Island Insider

Canada's National Observer is a proud participant of the Local Journalism Initiative, which supports the creation of original civic journalism that covers the diverse needs of underserved communities across Canada.

Rochelle Baker will be covering Quadra and Cortes Islands in British Columbia.

556 Articles

Liberal candidate wants a seat at the table in Ottawa for North Island riding

A scientist with public policy experience, Liberal candidate Jennifer Grenz says she’s a bridge-builder who can help stakeholders agree on a course of action around tough issues such as climate change or saving salmon in the North Island-Powell River riding.

Election 2021

Rochelle Baker

September 9th 2021

North Island Green candidate says focus of all issues must be through a climate lens

The Green Party is the sole party committed to denying fossil fuel expansion in order to fight climate change, said B.C.North Island-Powell River candidate Jessica Wegg.

Election 2021

Rochelle Baker

September 8th 2021

NDP best bet to get stuff done in Ottawa, says North Island candidate Rachel Blaney

The NDP is the best option for the North Island-Powell River riding when it comes to navigating an equitable COVID recovery, climate change, and the affordability crisis, says incumbent candidate Rachel Blaney.

Election 2021

Rochelle Baker

September 7th 2021

Is Justin Trudeau flubbing the West Coast vote by failing to push hard on climate change?

It's not clear if releasing the Liberal climate plan weeks into the election campaign will hurt or help Justin Trudeau secure votes in B.C., where one in four voters cite the climate crisis as their top issue.

Rochelle Baker

September 3rd 2021

Canada’s drug policy — not drugs — is killing people at record numbers, advocates say

More than 1,000 people died in B.C. from illicit drug poisoning in the first six months of 2021, the provincial coroners' service reported on International Overdose Awareness Day.

Rochelle Baker

August 31st 2021

Watchdog gets over 90 complaints on RCMP enforcement at Fairy Creek

The Civilian Review and Complaints Commission has received 91 complaints tied to RCMP enforcement at the Fairy Creek and will launch investigations into 21 cases.

Rochelle Baker

August 26th 2021

Why so blue, little ling cod?

Researchers take a crack at unravelling the mystery of the West Coast’s singular “Smurf cod.”

Rochelle Baker

August 24th 2021

Striking it rich while slogging the marmot trail

It’s a case of climb every mountain, ford every stream in the search for the endangered, timid, plush Vancouver Island Marmot — even if that involves lugging gear and scrambling alpine slopes for a sighting.

Rochelle Baker

August 20th 2021

Coastal First Nations take steps to protect wild waters of Great Bear Rainforest

The Heiltsuk, Kitasoo/Xai’xais, Nuxalk and Wuikinuxv nations signed an agreement with Ottawa and the province of B.C. to do a feasibility study for a national marine conservation area reserve.

Rochelle Baker

August 18th 2021

Cross-border Salish Sea study finds key puzzle pieces of wild salmon die-off

A massive cross-border research and conservation effort has yielded a potential roadmap to save wild salmon in the Salish Sea.

Rochelle Baker

August 17th 2021

Investing in Indigenous-led conservation key in Canada's climate crisis fight

The federal government has announced $340 million to build an Indigenous guardians network along with protected or conserved areas across Canada to combat climate change, protect biodiversity and foster reconciliation.

Rochelle Baker

August 16th 2021

Old-growth protesters allege RCMP’s Fairy Creek actions defy recent court order

Police are continuing to employ questionable tactics as they enforce an injunction at the Fairy Creek old-growth blockades on Vancouver Island despite a recent court decision declaring their actions unlawful, activists allege.

August 12th 2021

B.C.’s vital salmon route is seriously clogged

At present, 1,200 barriers prevent salmon from swimming 2,000-plus kilometres of stream, and 85 per cent of rich floodplain habitat is diked and bone dry along the lower Fraser River.

Rochelle Baker

August 12th 2021

First Nations urged to boycott ‘disingenuous’ input process on B.C.’s forestry plan

B.C.’s new forest policy framework doesn’t reflect First Nations' priorities, and the window for input is too short — especially during a wildfire emergency, says Charlene Higgins, CEO of First Nations Forestry Council.

Rochelle Baker

August 11th 2021

Rural communities face a steep bill from climate change, but all of Canada pays the price

Rural and remote communities may be the hardest hit by wildfires, floods, droughts or thaws associated with climate change— but given these areas' pronounced importance, all of Canada stands to suffer the consequences.

Race Against Climate Change

Rochelle Baker

August 10th 2021