Fatima Syed
@fatimabsyed.bsky.social
Ontario reporter for The Narwhal. Vice-president of the Canadian Association of Journalists. Springsteen, space, sports, sweets
Pinned
Fatima Syed
@fatimabsyed.bsky.social
· Jan 14
The Death of an Asylum Seeker and the Shelter Crisis in Peel | The Local
The number of asylum seekers and refugees needing shelter has surged in recent years, leaving officials in suburban municipalities like Peel scrambling to respond.
thelocal.to
Since 2023, Peel Region—west of Toronto—has struggled to house a ⬆️number of asylum seekers in overwhelmed shelters: two have died, a third this weekend
My #longreads for @thelocal.to explores Peel's fight to help while handcuffed by forces that will bring more asylums 🧵
thelocal.to/refugee-shel...
My #longreads for @thelocal.to explores Peel's fight to help while handcuffed by forces that will bring more asylums 🧵
thelocal.to/refugee-shel...
Reposted by Fatima Syed
Tumbler Ridge is a small planned resource community, a winding 90 minute drive from the nearest city of at least 10,000 people.
A massive number of people are going to descend there tomorrow.
May those that arrive have respect and grace for the unimaginable grief.
A massive number of people are going to descend there tomorrow.
May those that arrive have respect and grace for the unimaginable grief.
February 11, 2026 at 2:48 AM
Tumbler Ridge is a small planned resource community, a winding 90 minute drive from the nearest city of at least 10,000 people.
A massive number of people are going to descend there tomorrow.
May those that arrive have respect and grace for the unimaginable grief.
A massive number of people are going to descend there tomorrow.
May those that arrive have respect and grace for the unimaginable grief.
Heartbreaking to read these reflections for Tumbler Ridge local newsman Trent Ernst. All strength to him as the town he reports in and on daily enters the global spotlight. You can support his hyperlocal journalism (which continues to be so needed and so lacking) here: tumblerridgelines.com/support/
February 11, 2026 at 4:29 PM
Heartbreaking to read these reflections for Tumbler Ridge local newsman Trent Ernst. All strength to him as the town he reports in and on daily enters the global spotlight. You can support his hyperlocal journalism (which continues to be so needed and so lacking) here: tumblerridgelines.com/support/
Reposted by Fatima Syed
Reminder: journalists get arrested in Canada too.
In fact, The Narwhal is in court right now challenging the RCMP for arresting photojournalist Amber Bracken. Our editor-in-chief,Carol Linnitt, testifies today and Monday, and court is open to the public if you're in Vancouver.
In fact, The Narwhal is in court right now challenging the RCMP for arresting photojournalist Amber Bracken. Our editor-in-chief,Carol Linnitt, testifies today and Monday, and court is open to the public if you're in Vancouver.
Carol Linnitt, co-founder and editor-in-chief, provides an update on The Narwhal’s court case against the RCMP. Amber Bracken finished cross-examination late Jan. 28. It took more than 12 hours.
To learn more about the trial visit www.thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom
To learn more about the trial visit www.thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom
January 30, 2026 at 2:51 PM
Reminder: journalists get arrested in Canada too.
In fact, The Narwhal is in court right now challenging the RCMP for arresting photojournalist Amber Bracken. Our editor-in-chief,Carol Linnitt, testifies today and Monday, and court is open to the public if you're in Vancouver.
In fact, The Narwhal is in court right now challenging the RCMP for arresting photojournalist Amber Bracken. Our editor-in-chief,Carol Linnitt, testifies today and Monday, and court is open to the public if you're in Vancouver.
Reposted by Fatima Syed
It’s day 12 of our press freedom trial against the RCMP.
“If anyone needs proof of how essential it is that police actions be documented, we are seeing it in Minnesota,” writes @marshalederman.bsky.social for The Globe and Mail.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
“If anyone needs proof of how essential it is that police actions be documented, we are seeing it in Minnesota,” writes @marshalederman.bsky.social for The Globe and Mail.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Opinion: A trial unfolding in a B.C. courtroom shows journalists are more important than ever
How much more easily might authorities control the story if journalists aren’t allowed to do their work?
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 27, 2026 at 9:18 PM
It’s day 12 of our press freedom trial against the RCMP.
“If anyone needs proof of how essential it is that police actions be documented, we are seeing it in Minnesota,” writes @marshalederman.bsky.social for The Globe and Mail.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
“If anyone needs proof of how essential it is that police actions be documented, we are seeing it in Minnesota,” writes @marshalederman.bsky.social for The Globe and Mail.
www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Fatima Syed
The Doug Ford gov’t got 14,233 public comments on its plan to transfer 60% of Wasaga Beach to the town. ~98% opposed citing environmental harms
"We did not consider any changes to the proposal based on the feedback received," the gov't decided
My latest on this saga:
thenarwhal.ca/wasaga-beach...
"We did not consider any changes to the proposal based on the feedback received," the gov't decided
My latest on this saga:
thenarwhal.ca/wasaga-beach...
Ontario advances Wasaga Beach transfer | The Narwhal
98% of public feedback opposed Ontario’s plan to drop provincial park designation and protections on a portion of Wasaga Beach
thenarwhal.ca
January 27, 2026 at 3:02 PM
The Doug Ford gov’t got 14,233 public comments on its plan to transfer 60% of Wasaga Beach to the town. ~98% opposed citing environmental harms
"We did not consider any changes to the proposal based on the feedback received," the gov't decided
My latest on this saga:
thenarwhal.ca/wasaga-beach...
"We did not consider any changes to the proposal based on the feedback received," the gov't decided
My latest on this saga:
thenarwhal.ca/wasaga-beach...
The Doug Ford gov’t got 14,233 public comments on its plan to transfer 60% of Wasaga Beach to the town. ~98% opposed citing environmental harms
"We did not consider any changes to the proposal based on the feedback received," the gov't decided
My latest on this saga:
thenarwhal.ca/wasaga-beach...
"We did not consider any changes to the proposal based on the feedback received," the gov't decided
My latest on this saga:
thenarwhal.ca/wasaga-beach...
Ontario advances Wasaga Beach transfer | The Narwhal
98% of public feedback opposed Ontario’s plan to drop provincial park designation and protections on a portion of Wasaga Beach
thenarwhal.ca
January 27, 2026 at 3:02 PM
The Doug Ford gov’t got 14,233 public comments on its plan to transfer 60% of Wasaga Beach to the town. ~98% opposed citing environmental harms
"We did not consider any changes to the proposal based on the feedback received," the gov't decided
My latest on this saga:
thenarwhal.ca/wasaga-beach...
"We did not consider any changes to the proposal based on the feedback received," the gov't decided
My latest on this saga:
thenarwhal.ca/wasaga-beach...
Reposted by Fatima Syed
In December, the Canadian government gave $1 million to Ottawa's JSI Telecom to commercialize AI-driven data analytics.
JSI, a wiretaps and investigation support firm, had a banner year in U.S. government sales in 2025, including a big new contract with ICE.
thelogic.co/news/exclusi...
JSI, a wiretaps and investigation support firm, had a banner year in U.S. government sales in 2025, including a big new contract with ICE.
thelogic.co/news/exclusi...
Ottawa is subsidizing a tech firm that provides wiretapping tools to ICE - The Logic
The $1-million contribution came after the U.S. agency showed up in force in Minneapolis
thelogic.co
January 26, 2026 at 5:23 PM
In December, the Canadian government gave $1 million to Ottawa's JSI Telecom to commercialize AI-driven data analytics.
JSI, a wiretaps and investigation support firm, had a banner year in U.S. government sales in 2025, including a big new contract with ICE.
thelogic.co/news/exclusi...
JSI, a wiretaps and investigation support firm, had a banner year in U.S. government sales in 2025, including a big new contract with ICE.
thelogic.co/news/exclusi...
Reposted by Fatima Syed
It's the third week of trial in our case against the RCMP for arresting photojournalist Amber Bracken. World Press Freedom Canada says "Its implications could shape ... whether journalists can safely observe and document conflicts without fear of arrest." worldpressfreedomcanada.ca/who-decides-...
Who decides what journalists can see? - World Press Freedom Canada
When police arrested photojournalist Amber Bracken while she was documenting a protest in northern British Columbia, they didn’t just detain a reporter — they set the stage for a major test of press f...
worldpressfreedomcanada.ca
January 26, 2026 at 6:37 PM
It's the third week of trial in our case against the RCMP for arresting photojournalist Amber Bracken. World Press Freedom Canada says "Its implications could shape ... whether journalists can safely observe and document conflicts without fear of arrest." worldpressfreedomcanada.ca/who-decides-...
Reposted by Fatima Syed
There is not a lot Canadians can do about ICE, but we can ask Parliament to investigate Canadian companies doing business with them, like Hootsuite. Call or email your MP - or contact the INDU House committee MPs. Will post link below. www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
Hootsuite CEO says ICE contract will stand as long as agency honours terms and conditions
‘We did nothing wrong here,’ head of Vancouver social media company said in internal call with employees
www.theglobeandmail.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:49 PM
There is not a lot Canadians can do about ICE, but we can ask Parliament to investigate Canadian companies doing business with them, like Hootsuite. Call or email your MP - or contact the INDU House committee MPs. Will post link below. www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
Reposted by Fatima Syed
Ontario and Canada needs to think about this.
January 25, 2026 at 5:13 AM
Ontario and Canada needs to think about this.
Reposted by Fatima Syed
A German soccer federation executive committee member says it's time to consider a World Cup boycott because of the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump.
German soccer federation official wants World Cup boycott considered because of Trump
A German soccer federation executive committee member says it’s time to consider a World Cup boycott because of the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump.
bit.ly
January 23, 2026 at 10:00 PM
A German soccer federation executive committee member says it's time to consider a World Cup boycott because of the actions of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Reposted by Fatima Syed
in case you're curious about how angry Minnesota is about ICE, it was -20 today
January 24, 2026 at 12:38 AM
in case you're curious about how angry Minnesota is about ICE, it was -20 today
Reposted by Fatima Syed
The Doug Ford government has sent public workers back to the office five days a week. In our latest video, @fatimabsyed.bsky.social + @lmbaechlin.bsky.social explain what that means for commuters around Toronto and beyond
thenarwhal.ca/video-ontari...
thenarwhal.ca/video-ontari...
Ontario’s return-to-office mandate, explained | The Narwhal
The Doug Ford government has sent public workers back to the office five days a week. In our latest video, we explain what that means for commuters around Toronto and beyond
thenarwhal.ca
January 22, 2026 at 5:07 PM
The Doug Ford government has sent public workers back to the office five days a week. In our latest video, @fatimabsyed.bsky.social + @lmbaechlin.bsky.social explain what that means for commuters around Toronto and beyond
thenarwhal.ca/video-ontari...
thenarwhal.ca/video-ontari...
Reposted by Fatima Syed
In November 2021, photojournalist Amber Bracken was arrested while documenting tensions over the Coastal GasLink pipeline being built on Wet’suwet’en territory, where I live. More than 1,000 km from Vancouver, this place isn’t easy to get to — and the pipeline was even harder to access. 🧵
January 22, 2026 at 8:51 PM
In November 2021, photojournalist Amber Bracken was arrested while documenting tensions over the Coastal GasLink pipeline being built on Wet’suwet’en territory, where I live. More than 1,000 km from Vancouver, this place isn’t easy to get to — and the pipeline was even harder to access. 🧵
Reposted by Fatima Syed
From Bill C-5 and the federal budget, to a pipeline deal with Alberta, the Carney government is working its way through a public list of requests from the oil and gas industry. thenarwhal.ca/build-canada...
Canada is crossing off an oil and gas wish list | The Narwhal
From fast-tracking approvals to slashing a proposed emissions cap, the Carney government is working its way through requests from Canada’s fossil fuel industry
thenarwhal.ca
January 20, 2026 at 1:36 PM
From Bill C-5 and the federal budget, to a pipeline deal with Alberta, the Carney government is working its way through a public list of requests from the oil and gas industry. thenarwhal.ca/build-canada...
Reposted by Fatima Syed
Last month, @fatimabsyed.bsky.social reported on municipalities pushing back on agreements with Enbridge Gas that give the company free land for pipelines. Provincial law requires the agreements and the right of way. Energy Minister Stephen Lecce says Ontario isn't currently planning to change that.
Energy Minister Stephen Lecce said Ontario isn’t planning to change its law that prevents municipalities from charging gas providers, like Enbridge Gas, to build pipelines on public land — despite calls from municipalities to do so. thenarwhal.ca/ontario-ener...
Enbridge still gets free access to Ontario land: Lecce | The Narwhal
Toronto and Ottawa have asked for a change to the provincial law preventing municipalities from recouping costs for gas pipelines, while Guelph and Waterloo hold out on renewing agreements with Enbrid...
thenarwhal.ca
January 14, 2026 at 1:52 PM
Last month, @fatimabsyed.bsky.social reported on municipalities pushing back on agreements with Enbridge Gas that give the company free land for pipelines. Provincial law requires the agreements and the right of way. Energy Minister Stephen Lecce says Ontario isn't currently planning to change that.
Reposted by Fatima Syed
Energy Minister Stephen Lecce said Ontario isn’t planning to change its law that prevents municipalities from charging gas providers, like Enbridge Gas, to build pipelines on public land — despite calls from municipalities to do so. thenarwhal.ca/ontario-ener...
Enbridge still gets free access to Ontario land: Lecce | The Narwhal
Toronto and Ottawa have asked for a change to the provincial law preventing municipalities from recouping costs for gas pipelines, while Guelph and Waterloo hold out on renewing agreements with Enbrid...
thenarwhal.ca
January 13, 2026 at 1:03 PM
Energy Minister Stephen Lecce said Ontario isn’t planning to change its law that prevents municipalities from charging gas providers, like Enbridge Gas, to build pipelines on public land — despite calls from municipalities to do so. thenarwhal.ca/ontario-ener...
It's a huge moment for Canadian journalism as today marks the beginning of a five-week trial in the B.C. Supreme Court where @thenarwhal.ca and Amber Bracken sue the RCMP for arresting Amber while she was doing her job, bearing witness.
Learn more: thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom/
Learn more: thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom/
January 12, 2026 at 4:24 PM
It's a huge moment for Canadian journalism as today marks the beginning of a five-week trial in the B.C. Supreme Court where @thenarwhal.ca and Amber Bracken sue the RCMP for arresting Amber while she was doing her job, bearing witness.
Learn more: thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom/
Learn more: thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom/
Next year will see a bit of a showdown between Enbridge Gas and two Ontario municipalities that are trying to resist a decades-old agreement that allows the fossil fuel company to build pipelines on public land free of charge. I really want you all to read about on Christmas Eve.
Waterloo Region, like Guelph, will present its case in a hearing before Ontario's energy regulator, arguing against renewing its 20-year contract that allows Enbridge Gas to build pipelines on public land for free. via @fatimabsyed.bsky.social thenarwhal.ca/enbridge-gas...
Enbridge Gas to face Waterloo Region at Ontario’s energy regulator | The Narwhal
Fossil fuel giant Enbridge Gas says its agreement to build pipelines on public land for free ‘works for communities,’ as it faces down Guelph and Waterloo Region for refusing to renew
thenarwhal.ca
December 24, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Next year will see a bit of a showdown between Enbridge Gas and two Ontario municipalities that are trying to resist a decades-old agreement that allows the fossil fuel company to build pipelines on public land free of charge. I really want you all to read about on Christmas Eve.
Reposted by Fatima Syed
Today is the last day for Ontarians to weigh in on the Doug Ford government's plan to consolidate 36 conservations authorities into seven regional ones. Here's everything you need to know about it: thenarwhal.ca/ontario-cons...
Inside Ontario’s plan to merge 36 conservation authorities to 7 | The Narwhal
Doug Ford’s government is seeking public feedback on its plan to overhaul Ontario’s conservation authorities, reducing local agencies from 36 to 7
thenarwhal.ca
December 22, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Today is the last day for Ontarians to weigh in on the Doug Ford government's plan to consolidate 36 conservations authorities into seven regional ones. Here's everything you need to know about it: thenarwhal.ca/ontario-cons...
Reposted by Fatima Syed
DYK Ontario municipalities have to give Enbridge Gas, a for-profit fossil fuel company company, free access to build pipelines under public land?
In 2026, there will be a local fight to change this. Guelph & Waterloo Region are resisting. Toronto & Ottawa have concerns
thenarwhal.ca/ontario-enbr...
In 2026, there will be a local fight to change this. Guelph & Waterloo Region are resisting. Toronto & Ottawa have concerns
thenarwhal.ca/ontario-enbr...
Ontario municipalities want Enbridge Gas to pay up | The Narwhal
Guelph, Waterloo Region and other Ontario municipalities argue the gas giant shouldn’t be able to build pipelines on public land for free
thenarwhal.ca
December 17, 2025 at 3:09 PM
DYK Ontario municipalities have to give Enbridge Gas, a for-profit fossil fuel company company, free access to build pipelines under public land?
In 2026, there will be a local fight to change this. Guelph & Waterloo Region are resisting. Toronto & Ottawa have concerns
thenarwhal.ca/ontario-enbr...
In 2026, there will be a local fight to change this. Guelph & Waterloo Region are resisting. Toronto & Ottawa have concerns
thenarwhal.ca/ontario-enbr...
Reposted by Fatima Syed
There are so many reasons this is a hugely important story by @fatimabsyed.bsky.social, but right up there is that it's ultimately a debate over whether natural gas should still be considered a public good when so many alternative energy sources are now available. thenarwhal.ca/ontario-enbr...
Ontario municipalities want Enbridge Gas to pay up | The Narwhal
Guelph, Waterloo Region and other Ontario municipalities argue the gas giant shouldn’t be able to build pipelines on public land for free
thenarwhal.ca
December 17, 2025 at 5:11 PM
There are so many reasons this is a hugely important story by @fatimabsyed.bsky.social, but right up there is that it's ultimately a debate over whether natural gas should still be considered a public good when so many alternative energy sources are now available. thenarwhal.ca/ontario-enbr...
DYK Ontario municipalities have to give Enbridge Gas, a for-profit fossil fuel company company, free access to build pipelines under public land?
In 2026, there will be a local fight to change this. Guelph & Waterloo Region are resisting. Toronto & Ottawa have concerns
thenarwhal.ca/ontario-enbr...
In 2026, there will be a local fight to change this. Guelph & Waterloo Region are resisting. Toronto & Ottawa have concerns
thenarwhal.ca/ontario-enbr...
Ontario municipalities want Enbridge Gas to pay up | The Narwhal
Guelph, Waterloo Region and other Ontario municipalities argue the gas giant shouldn’t be able to build pipelines on public land for free
thenarwhal.ca
December 17, 2025 at 3:09 PM
DYK Ontario municipalities have to give Enbridge Gas, a for-profit fossil fuel company company, free access to build pipelines under public land?
In 2026, there will be a local fight to change this. Guelph & Waterloo Region are resisting. Toronto & Ottawa have concerns
thenarwhal.ca/ontario-enbr...
In 2026, there will be a local fight to change this. Guelph & Waterloo Region are resisting. Toronto & Ottawa have concerns
thenarwhal.ca/ontario-enbr...
Reposted by Fatima Syed
Worst news cycle in quite a while, please permit me to engage in a little hero worship, for a regular guy who stood and absolutely delivered.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
‘It was a matter of conscience’: Ahmed al-Ahmed’s family reveal why he risked his life to disarm alleged Bondi shooter
Family say al-Ahmed ‘doesn’t discriminate’ and would have done anything to save lives during the attack
www.theguardian.com
December 15, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Worst news cycle in quite a while, please permit me to engage in a little hero worship, for a regular guy who stood and absolutely delivered.
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...
Reposted by Fatima Syed
The Narwhal has become a leading publication covering energy and environment issues in Canada — thanks to the nearly 10,000 extraordinary people who give each year.
Help us keep proving the naysayers wrong. Donations make twice the difference through Dec. 31.
thenarwhal.ca/double-up
Help us keep proving the naysayers wrong. Donations make twice the difference through Dec. 31.
thenarwhal.ca/double-up
December 9, 2025 at 12:57 AM
The Narwhal has become a leading publication covering energy and environment issues in Canada — thanks to the nearly 10,000 extraordinary people who give each year.
Help us keep proving the naysayers wrong. Donations make twice the difference through Dec. 31.
thenarwhal.ca/double-up
Help us keep proving the naysayers wrong. Donations make twice the difference through Dec. 31.
thenarwhal.ca/double-up