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Elizabeth McSheffrey is a journalist from Ottawa and an online reporter for Global BC in Vancouver. She specializes in long reads, investigations and the intersection between politics, business and human rights. Over the past decade, Elizabeth has worked across the country and around the world, filing from eight countries in Central America and Africa on everything from grassroots mining resistance to Uganda’s burgeoning film industry. She recently travelled to the Vatican for Global News to cover a historic Indigenous delegation pushing Pope Francis for reconciliation and worked as an instructor for Journalists for Human Rights in Tunisia. Elizabeth joined the Global News network on television in Halifax in 2018 before returning to her roots as a writer. She has previously worked as an investigative journalist for the National Observer and a media trainer for Journalists for Human Rights' Indigenous Reporters Program and Misinformation Project. She is the recipient of three RTDNA awards and a Canadian Online Publishing Award, and has been a finalist or co-finalist for awards from the Michener Foundation, the Canadian Association of Journalists, the Canadian Journalism Foundation, and the Canadian Hillman Prize. Elizabeth is on the board of directors at World Press Freedom Canada. Find her on Twitter at @emcsheff
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Union raises safety concerns following 3 B.C. derailments in under 2 months
The union representing over 9,000 rail workers, Teamsters Canada, is voicing safety concerns after three train derailments in British Columbia within two months. Christopher Monette, a union representative, highlighted the potential for deadly consequences, referencing past incidents and fatalities. The recent derailments involved Canadian Pacific Kansas City Rail (CPKC) and are under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board (TSB). The union is critical of the rail industry and the government for what it perceives as inadequate safety measures and self-regulation. Teamsters Canada is also in the midst of labor negotiations with CN and CPKC, with a strike looming over disputes regarding rest provisions in collective agreements. CPKC and CN Rail have defended their safety records and bargaining positions, while new federal regulations have tightened work-rest balance for rail workers.
City of Vancouver lawsuit claims faulty Granville Bridge work poses ‘substantial danger’
The City of Vancouver has filed a lawsuit against Associated Engineering (B.C.) Ltd., Graham Infrastructure LP, and Ross Rex Industrial Painters Ltd. for alleged defects in rehabilitation work on the Granville Bridge, which the city claims pose a danger to users. The work in question, conducted between 2019 and 2021, included replacing expansion joints and recoating structural steel members. The city alleges that some recoating work was not completed and that the rubber troughs installed do not function properly, leading to corrosion and degradation. Associated Engineering has stated that they are investigating the issues and confirmed the bridge's safety. The City of Vancouver has clarified that the language about safety risk in the claim is a legal requirement and that the bridge does not pose any structural safety risks.
Stolen Border Collie Zoey recovered, vehicle still missing from New Westminster - BC
A stolen Border Collie named Zoey was returned by a commuter, but the 2012 black Fiat 500 Sport she was in remains missing. The theft occurred in New Westminster around Carnarvon and McInnes streets. The police are seeking information.
Significant reset: Eby drops B.C. children's minister from post in mini cabinet shuffle
David Eby, B.C. Premier, has reassigned Mitzi Dean from her role as the minister of children and family development to minister of state for child care, appointing Grace Lore as her successor. Dean's tenure was marked by several severe cases of child abuse in government care, prompting calls for her resignation from the Green Party and First Nations Leadership Council. Eby emphasized that the decision for a 'significant reset' at the Ministry of Children and Family Development was not influenced by these calls. The article also mentions the appointment of Andrew Mercier as minister of state for sustainable forestry and George Chow as parliamentary secretary for international credentials.
Port Coquitlam family’s wheelchair van recovered
A specialized wheelchair-friendly van belonging to a Port Coquitlam family, which is essential for their 21-year-old daughter Kayla with Rett syndrome, was stolen but has been recovered. The van was found in good condition with the keys inside after a community member recognized it from a Global News report. The family had been without the van, which they had adapted with a grant for Kayla's needs, and could not afford to replace it. The theft had left them homebound, highlighting the importance of the van in their daily lives.
Commuter chaos in Lower Mainland, drivers urged to use caution or keep off the roads
Snow and freezing temperatures led to significant traffic disruptions in the Lower Mainland, with multiple accidents and vehicle stalls reported. First responders, including Burnaby Fire and Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, advised against unnecessary driving and urged caution. A major pile-up involving 17 cars occurred on Highway 91, but no injuries were reported. The Ministry of Transportation closed the Massey Tunnel's southbound counter-flow lane due to slippery conditions, which later reopened. DriveBC noted incidents across the region, and North Vancouver RCMP recommended safety measures for those who must travel.
B.C. study finds users who are prescribed opioids are less likely to die the next week
A study in British Columbia found that opioid users prescribed a day or more's worth of opioids were 61% less likely to die the following week compared to those who were not prescribed. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, analyzed data from 5,882 individuals under B.C.'s Risk Mitigation Guidance between March 2020 and August 2021. It also found a 55% lower chance of overdose after prescription. The research was a collaboration among various institutions and included input from people with lived experience. The B.C. Coroners Service has supported expanded access to safer supply to reduce deaths from the toxic drug crisis. Mental Health and Addictions Minister Jennifer Whiteside has rejected the idea of prescription-free safer supply. The study's findings are significant, but some experts, like Dr. Julian Somers, caution that other factors like housing and mental health may also influence the likelihood of death, suggesting the need for a broader approach to social inclusion.
Staffer brings replica rifle to Vancouver school, prompts police lockdown
A staff member at Lord Byng Secondary School in Vancouver brought a replica rifle to the school, leading to a police lockdown. The incident occurred early in the morning before most students arrived. The Vancouver Police Department seized the replica, stating there was no criminal intent and the rifle was not operable. No charges were laid. The Vancouver School Board emphasized that weapons, including replicas, are only allowed for educational purposes with prior authorization. They are conducting an investigation to prevent future occurrences and offering counseling to students.
Man who sexually assaulted woman on North Vancouver trail gets 6-month conditional sentence
Jairus-Paul Covacha Sacramento, a 23-year-old man, received a six-month conditional sentence for sexually assaulting a woman on the Varley Trail in North Vancouver. The first three months will be under house arrest, followed by 18 months of probation. Judge Joseph Galati denied a discharge, which the defence requested, stating it would be contrary to public interest. The Crown had sought up to 120 days in jail, while the defence proposed a conditional discharge with community service and counselling. Sacramento, who was high on cannabis during the assault, apologized but downplayed the incident. The victim, whose identity is protected, expressed ongoing trauma from the assault.
Council moves closer to scrapping the Vancouver Park Board
Vancouver's mayor and council have approved a motion to amend legislation allowing for the abolition of the city's elected Board of Parks and Recreation. The vote was eight to three, with significant public and commissioner backlash. The motion, expected to pass under Mayor Ken Sim's ABC majority, would request the B.C. government to repeal a section of the Vancouver Charter and transfer the park board's powers to the city council. Critics argue for the park board's preservation, citing its historical significance and public support. The B.C. government plans to amend the Vancouver Charter next spring, and a Parks and Recreation Transition Working Group is proposed to manage the transition of powers.
Could carbon dioxide be stored beneath Metro Vancouver? SFU researchers explore
Simon Fraser University researchers, led by Earth sciences professor Shahin Dashtgard, are investigating the potential for carbon capture and storage beneath Metro Vancouver. The proposed method involves dissolving carbon dioxide in salt water and storing it in porous and permeable rock formations up to 2,000 meters below the surface. The project, which is in collaboration with the Metro Vancouver Regional District and funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, aims to ensure safety and account for seismic activity. The research is part of a broader effort to find medium-term solutions for CO2 reduction while new technologies are developed. The findings were discussed in the context of the COP28 climate change conference in Dubai.
Mexican woman gets 6 years after meth, cocaine found in luggage at Abbotsford airport
Martha Alvarado-Lopez, a Mexican national, has been sentenced to six years in prison after being caught with three kilograms of drugs in her luggage at Abbotsford International Airport on March 29, 2023. The Canada Border Services Agency found one kilogram of cocaine and two kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a false side of her suitcase. The CBSA's Pacific Region staff made 6,389 narcotic seizures from January 1 to October 31 of the previous year, including close to 8,000 kilograms of meth and 239 kilograms of cocaine.
Report highlights successes, challenges of B.C.’s $10-a-day child care
A report by the Centre for Family Equity and the University of British Columbia's School of Social Work on British Columbia's $10-a-day child care program found improved health and economic outcomes for low-income single mothers with access to the program. However, challenges such as insufficient spaces, lack of transparent space allocation, and inadequate support for children with special needs were identified. The report calls for the creation of new publicly-funded child care spaces and an equity-based approach to access. The Ministry of Education and Child Care is working to expand the program, with future expansions dependent on federal negotiations. A recent policy change will eliminate waitlist fees for licensed child-care facilities in April.
Mother of murdered Surrey woman seeks witnesses
Over a year after the murder of 21-year-old Aisha Harouya in Surrey, B.C., her mother, Ashni Ram, has made a public plea for information. Harouya was found dead in a parking lot on July 25, 2022. She was last seen alive on July 24 near 100th Avenue and Whalley Boulevard. The RCMP and the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team are seeking witnesses to provide information about Harouya's whereabouts and interactions during July 23-24. Ram seeks closure for her family and urges an end to violence against women.
A new generation of Honduran women rises
The article discusses the rise of a new generation of Honduran women activists in the face of poverty, violence, and systemic gender inequality. Suyapa Martínez, a local feminist, highlights the pervasive 'machismo' culture. The government's inadequate response to femicide and gender-based violence is criticized, despite the establishment of a human rights secretariat and a protection program for at-risk individuals. The re-election of President Hernández, amid accusations of fraud and constitutional manipulation, is also covered. The article notes the lack of government focus on women's and Indigenous issues, despite international pressure and civil society advocacy. The formation of a collaborative framework by over 70 women's organizations to hold the administration accountable is mentioned as a positive development.
CAPP's Response to Sour Gas Incident Raises Questions on Industry Regulation
The article discusses the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and its response to a sour gas incident in Saskatchewan. In 2012, after the Galloway family's exposure to dangerous levels of hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the Saskatchewan government conducted audits revealing serious infractions by oil and gas facilities. CAPP's then-operations manager, Brad Herald, acknowledged the need for stricter regulation and compliance. Despite advice from a scientist and internal pressure, CAPP did not implement a new code of practice or publicly condemn unsafe practices. Years later, no fines or prosecutions occurred, and CAPP lobbied against fines as penalties. The article also touches on political developments, including changes in the Saskatchewan Ministry of the Economy and allegations against former minister Bill Boyd.
Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold fired whistleblower. Then it spilled cyanide into five rivers
The article discusses the case of Raman Autar, a former senior engineer at Barrick Gold, who was dismissed after raising safety concerns at the Veladero mine in Argentina. Autar is suing Barrick Gold for wrongful dismissal and other grievances, claiming his termination was to prevent the publication of his report on environmental violations. The article also covers a cyanide spill at the Veladero mine, which contaminated five rivers, and Barrick Gold's history of legal and human rights issues, including a US$9.3-million fine in Argentina and a US$16.4-million penalty in Chile for environmental violations. Additionally, the article touches on the experiences of Romina Picolotti and Jorge Daniel Taillant, who faced threats and harassment after opposing Barrick Gold's operations. Barrick Gold has faced criticism for its treatment of Indigenous populations and communities in Papua New Guinea and Tanzania as well.
Loose provincial laws allow fur farmers to bend rules
The article discusses the inadequacies in the regulation of fur farming in Canada, particularly in British Columbia (B.C.). It highlights that while the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) has released new codes of practice for the care and handling of farmed mink and fox, only Newfoundland and Labrador have legislated these codes. B.C. uses them merely as guidelines, allowing for discretion in enforcement, which has led to cases of poor animal welfare. The B.C. government claims that its legislation is sufficient, but critics argue that the laws lack enforceable standards and do not allow for adequate inspection or third-party auditing. The B.C. SPCA's limited ability to inspect farms and the government's reluctance to ratify NFACC's codes are also criticized. The article implies a need for stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure the humane treatment of fur-farmed animals.
TELEVISION - Tear gas, bullets and beating follow a violent protest in Nairobi after a vegetable market was destroyed in a suspicious midnight fire in February 2015. View live coverage of the event, published by The Daily Nation.
TELEVISION - In December 2014, Al-Shebaab militants struck Kenya once again, killing nearly 40 innocent civilians in a quarry near the Somalia border. This is a live Skype hit for CBC News Now describing the political and security situation in Kenya.
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