp-content/u... 🧵 with highlights before the meeting starts. #vicpdboard
October 22, 2025 at 11:08 PM
The #yyj police board is presenting its draft 2026 budget at 5:00 pm. They want $90 million+, including 25 new officers. It would be an $11 million increase, or 14% (a 52%, $31 million increase from 2021). Budget: vicpd.ca/wp-content/u... 🧵 with highlights before the meeting starts. #vicpdboard
A B.C woman seeking IVF funding says she faces delays, uncertainty amid the eight-week BCGEU strike.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
B.C woman seeking IVF funding says she faces delays, uncertainty amid BCGEU strike | CBC News
Fertility clinics say they're seeing delays in patients being approved for IVF funding due to the B.C. General Employees Union Strike. For patients who have rested their last hopes of conception on B....
www.cbc.ca
October 22, 2025 at 6:15 PM
A B.C woman seeking IVF funding says she faces delays, uncertainty amid the eight-week BCGEU strike.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Public service workers told me they've faced a high toll for being on strike these last six weeks — more than anything, they want to return to their jobs helping people.
But with negotiations at a standstill for weeks, it's unclear when a deal will be reached.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
But with negotiations at a standstill for weeks, it's unclear when a deal will be reached.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
'A human cost to the inaction': BCGEU workers speak out on toll of weeks-long strike | CBC News
For some B.C. General Employees' Union members taking part in job action, the weeks-long pickets and lost wages are making it hard to make ends meet.
www.cbc.ca
October 15, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Public service workers told me they've faced a high toll for being on strike these last six weeks — more than anything, they want to return to their jobs helping people.
But with negotiations at a standstill for weeks, it's unclear when a deal will be reached.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
But with negotiations at a standstill for weeks, it's unclear when a deal will be reached.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
B.C. prisoners with complex mental illnesses aren’t getting the psychiatric treatment they need, and are being kept in jail longer than required, because the province has only one 190-bed hospital for them, @mikehager.bsky.social reports:
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/briti...
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/briti...
B.C. prisoners with complex mental illnesses aren’t getting necessary treatment, report says
British Columbia Review Board chair Brenda Edwards says chronic underfunding has brought the forensic health care system to a breaking point
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:52 PM
B.C. prisoners with complex mental illnesses aren’t getting the psychiatric treatment they need, and are being kept in jail longer than required, because the province has only one 190-bed hospital for them, @mikehager.bsky.social reports:
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/briti...
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/briti...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
Freelancers based on Vancouver Island or the BC coast, please get in touch if you're available over the next few weeks!
October 3, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Freelancers based on Vancouver Island or the BC coast, please get in touch if you're available over the next few weeks!
A judge has sentenced a man who he says was involved in a shooting and arson at the B.C. home of musician AP Dhillon in 2024 on the direction of the Bishnoi crime group, which is now a terrorist entity in Canada.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Man sentenced for arson, shooting at B.C. home of Punjabi musician AP Dhillon | CBC News
A 26-year-old man will serve 4½ years in jail after being found guilty of his involvement in an arson and shooting at the Vancouver Island home of Punjabi musician AP Dhillon. RCMP have an arrest warr...
www.cbc.ca
October 1, 2025 at 9:32 PM
A judge has sentenced a man who he says was involved in a shooting and arson at the B.C. home of musician AP Dhillon in 2024 on the direction of the Bishnoi crime group, which is now a terrorist entity in Canada.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
UVic's president committed to implementing all 18 of an independent report's recommendations in the wake of a student's fatal overdose on campus — most before September.
While progress has been made, few recommendations were finished by the start of term.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
While progress has been made, few recommendations were finished by the start of term.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
UVic behind in implementing most of 18 recommendations from student's death by new term | CBC News
In the wake of a student's fatal overdose on campus, UVic received 18 recommendations from an independent report. It committed to implementing most of them before the fall term, but only three have be...
www.cbc.ca
September 25, 2025 at 4:20 PM
UVic's president committed to implementing all 18 of an independent report's recommendations in the wake of a student's fatal overdose on campus — most before September.
While progress has been made, few recommendations were finished by the start of term.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
While progress has been made, few recommendations were finished by the start of term.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
Five months after Premier David Eby directed the British Columbia government to cancel U.S. contracts wherever possible, the work has fallen short of what he had wanted, by Andrew MacLeod #bcpoli
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
BC Is Failing on Its Plan to Shun US Businesses | The Tyee
Five months after Eby called for action, the government can’t point to changes.
thetyee.ca
September 22, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Five months after Premier David Eby directed the British Columbia government to cancel U.S. contracts wherever possible, the work has fallen short of what he had wanted, by Andrew MacLeod #bcpoli
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
31 journalists and media staff killed by Israeli strikes on newspaper offices in Yemen in deadliest attack on journalists in the last 16 years.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Israel attack on Yemeni newspaper was second deadliest on journalists ever recorded
Press freedom group says ‘brutal and unjustified attack’ is deadliest since 2009 Maguindanao massacre in Philippines
www.theguardian.com
September 21, 2025 at 2:55 AM
31 journalists and media staff killed by Israeli strikes on newspaper offices in Yemen in deadliest attack on journalists in the last 16 years.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
A First Nations family is seeking justice after a man’s remains were misplaced by Island Health and the B.C. Coroner’s Office.
They’re not the first island First Nation to experience this – but are pushing for changes to prevent it from happening to others.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
They’re not the first island First Nation to experience this – but are pushing for changes to prevent it from happening to others.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
A First Nations man's remains were misplaced in B.C. It's not the 1st time it's happened | CBC News
Two years after the death of her father, Amanda Large received news that brought added grief and unanswered questions: her father’s brain, which had been removed during an autopsy, had never been retu...
www.cbc.ca
September 15, 2025 at 7:40 PM
A First Nations family is seeking justice after a man’s remains were misplaced by Island Health and the B.C. Coroner’s Office.
They’re not the first island First Nation to experience this – but are pushing for changes to prevent it from happening to others.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
They’re not the first island First Nation to experience this – but are pushing for changes to prevent it from happening to others.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
two scandals here: VPD fuelled panic over stranger attacks even as they fell dramatically in 2022, and then refused to release records about them for 14 months, which is against the law
‘Fear and anxiety’: What our police FOI requests uncovered about Vancouver’s stranger assaults scare
‘Fear and anxiety’: What our police FOI requests uncovered about Vancouver’s stranger assaults scare
Internal emails obtained through Freedom of Information requests shed light on the Vancouver Police Department's media strategy related to stranger assaults ahead of the city's 2022 election.
bit.ly
August 21, 2025 at 2:47 AM
two scandals here: VPD fuelled panic over stranger attacks even as they fell dramatically in 2022, and then refused to release records about them for 14 months, which is against the law
Reposted by Emily Fagan
a really great and well-researched story from @zoeyunker.bsky.social about the context and implications of the Cowichan decision, including how the namesake of Port Moody, B.C., secretly bought a Cowichan village site that should have been a reserve: thetyee.ca/News/2025/08...
Inside Richmond’s Precedent-Setting Cowichan Tribes v. Canada Case | The Tyee
The BC Supreme Court decision affirms Aboriginal title on private lands. What’s next?
thetyee.ca
August 19, 2025 at 5:40 PM
a really great and well-researched story from @zoeyunker.bsky.social about the context and implications of the Cowichan decision, including how the namesake of Port Moody, B.C., secretly bought a Cowichan village site that should have been a reserve: thetyee.ca/News/2025/08...
The longest transit strike in BC's history appears to be at a standstill. After weeks of calls for the province to step in, BC's minister of labor says they may appoint a second mediator to try and resolve the dispute.
My latest, with help from @katiederosa.bsky.social:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest, with help from @katiederosa.bsky.social:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
B.C.'s labour minister says 2nd mediator may be tasked to try to end Cowichan transit strike | CBC News
The province may appoint another special mediator to end the nearly seven-month transit strike in the Cowichan Valley, according to B.C.’s labour minister, Jennifer Whiteside.
www.cbc.ca
August 18, 2025 at 10:29 PM
The longest transit strike in BC's history appears to be at a standstill. After weeks of calls for the province to step in, BC's minister of labor says they may appoint a second mediator to try and resolve the dispute.
My latest, with help from @katiederosa.bsky.social:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest, with help from @katiederosa.bsky.social:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...