Emily Fagan
@thatemfagan.bsky.social
Journalist with the CBC | formerly with the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail | tips: emily.fagan@cbc.ca
B.C. Green Party MLA Rob Botterell says in a province where a third of residents are renters, it’s time to remove the ability for landlords to raise rent prices after evicting tenants.
He's pushing for vacancy control — but is facing an uphill battle.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
He's pushing for vacancy control — but is facing an uphill battle.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
B.C. Greens want to tie rent increases to units, not tenants – but face uphill battle | CBC News
A B.C. Green MLA bill this week aims to create vacancy control – a policy that would limit rent increases by tying them to a unit, not an individual tenancy. It's generated support from poverty reduct...
www.cbc.ca
October 30, 2025 at 10:50 PM
B.C. Green Party MLA Rob Botterell says in a province where a third of residents are renters, it’s time to remove the ability for landlords to raise rent prices after evicting tenants.
He's pushing for vacancy control — but is facing an uphill battle.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
He's pushing for vacancy control — but is facing an uphill battle.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
The Victoria Police Department spent more than $22,000 in public funds on a celebration for its outgoing and incoming police chiefs this summer, according to documents obtained through FOI by @stephenharrison.bsky.social
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Victoria police spent $22K on party for outgoing, incoming chiefs | CBC News
The Victoria Police Department spent more than $22,000 in public funds on a celebration that honoured its outgoing and incoming police chiefs, according to a freedom of information request.
www.cbc.ca
October 30, 2025 at 5:56 PM
The Victoria Police Department spent more than $22,000 in public funds on a celebration for its outgoing and incoming police chiefs this summer, according to documents obtained through FOI by @stephenharrison.bsky.social
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
I'm really glad Stephen keeps such a close eye on the goings on related to our local police department
It's such essential, public service reporting that I don't see from other local outlets
It's such essential, public service reporting that I don't see from other local outlets
VicPD held a party for their outgoing and incoming chiefs this summer at Government House. They talked repeatedly about how much work it was, and the event seemed strange, so I FOI'd the costs. They spent $22,015 in public money on this event. 🧵 www.needsmorespikes.com/blog/vicpd-p... #yyj #cdnfoi
VicPD parties at Government House for $22,000 — Needs More Spikes
This summer, VicPD used its bottomless budget to throw a party for their outgoing and incoming chiefs. Via FOI, we now know that event cost $22,015.
www.needsmorespikes.com
October 29, 2025 at 4:01 AM
I'm really glad Stephen keeps such a close eye on the goings on related to our local police department
It's such essential, public service reporting that I don't see from other local outlets
It's such essential, public service reporting that I don't see from other local outlets
Reposted by Emily Fagan
The #yyj police board is presenting its draft 2026 budget at 5:00 pm. They want $90 million+, including 25 new officers. It would be an $11 million increase, or 14% (a 52%, $31 million increase from 2021). Budget: vicpd.ca/wp-content/u... 🧵 with highlights before the meeting starts. #vicpdboard
October 22, 2025 at 11:08 PM
The #yyj police board is presenting its draft 2026 budget at 5:00 pm. They want $90 million+, including 25 new officers. It would be an $11 million increase, or 14% (a 52%, $31 million increase from 2021). Budget: vicpd.ca/wp-content/u... 🧵 with highlights before the meeting starts. #vicpdboard
A B.C woman seeking IVF funding says she faces delays, uncertainty amid the eight-week BCGEU strike.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
B.C woman seeking IVF funding says she faces delays, uncertainty amid BCGEU strike | CBC News
Fertility clinics say they're seeing delays in patients being approved for IVF funding due to the B.C. General Employees Union Strike. For patients who have rested their last hopes of conception on B....
www.cbc.ca
October 22, 2025 at 6:15 PM
A B.C woman seeking IVF funding says she faces delays, uncertainty amid the eight-week BCGEU strike.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Public service workers told me they've faced a high toll for being on strike these last six weeks — more than anything, they want to return to their jobs helping people.
But with negotiations at a standstill for weeks, it's unclear when a deal will be reached.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
But with negotiations at a standstill for weeks, it's unclear when a deal will be reached.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
'A human cost to the inaction': BCGEU workers speak out on toll of weeks-long strike | CBC News
For some B.C. General Employees' Union members taking part in job action, the weeks-long pickets and lost wages are making it hard to make ends meet.
www.cbc.ca
October 15, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Public service workers told me they've faced a high toll for being on strike these last six weeks — more than anything, they want to return to their jobs helping people.
But with negotiations at a standstill for weeks, it's unclear when a deal will be reached.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
But with negotiations at a standstill for weeks, it's unclear when a deal will be reached.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
B.C. prisoners with complex mental illnesses aren’t getting the psychiatric treatment they need, and are being kept in jail longer than required, because the province has only one 190-bed hospital for them, @mikehager.bsky.social reports:
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/briti...
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/briti...
B.C. prisoners with complex mental illnesses aren’t getting necessary treatment, report says
British Columbia Review Board chair Brenda Edwards says chronic underfunding has brought the forensic health care system to a breaking point
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 14, 2025 at 4:52 PM
B.C. prisoners with complex mental illnesses aren’t getting the psychiatric treatment they need, and are being kept in jail longer than required, because the province has only one 190-bed hospital for them, @mikehager.bsky.social reports:
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/briti...
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/briti...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
Freelancers based on Vancouver Island or the BC coast, please get in touch if you're available over the next few weeks!
October 3, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Freelancers based on Vancouver Island or the BC coast, please get in touch if you're available over the next few weeks!
A judge has sentenced a man who he says was involved in a shooting and arson at the B.C. home of musician AP Dhillon in 2024 on the direction of the Bishnoi crime group, which is now a terrorist entity in Canada.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Man sentenced for arson, shooting at B.C. home of Punjabi musician AP Dhillon | CBC News
A 26-year-old man will serve 4½ years in jail after being found guilty of his involvement in an arson and shooting at the Vancouver Island home of Punjabi musician AP Dhillon. RCMP have an arrest warr...
www.cbc.ca
October 1, 2025 at 9:32 PM
A judge has sentenced a man who he says was involved in a shooting and arson at the B.C. home of musician AP Dhillon in 2024 on the direction of the Bishnoi crime group, which is now a terrorist entity in Canada.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
UVic's president committed to implementing all 18 of an independent report's recommendations in the wake of a student's fatal overdose on campus — most before September.
While progress has been made, few recommendations were finished by the start of term.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
While progress has been made, few recommendations were finished by the start of term.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
UVic behind in implementing most of 18 recommendations from student's death by new term | CBC News
In the wake of a student's fatal overdose on campus, UVic received 18 recommendations from an independent report. It committed to implementing most of them before the fall term, but only three have be...
www.cbc.ca
September 25, 2025 at 4:20 PM
UVic's president committed to implementing all 18 of an independent report's recommendations in the wake of a student's fatal overdose on campus — most before September.
While progress has been made, few recommendations were finished by the start of term.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
While progress has been made, few recommendations were finished by the start of term.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
Five months after Premier David Eby directed the British Columbia government to cancel U.S. contracts wherever possible, the work has fallen short of what he had wanted, by Andrew MacLeod #bcpoli
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
BC Is Failing on Its Plan to Shun US Businesses | The Tyee
Five months after Eby called for action, the government can’t point to changes.
thetyee.ca
September 22, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Five months after Premier David Eby directed the British Columbia government to cancel U.S. contracts wherever possible, the work has fallen short of what he had wanted, by Andrew MacLeod #bcpoli
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
thetyee.ca/News/2025/09...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
31 journalists and media staff killed by Israeli strikes on newspaper offices in Yemen in deadliest attack on journalists in the last 16 years.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Israel attack on Yemeni newspaper was second deadliest on journalists ever recorded
Press freedom group says ‘brutal and unjustified attack’ is deadliest since 2009 Maguindanao massacre in Philippines
www.theguardian.com
September 21, 2025 at 2:55 AM
31 journalists and media staff killed by Israeli strikes on newspaper offices in Yemen in deadliest attack on journalists in the last 16 years.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
A First Nations family is seeking justice after a man’s remains were misplaced by Island Health and the B.C. Coroner’s Office.
They’re not the first island First Nation to experience this – but are pushing for changes to prevent it from happening to others.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
They’re not the first island First Nation to experience this – but are pushing for changes to prevent it from happening to others.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
A First Nations man's remains were misplaced in B.C. It's not the 1st time it's happened | CBC News
Two years after the death of her father, Amanda Large received news that brought added grief and unanswered questions: her father’s brain, which had been removed during an autopsy, had never been retu...
www.cbc.ca
September 15, 2025 at 7:40 PM
A First Nations family is seeking justice after a man’s remains were misplaced by Island Health and the B.C. Coroner’s Office.
They’re not the first island First Nation to experience this – but are pushing for changes to prevent it from happening to others.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
They’re not the first island First Nation to experience this – but are pushing for changes to prevent it from happening to others.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
two scandals here: VPD fuelled panic over stranger attacks even as they fell dramatically in 2022, and then refused to release records about them for 14 months, which is against the law
‘Fear and anxiety’: What our police FOI requests uncovered about Vancouver’s stranger assaults scare
‘Fear and anxiety’: What our police FOI requests uncovered about Vancouver’s stranger assaults scare
Internal emails obtained through Freedom of Information requests shed light on the Vancouver Police Department's media strategy related to stranger assaults ahead of the city's 2022 election.
bit.ly
August 21, 2025 at 2:47 AM
two scandals here: VPD fuelled panic over stranger attacks even as they fell dramatically in 2022, and then refused to release records about them for 14 months, which is against the law
Reposted by Emily Fagan
a really great and well-researched story from @zoeyunker.bsky.social about the context and implications of the Cowichan decision, including how the namesake of Port Moody, B.C., secretly bought a Cowichan village site that should have been a reserve: thetyee.ca/News/2025/08...
Inside Richmond’s Precedent-Setting Cowichan Tribes v. Canada Case | The Tyee
The BC Supreme Court decision affirms Aboriginal title on private lands. What’s next?
thetyee.ca
August 19, 2025 at 5:40 PM
a really great and well-researched story from @zoeyunker.bsky.social about the context and implications of the Cowichan decision, including how the namesake of Port Moody, B.C., secretly bought a Cowichan village site that should have been a reserve: thetyee.ca/News/2025/08...
The longest transit strike in BC's history appears to be at a standstill. After weeks of calls for the province to step in, BC's minister of labor says they may appoint a second mediator to try and resolve the dispute.
My latest, with help from @katiederosa.bsky.social:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest, with help from @katiederosa.bsky.social:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
B.C.'s labour minister says 2nd mediator may be tasked to try to end Cowichan transit strike | CBC News
The province may appoint another special mediator to end the nearly seven-month transit strike in the Cowichan Valley, according to B.C.’s labour minister, Jennifer Whiteside.
www.cbc.ca
August 18, 2025 at 10:29 PM
The longest transit strike in BC's history appears to be at a standstill. After weeks of calls for the province to step in, BC's minister of labor says they may appoint a second mediator to try and resolve the dispute.
My latest, with help from @katiederosa.bsky.social:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest, with help from @katiederosa.bsky.social:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Fantastic news for healthcare in Canada, at a time when more in-depth and consistent coverage into issues around health is so needed! Can't wait to see the impact @brishti.bsky.social is sure to make in this role.
I'm so excited to announce that as of last week, I've joined the power-packed team at @pressprogress.ca as their health reporter.
It's a topic that touches everyone's lives, and a healthy healthcare system is often a litmus test for a healthy community.
In this new role, I'd like to... (1/n)
It's a topic that touches everyone's lives, and a healthy healthcare system is often a litmus test for a healthy community.
In this new role, I'd like to... (1/n)
Meet Brishti Basu, PressProgress’ new health reporter:
The promise of universal public healthcare has always been central to the ‘Canadian Dream’. Our new health reporter Brishti wants to help keep the dream alive.
Say hi to @brishti.bsky.social 👋
The promise of universal public healthcare has always been central to the ‘Canadian Dream’. Our new health reporter Brishti wants to help keep the dream alive.
Say hi to @brishti.bsky.social 👋
August 13, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Fantastic news for healthcare in Canada, at a time when more in-depth and consistent coverage into issues around health is so needed! Can't wait to see the impact @brishti.bsky.social is sure to make in this role.
First, a fatal house fire. Then, a fiery car containing human remains. And most recently, a fatal assault.
Three people have died in Port Alberni, B.C., within a 9-day period in early August, each of them under circumstances RCMP are investigating as suspicious.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Three people have died in Port Alberni, B.C., within a 9-day period in early August, each of them under circumstances RCMP are investigating as suspicious.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Port Alberni RCMP investigating 3 suspicious deaths in city in 9 days | CBC News
Three people have died in Port Alberni, B.C., within a nine-day period in early August, under circumstances RCMP are investigating as suspicious.
www.cbc.ca
August 13, 2025 at 4:42 PM
First, a fatal house fire. Then, a fiery car containing human remains. And most recently, a fatal assault.
Three people have died in Port Alberni, B.C., within a 9-day period in early August, each of them under circumstances RCMP are investigating as suspicious.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Three people have died in Port Alberni, B.C., within a 9-day period in early August, each of them under circumstances RCMP are investigating as suspicious.
Latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
While Vancouver Island wildfire evacuees from about 100 properties were able to return to their homes on Wednesday evening, the majority remain displaced as efforts continue to try to rein in the fire's continued growth.
My latest on what this looks like on the ground:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest on what this looks like on the ground:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
'Fighting for our community': Vancouver Island evacuees, fire crews see groundswell of support | CBC News
While evacuees from about 100 properties were able to return to their homes on Wednesday evening, the majority remain displaced. In the midst of it, a groundswell of community support is helping fire ...
www.cbc.ca
August 7, 2025 at 11:54 PM
While Vancouver Island wildfire evacuees from about 100 properties were able to return to their homes on Wednesday evening, the majority remain displaced as efforts continue to try to rein in the fire's continued growth.
My latest on what this looks like on the ground:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
My latest on what this looks like on the ground:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
They receive a salary, but there's no food to buy. Their vehicles are useless without gas, so they walk or use donkey carts.
🚨BREAKING: The last journalists working for AFP in Gaza have said they can no longer work for the news agency.
They are out of energy and they are starving to death.
I have never seen a statement from a news organisation like it.
🧵
They are out of energy and they are starving to death.
I have never seen a statement from a news organisation like it.
🧵
July 22, 2025 at 2:34 PM
They receive a salary, but there's no food to buy. Their vehicles are useless without gas, so they walk or use donkey carts.
Reposted by Emily Fagan
@thatemfagan.bsky.social Proud to introduce C-211 to make it easier for people with disabilities to obtain the benefits they are entitled to and to reduce the paperwork load on health care workers. Each Disability Tax Credit form takes up to 1 hr to complete.
MP Johns introduces Bill C-211, cutting red tape for Canadians applying for disability benefits
House of Commons, Private Members' Business June 17, 2025 MP Johns introduces Bill C-211, cutting red tape for Canadians applying for disability benefits
bit.ly
June 27, 2025 at 1:55 AM
@thatemfagan.bsky.social Proud to introduce C-211 to make it easier for people with disabilities to obtain the benefits they are entitled to and to reduce the paperwork load on health care workers. Each Disability Tax Credit form takes up to 1 hr to complete.
Reposted by Emily Fagan
#Disability tax credits are critical for some Canadians. But applying for them can cost thousands. Experts raise alarm that DTC companies are bilking applicants, by @thatemfagan.bsky.social www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... via @cbcnews.ca
Disability tax credits are critical for some Canadians. But applying for them can cost thousands | CBC News
As Canada launches its new disability benefit payments in July, medical and disability experts are raising alarms over barriers to obtaining the main eligibility requirement, the disability tax credit...
www.cbc.ca
June 26, 2025 at 2:50 PM
#Disability tax credits are critical for some Canadians. But applying for them can cost thousands. Experts raise alarm that DTC companies are bilking applicants, by @thatemfagan.bsky.social www.cbc.ca/news/canada/... via @cbcnews.ca
The disability tax credit can be critical for people with disabilities—especially now that it's required to access the new Canada Disability Benefit.
But some people, including low-income families, are being charged thousands by companies for help applying.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
But some people, including low-income families, are being charged thousands by companies for help applying.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Disability tax credits are critical for some Canadians. But applying for them can cost thousands | CBC News
As Canada launches its new disability benefit payments in July, medical and disability experts are raising alarms over barriers to obtaining the main eligibility requirement, the disability tax credit...
www.cbc.ca
June 26, 2025 at 4:33 PM
The disability tax credit can be critical for people with disabilities—especially now that it's required to access the new Canada Disability Benefit.
But some people, including low-income families, are being charged thousands by companies for help applying.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
But some people, including low-income families, are being charged thousands by companies for help applying.
My latest:
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
Reposted by Emily Fagan
Note to freelancers: I'm open to pitches for @nationalobserver.com! We pay pretty well, and we're flexible with timelines for assigned stories. I don't need a long pitch — think 2 paragraphs — but please give an idea of what your story is.
Some recently published freelance pieces:
Some recently published freelance pieces:
June 24, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Note to freelancers: I'm open to pitches for @nationalobserver.com! We pay pretty well, and we're flexible with timelines for assigned stories. I don't need a long pitch — think 2 paragraphs — but please give an idea of what your story is.
Some recently published freelance pieces:
Some recently published freelance pieces:
Reposted by Emily Fagan
#StarInvestigation: She spent a year living in hotels while in the care of Children’s Aid. It was the last of her young life. This is Jade’s story,
Children’s aid societies have housed hundreds of kids, including many with mental health conditions and high-risk behaviours, in unlicensed settings.
Children’s aid societies have housed hundreds of kids, including many with mental health conditions and high-risk behaviours, in unlicensed settings.
She spent a year living in hotels while in the care of Children’s Aid. It was the last of her young life. This is Jade’s story
Over four years, children’s aid societies have housed hundreds of kids with mental health conditions and high-risk behaviours in unlicensed settings.
www.thestar.com
June 19, 2025 at 4:14 PM
#StarInvestigation: She spent a year living in hotels while in the care of Children’s Aid. It was the last of her young life. This is Jade’s story,
Children’s aid societies have housed hundreds of kids, including many with mental health conditions and high-risk behaviours, in unlicensed settings.
Children’s aid societies have housed hundreds of kids, including many with mental health conditions and high-risk behaviours, in unlicensed settings.