Topic
Photo: Mary-Anne McNeney.
Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee's legislative bureau chief.
Before joining The Tyee, Andrew worked for Victoria's alternative weekly Monday Magazine, where he wrote hundreds of stories on many topics, including poverty, land use and the environment. His work has been referred to in the B.C. legislature, Canadian House of Commons and senate. He won a 2006 Association of Alternative Newsweeklies award for news writing and was a finalist for a 2007 Western Magazine Award for best article in B.C. and the Yukon.
Andrew lives with his family in Victoria and is learning to play the Scottish small pipes. You can reach him here or at (250) 885-7662.
Or can the NDP leader make a case to reinvent his party?
Meet the next BC MLAs. Half of Liberals are new, six fresh NDP faces.
Greens call such talk 'fear-mongering' as election day approaches.
Answer on economy vs. environment question largely ignored in BC's election.
BC gov't aimed to preserve pharma profits alleges notice of claim by terminated researcher.
Will the last decade of idle welfare rates and spiking homelessness continue after May 14?
One of several exciting races where voters are choosing between party politics as normal and a free voice.
Tight races reflect issues of the north: resources and who they benefit.
Greg Kyllo's company was penalized $375,000 for illegal habitat destruction in 2007.
Company assessed $375,000 penalty for clearing legally protected habitat.
Complex, 'crazy making' third party advertising restrictions sow confusion.
'Intense' three-way race among NDP, Liberal and Green candidates too close to predict.
Pacific Carbon Trust part of 'orchestrated campaign' to delay findings on offset issues: AG Doyle.
So who's behind them? Signs point strongly to a former caucus employee.
Employee says he was falsely ousted and RCMP have yet to contact him.
Minister Yap resigns, Clark apologizes, opposition slams scope of probe.
Controversy over leaked Liberal plan to win ethnic vote claims the job of Kim Haakstad, a longtime ally.
Enviros, other opponents say vast 'giveaway' looms with scant public input.
'Difficult decision' to trim stewardship funding until next year: minister.
Question posed by finance minister brings forth diverging opinions.
Three years after task force tackled municipal spending limits, no action on 31 items.
If NDP vs. Liberal race tightens, one scenario gives outsider candidates balance of power.
As NDP's lead shrinks in some polls, how realistic is a Liberal comeback victory?
Polls point to a majority, but how large? First of three roadmaps to BC's election day.
Leader Jane Sterk says party will get 'creative' in bid to win seats this May.
Come May 15, what should political winners do with their mandate? The Tyee sought a range of perspectives.
Roderick MacIsaac was three days from the end of a co-op term when let go.
NDP leader won office making promises on smart meters, raw logs, women's equality and much more.
NDP leader talks with The Tyee about ads, agendas, working with BC Liberals, and more.
BC's premier talks to The Tyee about wrestling the deficit, revolving aides, anti-smoking policies and more.
Province, health minister named in wrongful dismissal and defamation suit.
Poll shows citizens would approve hikes under certain circumstances.
'Right direction, but we need to keep going': researcher.
Force's license plate scanning system blasted by BC privacy commissioner.
BC gov't guide advises employers negotiating contracts.
Device that pegs your phone in a crowd reflects a 'massive invasion of privacy' says BC civil liberties director.
Declared threats at weekend's BC Liberal convention include unions, Conservatives and NDP 'tyranny.'
NDP MLA Fleming's message to Premier Clark joins chorus of protest against Northern Gateway at BC legislature.
Party insiders jockey to attract clients well ahead of provincial vote.
Budget's already squeezed before seeking 'efficiencies' says UBC spokesperson.
BC government's new action plan blasted by opposition as 'business as usual.'
Unions say new efficiencies, lower sick pay and overtime will fill the gap.
TYEE LIST #22: The new BC Liberal, defector from BC Cons, on scrapping health care and 'junk science' behind climate change.
BC Conservative leader says he expects to easily face down revolt this weekend.
Rochelle Bergman wants politicians to know 'nobody could live' on her disability payments.
Among pharma projects targeted by ministry probe is one assessing BC's smoking cessation program.
Fired or suspended employees were tied to projects designed to save public money.
Some new ministers held same portfolios at earlier times, but half are first termers.
Party's corporate donations spike, but still pale compared to Libs. What's the effect?
Pulp, Paper and Woodworkers union says proposal to log protected areas goes too far.
It looked like she’d make public a letter sent by all premiers to feds on drug prices, but now it’s secret.
Tight schedule has special committee hitting two communities a day this week.
WoodEx says province allows competitor Canfor, a big BC Liberal backer, to starve its Columbia Valley mill of timber.
Citizens' views on CETA -- affecting energy, environment, education, transport, health --won't be solicited.
Critics say MLA Bill Bennett's characterization of pro-ban side shows bias.
New president Chris Abbott vowed 'Do not vote for me if you are not prepared to fight.'
Alan Cassels, author of 'Seeking Sickness' on the disease screening industry, what it really catches, when to say no, and more.
Now up to premier, who earlier promised a ban, and cabinet to make final decision.
Changes to Animal Health Act, said to protect public, slammed by NDP, privacy commissioner.
Next on to do list: 'develop a vision' for BC's ferry service, says Lekstrom.
Emergency workers exposed to bodily fluids have better protections: Kendall.
Province's info and privacy chief criticizes three bills. 'Pattern' shuts out citizens, says watchdog group.
Proposed pharmaceutical legislation may reveal too much personal info says Denham.
Premier's promise to consult British Columbians wiped away as Harper's team 'sells' CETA agreement.
To feed struggling mills, Steelworkers support logging habitat reserves, other contentious measures.
Wins include surprise in three-way Chilliwack-Hope race. Forget merger says Cons' Cummins.
Leaked cabinet document pushes to lift protections, allow unsustainable cuts.
Inside MLA Stilwell's report urging eased policies for BC medical students abroad. (Her son is one of them.)
BC Libs weigh question, finding tangle of rights issues.
Tasked with advising health minister on policy, MLA did not disclose personal interest.
Development firm has designs on Delta farmland, says MLA Huntington.
NDP's Ralston blasts BC Libs' 'political love affair with Tories.'
Charles Jago says $1,000 in two payments was to play golf. BCTF charges bias.
Premier Clark emerges to blame van Dongen for strengthening NDP chances.
Abbotsford MLA startles legislature with attack on Clark. 'He'll lose to us,' Coleman fires back.
Pair of ridings once 'very safe' for BC Liberals now anything but, say analysts.
With several reviews yet to begin, NDP critic says delay shows Clark's 'not interested' in governing.
Ktunaxa vow to keep fighting despite approval, while NDP doubts ski resort will ever be built.
Christy Clark supporter Harry Bloy admits improperly sharing a reporter's message.
Premier claims BC's plan is delivering results, but NDP says she's manipulating the facts.
Enviro minister says BC's deciding what to do about excess cash collected from schools, hospitals.
Says premier is making it too easy for feds to offload health, justice costs onto province.
Thousands of those most affected rallied to decry class sizes, support teachers, and show they're paying attention.
Libs' deal with pharma firms failed to deliver savings; lower costs to be legislated.
After walkouts OK'd by Labour Relations, BC Libs move to outlaw teachers strike, allow some mediation.
Decision to legislate wage freeze on teachers will 'make matters worse' says BCTF's Lambert.
Budget surprise revealed after Lib insider Kinsella lobbied to privatize distribution.
'Great budget for the one per cent' says BC Fed's Sinclair, 'Unrealistic,' says NDP's Ralston, 'Smoke and mirrors': Cons' Cummins
Scathing report says failure to replant enough trees puts future harvests at risk.
No consensus emerging on what to do about 'cosmetic' insect poisons, says Bennett.
Which government asked for mounds of Enbridge pipeline info? And why can't we know?
Get real about engaging the public urges Matt Leighninger, in Whistler this Friday.
'Sanitized' proposal lacks details on labour, environment impacts: NDP's Gentner.
Cariboo North MLA alarmed government may lift 'constraints' in Land Use Plan.
Sweeping recommendations include limiting fare increases, upping gov't contributions.
'Radical foreign' oil sands foe Bill McKibben attended Toronto elementary school with Stephen Harper.
British Columbians indicating they couldn't afford prescriptions near double the national average: UBC study.
Suppliers of controversial anti-smoking products donated cash to BC Liberals.
Finance minister unveils web app that allows public to try tweaking spend and tax priorities.
And other financial disclosures newly made public by BC MLAs.
Report advised way to make more money yet carry fewer, FOI reveals.
BC's welfare system is 'designed to be uncomfortable.' Doesn't everyone deserve a break?
NDP leadership candidate Paul Dewar on the grassroots, fixing foreign policy, helping the poor, and more.
New Dem leadership candidate Nathan Cullen on taxes, Enbridge, changing the voting system, and more.
Fuel surcharge a 'backdoor' way to get prohibited fare bump, says MLA Coons.
Committee now weighing diverse testimony on how toxic chemicals should be governed.
NDP says budget bump too small after damning report on Agricultural Land Reserve languished for year.
New Democrat leadership candidate on taxes, energy, Parliamentary representation, and more.
Premier more than doubles actual amount; mill closings nearly equal openings: MLA Macdonald.
Pioneering blogger Sean Holman broke stories, toppled politicians, won awards and can't make money.
NDP leader says province's negotiators are 'most willing to sell out municipalities.'
Diminished provincial funding for Michael Smith Foundation is 'a step back' says NDP's Dix.
Health Canada relies on studies funded by pesticide makers says Physicians for Environment founder Warren Bell.
NDP’s Dix urges Clark government to seize opportunity to drive down price it pays for generic drugs.
Transmission line projects go to Alberta firms with Texas owner, costing BC hundreds of jobs: union.
She's our 'number one salesperson,' but critics say her plan lacks substance, misses opportunities and won't create jobs.
Records acquired by Tyee reveal Transport Canada let Northern Adventure sail with 17 identified safety deficiencies and no evacuation plan.
BC's municipal leaders want to know if their hands will be tied.
Christy Clark was deputy minister of government that passed fixed vote date law.
Sickness stories are exaggerated, facility meets standards say owners.
Workers say illness is rampant at Endako Mines expansion camp, and they want an investigation.
Premier Clark's promise to pay for them may waste, not save, B.C. health care dollars.
French government strikes controversial varenicline off its list as Premier Clark puts it on PharmaCare's.
Premier rebuffs calls by NDP leader to fund groups participating in Missing Women's Inquiry.
Opposition accuses premier of playing games a few weeks before vote.
NDP denounce delay that keeps Liberals' choice in post.
Finance Minister Kevin Falcon asks to be judged on 'neutral' information campaign.
BC schools, hospitals must buy carbon offsets. Some underwrote gas giant's emissions controls.
Canada’s first Green MP celebrates with supporters in an airplane hanger full of hope.
Where she's running, ethics complaints were raised about Conservative-friendly tactics last election.
Too late for November contests, campaign finance reform may be six-year process.
NDP leader says his apology for act 12 years ago stands, trusts voters to accept it.
Motivating the left-wing base the way to beat the BC Liberals, he says.
'We've lost trust in the corporation.' Officers fighting to stay in union say it protects them when standing up for passenger safety.
We asked Dix, Farnworth and Horgan to tell us how they differ from each other.
Leadership candidates say their party has strong case to make, was too timid on economic issues last election.
New Dem leader hopefuls more committed to environment than BC Liberals, say eco-activists, noting perceptions of parties have flipped.
Says Colin Hansen, left out of Clark's cabinet. But lots of familiar faces are returning.
Province has yet to act on last year's task force recommendations 'at mercy' of incoming premier.
Party deciding whether to disqualify candidate for refusing to hand over Facebook, Twitter codes.
Project said to be delayed by Partnerships BC's private sector agenda.
Guaranteeing a 'united' Liberal party, she eyes Gordon Campbell's riding. 'We'll beat her,' vows NDP's Dix.
Some supporters see a free enterprise stalwart, others praise his role in pushing through taxpayer funded megaprojects.
Court documents confirm Clark never a target of investigation. Abbott still wants probe into taxpayers footing legal bills for Basi, Virk.
Money from natural gas, forestry, crown corporations falls below forecasted targets.
The Liberal leadership race is too close to call, but two changes give Abbott a better shot.
Whether to punish Kash Heed's exonerator for conflict was determined by, among others, a Liberal donor and former Liberal cabinet minister.
Government failed to track those who stopped applying, then didn't file tax returns.
Baby deaths report shakes up leadership race after scant focus on BC's impoverished.
As his fellow Lib leader candidates tip-toe around health reform issue.
None is talking up the carbon tax, and eco-activists don't yet see a champion to back.
Quick deadline good or bad for the party? That's a hot debate among New Dems.
Queen of Nanaimo crash stemmed from faulty fix say released records, contradicting official explanation.
NDP leader resigns after seven years, saying split in caucus was unfixable and some will 'see this as a win for the bullies.'
Broad labels don't seem to apply to diverse group of MLAs revolting against leader Carole James.
As NDP leader announces emergency caucus meeting, some see fate of the party hanging in the balance.
Veteran NDP MLA pushes for leadership convention 'as soon as possible.'
Jockeying for positions begins as hopefuls enter leadership race.
Province went from best to worst in evaluating pharmaceuticals, charges Canadian Health Coalition official.
Fired cabinet minister says government caucus has 'battered wife syndrome,' unloads on premier.
Law institute tells province more public consultation needed before accepting attackers' arguments.
The Crown corp. calls it good value for money, critics call it 'part of a pattern of wasted money.'
BC gov't seeks warrant to audit Brian Day's Cambie Surgeries Corp. for extra billing.
Premier announces the end of his run, throwing wide open the question of who will succeed him.
Campbell's cabinet shuffle concentrates power over water and land use into one office.
Opposition leader, other critics call it an ill-devised gambit to win back voters.
Cycling is hot politics at local levels; in the legislature, not so much.
Government outlets twice as diligent in checking IDs of underage drinkers, province's study finds.
NDP's 'strategy isn't working' says MLA ousted from caucus over critical statement.
After hinting $8 rate might rise, Coell clams up. One business group leader wants no minimum at all.
Esquimalt councilor says assuring adequate local government pay rates is a winner.
After just two years, expensive recruit leaves for Pulse Energy, run by BCIC board member.
Finance minister said businesses might pass on cost savings.
Cache Creek owners argued to province that recycling garbage is more green than burning it, and saves jobs.
Linda Johnson's job eliminated by politically appointed interim Elections BC chief.
The Green leader moved to Sidney for the friendly voters polling identified. But winning them over is taking finesse and hard work.
Nexterra claims its UBC and Victoria projects mark the cutting edge against climate change. Not everyone measures the benefits the same.
'Cookie cutter' claims lack facts, invoke obsolete rule, say poverty lawyers.
What now for the Peace River MLA who quit Libs? Conservatives aren't welcoming.
BC Ferries still mum about exposure level on Queen of Burnaby.
Kelowna firm's tech makes it easier for old buildings to tap the Earth for heating and cooling.
Advocate slams Libs, NDP for supporting new committee report on government transparency.
Tribunal ruled Henthorne 'heroic' but responsible for tragedy. He claims he was dumped for raising safety concerns.
Lawyer had billed $2.4 million to BC Hydro, gave to the BC Liberals.
Special prosecutor's actions on Dobell case and others are tainted, argue some, but de Jong won't 'try to rewrite history.'
As he advised Heed not be charged, Robertson knew his law firm had donated to the politician's campaign.
'No evidence' Heed was involved in dirty tricks campaign flyers.
As he shuts down debate in Leg over the tax, finance minister slams Elections BC for preventing government's mass mailing.
New Vancouver Coastal Health chair had urged minister to let publicly funded hospital buy services from private clinics.
Praised by premier for Site C dam help, former Socred leader from Peace River billed $206,743 last year.
BC Hydro billed ministry for Lekstrom's Olympic room after Tyee inquiry.
NDP critic says government should work to control costs on all prescriptions.
Solicitor General Kash Heed steps down citing investigation.
$142 million ruling in US shows province is too cozy with drug giant: Cassels.
Don't give government more powers to share personal info, Fraser tells committee.
Security guard may have lost a kidney because of workplace rules at Health Ministry.
BC Government wants to amend law to allow much more collection and sharing of personal data.
Locals would have to be able to buy their way to front of queue, too, says private clinic director.
While criminal charges are laid against officer, doomed ferry's captain loses chance to keep his job.
Sulphur dioxide levels at three times previous findings, says CRD report.
'It's a black hole' moans one attendee at education session hosted by pending registrar of lobbyists.
Capital Regional District protects surf beach and some forest, but thousands of hectares not included.
NDP slams province's eHealth oversight as three people face 16 charges.
BC's overall arts budget $15 million less than two years ago: ProArt Alliance.
Housing spending up, but Libs draw fire from health, education, environment sectors.
Plan to enable "universities to remove themselves from the government reporting entity" worries some student advocates.
Expect less from government, and faster environmental assessments: BC throne speech.
Controversial Victoria Harbour project has yet to be green lighted by feds, province.
That was the topic as MLAs heard from frustrated open government advocates.
Independent government tribunal had budget cut as appeals rose 46 per cent.
Province's emergency planning and reaction skills slammed by internal report.
Why give BC's collapsed runs a sustainable seal of approval, critics ask.
$746,646 paid to Courtyard Group was money well spent: VIHA official.
Chief worries about expanding Cache Creek dump. Decisions favour Liberal donors.
Emails indicate Minister Coleman was told just five days before BC's Lottery Corporation raised online gambling limits from $120 to $9,999.
Lead Tory at pension summit says system has 'gaps' but offers no clear path on reforms.
Expect more strikes and other battles over pensions if ministers can't craft real reform in Whitehorse this week.
Key MP says need is urgent, expresses concerns about labour's idea to double CPP.
Labour, BC Liberals, others jostle to put forth new retirement plans.
Leader James links economy with ecology, but some delegates not satisfied.
'Let's Go' story of transport depicts Aboriginal stereotypes, advised experts.
NDP say existing Waneta Dam contract cheaper; Libs say purchase gives capacity, certainty.
BC's premier pledged to cut 'senior executive ranks' by 20 per cent, but can offer no proof it happened. Tyee calculations raise doubts.
New report puts impact at zero so far, but another expert says 'more clever' counting yields rosier view.
Boss Hahn's $1 million salary twice the norm; board members set own pay 'without accountability'.
And government's new number, $4 billion, is based on a seven-year-old 'best case' scenario that hasn't panned out.
Controversial legislation assailed by civil liberties advocates, NDP.
Parties spar over whether the plan will allow BCers to get operations faster.
Chief says BC premier reneged on promise to have children's choir in Games opening ceremonies.
Influence applied to Victoria project revealed in released documents.
Search warrant targets tech contractor, health officials. NDP demands independent probe.
'Cuts to the arts will lead to cultural bankruptcy,' committee told.
'D' grade for women's equality given to province by group sparks debate in Legislature.
Reports reveal worries about fire preparedness as premier ushered in the public.
SFU hired lobbyists with BC Liberal ties to help make its case.
Municipal taxpayers' money flows to gain edges with provincial officials.
Other ministers revealed they invest in industries their decisions influence.
Campbell government opts to 'invest in climate unfriendly programs.'
During May's election Hansen learned revenues were hundreds of millions of dollars lower, but lacked a 'crystal ball'.
Labour-sponsored survey shows clashing visions over budgeting in tough economy.
Campbell says economic disaster and HST plans came after vote
Welcome to Chiu Yin Wong's nightmare, increasingly common.
Price seems way too high to NDP critic, who questions Lib donor tie.
StatsCan ties 2009 shortfall to rising expenses. Couldn't Libs see it coming?
Court allowed temporary shelters in Victoria parks, but officials still fighting it.
Health consultant helped former BC civil servant Penny Ballem find work in Ontario.
Glacier Media, with more than 30 papers, is poised to buy more.
Victoria harm reduction activists march, launch their own needle exchange.
Just one candidate for ministry's big computer upgrade.
Jeff Lee says his editors cleared him to take free-lance job, can't recall fee.
She's staying on, despite just fighting a campaign she says lacked vision.
Libs proud of loosened regs for private colleges, other industries. Costs too high, say critics.
Up 60 per cent since province outsourced health records to contractor in 2004.
Libs look like they're hiding info until election ends: ethics expert.
New StatsCan numbers likely mean bigger budget deficit or spending cuts: experts.
Delayed government report shows no real gains.
The party's leader on her ideas, her chances, facing 'hostility' and more.
BC Libs' Robin Adair is running in Saanich South.
Assaults, abuse blamed on workplace climate, cuts and staff shortages.
BC Libs created 'overly complex' maze that kept needy off rolls: ombudsman
James proposes business tax cuts to stimulate economic recovery.
Company hikes prices despite traffic drop, weak economy.
If you want to run for office, get ready for heavy vetting.
Two health worker unions file complaint against BC Nurses' Union.
Move leaves opposition candidates, watchdog with questions.
Watchdog wants Elections Canada to investigate.
Report alleges many problems, claims certifying ship was 'negligent.'
NDP asks why premier hasn't cited Beijing trip on conflict disclosure forms.
Secret strategy to control public debate as company went private.
1882 Act protects citizens' right of access to rivers, lakes, ocean inlets.
Health and education safe but other ministries trimmed, including environment, housing, aboriginal affairs.
Ministry's push to disband Therapeutics Initiative 'lacks substantive evidence.'
Wary support from some enviros. Too risky say Libs.
Upped ID requirements may have affected some close federal races.
Facing lawsuits, minister vows to defend public health care. The Copeman case raises questions.
What BC's Health Ministry learned from Kiwis about drugs, charging patients, and more.
Enviros worried that cabinet shuffle sends a signal priorities have changed.
PacifiCats get a look for Red Sea route. Brokers still flogging the vessels.
Memo shows 'culture of secrecy' says NDP critic.
UVic's Dennis Pilon serves up his reasons for changing the way BC elects.
Louder than previous models, they rattle some coastal residents' homes.
Savings sought as two German-built vessels sit idle many days.
Campbell government hosted closed meetings.
Heavy fuel use, noise, vibration and air-sucking propellers said to be problems.
Private contractor did no better than public effort it replaced: review.
Nine senior agrologists protest way ALR decisions are made.
Mysterious groups helped with minister's re-election bid.
A riding-by-riding look at pros and cons of voting 'anyone but Harper' in BC. (Not as simple as it seems.)
Saanich group wants 'erroneous' water project grant cancelled.
Trio of opponents may split vote against Conservative Gary Lunn.
In North Island, NDP and Tory foes split last two races by a hair. Here comes round three.
How private contracts inflated cost of welfare-to-work programs.
$8 million job training contract cancelled; work goes to B.C. competitor.
University owns piece of fish-farm vaccine-maker accused of poor practices. Last in a series.
At Microtek, a two-year history of concerns expressed. Second in a three-part special report.
Pathogens, chemicals, flowed out untreated. First of a three-part special report.
Chris Shaw, critic, author and now council candidate, on why the games are 'a corporate scam.'
Right of homeless to camp in parks is focus of landmark Victoria court case.
It's a global gold rush, and VANOC doesn't give B.C. firms any advantage.
