Isaac Phan Nay
@isaacphannay.bsky.social
He/Him. Labour Reporter for The Tyee. Previously reported for CBC News, Canada's National Observer, CityNews1130 and the Toronto Star. Bylines in The Narwhal, The Breach, IndigiNews, etc.
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Isaac Phan Nay
@isaacphannay.bsky.social
· Oct 18
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Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
Again just so overjoyed that BC Cancer has agreed to treat Francisco. But he's not out of the woods yet: CBSA is still planning on deporting him next week. It's not clear if he'll be able to start/ finish his treatment before then.
My update on @thetyee.ca
thetyee.ca/News/2026/02...
My update on @thetyee.ca
thetyee.ca/News/2026/02...
February 6, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Again just so overjoyed that BC Cancer has agreed to treat Francisco. But he's not out of the woods yet: CBSA is still planning on deporting him next week. It's not clear if he'll be able to start/ finish his treatment before then.
My update on @thetyee.ca
thetyee.ca/News/2026/02...
My update on @thetyee.ca
thetyee.ca/News/2026/02...
Canada's Labour Trafficking Problem Is Getting Worse: Intelligence Agency: theijf.org/article/labo...
Canada's Labour Trafficking Problem Is Getting Worse: Intelligence Agency
Public service journalism
theijf.org
February 6, 2026 at 12:11 AM
Canada's Labour Trafficking Problem Is Getting Worse: Intelligence Agency: theijf.org/article/labo...
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
Choori Mohamed came to Canada with a dream of finding a job, getting PR and helping his family emigrate from India.
Instead, he said, he went into debt securing a job for an employer he alleges took back part of his salary in cash. @isaacphannay.bsky.social and @zakvescera.bsky.social report.
Instead, he said, he went into debt securing a job for an employer he alleges took back part of his salary in cash. @isaacphannay.bsky.social and @zakvescera.bsky.social report.
How Canada’s Labour Traffickers Trap Workers | The Tyee
Reports warn a growing number of foreign workers are being victimized. But criminal charges are rare.
thetyee.ca
February 4, 2026 at 4:11 PM
Choori Mohamed came to Canada with a dream of finding a job, getting PR and helping his family emigrate from India.
Instead, he said, he went into debt securing a job for an employer he alleges took back part of his salary in cash. @isaacphannay.bsky.social and @zakvescera.bsky.social report.
Instead, he said, he went into debt securing a job for an employer he alleges took back part of his salary in cash. @isaacphannay.bsky.social and @zakvescera.bsky.social report.
Wanted to share a little impact moment from my reporting last year:
The Burnaby Public Library asked three employee-led equity groups to wrap up their ongoing work last October. After @thetyee.ca reported on staff backlash, the library's board announced $25k to keep the groups in operation.
The Burnaby Public Library asked three employee-led equity groups to wrap up their ongoing work last October. After @thetyee.ca reported on staff backlash, the library's board announced $25k to keep the groups in operation.
The Burnaby Public Library’s Board of Directors has approved funding to keep operating three employee inclusivity groups, following reporting in The Tyee that highlighted staff backlash against planned cuts.
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #vanpoli
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #vanpoli
Burnaby Public Library Will Reverse DEI Group Cuts | The Tyee
Staff were concerned about a plan to cancel three working groups devoted to making the library more inclusive.
thetyee.ca
January 9, 2026 at 12:07 AM
Wanted to share a little impact moment from my reporting last year:
The Burnaby Public Library asked three employee-led equity groups to wrap up their ongoing work last October. After @thetyee.ca reported on staff backlash, the library's board announced $25k to keep the groups in operation.
The Burnaby Public Library asked three employee-led equity groups to wrap up their ongoing work last October. After @thetyee.ca reported on staff backlash, the library's board announced $25k to keep the groups in operation.
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
Tony McQuail, an organic farmer now semi-retired since his daughter bought the farm in 2016, says he’s still working to ensure the farm is regenerative — meaning it heals the land and supports local ecosystems.
@isaacphannay.bsky.social interviews the NDP leadership candidate. 🍊 #canpoli
@isaacphannay.bsky.social interviews the NDP leadership candidate. 🍊 #canpoli
NDP Leader Candidate: ‘I’m Arguing for Regeneration’ | The Tyee
Organic farmer Tony McQuail pledges a ‘green, progressive’ vision for the federal party. A Tyee Q&A.
thetyee.ca
January 7, 2026 at 2:55 PM
Tony McQuail, an organic farmer now semi-retired since his daughter bought the farm in 2016, says he’s still working to ensure the farm is regenerative — meaning it heals the land and supports local ecosystems.
@isaacphannay.bsky.social interviews the NDP leadership candidate. 🍊 #canpoli
@isaacphannay.bsky.social interviews the NDP leadership candidate. 🍊 #canpoli
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
More than 13 years after pipe layer Jeff Caron was crushed to death while replacing a Burnaby storm sewer, a B.C. Supreme Court judge found his employer J. Cote & Son Excavating guilty of criminal negligence.
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #bcpoli
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #bcpoli
A Rare Guilty Verdict in a Worker Fatality Case | The Tyee
Jeff Caron was crushed to death on the job. His employer has been convicted of criminal negligence.
thetyee.ca
December 12, 2025 at 3:30 PM
More than 13 years after pipe layer Jeff Caron was crushed to death while replacing a Burnaby storm sewer, a B.C. Supreme Court judge found his employer J. Cote & Son Excavating guilty of criminal negligence.
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #bcpoli
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #bcpoli
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
“This is a very, very expensive province to live in. So if there’s no future for us here, why not move to another province with more pathways?”
#bcpoli #bced #canpoli
#bcpoli #bced #canpoli
Federal Immigration Cuts Put Strain on BC’s Health-Care Sector, Say Advocates | The Tyee
‘Are we able to plan our life in BC, or should we leave?’ asks one student caught in limbo.
thetyee.ca
December 9, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
Keep it real by fighting disinformation every day. That is The Tyee’s mission statement for 2026.
And it comes with a new initiative we’re eager to tell you about: The Tyee’s Reality Check Project. 🤖🔥🧵 (1/6) #CdnMedia
And it comes with a new initiative we’re eager to tell you about: The Tyee’s Reality Check Project. 🤖🔥🧵 (1/6) #CdnMedia
We Fight Disinformation Every Day. You Can Help | The Tyee
The Tyee’s keeping it real with the support of our readers. And now we offer tax deduction receipts.
thetyee.ca
December 8, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Keep it real by fighting disinformation every day. That is The Tyee’s mission statement for 2026.
And it comes with a new initiative we’re eager to tell you about: The Tyee’s Reality Check Project. 🤖🔥🧵 (1/6) #CdnMedia
And it comes with a new initiative we’re eager to tell you about: The Tyee’s Reality Check Project. 🤖🔥🧵 (1/6) #CdnMedia
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
Vancouver-based animator Emily Gossmann is “an optimist” and believes in her “union and labour movement’s capacity to move the needle on regulation and to get better protections.”
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #bclab
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #bclab
Why BC Animators Are Breathing Easier about AI | The Tyee
Tense Hollywood strikes in 2023 paved the way for job protections for hundreds of Vancouver animators.
thetyee.ca
November 28, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Vancouver-based animator Emily Gossmann is “an optimist” and believes in her “union and labour movement’s capacity to move the needle on regulation and to get better protections.”
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #bclab
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #bclab
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
While other contestants keep their policies "close to the chest," @avilewis.ca is laying out a vision for the future.
"We're in an emergency. We have got to start talking."
His full interview with @isaacphannay.bsky.social in @thetyee.ca is worth your time: thetyee.ca/News/2025/11... #cdnpoli
"We're in an emergency. We have got to start talking."
His full interview with @isaacphannay.bsky.social in @thetyee.ca is worth your time: thetyee.ca/News/2025/11... #cdnpoli
‘We’re in an Emergency. We Have Got to Start Talking’ | The Tyee
Environmentalist and documentarian Avi Lewis is taking another swing at federal politics. This time, he wants to lead the NDP. A Tyee Q&A.
thetyee.ca
November 6, 2025 at 11:42 PM
While other contestants keep their policies "close to the chest," @avilewis.ca is laying out a vision for the future.
"We're in an emergency. We have got to start talking."
His full interview with @isaacphannay.bsky.social in @thetyee.ca is worth your time: thetyee.ca/News/2025/11... #cdnpoli
"We're in an emergency. We have got to start talking."
His full interview with @isaacphannay.bsky.social in @thetyee.ca is worth your time: thetyee.ca/News/2025/11... #cdnpoli
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
A contentious union drive, the departure of almost all the staff seeking a first contract and fierce criticism from some former employees have embroiled Vancouver’s Massy Books in controversy for almost a year.
@isaacphannay.bsky.social unpacks the details here: thetyee.ca/Culture/2025...
@isaacphannay.bsky.social unpacks the details here: thetyee.ca/Culture/2025...
Inside the Labour Struggle at Massy Books | The Tyee
Nearly a year after unionizing, the beloved bookstore has few staff and no contract.
thetyee.ca
November 15, 2025 at 8:41 PM
A contentious union drive, the departure of almost all the staff seeking a first contract and fierce criticism from some former employees have embroiled Vancouver’s Massy Books in controversy for almost a year.
@isaacphannay.bsky.social unpacks the details here: thetyee.ca/Culture/2025...
@isaacphannay.bsky.social unpacks the details here: thetyee.ca/Culture/2025...
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
The federal Liberals’ new budget proposes to cut about 10% of government jobs over the next four years to bring the public service to a “sustainable size” — reneging on its election promises. @isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #CanPoli
Get Ready for Harper-Style Public Service Cuts, Says Analyst | The Tyee
Budget 2025 proposes cutting 40,000 government jobs.
thetyee.ca
November 5, 2025 at 2:53 PM
The federal Liberals’ new budget proposes to cut about 10% of government jobs over the next four years to bring the public service to a “sustainable size” — reneging on its election promises. @isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #CanPoli
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
Workers at the only unionized Amazon warehouse in Canada sat down Thursday to negotiate a contract for workers. @isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #bclab #canlab
Only Unionized Amazon Warehouse in Canada Starts Negotiating | The Tyee
Both sides have unresolved legal challenges before courts and labour relations tribunals.
thetyee.ca
October 31, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Workers at the only unionized Amazon warehouse in Canada sat down Thursday to negotiate a contract for workers. @isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #bclab #canlab
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
This Delta, B.C. site is the only unionized Amazon warehouse in Canada - and they're finally starting the collective bargaining process.
This comes after Amazon shut down all its Quebec facilities after a unionization attempt. Reporting by @isaacphannay.bsky.social thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
This comes after Amazon shut down all its Quebec facilities after a unionization attempt. Reporting by @isaacphannay.bsky.social thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
Only Unionized Amazon Warehouse in Canada Starts Negotiating | The Tyee
Both sides have unresolved legal challenges before courts and labour relations tribunals.
thetyee.ca
October 31, 2025 at 8:37 PM
This Delta, B.C. site is the only unionized Amazon warehouse in Canada - and they're finally starting the collective bargaining process.
This comes after Amazon shut down all its Quebec facilities after a unionization attempt. Reporting by @isaacphannay.bsky.social thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
This comes after Amazon shut down all its Quebec facilities after a unionization attempt. Reporting by @isaacphannay.bsky.social thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
Experts estimate that to survive, Canada Post will need to lay off thousands.
“Part of that transformation will happen through attrition. I’m convinced of that,” said Joël Lightbound, the minister responsible for Canada Post. “But the transformation has to begin.”
#CanLab #BCLab #Labour
“Part of that transformation will happen through attrition. I’m convinced of that,” said Joël Lightbound, the minister responsible for Canada Post. “But the transformation has to begin.”
#CanLab #BCLab #Labour
What to do with Canada Post?
It’s a question that’s out of the government’s hands until next month. On Sept. 25, Ottawa gave Canada Post CEO Doug Ettinger 45 days to come up with a plan to bring the Crown corporation back from the brink.
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #canlab
It’s a question that’s out of the government’s hands until next month. On Sept. 25, Ottawa gave Canada Post CEO Doug Ettinger 45 days to come up with a plan to bring the Crown corporation back from the brink.
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #canlab
Canada Post Minister Says He’s Ready to Allow Big Job Cuts | The Tyee
Experts say at least 10,000 jobs could be lost to changes at the Crown corporation.
thetyee.ca
October 29, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
The federal minister in charge of Canada Post says he's ready to allow big job cuts. Reporting from our labour reporter @isaacphannay.bsky.social thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
Canada Post Minister Says He’s Ready to Allow Big Job Cuts | The Tyee
Experts say at least 10,000 jobs could be lost to changes at the Crown corporation.
thetyee.ca
October 29, 2025 at 11:11 PM
The federal minister in charge of Canada Post says he's ready to allow big job cuts. Reporting from our labour reporter @isaacphannay.bsky.social thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
The BC Nurses Union is meeting with MLAs today to talk violence prevention. Violence is horribly common in health care, especially for nurses who deal with patients all day every day.
The union has come up with 10 steps it says will reduce violence
www.bcnu.org/files/top-10...
The union has come up with 10 steps it says will reduce violence
www.bcnu.org/files/top-10...
www.bcnu.org
October 24, 2025 at 7:20 PM
The BC Nurses Union is meeting with MLAs today to talk violence prevention. Violence is horribly common in health care, especially for nurses who deal with patients all day every day.
The union has come up with 10 steps it says will reduce violence
www.bcnu.org/files/top-10...
The union has come up with 10 steps it says will reduce violence
www.bcnu.org/files/top-10...
ICYMI: "The country is about to change direction, and PM Mark Carney intends to steer it hard."
That's from investigative journalist @karynpugliese.bsky.social It's astute insight from my old boss, published in my new paper.
Def. a must-read:
That's from investigative journalist @karynpugliese.bsky.social It's astute insight from my old boss, published in my new paper.
Def. a must-read:
Carney’s Address: Dad Sat Us Down for a Serious Talk
The more the PM calmly reassured, the clearer the subtext: brace for harsh measures. thetyee.ca/Newsearch/?q... #cdnpoli #budget #Carney
The more the PM calmly reassured, the clearer the subtext: brace for harsh measures. thetyee.ca/Newsearch/?q... #cdnpoli #budget #Carney
Search | The Tyee
thetyee.ca
October 24, 2025 at 7:21 PM
ICYMI: "The country is about to change direction, and PM Mark Carney intends to steer it hard."
That's from investigative journalist @karynpugliese.bsky.social It's astute insight from my old boss, published in my new paper.
Def. a must-read:
That's from investigative journalist @karynpugliese.bsky.social It's astute insight from my old boss, published in my new paper.
Def. a must-read:
Under the Access to Information Act, I requested comms prepared for Minister Patty Hajdu about flight attendants’ unpaid work.
I got back a slim package of docs including 5-page internal memo out-right labeled "secret."
Check it out @thetyee.ca
thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
I got back a slim package of docs including 5-page internal memo out-right labeled "secret."
Check it out @thetyee.ca
thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
Can Legislation Solve Unpaid Airline Work? | The Tyee
It’s the third time a bill has been introduced, and follows a three-day strike that snarled summer air travel.
thetyee.ca
October 22, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Under the Access to Information Act, I requested comms prepared for Minister Patty Hajdu about flight attendants’ unpaid work.
I got back a slim package of docs including 5-page internal memo out-right labeled "secret."
Check it out @thetyee.ca
thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
I got back a slim package of docs including 5-page internal memo out-right labeled "secret."
Check it out @thetyee.ca
thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
What does virtual picketing look like?
@isaacphannay.bsky.social looks at how remote workers are contributing as the #BCgov strike enters its seventh week.
@thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
@isaacphannay.bsky.social looks at how remote workers are contributing as the #BCgov strike enters its seventh week.
@thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
Remote Strike: How BC Government Workers Take the Picket Online | The Tyee
For about 1,000 BCGEU workers, striking means planning strategy and communications on video calls.
thetyee.ca
October 21, 2025 at 2:09 PM
What does virtual picketing look like?
@isaacphannay.bsky.social looks at how remote workers are contributing as the #BCgov strike enters its seventh week.
@thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
@isaacphannay.bsky.social looks at how remote workers are contributing as the #BCgov strike enters its seventh week.
@thetyee.ca thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
What is online picketing? Some BCGEU members are on strike remotely instead of walking a picket line. #canlab
thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
Remote Strike: How BC Government Workers Take the Picket Online | The Tyee
For about 1,000 BCGEU workers, striking means planning strategy and communications on video calls.
thetyee.ca
October 21, 2025 at 4:24 PM
What is online picketing? Some BCGEU members are on strike remotely instead of walking a picket line. #canlab
thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/10...
Want to really make an impact? Share my stories to reddit.
October 18, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Want to really make an impact? Share my stories to reddit.
In my latest for @thetyee.ca I examine the case to gut Canada Post, the case to expand Canada Post's services and the Union's Purolator allegations.
Is Canada Post doomed, a victim of tech changes and competition that made daily mail delivery irrelevant?
Or has the 174-year-old institution been strangled by government policies that limited its chance to compete?
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #canlab
Or has the 174-year-old institution been strangled by government policies that limited its chance to compete?
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #canlab
Has Time Run Out for Canada Post? | The Tyee
Inside the debate over the Crown corporation’s future as unions and management battle.
thetyee.ca
October 16, 2025 at 4:53 PM
In my latest for @thetyee.ca I examine the case to gut Canada Post, the case to expand Canada Post's services and the Union's Purolator allegations.
Reposted by Isaac Phan Nay
Is Canada Post doomed, a victim of tech changes and competition that made daily mail delivery irrelevant?
Or has the 174-year-old institution been strangled by government policies that limited its chance to compete?
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #canlab
Or has the 174-year-old institution been strangled by government policies that limited its chance to compete?
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #canlab
Has Time Run Out for Canada Post? | The Tyee
Inside the debate over the Crown corporation’s future as unions and management battle.
thetyee.ca
October 16, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Is Canada Post doomed, a victim of tech changes and competition that made daily mail delivery irrelevant?
Or has the 174-year-old institution been strangled by government policies that limited its chance to compete?
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #canlab
Or has the 174-year-old institution been strangled by government policies that limited its chance to compete?
@isaacphannay.bsky.social reports. #canlab
"Housing is atrociously expensive. Food is atrociously expensive. Medicine to make you healthy is atrociously expensive," Rob Ashton told me.
"But when we ask for more, we’re told we’re greedy."
"But when we ask for more, we’re told we’re greedy."
“So why now? I’m tired of Conservatives and Liberals lying to workers, telling them they’re going to make their lives better. All we see happening is our lives getting worse.”
@isaacphannay.bsky.social interviews Rob Ashton who is joining the race for the NDP leadership. #canpoli
@isaacphannay.bsky.social interviews Rob Ashton who is joining the race for the NDP leadership. #canpoli
‘We're All Getting Screwed. I’ve Had Enough’ | The Tyee
He was a dockworker, then a labour leader. Now Rob Ashton wants to lead the federal NDP. A Tyee Q&A.
thetyee.ca
October 6, 2025 at 5:22 PM
"Housing is atrociously expensive. Food is atrociously expensive. Medicine to make you healthy is atrociously expensive," Rob Ashton told me.
"But when we ask for more, we’re told we’re greedy."
"But when we ask for more, we’re told we’re greedy."