Rebecca Gao
@rebeccaga0.bsky.social
writer and editor everywhere | food, culture, health and wellness, local politics
obsessed with you probably | she/her
obsessed with you probably | she/her
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
Great reporting (as per usual) on Ontario's healthcare system by the team over at @thelocal.to, with some stellar pieces by @royinori.bsky.social, @rebeccaga0.bsky.social and @wencyleung.bsky.social, among others.
thelocal.to/winter-2026/
thelocal.to/winter-2026/
The Cost of Care | The Local
Stories about where money and medicine collide in 2026. Throughout January and February, we’ll publish pieces from the corners of Ontario’s health care system where entrepreneurs and corporate Canada ...
thelocal.to
February 13, 2026 at 1:23 AM
Great reporting (as per usual) on Ontario's healthcare system by the team over at @thelocal.to, with some stellar pieces by @royinori.bsky.social, @rebeccaga0.bsky.social and @wencyleung.bsky.social, among others.
thelocal.to/winter-2026/
thelocal.to/winter-2026/
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
The always excellent @rebeccaga0.bsky.social tackles the blurring line between medical and commercial in the world of dermatology. What happens when your health care practition turns a medically-necessary appointment turns into a sales pitch for cosmetic procedures? thelocal.to/dermatology-...
When Your Dermatologist Becomes a Salesperson | The Local
Getting a mole checked can takes months, but Botox appointments are readily available. Why dermatologists say their practice is the canary in the coal mine for privatized care.
thelocal.to
February 11, 2026 at 8:55 PM
The always excellent @rebeccaga0.bsky.social tackles the blurring line between medical and commercial in the world of dermatology. What happens when your health care practition turns a medically-necessary appointment turns into a sales pitch for cosmetic procedures? thelocal.to/dermatology-...
For @thelocal.to i wrote about dermatologists upselling their patients. It’s a trend that critics warn is creating a two-tier system for dermatological care, and may foreshadow what’s to come in Ontario’s health care system more broadly: thelocal.to/dermatology-...
When Your Dermatologist Becomes a Salesperson | The Local
Getting a mole checked can takes months, but Botox appointments are readily available. Why dermatologists say their practice is the canary in the coal mine for privatized care.
thelocal.to
February 10, 2026 at 2:54 PM
For @thelocal.to i wrote about dermatologists upselling their patients. It’s a trend that critics warn is creating a two-tier system for dermatological care, and may foreshadow what’s to come in Ontario’s health care system more broadly: thelocal.to/dermatology-...
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
Getting a mole checked can takes months, but Botox appointments are readily available. @rebeccaga0.bsky.social on why dermatologists say their practice is the canary in the coal mine for privatized care. thelocal.to/dermatology-...
When Your Dermatologist Becomes a Salesperson | The Local
Getting a mole checked can takes months, but Botox appointments are readily available. Why dermatologists say their practice is the canary in the coal mine for privatized care.
thelocal.to
February 10, 2026 at 12:29 PM
Getting a mole checked can takes months, but Botox appointments are readily available. @rebeccaga0.bsky.social on why dermatologists say their practice is the canary in the coal mine for privatized care. thelocal.to/dermatology-...
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
So much going on, but make time for this piece by @wencyleung.bsky.social. A gorgeous, surprisingly uplifting story that tackles an enormous subject, really the biggest subject, and tells is with such careful intimacy. thelocal.to/cost-of-canc... #longreads
Rhea Seegobin Can’t Afford Terminal Cancer | The Local
For the growing number of Canadians who will get cancer in their lifetimes, the financial stress can be profound. But despite her terminal diagnosis, with the support of her community, Rhea is determi...
thelocal.to
January 27, 2026 at 2:21 PM
So much going on, but make time for this piece by @wencyleung.bsky.social. A gorgeous, surprisingly uplifting story that tackles an enormous subject, really the biggest subject, and tells is with such careful intimacy. thelocal.to/cost-of-canc... #longreads
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
before we go cheering about canada, just as we do for the IDF, we’re providing ICE with its weapons
‘Fantastic news’: Ford welcomes ICE plan to order Ontario armoured vehicles | Globalnews.ca
Reports emerged this week of U.S. government procurement plans to order 20 Senator vehicles for its ICE officers, a move worth roughly $10 million.
globalnews.ca
January 26, 2026 at 6:55 PM
before we go cheering about canada, just as we do for the IDF, we’re providing ICE with its weapons
Big year in film for the name Agnes
December 13, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Big year in film for the name Agnes
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
Toronto has once again been named one of North America’s rattiest cities. Why is the population skyrocketing - and what can be done?
Step inside the RATPOCALYPSE, from the June issue of WEpP, story by @rebeccaga0.bsky.social w illustrations by Jacqui Oakley
www.westendphoenix.com/stories/insi...
Step inside the RATPOCALYPSE, from the June issue of WEpP, story by @rebeccaga0.bsky.social w illustrations by Jacqui Oakley
www.westendphoenix.com/stories/insi...
Inside the Ratpocalypse — West End Phoenix
Toronto has been named one of North America’s rattiest cities. Why is the rodent population skyrocketing – and what can be done?
www.westendphoenix.com
December 13, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Toronto has once again been named one of North America’s rattiest cities. Why is the population skyrocketing - and what can be done?
Step inside the RATPOCALYPSE, from the June issue of WEpP, story by @rebeccaga0.bsky.social w illustrations by Jacqui Oakley
www.westendphoenix.com/stories/insi...
Step inside the RATPOCALYPSE, from the June issue of WEpP, story by @rebeccaga0.bsky.social w illustrations by Jacqui Oakley
www.westendphoenix.com/stories/insi...
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
📣SOURCE CALL OUT📣 Has your dermatologist tried upselling you? (Like, trying to sell a cosmetic procedure when you're in for a mole). Or, have you struggled to land an OHIP-covered appt but was able to get in fast for something not covered? I'd love to chat for a story in @thelocal.to DMs are open!
November 21, 2025 at 6:47 PM
📣SOURCE CALL OUT📣 Has your dermatologist tried upselling you? (Like, trying to sell a cosmetic procedure when you're in for a mole). Or, have you struggled to land an OHIP-covered appt but was able to get in fast for something not covered? I'd love to chat for a story in @thelocal.to DMs are open!
📣SOURCE CALL OUT📣 Has your dermatologist tried upselling you? (Like, trying to sell a cosmetic procedure when you're in for a mole). Or, have you struggled to land an OHIP-covered appt but was able to get in fast for something not covered? I'd love to chat for a story in @thelocal.to DMs are open!
November 21, 2025 at 6:47 PM
📣SOURCE CALL OUT📣 Has your dermatologist tried upselling you? (Like, trying to sell a cosmetic procedure when you're in for a mole). Or, have you struggled to land an OHIP-covered appt but was able to get in fast for something not covered? I'd love to chat for a story in @thelocal.to DMs are open!
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
An important story by @rebeccaga0.bsky.social in @thenarwhal.ca today
Hurricane Melissa's destruction has the Jamaican diaspora mobilizing to send money and aid. The effects of climate change are hitting developing countries hardest, putting pressure on immigrants in Canada to increase the billions they already send home every year. thenarwhal.ca/hurricane-me...
Disasters like Hurricane Melissa put pressure on immigrants | The Narwhal
Immigrants in Canada send billions home every year. Climate disasters like Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Jamaica, add to the pressure
thenarwhal.ca
November 6, 2025 at 8:25 PM
An important story by @rebeccaga0.bsky.social in @thenarwhal.ca today
For @thenarwhal.ca I wrote about Hurricane Melissa, how immigrants in Canada organize aid for their motherlands when disaster strikes, what that means as climate change makes disasters more common and the way that diasporic communities look after each other 💜
thenarwhal.ca/hurricane-me...
thenarwhal.ca/hurricane-me...
Disasters like Hurricane Melissa put pressure on immigrants | The Narwhal
Immigrants in Canada send billions home every year. Climate disasters like Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Jamaica, add to the pressure
thenarwhal.ca
November 6, 2025 at 6:50 PM
For @thenarwhal.ca I wrote about Hurricane Melissa, how immigrants in Canada organize aid for their motherlands when disaster strikes, what that means as climate change makes disasters more common and the way that diasporic communities look after each other 💜
thenarwhal.ca/hurricane-me...
thenarwhal.ca/hurricane-me...
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
Hurricane Melissa's destruction has the Jamaican diaspora mobilizing to send money and aid. The effects of climate change are hitting developing countries hardest, putting pressure on immigrants in Canada to increase the billions they already send home every year. thenarwhal.ca/hurricane-me...
Disasters like Hurricane Melissa put pressure on immigrants | The Narwhal
Immigrants in Canada send billions home every year. Climate disasters like Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Jamaica, add to the pressure
thenarwhal.ca
November 6, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Hurricane Melissa's destruction has the Jamaican diaspora mobilizing to send money and aid. The effects of climate change are hitting developing countries hardest, putting pressure on immigrants in Canada to increase the billions they already send home every year. thenarwhal.ca/hurricane-me...
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
Hello! The Narwhal is looking to talk to people in Canada who regularly send money home to Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti or the Bahamas and might increase it in the wake of Melissa. I am at denise@thenarwhal.ca 💚
October 28, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Hello! The Narwhal is looking to talk to people in Canada who regularly send money home to Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti or the Bahamas and might increase it in the wake of Melissa. I am at denise@thenarwhal.ca 💚
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
It's election day in Scarborough-Rouge Park. Our Candidate Tracker is the only place for fact-checked bios and platform summaries of every candidate. #TOpoli 🗳️ thelocal.to/srp2025/
Here Are the Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election Candidates | The Local
The only place to find fact-checked biographies and election platform summaries for every candidate running for Ward 25—Scarborough–Rouge Park in the September 29, 2025 by-election.
thelocal.to
September 29, 2025 at 11:38 AM
It's election day in Scarborough-Rouge Park. Our Candidate Tracker is the only place for fact-checked bios and platform summaries of every candidate. #TOpoli 🗳️ thelocal.to/srp2025/
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
In today's Scarborough-Rouge Park by-election, leading candidates run on putting Scarborough first. #TOpoli thelocal.to/scarborough-...
In the Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election, Candidates Promise to Put Scarborough First | The Local
In a crowded by-election in Toronto’s most eastern ward, is focusing on hyper-local issues the way into City Hall?
thelocal.to
September 29, 2025 at 5:24 PM
In today's Scarborough-Rouge Park by-election, leading candidates run on putting Scarborough first. #TOpoli thelocal.to/scarborough-...
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
🧵Then head over to read @rebeccaga0.bsky.social spotlight of the frontrunners in the race! thelocal.to/scarborough-...
In the Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election, Candidates Promise to Put Scarborough First | The Local
In a crowded by-election in Toronto’s most eastern ward, is focussing on hyper-local issues the way into City Hall?
thelocal.to
September 20, 2025 at 12:01 PM
🧵Then head over to read @rebeccaga0.bsky.social spotlight of the frontrunners in the race! thelocal.to/scarborough-...
My latest for @thelocal.to about Scarborough-Rouge Park’s upcoming byelection. They’re looking for a candidate who, while balancing obligations to the ward and city as a whole, can finally put Scarborough first. thelocal.to/scarborough-...
In the Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election, Candidates Promise to Put Scarborough First | The Local
In a crowded by-election in Toronto’s most eastern ward, is focusing on hyper-local issues the way into City Hall?
thelocal.to
September 18, 2025 at 11:50 PM
My latest for @thelocal.to about Scarborough-Rouge Park’s upcoming byelection. They’re looking for a candidate who, while balancing obligations to the ward and city as a whole, can finally put Scarborough first. thelocal.to/scarborough-...
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
And here's @rebeccaga0.bsky.social with an in-depth look at the ward. (These ward profiles always offer a better understanding of a corner of the GTA. Worth reading even if you don't live there!) thelocal.to/scarborough-...
In the Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election, Candidates Promise to Put Scarborough First | The Local
In a crowded by-election in Toronto’s most eastern ward, is focussing on hyper-local issues the way into City Hall?
thelocal.to
September 18, 2025 at 12:52 PM
And here's @rebeccaga0.bsky.social with an in-depth look at the ward. (These ward profiles always offer a better understanding of a corner of the GTA. Worth reading even if you don't live there!) thelocal.to/scarborough-...
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
We believe local journalism is essential to local democracy. Candidate Tracker 2025 is thanks to the work of @aliceboyle.bsky.social, @rebeccaga0.bsky.social, @filipouris.bsky.social, @emmapaling.bsky.social. If you like our work and want to see it continue, consider donating! thelocal.to/support/
Local Journalism Matters | The Local
Support a new kind of local journalism—in-depth, non-profit, from corners of Toronto too often overlooked.
thelocal.to
September 18, 2025 at 12:45 PM
We believe local journalism is essential to local democracy. Candidate Tracker 2025 is thanks to the work of @aliceboyle.bsky.social, @rebeccaga0.bsky.social, @filipouris.bsky.social, @emmapaling.bsky.social. If you like our work and want to see it continue, consider donating! thelocal.to/support/
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
It's a crowded field for Scarborough-Rouge Park's upcoming by-election. In a ward that feels distant from City Hall and left out of some of its decisions, many of the candidates are campaigning on a platform of putting Scarborough first, writes @rebeccaga0.bsky.social. thelocal.to/scarborough-...
In the Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election, Candidates Promise to Put Scarborough First | The Local
In a crowded by-election in Toronto’s most eastern ward, is focussing on hyper-local issues the way into City Hall?
thelocal.to
September 18, 2025 at 12:37 PM
It's a crowded field for Scarborough-Rouge Park's upcoming by-election. In a ward that feels distant from City Hall and left out of some of its decisions, many of the candidates are campaigning on a platform of putting Scarborough first, writes @rebeccaga0.bsky.social. thelocal.to/scarborough-...
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
Southern Ontario's primarily hardwood forest doesn't offer great fuel for wildfires, but the density of the population and all the infrastructure that comes with it means fires that do spark are closely watched. Here's @rebeccaga0.bsky.social's look at how fires here compare to the boreal's blazes:
A wildfire burning in southern Ontario — as many did this summer — is a far different beast than a blaze in the boreal forest, but it’s still something to take seriously. Here’s @rebeccaga0.bsky.social with the reasons. thenarwhal.ca/southern-ont...
Why southern Ontario wildfires are burning more often | The Narwhal
Southern Ontario wildfires are becoming less rare due to hotter, drier weather. Here’s what you need to know
thenarwhal.ca
September 3, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Southern Ontario's primarily hardwood forest doesn't offer great fuel for wildfires, but the density of the population and all the infrastructure that comes with it means fires that do spark are closely watched. Here's @rebeccaga0.bsky.social's look at how fires here compare to the boreal's blazes:
All summer, Ontarians experienced the impact of wildfires from the west. But now, with fires blazing closer to home (in areas that don't often experience wildfires), we're wondering: how are wildfires in southern Ontario different? My latest for
@thenarwhal.ca here: thenarwhal.ca/southern-ont...
@thenarwhal.ca here: thenarwhal.ca/southern-ont...
Why southern Ontario wildfires are burning more often | The Narwhal
Southern Ontario wildfires are becoming less rare due to hotter, drier weather. Here’s what you need to know
thenarwhal.ca
September 3, 2025 at 3:46 PM
All summer, Ontarians experienced the impact of wildfires from the west. But now, with fires blazing closer to home (in areas that don't often experience wildfires), we're wondering: how are wildfires in southern Ontario different? My latest for
@thenarwhal.ca here: thenarwhal.ca/southern-ont...
@thenarwhal.ca here: thenarwhal.ca/southern-ont...
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
A wildfire burning in southern Ontario — as many did this summer — is a far different beast than a blaze in the boreal forest, but it’s still something to take seriously. Here’s @rebeccaga0.bsky.social with the reasons. thenarwhal.ca/southern-ont...
Why southern Ontario wildfires are burning more often | The Narwhal
Southern Ontario wildfires are becoming less rare due to hotter, drier weather. Here’s what you need to know
thenarwhal.ca
September 3, 2025 at 12:42 PM
A wildfire burning in southern Ontario — as many did this summer — is a far different beast than a blaze in the boreal forest, but it’s still something to take seriously. Here’s @rebeccaga0.bsky.social with the reasons. thenarwhal.ca/southern-ont...
Reposted by Rebecca Gao
With Premier Doug Ford announcing today that construction is set to start on Ontario’s Highway 413, here's a look at our story on where the controversial project stands in light of Bill 5 and a federal government also set on fast-tracking development: thenarwhal.ca/ontario-high...
Construction starting on Highway 413: what you need to know | The Narwhal
Construction is starting on Ontario’s Highway 413 as the federal government sets its sights on fast-tracking development through Bill C-5
thenarwhal.ca
August 27, 2025 at 9:22 PM
With Premier Doug Ford announcing today that construction is set to start on Ontario’s Highway 413, here's a look at our story on where the controversial project stands in light of Bill 5 and a federal government also set on fast-tracking development: thenarwhal.ca/ontario-high...