Brishti Basu
@brishti.bsky.social
Health Reporter at PressProgress. Words + photos in CBC, Capital Daily, Tyee, VICE, and many more.
📧 bbasu@pressprogress.ca
Sign up for your bimonthly Pulse Check: pressprogress.ca/pulsecheck/
DM for Signal.
📧 bbasu@pressprogress.ca
Sign up for your bimonthly Pulse Check: pressprogress.ca/pulsecheck/
DM for Signal.
Also in this article:
- Dawson Creek doc describes health concerns in northeast BC where #fracking expected to grow
- Gitanyow sustainability director on a Sept. meeting w/ BC energy minister (former health) @adriandix.bsky.social, who heard these concerns.
- relevant Lancet study findings + more
- Dawson Creek doc describes health concerns in northeast BC where #fracking expected to grow
- Gitanyow sustainability director on a Sept. meeting w/ BC energy minister (former health) @adriandix.bsky.social, who heard these concerns.
- relevant Lancet study findings + more
November 14, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Also in this article:
- Dawson Creek doc describes health concerns in northeast BC where #fracking expected to grow
- Gitanyow sustainability director on a Sept. meeting w/ BC energy minister (former health) @adriandix.bsky.social, who heard these concerns.
- relevant Lancet study findings + more
- Dawson Creek doc describes health concerns in northeast BC where #fracking expected to grow
- Gitanyow sustainability director on a Sept. meeting w/ BC energy minister (former health) @adriandix.bsky.social, who heard these concerns.
- relevant Lancet study findings + more
4. Exclusive Dispatch From my colleague @ericwickham.ca re: disability rights advocates' calls to action about Ontario's Bill 33 that could see a Ford government takeover of all school boards.
November 11, 2025 at 4:23 PM
4. Exclusive Dispatch From my colleague @ericwickham.ca re: disability rights advocates' calls to action about Ontario's Bill 33 that could see a Ford government takeover of all school boards.
3. An interactive #dataviz of new Canadian Institute for Health Information @cihica.bsky.social data re: substance use-related hospitalizations across Canada this past year compared to 2018, as part of the second featured story.
(article link: pressprogress.ca/alcohol-stil...)
(article link: pressprogress.ca/alcohol-stil...)
November 11, 2025 at 4:21 PM
3. An interactive #dataviz of new Canadian Institute for Health Information @cihica.bsky.social data re: substance use-related hospitalizations across Canada this past year compared to 2018, as part of the second featured story.
(article link: pressprogress.ca/alcohol-stil...)
(article link: pressprogress.ca/alcohol-stil...)
2. Featured story: the verdict against Vancouver's Drug User Liberation Front @dulfbc.bsky.social founders in a case that is anything but straightforward.
(article link: pressprogress.ca/founders-of-...)
(article link: pressprogress.ca/founders-of-...)
November 11, 2025 at 4:19 PM
2. Featured story: the verdict against Vancouver's Drug User Liberation Front @dulfbc.bsky.social founders in a case that is anything but straightforward.
(article link: pressprogress.ca/founders-of-...)
(article link: pressprogress.ca/founders-of-...)
A few snippets from the 2nd edition of Pulse Check, out yesterday (if you sign up now you'll still get a copy).
#ICYMI this is my 2x monthly Canadian healthcare newsletter at @pressprogress.ca, which you can sign up for at the link in my bio.
1. Title and intro with a brief note from yours truly ✍🏽
#ICYMI this is my 2x monthly Canadian healthcare newsletter at @pressprogress.ca, which you can sign up for at the link in my bio.
1. Title and intro with a brief note from yours truly ✍🏽
November 11, 2025 at 4:17 PM
A few snippets from the 2nd edition of Pulse Check, out yesterday (if you sign up now you'll still get a copy).
#ICYMI this is my 2x monthly Canadian healthcare newsletter at @pressprogress.ca, which you can sign up for at the link in my bio.
1. Title and intro with a brief note from yours truly ✍🏽
#ICYMI this is my 2x monthly Canadian healthcare newsletter at @pressprogress.ca, which you can sign up for at the link in my bio.
1. Title and intro with a brief note from yours truly ✍🏽
Ending Day 1 with 250+ subscribers! Thanks to everyone who signed up for this fledgling newsletter 🎉
Next edition coming up on November 10 :)
Next edition coming up on November 10 :)
October 28, 2025 at 3:55 PM
Ending Day 1 with 250+ subscribers! Thanks to everyone who signed up for this fledgling newsletter 🎉
Next edition coming up on November 10 :)
Next edition coming up on November 10 :)
And we’re live!
In this edition:
- update from Health Canada & PAHO that says a decision on measles elimination status will be made public in Dec;
- #COVID19 chart from BC data;
- roundup of research/policies
& more
A little sneak peek:
In this edition:
- update from Health Canada & PAHO that says a decision on measles elimination status will be made public in Dec;
- #COVID19 chart from BC data;
- roundup of research/policies
& more
A little sneak peek:
October 27, 2025 at 11:23 PM
And we’re live!
In this edition:
- update from Health Canada & PAHO that says a decision on measles elimination status will be made public in Dec;
- #COVID19 chart from BC data;
- roundup of research/policies
& more
A little sneak peek:
In this edition:
- update from Health Canada & PAHO that says a decision on measles elimination status will be made public in Dec;
- #COVID19 chart from BC data;
- roundup of research/policies
& more
A little sneak peek:
canada staying in the room amidst a worldwide delegates' walkout when the war criminal is speaking ONLY TO GET BERATED BY HIM ANYWAY is kinda funny ngl
source: CP www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/can...
source: CP www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/can...
September 27, 2025 at 8:00 PM
canada staying in the room amidst a worldwide delegates' walkout when the war criminal is speaking ONLY TO GET BERATED BY HIM ANYWAY is kinda funny ngl
source: CP www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/can...
source: CP www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/can...
Sidebar from me, as a human:
If it’s possible to be disturbed by anything anymore, I find it disturbing that even as Israeli tanks roll into Gaza, THIS is still the conversation we’re having in Canada, two years in.
#freepalestine
If it’s possible to be disturbed by anything anymore, I find it disturbing that even as Israeli tanks roll into Gaza, THIS is still the conversation we’re having in Canada, two years in.
#freepalestine
September 19, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Sidebar from me, as a human:
If it’s possible to be disturbed by anything anymore, I find it disturbing that even as Israeli tanks roll into Gaza, THIS is still the conversation we’re having in Canada, two years in.
#freepalestine
If it’s possible to be disturbed by anything anymore, I find it disturbing that even as Israeli tanks roll into Gaza, THIS is still the conversation we’re having in Canada, two years in.
#freepalestine
December '24: Ge's talk about structural racism in global crises to be delivered to PHAC staff was cancelled at the last minute.
Even after he censored his presentation, he learned via ATIP it was cancelled bc of complaints about his personal social media, often levied by Honest Reporting Canada.
Even after he censored his presentation, he learned via ATIP it was cancelled bc of complaints about his personal social media, often levied by Honest Reporting Canada.
September 19, 2025 at 7:36 PM
December '24: Ge's talk about structural racism in global crises to be delivered to PHAC staff was cancelled at the last minute.
Even after he censored his presentation, he learned via ATIP it was cancelled bc of complaints about his personal social media, often levied by Honest Reporting Canada.
Even after he censored his presentation, he learned via ATIP it was cancelled bc of complaints about his personal social media, often levied by Honest Reporting Canada.
Through internal emails, a @yipengge.bsky.social ATIP, & statements from almost everyone involved, this story traces a pattern of advocacy against Canadian academics and Francesca Albanese
It’s advocacy that worked, and in many cases started with an HonestReporting Canada site post/call to action.
It’s advocacy that worked, and in many cases started with an HonestReporting Canada site post/call to action.
September 19, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Through internal emails, a @yipengge.bsky.social ATIP, & statements from almost everyone involved, this story traces a pattern of advocacy against Canadian academics and Francesca Albanese
It’s advocacy that worked, and in many cases started with an HonestReporting Canada site post/call to action.
It’s advocacy that worked, and in many cases started with an HonestReporting Canada site post/call to action.
Right now, nurses in BC get benefits paid 100% by the province. Other health workers have 'joint benefits trusts' in which employees and employers pay $$ to maintain benefits.
Another health sector union that has a JBT is now fighting employers who, BCGEU says, owe 2yrs of payments into the trust
Another health sector union that has a JBT is now fighting employers who, BCGEU says, owe 2yrs of payments into the trust
August 29, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Right now, nurses in BC get benefits paid 100% by the province. Other health workers have 'joint benefits trusts' in which employees and employers pay $$ to maintain benefits.
Another health sector union that has a JBT is now fighting employers who, BCGEU says, owe 2yrs of payments into the trust
Another health sector union that has a JBT is now fighting employers who, BCGEU says, owe 2yrs of payments into the trust
@emmaarkell.bsky.social's explainer published just now pressprogress.ca/air-canada-f...
and snapshots from Friday's Shift Work newsletter:
and snapshots from Friday's Shift Work newsletter:
August 18, 2025 at 10:52 PM
@emmaarkell.bsky.social's explainer published just now pressprogress.ca/air-canada-f...
and snapshots from Friday's Shift Work newsletter:
and snapshots from Friday's Shift Work newsletter:
Vancouver Island's @docs4saferdrugs.bsky.social will be back outside Royal Jubilee Hospital today and tomorrow with pop-up overdose prevention sites.
They will be joined by former BC Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe, and have support letters from multiple groups eg BC Family Doctors and BC Nurses Union.
They will be joined by former BC Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe, and have support letters from multiple groups eg BC Family Doctors and BC Nurses Union.
February 18, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Vancouver Island's @docs4saferdrugs.bsky.social will be back outside Royal Jubilee Hospital today and tomorrow with pop-up overdose prevention sites.
They will be joined by former BC Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe, and have support letters from multiple groups eg BC Family Doctors and BC Nurses Union.
They will be joined by former BC Chief Coroner Lisa Lapointe, and have support letters from multiple groups eg BC Family Doctors and BC Nurses Union.
not to wade into the discourse outta nowhere, but Apple Maps hasn’t caved, just saying 👀
February 14, 2025 at 11:46 AM
not to wade into the discourse outta nowhere, but Apple Maps hasn’t caved, just saying 👀
Meanwhile more letters of support for Dr. Wilder and condemnation of Island Health pour in.
Here are two from doctors at Comox Valley Hospital and The Village Clinic:
Here are two from doctors at Comox Valley Hospital and The Village Clinic:
February 7, 2025 at 9:16 AM
Meanwhile more letters of support for Dr. Wilder and condemnation of Island Health pour in.
Here are two from doctors at Comox Valley Hospital and The Village Clinic:
Here are two from doctors at Comox Valley Hospital and The Village Clinic:
Full statement from VIHA. The health authority disputes that Wilder’s leave was a punitive action.
February 7, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Full statement from VIHA. The health authority disputes that Wilder’s leave was a punitive action.
They didn’t answer any of my questions, which asked about the nature of concerns surrounding Dr. Wilder’s advocacy, and about why Wilder herself has not been given concrete examples of the concerns that led to her administrative leave, weeks after the step was taken.
@filtermag.bsky.social
@filtermag.bsky.social
February 7, 2025 at 5:26 AM
They didn’t answer any of my questions, which asked about the nature of concerns surrounding Dr. Wilder’s advocacy, and about why Wilder herself has not been given concrete examples of the concerns that led to her administrative leave, weeks after the step was taken.
@filtermag.bsky.social
@filtermag.bsky.social
The need for hospital-based OPS's in light of toxic drug deaths & overdoses at hospitals is known by patients, doctors, nurses (statement attached).
“The [provincial] government is where the problem lies, and Island Health will do as the government dictates," said Dr. Eva Hemmerich, Comox doc.
“The [provincial] government is where the problem lies, and Island Health will do as the government dictates," said Dr. Eva Hemmerich, Comox doc.
January 22, 2025 at 6:34 PM
The need for hospital-based OPS's in light of toxic drug deaths & overdoses at hospitals is known by patients, doctors, nurses (statement attached).
“The [provincial] government is where the problem lies, and Island Health will do as the government dictates," said Dr. Eva Hemmerich, Comox doc.
“The [provincial] government is where the problem lies, and Island Health will do as the government dictates," said Dr. Eva Hemmerich, Comox doc.
On Monday, both Nanaimo and Victoria doctors were forced off Island Health hospital properties and set up on sidewalks instead.
In Nanaimo, cops left them alone after that.
But in Victoria, police repeatedly told doctors to take down the covered OPS tent, because they’re “party to an offence.”
In Nanaimo, cops left them alone after that.
But in Victoria, police repeatedly told doctors to take down the covered OPS tent, because they’re “party to an offence.”
November 22, 2024 at 8:20 PM
On Monday, both Nanaimo and Victoria doctors were forced off Island Health hospital properties and set up on sidewalks instead.
In Nanaimo, cops left them alone after that.
But in Victoria, police repeatedly told doctors to take down the covered OPS tent, because they’re “party to an offence.”
In Nanaimo, cops left them alone after that.
But in Victoria, police repeatedly told doctors to take down the covered OPS tent, because they’re “party to an offence.”
Under decrim, Island Health had plans to launch hospital-based OPS's, first in Nanaimo, then at Royal Jubilee in Victoria, then in Campbell River. These sites would be tents furnished w chairs/tables, plus a van.
Those plans were scrapped in April 2024, and all work stopped.
Those plans were scrapped in April 2024, and all work stopped.
November 22, 2024 at 8:12 PM
Under decrim, Island Health had plans to launch hospital-based OPS's, first in Nanaimo, then at Royal Jubilee in Victoria, then in Campbell River. These sites would be tents furnished w chairs/tables, plus a van.
Those plans were scrapped in April 2024, and all work stopped.
Those plans were scrapped in April 2024, and all work stopped.
The larger open tent contains harm reduction supplies like Naloxone, safe injection kits etc.
Smaller, covered tent is a pop-up space for people to use substances in a private setting.
Smaller, covered tent is a pop-up space for people to use substances in a private setting.
November 18, 2024 at 6:57 PM
The larger open tent contains harm reduction supplies like Naloxone, safe injection kits etc.
Smaller, covered tent is a pop-up space for people to use substances in a private setting.
Smaller, covered tent is a pop-up space for people to use substances in a private setting.
Update: the tents/group is on the move again after bylaw/Island Health found property lines & grounds to remove them from the sidewalk outside the hospital.
Moving across the street now, after consulting with police.
Moving across the street now, after consulting with police.
November 18, 2024 at 6:50 PM
Update: the tents/group is on the move again after bylaw/Island Health found property lines & grounds to remove them from the sidewalk outside the hospital.
Moving across the street now, after consulting with police.
Moving across the street now, after consulting with police.
Doctors/Moms stop the harm working with @vicpdcanada to find the right place to set up. Doctors/group want to liaise with police, not talking to Island Health any longer after what sounded like frustrating back and forths.
Police say they’re wanting to find a solution.
Police say they’re wanting to find a solution.
November 18, 2024 at 6:29 PM
Doctors/Moms stop the harm working with @vicpdcanada to find the right place to set up. Doctors/group want to liaise with police, not talking to Island Health any longer after what sounded like frustrating back and forths.
Police say they’re wanting to find a solution.
Police say they’re wanting to find a solution.