Tyler Olsen
@tyolsen.bsky.social
Senior Editor at The Tyee. Reporter. Chainsaw + hockey, soccer + books(?). Lives in Lillooet so probably not posting about Vancouver.
'Ain't you had enough of this stuff?'
tolsen [at] thetyee [dot] [ca]
'Ain't you had enough of this stuff?'
tolsen [at] thetyee [dot] [ca]
Pinned
Tyler Olsen
@tyolsen.bsky.social
· Sep 30
The Definitive History of Canada’s Residential School Shame | The Tyee
Ten years ago, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its landmark report. Everyone should read it.
thetyee.ca
NEW (10 years ago): The two history volumes of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report are readable, chilling, and irrefutable. You can't read it all in one sitting. But they answer all the questions you may have.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
Hopefully he is laughing at the word "rebuild" because the "re" part of that word implies that there was some previous coherent structure that one must re-construct.
Rutherford has been running the Canucks for four years.
Rutherford has been running the Canucks for four years.
Just spoke with Jim Rutherford. Column coming shortly.
Confirms the team's four UFAs are available for a trade.
Even said "rebuild" himself -- though with a laugh and not as a definitional word
Confirms the team's four UFAs are available for a trade.
Even said "rebuild" himself -- though with a laugh and not as a definitional word
November 25, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Hopefully he is laughing at the word "rebuild" because the "re" part of that word implies that there was some previous coherent structure that one must re-construct.
Rutherford has been running the Canucks for four years.
Rutherford has been running the Canucks for four years.
Luckily I'm sure this is the first and last time a budget cut will be found to have downstream consequences.
ABC councillors saying that it's "unfortunate" people are linking closed baby change tables as being political, or part of the budget.
But it was a deputy city manager that explicitly raised removing them from high vandalism areas as part of cutting the budget for maintenance of civic facilities.
But it was a deputy city manager that explicitly raised removing them from high vandalism areas as part of cutting the budget for maintenance of civic facilities.
November 25, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Luckily I'm sure this is the first and last time a budget cut will be found to have downstream consequences.
INTERVIEW: Why wind, not solar, is the future of electricity in BC. And why megaprojects -- like Site E -- may still be possible in the future.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
The Head of BC Hydro on Wind Power, Dam Megaprojects and More | The Tyee
Glen Clark sat down for a wide-ranging interview with The Tyee.
thetyee.ca
November 25, 2025 at 4:36 PM
INTERVIEW: Why wind, not solar, is the future of electricity in BC. And why megaprojects -- like Site E -- may still be possible in the future.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
The Carney government does seem to be particularly prone to actions that are premised on the idea that its authority, once declared, instantly becomes 100% effective.
It's a very "I am the boss" mentality; one often susceptible to being caught surprisised by other actors' soft and not-soft power.
It's a very "I am the boss" mentality; one often susceptible to being caught surprisised by other actors' soft and not-soft power.
Leaving BC and First Nations out of talks about a pipeline is a great way to slow any hypothetical future project.
The inevitable risk of "streamlining" processes is that vital steps are skipped, leading to bad, often unsustainable decisions.
The inevitable risk of "streamlining" processes is that vital steps are skipped, leading to bad, often unsustainable decisions.
November 25, 2025 at 1:41 AM
The Carney government does seem to be particularly prone to actions that are premised on the idea that its authority, once declared, instantly becomes 100% effective.
It's a very "I am the boss" mentality; one often susceptible to being caught surprisised by other actors' soft and not-soft power.
It's a very "I am the boss" mentality; one often susceptible to being caught surprisised by other actors' soft and not-soft power.
Our "We are not Enron" T-shirts have people asking a lot of questions already answered by our shirts.
November 24, 2025 at 11:54 PM
Our "We are not Enron" T-shirts have people asking a lot of questions already answered by our shirts.
Reposted by Tyler Olsen
You have to keep giving money to avoid collapse and if there’s collapse you have to give more money. It’s called the free market.
November 24, 2025 at 10:54 PM
You have to keep giving money to avoid collapse and if there’s collapse you have to give more money. It’s called the free market.
sunk costs etc etc
One explanation for economic populism in the US is the recurring cycle of bubbles and bailouts that happens without any democratic input
November 24, 2025 at 11:09 PM
sunk costs etc etc
Reposted by Tyler Olsen
Morale at Manchester United is worse than we thought
November 24, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Morale at Manchester United is worse than we thought
The thing about core education issues (re: reading/math) is that every parent (and non-parent) has many different school + kid experiences and those personal experiences can out-influence ideological priors in infinite ways.
And the plethora data is seemingly up for causal interpretation???
And the plethora data is seemingly up for causal interpretation???
this article, which is deeply bizarre, strikes me as a symptom of the times in education policy
right now, education policy debate is significantly non-polarized and incoherently ideological, with broadly left- or right-wing ideas floating free from any grounding in a larger ideological project
right now, education policy debate is significantly non-polarized and incoherently ideological, with broadly left- or right-wing ideas floating free from any grounding in a larger ideological project
I don't think I've ever disagreed and agreed more strongly with a piece, seesawing from one paragraph to the next.
Will come back to dissect.
#GiftLink #GiftArticle
Will come back to dissect.
#GiftLink #GiftArticle
November 24, 2025 at 6:57 PM
The thing about core education issues (re: reading/math) is that every parent (and non-parent) has many different school + kid experiences and those personal experiences can out-influence ideological priors in infinite ways.
And the plethora data is seemingly up for causal interpretation???
And the plethora data is seemingly up for causal interpretation???
Reposted by Tyler Olsen
David Eby says BC will be Canada's "economic engine," powered by clean electricity.
BC Hydro has other, less flashy plans.
Among them: a major shortfall in the energy BC would need to meet its climate targets.
My latest via @thetyee.ca
BC Hydro has other, less flashy plans.
Among them: a major shortfall in the energy BC would need to meet its climate targets.
My latest via @thetyee.ca
Will BC Electrify Its Economy? BC Hydro Doubts It | The Tyee
The Crown corporation’s new long-term plan for BC’s energy future is a missed opportunity to commit to electrification, experts say.
thetyee.ca
November 24, 2025 at 4:12 PM
David Eby says BC will be Canada's "economic engine," powered by clean electricity.
BC Hydro has other, less flashy plans.
Among them: a major shortfall in the energy BC would need to meet its climate targets.
My latest via @thetyee.ca
BC Hydro has other, less flashy plans.
Among them: a major shortfall in the energy BC would need to meet its climate targets.
My latest via @thetyee.ca
Reposted by Tyler Olsen
Reposted by Tyler Olsen
we have PrEP because of these monkey studies. animal welfare in medical research is extremely strictly limited and regulated to ensure ethical use. there is no replacement for these animal models in biomedical research.
EXCLUSIVE: CDC to end all monkey studies. Decision handed down by recent college grad and former DOGE employee who is now deputy chief of staff at the agency. Animals were being used in studies of HIV prevention. Some may be euthanized. My latest for @science.org
Exclusive: CDC to end all monkey research
Studies related to HIV and other infectious diseases will be phased out, sources say; fate of the agency's animals remains unclear
www.science.org
November 21, 2025 at 2:48 PM
we have PrEP because of these monkey studies. animal welfare in medical research is extremely strictly limited and regulated to ensure ethical use. there is no replacement for these animal models in biomedical research.
Given the Brodie stuff, just going to pin this.
NEW (10 years ago): The two history volumes of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report are readable, chilling, and irrefutable. You can't read it all in one sitting. But they answer all the questions you may have.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
The Definitive History of Canada’s Residential School Shame | The Tyee
Ten years ago, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its landmark report. Everyone should read it.
thetyee.ca
November 20, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Given the Brodie stuff, just going to pin this.
I asked the federal public safety ministry for information about disaster prevention efforts last Wednesday. I told them I needed the information by the following day. I just got a response today, a week later.
I've written and published an entirely new story in the meantime.
I've written and published an entirely new story in the meantime.
the journalist feeling of asking the government for information at noon on a Tuesday
saying you need a response for a story that needs to be done by the end of Wednesday
sending two followup phone calls
and getting a response Wednesday at 5:49pm
saying you need a response for a story that needs to be done by the end of Wednesday
sending two followup phone calls
and getting a response Wednesday at 5:49pm
November 20, 2025 at 7:11 PM
I asked the federal public safety ministry for information about disaster prevention efforts last Wednesday. I told them I needed the information by the following day. I just got a response today, a week later.
I've written and published an entirely new story in the meantime.
I've written and published an entirely new story in the meantime.
Mel remains exceptional at explaining these complicated issues in ways that can inform a very general audience.
Thanks to @thetyee.ca for republishing my op-ed about Danielle Smith and the Notwithstanding Clause. ✨
Always glad to see outlets beyond LGBTQ2S+ publications platforming and highlighting trans voices on issues like this
Always glad to see outlets beyond LGBTQ2S+ publications platforming and highlighting trans voices on issues like this
@melwoods.me: We must not overcomplicate what’s going on here.
This is the Alberta government saying the rights of trans kids to receive life-saving health care, go by their own pronouns at school or play on sport teams don’t matter as much as the Smith government’s right to dictate their lives.
This is the Alberta government saying the rights of trans kids to receive life-saving health care, go by their own pronouns at school or play on sport teams don’t matter as much as the Smith government’s right to dictate their lives.
November 20, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Mel remains exceptional at explaining these complicated issues in ways that can inform a very general audience.
Urgent: With very few exceptions (say, if it is about the discovery of pi), no news story should ever include decimals to the hundredth place. That is all.
November 19, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Urgent: With very few exceptions (say, if it is about the discovery of pi), no news story should ever include decimals to the hundredth place. That is all.
Reposted by Tyler Olsen
Again, the sweet spot here seems to be, essentially, dense suburban development: townhomes and denser single-family, places where most people do have cars but are still compatible with walkability. Of course there are other considerations (climate!) but it balances affordability with consumer choice
I actually think there is demand for family-friendly urban housing - it may not be considered dense enough for urbanists’ tastes, but it doesn’t have to be suburban sprawl either. There’s just a lot of unique needs for families that get overlooked in the discourse.
November 19, 2025 at 1:21 AM
Again, the sweet spot here seems to be, essentially, dense suburban development: townhomes and denser single-family, places where most people do have cars but are still compatible with walkability. Of course there are other considerations (climate!) but it balances affordability with consumer choice
Reposted by Tyler Olsen
A northern B.C. community faces a massive revenue shortfall after an oil company went bust without paying nearly $9 million in outstanding property taxes, interest and penalties.
Ben Parfitt reports. #bcpoli
Ben Parfitt reports. #bcpoli
A Sprawling BC Community Is Set to Lose Millions Owed by Oil Firm | The Tyee
Bankrupt Erikson National Energy leaves Northern Rockies Regional Municipality deep in the hole for tax revenues.
thetyee.ca
November 18, 2025 at 3:45 PM
A northern B.C. community faces a massive revenue shortfall after an oil company went bust without paying nearly $9 million in outstanding property taxes, interest and penalties.
Ben Parfitt reports. #bcpoli
Ben Parfitt reports. #bcpoli
Reposted by Tyler Olsen
VPD ignoring FOI requests for chief's communications leading up to 2022 muni election referencing then-mayoral-candidate Ken Sim or stranger assaults, which became highly politicized during the campaign, @andrewweichel.bsky.social and @lisa-steacy.bsky.social report
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
Vancouver police ignore FOI requests for chief's communications
For nearly a year, the Vancouver Police Department has failed to fulfill two freedom of information requests seeking records from Chief Adam Palmer and other high-ranking officials – a situation trans...
www.ctvnews.ca
November 18, 2025 at 2:49 AM
VPD ignoring FOI requests for chief's communications leading up to 2022 muni election referencing then-mayoral-candidate Ken Sim or stranger assaults, which became highly politicized during the campaign, @andrewweichel.bsky.social and @lisa-steacy.bsky.social report
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
Reposted by Tyler Olsen
Listen, I am absolutely prone to over-writing stuff. But this book is a sex crime against metaphors.
November 17, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Listen, I am absolutely prone to over-writing stuff. But this book is a sex crime against metaphors.
I will say this: "From his mouth the bullet theoretical launched the bullet possible" are 10 words (or 8?) that have never ever before been written in that order.
I regret to inform you that Olivia Nuzzi's book appears to be Perfect
insane, stupid, comically overwritten, dishy, politically indefensible I cannot wait to get my hands on it I must accept this is who I am as a person at some deep level whether I like it or not www.vanityfair.com/news/story/o...
insane, stupid, comically overwritten, dishy, politically indefensible I cannot wait to get my hands on it I must accept this is who I am as a person at some deep level whether I like it or not www.vanityfair.com/news/story/o...
November 17, 2025 at 10:22 PM
I will say this: "From his mouth the bullet theoretical launched the bullet possible" are 10 words (or 8?) that have never ever before been written in that order.
Reposted by Tyler Olsen
For those unaware of the background here. @tyolsen.bsky.social of @thetyee.ca wrote an excellent article on it.
It’s not just this pipeline, it is others in BC as well, and it will be other utilities like power lines in the near future… potentially.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
It’s not just this pipeline, it is others in BC as well, and it will be other utilities like power lines in the near future… potentially.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
BC Residents May Have to Cover a Property Tax Break for Pipelines | The Tyee
After lobbying, BC Assessment slashed its appraisals of the industry’s infrastructure.
thetyee.ca
November 16, 2025 at 4:06 PM
For those unaware of the background here. @tyolsen.bsky.social of @thetyee.ca wrote an excellent article on it.
It’s not just this pipeline, it is others in BC as well, and it will be other utilities like power lines in the near future… potentially.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
It’s not just this pipeline, it is others in BC as well, and it will be other utilities like power lines in the near future… potentially.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
This piece is interesting and very much worth reading.
That said, it still makes assumptions that I think illustrate a key paradox with AI and art. At the core, writing and art is about personality. And you end up having to define "personality" itself. Can you really give a machine "personality"?
That said, it still makes assumptions that I think illustrate a key paradox with AI and art. At the core, writing and art is about personality. And you end up having to define "personality" itself. Can you really give a machine "personality"?
November 17, 2025 at 5:40 PM
This piece is interesting and very much worth reading.
That said, it still makes assumptions that I think illustrate a key paradox with AI and art. At the core, writing and art is about personality. And you end up having to define "personality" itself. Can you really give a machine "personality"?
That said, it still makes assumptions that I think illustrate a key paradox with AI and art. At the core, writing and art is about personality. And you end up having to define "personality" itself. Can you really give a machine "personality"?
STORY: 4 years after the 2021 floods and landslides, major promises linger. There is no federal money to stop a future Nooksack Flood of Sumas Prairie. There is no national flood insurance program. And BC's new Flood Strategy lacks the funding to actually see it through.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
BC’s Flood Prevention Promises Remain Unfulfilled | The Tyee
After the 2021 atmospheric river, governments preached averting over recovery. Locals remember. Do politicians?
thetyee.ca
November 17, 2025 at 5:21 PM
STORY: 4 years after the 2021 floods and landslides, major promises linger. There is no federal money to stop a future Nooksack Flood of Sumas Prairie. There is no national flood insurance program. And BC's new Flood Strategy lacks the funding to actually see it through.
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...