Rochelle Baker

Reporter Quadra + Cortes, B.C.

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.

185 Articles

A nation dispersed: The Tlowitsis lay foundations to rebuild community

Displaced from their traditional territories and scattered across Vancouver Island and beyond for more than 50 years, the Tlowitsis First Nation is on the cusp of breaking ground on a home for its people.

By Rochelle Baker | News, Quadra and Cortes Island, B.C. | March 23rd 2021

Wave of protests aim to protect B.C.’s ancient old-growth

Almost 30 communities are planning demonstrations, actions or activities Friday as part of this year’s Forest March BC, and more will likely come on board as the hours go by, says organizer Taryn Skalbania.

By Rochelle Baker | News, Quadra and Cortes Island, B.C. | March 19th 2021

Remote island communities embrace COVID-19 vaccination rollout

Quadra and Cortes islands are among the 30 smaller, remote communities included in Island Health’s whole community approach to vaccinations.

Coronavirus in Canada

By Rochelle Baker | News, Quadra and Cortes Island, B.C. | March 17th 2021

B.C.'s intercity buses are getting a boost. But remote, rural communities may still be left behind

It's still unclear if the rubber will hit the road in rural, remote North Island communities that have non-existent or inadequate intercity service as the B.C. government allocates millions in COVID-19 funding to bus companies.

By Rochelle Baker | News, Quadra and Cortes Island, B.C. | March 16th 2021

Critics cut into B.C. government’s protection plan for old-growth forests

BC Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau pressed Forestry Minister Katrine Conroy during question period to outline what meaningful actions government was taking to immediately protect critical old-growth forests, suggesting instead, the NDP was employing the “old strategy of talk and log.”

By Rochelle Baker | News, Quadra and Cortes Island, B.C. | March 15th 2021

B.C. is flunking on old-growth forests, environmental report card says

The report card also suggests the province is failing to adequately chart a new forest approach that prioritizes the integrity of ecosystems and biodiversity.

By Rochelle Baker | News, Quadra and Cortes Island, B.C. | March 11th 2021

Award-winning short captures beauty of fly-fishing, importance of salmon conservation

Benji Bridle, 16, won for best screenplay at the 2020 Vancouver Island Youth Film Festival (VIYFF) in late February for his beautifully shot short film, Get Reel, which examines his pathway to — and newfound passion for — conservation through the sport of fly-fishing.

By Rochelle Baker | News, Quadra and Cortes Island, B.C. | March 10th 2021