Rochelle Baker

Reporter Quadra Island

Rochelle Baker joins Canada's National Observer as a reporter, thanks to a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada. Rochelle has worked as a newspaper reporter and photographer in BC's Lower Mainland for over 7 years.

250 Articles

Is Ottawa breaking a promise to close fisheries to protect wild salmon?

B.C. conservationists are wondering if Fisheries and Oceans Canada is going rogue and defying ministry orders by opening a commercial fishery on the Fraser River when endangered salmon stocks are collapsing.

By Rochelle Baker | News, Island Insider | September 17th 2021

Lawyers argue cars, property being illegally seized at Fairy Creek old-growth blockades

Activists, the RCMP, and logging company Teal-Jones are in B.C. Supreme Court this week to contest whether an injunction for the Fairy Creek old-growth blockades should be extended.

By Rochelle Baker | News, Island Insider | September 17th 2021

Fairy Creek court actions on RCMP powers at old-growth blockades unfold this week

B.C. Supreme Court applications to expand or curb RCMP powers of enforcement at the Fairy Creek old-growth blockades are moving forward this week.

By Rochelle Baker | News, Island Insider | September 14th 2021

NDP should be wary of weak spots in Vancouver Island stronghold

In the past two federal elections, Vancouver Island has been a stronghold for the NDP, and one campaign observer predicts it will largely stay that way after Sept. 20.

Election 2021

By Rochelle Baker | News, Politics, Island Insider | September 13th 2021

Federal Green Party's battle for survival unfolds on Vancouver Island

Pundits predict Paul Manly won't regain his seat as a result of turmoil at the leadership level, but the Nanaimo-Ladysmith incumbent says he has strong support, and voters will back him based on his work in the riding and in Ottawa.

Election 2021

By Rochelle Baker | News, Island Insider | September 10th 2021

Liberal candidate wants a seat at the table in Ottawa for North Island riding

A scientist with public policy experience, Liberal candidate Jennifer Grenz says she’s a bridge-builder who can help stakeholders agree on a course of action around tough issues such as climate change or saving salmon in the North Island-Powell River riding.

Election 2021

By Rochelle Baker | News, Island Insider | September 9th 2021

North Island Green candidate says focus of all issues must be through a climate lens

The Green Party is the sole party committed to denying fossil fuel expansion in order to fight climate change, said B.C.North Island-Powell River candidate Jessica Wegg.

Election 2021

By Rochelle Baker | News, Island Insider | September 8th 2021

NDP best bet to get stuff done in Ottawa, says North Island candidate Rachel Blaney

The NDP is the best option for the North Island-Powell River riding when it comes to navigating an equitable COVID recovery, climate change, and the affordability crisis, says incumbent candidate Rachel Blaney.

Election 2021

By Rochelle Baker | News, Island Insider | September 7th 2021

Is Justin Trudeau flubbing the West Coast vote by failing to push hard on climate change?

It's not clear if releasing the Liberal climate plan weeks into the election campaign will hurt or help Justin Trudeau secure votes in B.C., where one in four voters cite the climate crisis as their top issue.

By Rochelle Baker | News, Island Insider | September 3rd 2021

Canada’s drug policy — not drugs — is killing people at record numbers, advocates say

More than 1,000 people died in B.C. from illicit drug poisoning in the first six months of 2021, the provincial coroners' service reported on International Overdose Awareness Day.

By Rochelle Baker | News, Island Insider | August 31st 2021