Bios

David Beers

David Beers is founding editor of The Tyee. He was senior editor at Mother Jones magazine before moving to Vancouver in 1991. Since then, he has won national awards for his journalism in Canada and the United States, writing for The Globe and Mail, Vancouver Magazine, The New York Times Magazine, Harper's, National Geographic and many other publications. During a three years stint at the Vancouver Sun he edited the “Fate of the Strait” environmental series, recipient of Canada’s National Newspaper Award for Special Projects; invented and edited the cultural section Mix; served as Chief Features Editor and wrote a weekly essay on social and political issues.

He is author of Blue Sky Dream, a memoir of growing up in Cold War California suburbia. He is a founding member of IMPACS, a Vancouver non-profit firm providing media help to non-profit groups, former vice chair of the Vancouver City Planning Commission, and a lecturer at the UBC School of Journalism.

Stories by David Beers

tyeenews

Thanks to You, the Tyee's Best Year Ever

However you wish to measure our success, the credit goes to you and all our supporters.

By David Beers, 1 Jan 2010

news

A Tyee Series

Eroding Pensions, Political Flashpoints

Expect more strikes and other battles over pensions if ministers can't craft real reform in Whitehorse this week.

By David Beers and Andrew MacLeod, 17 Dec 2009

news

A Tyee Series

Ignatieff's Path to Pension Reform

UT prof Keith Ambachtsheer crafted idea for safer, voluntary alternative to RRSPs.

By Jim Sutherland and David Beers, 10 Dec 2009

news

A Tyee Series

How Your Canadian Pension Benefit Could Double

Plan's backers, including labour, see a safe, easy way to change the retirement horizon for younger Canadians.

By Jim Sutherland and David Beers, 9 Dec 2009

news

A Tyee Series

The RRSP Mirage

Too many personal plans are coming up way short. The push is on to reinvent Canada's deal with retirees.

By Jim Sutherland and David Beers, 8 Dec 2009

artsculture

A Tyee Series

Andrew Struthers Creates a First in Film

His 'Americanface' is 64 YouTube clips that add up to a feature film. Watch his experiment unfold on The Tyee, starting today.

By David Beers, 19 Oct 2009

tyeenews

'Ending Homelessness': Paulsen to Speak at Museum of Vancouver

Tyee's investigative editor has spent three years digging deep for solutions.

By David Beers, 1 Oct 2009

news

A Tyee Series

Good to Grow: A Series Funded by Tyee Readers

David Tracey says the time is ripe for an urban farming revolution in BC.

By David Beers, 18 Aug 2009

news

Helping Homeless by Hosting 2010 Visitors

New non-profit’s bright Olympics idea to be unveiled tomorrow.

By David Beers, 11 Aug 2009

life

A Tyee Series

Eat Your History

While creating the 100-Mile Diet, James MacKinnon realized local foods have amazing pasts. Result: a new Tyee series.

By David Beers, 6 Aug 2009

news

A Tyee Series

'Toxics: Your Right to Know'

Amanda Euringer found out how to fight for health safety, thanks to you who funded her journey.

By David Beers, 13 Jul 2009

news

Your Guide to the New Tyee

A changed look. A number of new features. Please tell us what you think.

By David Beers, 13 Jul 2009

tyeenews

On Monday, a New Tyee

We're changing our design and adding features readers wanted.

By David Beers, 8 Jul 2009

books

Michael Pollan, Garden Fresh

The 'In Defense of Food' author on picky-eating kids, Obama's menu for America, the 100-Mile Diet and more.

By David Beers, 12 Jun 2009

tyeenews

Tyee's Kimmett Will Dive into Marine Science

Reporter wins Metcalf fellowship to study coastal ecologies in Rhode Island.

By David Beers, 25 May 2009

tyeenews

Int'l Prize for Tyee Article

Sean Condon's portrait of Vancouver homeless man's last weeks wins global award.

By David Beers, 18 May 2009

opinion

What Now?

After bringing the NDP far in 2005, this time Carole James couldn't seal the deal.

By David Beers and Crawford Kilian, 13 May 2009

tyeenews

Follow Election Results on Tyee's Twitter and The Hook

Breaking news and analysis, up to the minute.

By David Beers and Monte Paulsen, 12 May 2009

tyeenews

Guide to Tyee Election Reporting

You gave. We reported. A round-up of our coverage so far.

By David Beers, 9 May 2009

tyeenews

Your Issues, Your Donations

Tyee readers gave four times (!) our original goal to boost election coverage.

By David Beers, 20 Apr 2009

tyeenews

Tyee Ramps up Election Coverage

Issues. Analysis. Spin unspun. How we're helping to inform your decision.

By David Beers, 16 Apr 2009

tyeenews

Tyee Donors Are Telling Us Their Top Election Issues

Contributions zoom past $5,000 as drive continues four more days.

By David Beers, 10 Apr 2009

tyeenews

Want Great Election Reporting? Please Donate

We're asking you to tell us your biggest issue, and help fund a Tyee reporter to nail it.

By David Beers, 6 Apr 2009

news

Want One Port Mann Bridge, or a Light Rail Metropolis?

UBC team says region could be transformed for $3.1 billion cost of span.

By David Beers, 25 Mar 2009

artsculture

A Tyee Series

Leiren-Young and His 'Green Chain'

Filmmaker discusses BC premiere of his movie on love of forests. A Trees and Us podcast.

By David Beers, 6 Mar 2009

news

Design the Next Vancouver

'FormShift Vancouver' contest invites new ideas for a vibrant, greener, denser city.

By David Beers, 23 Feb 2009

opinion

Campbell's Global Warming Game

While eagerly enabling tar sands and freeways, he's cooled out green foes.

By David Beers, 26 Jan 2009

opinion

A Tyee Series

Give Us Your Big Idea for 2009

Let's do some group problem solving. Post a comment, or send your article.

By David Beers, 22 Jan 2009

books

Irony to Plummet in 2009?

Hard times and a popular president could be bad for smart alecks.

By David Beers, 2 Jan 2009

opinion

A Prius for Every Student

That's what you could do at UBC, for the price of its new Skytrain line.

By David Beers, 16 Dec 2008

tyeenews

Our Gift to You: Geist Magazine

Great reading. It's our holiday present when you sign up for our free Tyee e-zine.

By David Beers, 12 Dec 2008

mediacheck

Three Wins, Thanks Tyee Fans!

You voted us several Best of 604 online awards.

By David Beers, 12 Dec 2008

news

'Change' Wins in Vancouver

Now the hard part. What will 'change' mean? Notes from last night's landslide.

By Geoff Dembicki, Irwin Loy and David Beers, 17 Nov 2008

opinion

Election's Big Winners and Losers

These get our votes. Please add your own.

By David Beers and Monte Paulsen, 15 Oct 2008

opinion

What Did Voters Say Today?

Catch our fresh election night analysis on The Hook.

By David Beers and Monte Paulsen, 14 Oct 2008

tyeenews

Help Us Make The Tyee Better

Do you have a few minutes to complete our readership survey?

By David Beers, 6 Oct 2008

opinion

Welcome to Tonight's Debate Blog-O-Rama

Please join our pundits in posting a comment below.

By David Beers, 2 Oct 2008

tyeenews

Get on The Hook!

The Tyee's new politics superblog launches today. Nice timing, eh?

By Monte Paulsen and David Beers, 8 Sep 2008

books

'So Help Me, Jesus, This Is Dangerous Work'

Gary Geddes' brilliant ode to ironworkers who risked all to raise a bridge.

By David Beers, 1 Sep 2008

tyeenews

Green Your Campbell Cash: The Big Winners

Five projects proved most popular, but all of us won.

By David Beers, 31 Jul 2008

tyeenews

Top Five 'Campbell Cash' Projects to Share $2,500 Prize

Vote now so your favourite climate action project gets piece of increased prize money.

By David Beers, 14 Jul 2008

news

SkyTrain Billions Better Spent on Trams: Study

Money for single UBC subway line could pay for region laced by light rail.

By David Beers, 5 Jun 2008

Music to His Eyes

Mark Mushet's portraits of musicians bend the usual notes.

By David Beers, 30 May 2008

tyeenews

Tyee to Sponsor Vancouver Mayoral Race Debate

Teams with 24 Hours to let three Vision candidates spar.

By David Beers, 7 May 2008

mediacheck

New Funding Model for Tyee

Bold tactic could redefine independent media.

By David Beers, 1 Apr 2008

tyeenews

Special Offer: Geist for Free!

Just subscribe here to Tyee's e-mailed headlines.

By David Beers, 27 Mar 2008

tyeenews

Tyee Fellowship Winners

Five in-depth series coming soon to our pages.

By David Beers, 22 Feb 2008

opinion

Apology

Mair column contained errors.

By David Beers, 17 Jan 2008

news

Correction and Apology

Clearing up confusion over Province newspaper cartoonists.

By David Beers, 27 Dec 2007

tyeenews

Wow! Thanks So Much

Surge of donations will support fresh round of in-depth reporting.

By David Beers, 21 Dec 2007

tyeenews

Comment Threads Will Close for Holidays

Thanks for a great year! Time for a short break.

By David Beers and Geoff D'Auria, 19 Dec 2007

tyeenews

Fellowships Drive Nearing Goal

Almost there! Help us get over the top.

By David Beers, 10 Dec 2007

tyeenews

Tyee's Reporting Team Grows

Added: Victoria bureau chief, investigative editor.

By David Beers, 3 Dec 2007

tyeenews

Help Us Fund More Tyee Fellowships

Build on the success you've made: independent reports, reader funded.

By David Beers, 28 Nov 2007

mediacheck

A Tyee Series

Marc Edge on 'Asper Nation'

His new book traces 'dangerous' rise of CanWest Global.

By David Beers, 13 Nov 2007

opinion

Vancouver Eats Its Young

City risks driving away its up and comers.

By David Beers, 23 Oct 2007

books

A Tyee Series

William Gibson Hates Futurists

The author of 'Spook Country' on how Osama Bin Laden was handed victory, how to really fight terrorists, the appeal of retro-virtual reality, and why Vancouver is like a video game.

By David Beers, 18 Oct 2007

tyeenews

New Round of Tyee Fellowships

Journalists invited to apply for $5000 grants.

By David Beers, 12 Oct 2007

mediacheck

Honours for Tyee Reporters

Salcito, Barrett finalists for Webster award.

By David Beers, 6 Sep 2007

mediacheck

Rafe Mair Back on Air

New live Internet radio show launches tomorrow.

By David Beers, 3 Sep 2007

life

A Tyee Series

John Armstrong, Working Stiff

His hilarious memoir of horrible jobs starts today in The Tyee.

By David Beers, 21 Aug 2007

Strike Is All About Olympics

But maybe not in the way you've heard.

By David Beers, 25 Jul 2007

opinion

Selling Doomsday Debits

In BC's wasteful forest biz, carbon credits don't grow on trees.

By David Beers, 24 Jul 2007

tyeenews

Tyee's New Daily Delivery

Get the 'Daily Catch' mornings in your e-mail for free.

By David Beers, 11 Jul 2007

opinion

A Tyee Series

No Fares! A Reader-funded Solutions Series

Is it crazy to imagine free public transit? Or crazy not to? You made possible Dave Olsen's inquiry.

By David Beers, 5 Jul 2007

tyeenews

Support the Media You Want

Tyee's drive for new readers (last chance to help!) is part of a grassroots push for news diversity.

By David Beers, 3 Jul 2007

tyeenews

Five Minutes, Please, to Help the Tyee Grow

We need more regular readers to stay strong. Please subscribe free to our weekly e-zine.

By David Beers, 13 Jun 2007

opinion

A City's Fragile Soul

The push to slick up Vancouver, and the price.

By David Beers, 7 Jun 2007

tyeenews

Help Us Find New Friends

We're launching a fun new way to reach new readers. Please help!

By David Beers, 30 May 2007

mediacheck

A Tyee Series

Tyee's New Approach to Comments

A system designed to promote thoughtful posts.

By David Beers, 16 May 2007

mediacheck

A Tyee Series

Can We Still Talk Online?

Push is on to improve reader forums on the Net. First in a series.

By David Beers, 15 May 2007

MLAs Sitting Pretty

Panel recommends 29 percent pay hike.

By David Beers, 1 May 2007

opinion

Oiling up the Coast

Harper shrugs off 35-year ban on risky tanker traffic.

By David Beers, 30 Apr 2007

news

A Tyee Series

Reconciling with First Nations: A Reader-funded Solutions Series

You made possible Sandra Shields' hopeful look at the 'New Relationship' in her community.

By David Beers, 30 Mar 2007

mediacheck

Tyee Reporter Lands Prize

Mining expose garners top honour for young journos in North America.

By David Beers, 26 Mar 2007

opinion

Farm Workers' Deaths: A Tragedy Foretold

BC Libs long criticized for gutting worker safety.

By David Beers, 8 Mar 2007

Budget 2007: Cracked Foundation?

Critics take crowbars to 'Building a Housing Legacy'

By David Beers, 21 Feb 2007

Maher Arar, Free to Speak

Tomorrow at UBC, he shares his harrowing story.

By David Beers, 15 Feb 2007

Campbell's Emissions

He appears to endorse firm targets on global warming gasses.

By David Beers, 12 Feb 2007

Ethanol to the Rescue?

Energy from corn! says Bush. What could go wrong?

By David Beers, 26 Jan 2007

Pickton: Reader Beware?

Vancouver's paper of record sends mixed signals.

By David Beers, 25 Jan 2007

Oh Sh%#!!

Year's Big Story #2: Iraq, the climate, and the big reckoning.

By David Beers, 28 Dec 2006

This Just In! Lots of Homeless!

Year's Big Story #5. Housing activists spark action.

By David Beers, 25 Dec 2006

NDP Corners Coroner's Defenders

James accuses Campbell, Les of 'misleading' the public.

By David Beers, 23 Nov 2006

Depravity.com

Cop forced to watch child abuse live on net.

By David Beers, 3 Nov 2006

New Feature: 'Today's Big Story'

Check daily for quick briefings on the day's hot news story.

By David Beers, 23 Oct 2006

opinion

9/11's Power to Change

After the attack came the question: will this make us better, or worse?

By David Beers, 10 Sep 2006

news

A Tyee Series

'Rough Weather Ahead': A Reader-funded Exposé

You who gave made possible Chris Wood's powerful series on global warming and BC.

By David Beers, 10 Aug 2006

books

Douglas Coupland's Mid-life Circus

The restless, prolific artist on why guns make him feel safe, how buses impede cars and whether the blogging bubble will burst.

By David Beers, 3 Aug 2006

news

'You Can't Spin Mother Nature'

PR pro Jim Hoggan picks a fight with the climate change deniers.

By David Beers, 13 Jul 2006

opinion

Tyee Fellowships Launched

Journalists please apply. Donors, many thanks!

By David Beers, 19 Feb 2006

news

The Leader the Libs Need?

Liberal insiders want UN's top human rights fighter to clean up the party.

By David Beers, 17 Feb 2006

news

Coroner Whistleblowers Rebuffed by Les

Solicitor General rejects concerns by Committee for Competent Death Reviews.

By Quentin Dodd and David Beers, 10 Feb 2006

opinion

Our Election Night Forum

You're invited. Join pundits, readers in adding comments to this story.

By David Beers, 23 Jan 2006

opinion

Please Support The Tyee's Two New Fellowship Funds

Your opportunity to create the best independent journalism in BC.

By David Beers, 6 Dec 2005

news

Sullivan Draws New Fire for Supporting Addicts' Habits

Mayor, police union head call candidate a bad fit to chair Police Board.

By David Beers, 8 Nov 2005

news

School Stalemate: How We Got Here

Verbatim, nearly two decades of politicians' wrangling in the Legislature.

By Will McMartin and David Beers, 21 Oct 2005

opinion

The Peter Newman Tapes

The power profiler on Gordon Campbell, Stephen Harper, David Radler, voting NDP and more.

By David Beers, 27 Sep 2005

mediacheck

Dee Hon Named a Webster Finalist for Tyee Series

Stories offer a personal and scientific account of Attention Deficit Disorder.

By David Beers, 13 Sep 2005

opinion

How Did 9/11 Change US Culture?

Four years ago, I saw Americans' 'sense of immunity' assaulted, and predicted a mental shift. Where did it lead?

By David Beers, 12 Sep 2005

mediacheck

Tyee Commenter Posed as Editor

Hoax perpetrated after being blocked from site for remarks.

By David Beers, 3 Aug 2005

opinion

A Clear View of Vancouver

Author Lance Berelowitz on the city’s shiny dreams and scruffy potential. A Tyee interview.

By David Beers, 25 May 2005

opinion

Poll: BC's Rush to the Centre

Tyee survey finds nearly half would have voted for 'middle' party had it existed.

By David Beers, 23 May 2005

opinion

Beat Will McMartin at His Own Game!

Your chance to outwit The Tyee’s election prognosticator – and win a book.

By David Beers, 11 May 2005

Watching Last Night's Debate

Running commentary from Tyee editors and readers.

By David Beers, 3 May 2005

news

Tyee Launches ‘Superblog’ for Election

Original Tyee reporting. Takes from other media and blogs. Visit early and often for your politics fix.

By David Beers, 6 Apr 2005

opinion

The Ridings that Will Decide Battleground BC

Tyee’s new daily feature projects seats up for grabs for NDP and Liberals. And updates as fortunes shift.

By David Beers, 31 Mar 2005

opinion

New Look. New Book. And More Spring Growth at The Tyee.

Encouraged by your interest and support, we’ve redesigned and launched new initiatives.

By David Beers, 22 Mar 2005

opinion

An Open Letter to Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnolo

The B.C. Liberals intend to close the legislature five weeks early on Thursday, denying serious scrutiny of $13 billion in expenditures of taxpayers' money. Your Honour, you have the power to prevent this abuse of democracy.

By David Beers, 8 Mar 2005

mediacheck

Creating Counterweights to Big Media

How to open up Canada's news media in an era of corporate concentration.

By David Beers and Charles Campbell, 2 Feb 2005

mediacheck

Tyee Published Article with Fabricated Details

Double check reveals 'Confessions of a Speed Demon' was a largely fictional account.

By David Beers, 2 Dec 2004

opinion

What now for the Democrats?

The party did a lot with a lousy candidate. Some advice, second guesses, and opinions from elsewhere on the net.

By David Beers, 4 Nov 2004

Ready for Take-Offs

Meet Paul Myers, The Tyee's new digital cartoonist with a '24-track mind'.

By David Beers, 15 Sep 2004

artsculture

Ready for Take-Offs

Meet Paul Myers, The Tyee's new digital cartoonist with a '24-track mind'.

By David Beers, 15 Sep 2004

opinion

The Silence on Sex Candidate

Mary Polak effectively stymied sex ed in Surrey schools. Now she has Liberal ambitions.

By David Beers, 10 Sep 2004

opinion

Read The Tyee's New Novel!

Brand new, funny and fresh, Too Many Georges is a serialized romp from B.C. to American's surreal heartland

By David Beers, 30 Jul 2004

news

Why The Tyee Blinked Off

A server malfunction threw us off-line for several days. We're back.

By David Beers, 28 Jul 2004

news

After the Deal

Foes of the Liberal government weigh the pain, costs and opportunities created by a bruising labour dispute and a general strike that wasn't

By David Beers, 3 May 2004

mediacheck

CanWest Editor Fears for Your Mind

It's timidly closed if you read The Tyee, says the boss of the Times-Colonist. Huh? Think again.

By David Beers, 30 Mar 2004

When Musician and Photographer Improvise

Mark Mushet's portraits push beyond pre-packaged images that musicians' handlers want to see.

By David Beers, 5 Mar 2004

opinion

The Tyee's First 100 Days

A report from the editor. And a request: Please subscribe free to our weekly email edition.

By David Beers, 1 Mar 2004

artsculture

The Jesus Mel Missed

The maker of CNN documentary on Jesus fills in what's lacking in Gibson's 'Passion': the politics, the appeal, even a realistic face for the hero.

By David Beers, 23 Feb 2004

artsculture

All About Psychopath, Inc.

Makers of hot doc 'The Corporation' talk about soulless power, 'socially responsible' business, unions, and trying to know what's real anymore.

By David Beers, 16 Jan 2004

news

Carole James Drummed into Power

The NDP's new leader vows to hit the road again to build her party "one person at a time."

By David Beers, 24 Nov 2003

news

Oh, Joy!

Outgoing New Democrat Leader Joy MacPhail lets fly on Gordon Campbell, the Greens, reinventing the NDP, and "Barbie doll political coverage in this province."

By David Beers, 19 Nov 2003

Looking for Some Good, Clean Troublemaking?

The kind we're talking about makes the world a better place. Here's where you'll find the pointers, and inspiration you need.

By David Beers, 14 Nov 2003