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Bios
Geoff Dembicki
Geoff Dembicki is originally from Edmonton, Alberta: a place known for mammoth parking lots, Siberian temperatures, and proximity to the planet's third largest oil reserves.
Now based in Vancouver, B.C., Geoff can't seem to stop writing about his home province, or more specifically, how its oil sands industry is transforming Canada from benign middle-power to aggressive petro-state. His reporting has taken him to an exclusive Republican social club, a tribal casino on South Dakota's Great Plains and a tiny northern B.C. fishing village accessible only by ferry or float plane. Send any thoughts, feedback or story tips to gdembicki@thetyee.ca.
Reporting Beat: Energy and climate change, topics that have a particular resonance given his Alberta upbringing.
Twitter: @geoffdembicki
Stories by Geoff Dembicki
Eco-Policies of Alberta's Next Government?
Speed up oil sands, give $300 in petro proceeds to each citizen, says surging Wildrose party.
Five Survival Tips for Making a Record in Ladysmith
TYEE LIST #6: Punk rock lives at a small town BC studio. But musicians, be prepared.
Too Much Energy Used to Mine, Move Bitumen Says BC Firm
'Energy Return on Investment' hard to justify says P.G.-based engineering analyst.
How First Nations Are Gearing Up for Legal Battle Against Gateway
Native groups likely to cite evidence they weren't consulted as required by Supreme Court decisions.
How Enbridge Sawed Off Good Relations with BC First Nations
Killing Haisla's sacred trees just one way firm has undercut dealings with aboriginals on Pacific Gateway route.
Idea #5: Sincerity Is the New Irony
Your time is up, Old Spice Guy. As the hipster kingdom crumbles, youth culture takes a new bent.
How Big Oil and Canada Thwarted US Carbon Standards
Emails show how a Washington lobbyist enlisted Canadian officials to beat back climate regulation.
BC's 'Cleaner' Fuel Standard: Reality Check
How a law supposed to require low carbon gasoline and diesel spares the oil sands at the atmosphere's expense.
Obama Delay May Kill Keystone, Won't Slow Oil Sands
As enviro activists rejoice, industry pins more hopes on pipeline crossing BC.
Gordon Campbell Slammed by Former Backer, Eco-Activist Tzeporah Berman
Former BC premier's lobbying against clean fuel laws 'shocks' enviro who gave him award.
Are Vancouver Politics Getting Ford-ified?
Team that got Rob Ford elected mayor of Toronto has new target: the 'greenest city' party running Vancouver.
On Both Sides of Border, Indigenous Groups Oppose Keystone
On the scene of a South Dakota 'emergency meeting' of Native leaders taking a stand against the bitumen pipeline.
Who's Behind New Pro-Oil Sands Ad Blitz?
Billing itself as 'grassroots', EthicalOil has close ties to a top oil sands law firm.
Climate Justice Movement Keys off Civil Rights Crusade
Strategy: take more risks, create new heroes, defy the law. And, tomorrow, converge on Washington, DC.
Feds Tried to Sabotage Climate Change Art Show: Artist
Funding and embassy support dry up for Canadian's European exhibition, but DFAIT denies responsibility.
Bruce Carson's Fingerprints on 'National Energy Strategy'
Kanananskis agreement was framed by former Harper top aide before scandals, investigation.
Turning Oil Sands into Pop Cans
How Alberta bitumen fuels the global thirst for billions of beverage containers.
Climate Change, Ghost Issue of 2011 Election
First of three stories on matters of huge significance weirdly drawing scant attention.
'Tar Sands' vs. 'Oil Sands' Political Flap Misguided?
What to call Alberta's reserves is raising a fuss, but for wrong reason, research indicates.
Could Financial Might Backing Oil Sands Shift to Renewables?
That's the question Steve Kretzmann of Oil Change International is trying to answer. Last in our series.
Oil Sands Lobbying Without End, Vows American Petroleum Institute
With millions to spend opposing climate change laws, and 'allies' in Canada's government, API reps 460 oil and gas corporations.
Killer of US Clean Energy Laws Now Running for Alberta Premier
Gary Mar brags of defeating emissions reductions as province's man in Washington. Latest in a series.
Gary Doer's Startling Embrace of the Oil Sands
As Manitoba's NDP premier, he was a top fighter against climate change. Now as Canada's US ambassador, he's done an about face, say chagrined former allies.
War Cry of Oil Sands Lobby: 'Us against the World'
That's how Jane Moffat of the Canadian-American Business Council frames the two nations' stake in Alberta crude. Hillary Clinton could be listening.
Alberta's Hired Gun in Washington
Meet Paul Frazer, the high-powered lobbyist paid by the province to portray an oil sands industry striving to be green. Latest in a series.
Climate Group Says Washington's Oil Sands War Is 'David vs. Goliath'
Calgary's Pembina Institute established an outpost in the US capital to counter industry lobbyists. And learned secrecy is a weapon.
Scandal Rocks Key Player in Canada's Oil Sands PR Push
Bruce Carson was the 'grey-haired sage' linking PM Harper to oil lobby. Now he's accused of influence peddling for a young former prostitute. Latest in a series.
Canadian Officials 'Aggressive' in Selling Congress on Oil Sands
Albertan and Canadian government reps spin hard to US lawmakers say Capitol Hill insiders. Latest in a series.
The Kochs: Oil Sands Billionaires Bankrolling US Right
They process about one in four barrels of US-bound Alberta bitumen, and pump millions of dollars into highly conservative, anti-green causes. Latest in a series.
How Enviros Helped Block a Pipeline Worth Billions
Battlers against the Keystone XL say they're safeguarding a massive aquifer, the climate, and Canada's reputation. Latest in a series.
The Battle to Block Low Carbon Fuel Standards
How the oil sands lobby and a 'supportive' Canadian government defeated US lawmakers trying to make fuels greener.
Canada Teams with Oil Lobby to Fight US Clean Energy Clause
In tandem with Ottawa and Alberta, top oil sands lobbyist Tom Corcoran keeps chipping away at Section 526. Third in a series.
Breakfast With the Oil Sands' Top Salesman
Meet Tom Corcoran, the ultra-Republican hired to stop clean energy bills that threaten the flow of Alberta crude.
In America's Capital, a Fierce Fight over Oil Sands
Today begins The Tyee's major series reported from Washington on the intense, high stakes political struggle fueled by Alberta crude.
Gulf Disaster Failed to Ignite Culture Shift: Study
It's 200 days since the largest oil spill in US history was announced capped. How we missed a prime chance for change.
Why Six Petro Giants Are Obsessed with Oil Sands
Boxed out of most global oil plays, ExxonMobil, BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Total, ConocoPhillips and Chevron see their fates tied to Alberta crude.
Idea #10: We've Entered the Age of Energy-Intensive Oil
Exploiting new big reserves like the oil sands will create far more greenhouse gasses per barrel. Let's face that.
'I Was Disappointed With the Canadians'
When Canadian officials lobby against lower fuel carbon standards south of the border, they play for keeps. Ask a bruised Wisconsin scientist.
Mission: Make Americans Love Alberta's Oil Sands
Billions ride on a well-fueled campaign to win US citizen support for bitumen pipelines and processing in their country.
Canada's Fight to Stop States From Lowering Fuel Carbon Levels
How Alberta, Ottawa and oil sands corporations are teaming to oppose climate change laws across America. First in a multi-part series.
US Tea Party's Deep Ties to Oil Sands Giant
Owners of Koch Industries, a major processor of Alberta crude, spent millions to foment and support a movement against Obama's climate change policies.
California's Anti-Green Politics: The Alberta Connection
Texas refiner banks big on oil sands and pours millions into Prop 23, a bid to halt Golden State climate policies, and maybe BC's too.
Why Europe Could Decide Fate of Canada's Oil Sands
Tories and petro firms worry oil sands restrictions in Europe will spread to other key nations. They're lobbying hard to prevent it.
Pipeline Plan Slams into $120 Million Coastal Eco-Pact
BC's Great Bear Rainforest deal was a landmark mix of public and private investment. Oil tankers, say backers, weren't part of the bargain.
At Ground Zero for Next Huge Enviro War: Hartley Bay
BC First Nations and green groups vow to stop pipeline connecting tar sands crude with Asia-bound tankers.
Canada Helps Create an Oil Sands World
Alberta is showing the way for nations with similar reserves. Brace for a global 'age of tough oil.'
Greenpeace Chief Compares Oil Sands to Apartheid
Kumi Naidoo tells Tyee Alberta should learn from Africa's injustices.
The Mordor Diaries: Among the Oil Sands Tourists
In which our reporter pays $36.75 for a Suncor bus tour of the vast pits, and peruses the gift shop. Last in a series.
The Mordor Diaries: 'Are You Going to Slam Our City?'
In which our reporter is made to feel complicit in a media conspiracy against Fort McMurray. Second of three.
The Mordor Diaries: Rolling into Fort McMurray
In which our reporter visits the slice of suburbia next to Canada's famously toxic, tarry moonscape. First of three.
Oil Sands Workers Don't Cry
Toughing it out in the cold, isolated, male world of mobile workers in Alberta's oil patch.
Oil Sands Opponents Will Lose, Economist Suggests
Heated U.S. debate to be swayed by security, says BMO's Sweet.
'We Got that Deleted': Canada's Oil Sands Lobby Twisting Washington's Arm
US politicians bend to foreign-backed pressure to soften climate bill.
Gulf Disaster Raises Alarms about Alberta to Texas Pipeline
Diverse foes of TransCanada project fear catastrophic oil leak into vast water source for US breadbasket states.
Tories Seen to Be Gutting Ecological Safeguards
Environmental assessment rules weakened, advisory group blindsided, say critics.
How the World's Oil Giants Are Selling the 'Captured Carbon' Dream
Inside a global effort to convince the public an unproven technology will let us have our fossil fuels and a cooler planet, too.
Good Luck Sochi, You'll Need It
Next Winter Games venue abuts war zones, and has enraged environmentalists and 1,500 citizens losing their homes.
Pie in Face Signals Split in Olympics Protest Movement
Charged debate among resisters over tactics splatters into the open.
Life Inside the 2010 Official Media Bubble
Accredited journalists are different from you and me. But for a day, I lived in their pricey Canada Place world.
What's Driving Olympics Homeless Protesters
As housing prices soared, social housing went unbuilt for years. As a result, shelter is hot politics in Vancouver.
Arrests, Beatings as Saturday Protest Turns Violent
Black-clad activists smash downtown Vancouver store windows, police crack down.
Friday Afternoon's Protest Big and Peaceful
'It's a pretty positive vibe out here' says civil liberties observer. Return to this story for updates during the weekend.
Three Billion Watch the Games? That's Crazy Talk
Hey, lots will tune in. But number claimed by IOC and politicians deemed absurd by experts.
Canada Pavilion Said to Violate Provincial Law
Nation's Olympics centre runs afoul of Architects Act, charges Architectural Institute of BC.
Olympics Well Worth It: Harcourt
Former premier comes out swinging against naysayers, says billions invested will pay off. A Tyee interview.
Who Are the 2010 Protesters?
Within their ranks are several distinct strands, and styles, of dissent. A primer on their issues and demands.
'Red Tent' Campaign Planned for Homeless during Olympics
Pivot Legal wants city to let it provide 500 tents to people sleeping on Vancouver's streets.
Librarians Told to Stand on Guard for 2010 Sponsors
'If you are planning a kids' event... approach McDonald's and not another well-known fast-food outlet,' instructs memo.
From Olympic Ideals to Corporate Blitz: A Brief History
How business saved the Games by turning them into a tightly controlled, billion dollar advertisement.
'They Are Treated as Cattle'
In 2007 three farm workers died in a crash, now the focus of an inquest some hope will expose wider abuses.
Mercer Led Raid on 'War in Woods' Tree-Sitters
2010 Games security chief is a veteran of clashes with anti-logging protesters.
Mercer Blasted APEC Protesters with Pepper Spray
Commission slammed Mounties' hair trigger use of force at 1997 summit. Third in a series profiling the 2010 Olympics' top cop.
Olympic Security Chief Likes to 'Be out Front'
In command of 6,000, Bud Mercer will be making decisions under a global microscope.
Olympics' Top Cop Helped Blow up Truck at Gustafsen Stand-off
RCMP's Bud Mercer was in the thick of several famous clashes with dissenters. This story, with video of the exploding truck, is first in a series.
Police Question Friend of Olympics Critic Chris Shaw
Nursing student surprised at school by intelligence officers. Councillor calls it 'harassment'.
Slacker Vancouver Is So Over: Mayor
Robertson urges city to build new identity as centre for green innovation.
Vancouver's 'Brand': Ski Bums or Green Brainiacs?
Getting the Games meant the world would pay attention to the city's story. Uh oh. What is it?
The Angriest Riding in BC
In Tsawwassen, massive power lines have sparked voter rage.
Huge Fort Nelson Gas Plant Would Spike BC's Carbon Emissions
As planned for 2011, EnCana project is 'irresponsible': Pembina.
'Ducking' BC Rail Questions Doesn't Fly with Experts
No law keeps Campbell and Oppal from commenting: Addario, Gabelmann.
BC Libs' Platform Bets on Economy
'Not a huge change in direction,' Campbell tells voters.
Pricey Olympics a Wedge Issue
While Campbell touts spin-offs, timber towns feel deprived.
Citizen Journalists Poised to Reinvent Olympics 'News'
Crowd-sourced 'social media' may swamp corporate coverage at 2010 Games.
2010 Games Traffic Plan a Permanent Roadmap?
Officials hope citizens will embrace public transit beefed up for Olympics.
Gov't to Small Biz: Stimulate Yourselves
Of billions flowing to boost BC economy, a mere trickle for start-up owners.
Fears of APEC-style Clash in 2010
Distrust, anger festering between activists and police. Learn from pepper spray nightmare, say critics.
Another Olympic Cost: Your Privacy
Concerns about spy cameras, random searches and $1 billion in security measures.
Olympics Spending a Shot in the Arm for British Columbia
But economists differ on its power to inoculate us from a recession.
Fortress, Backer of Key 2010 Sites, Is 'Teetering'
Olympic Village, Whistler mother company is 'tarnished' says Wall Street analyst.
'Change' Wins in Vancouver
Now the hard part. What will 'change' mean? Notes from last night's landslide.
Surrey Goes up Against the Sprawl
Mayor Watts is running on a big vision of a dense downtown, a plan singed by halted projects and bad fire.
Elizabeth May's War of Words
The Tyee was first to try to get to the bottom of her 'stupid' remarks. The blogosphere erupted.
- Could Fort Mac become an eco-tourist hotspot?
- Rick Hansen's Man in Motion anniversary tour concludes in Vancouver
- Cohen rejects request to reopen salmon hearings
- Dave Barrett, Kim Campbell named to Order of BC
- Harper gov't funded study arguing Canada suffers from 'Dutch Disease'
- BC biotech company seeks approval for GM apple
- Union cites safety risk as marine centres slated for closure, including BC
- Theft of giant cedar prompts call for increased park policing
- Canada's Economy, Deconstructed (by a 12 year-old)
- Bill C-38: the Environmental Destruction Act
- Republicans, get in my vagina!
- What About Just Guaranteeing Everyone a Basic Income?
- Tories admit to closing enviro research group because they disliked results
- Does BC Stand for Ban Clotheslines?
- 'Cagey' Clark's Pipeline Prevarications
- I Breast-fed My Preschooler. Big Whoop
- The Disconnect of Killing 'Connect with Mark Kelley'
- Chatting with Stursberg, My Ex-Boss and Arch-Nemesis
- Bill C-38: the Environmental Destruction Act
- It's no yolk: Breakfast crew share $21.4M Lotto 6-49 jackpot in Ontario
- Seven Ways to Help Folks Fall in Love with Cycling
- North Island College Cutting Down on Face Time
- Is the 'Living Wage' Enough?
- Now Is the Time to Talk up Big Ideas
- Gov't Moving to Keep Farm Disease Outbreaks Secret
- 'The Coca-Cola Case'
- 'Cagey' Clark's Pipeline Prevarications
- BC Hydro Management Process Flawed: Internal Audit
- Does Simon Fraser University Need a Men's Centre?
- Is the 'Living Wage' Enough?
- Van Dongen No Hero to Me
- I Breast-fed My Preschooler. Big Whoop
- Gov't Moving to Keep Farm Disease Outbreaks Secret
- Feds Not Standing on Guard for Canada's Water: Experts
- What About Just Guaranteeing Everyone a Basic Income?
- The Big Download Whacks Cities
- Should We Subsidize Work?
- The Future of Education Is Here...
- Trio of threats hurting Fraser River salmon: study
- Toronto police get the stick for G20 crackdown
- Toronto Conservative election victory tossed by judge
- Northern Gateway risks big spill in Alaskan waters...
- ...but worse than Gateway, or Keystone: coal exports
- Facebook rakes in ridiculous cash on stock market
- Ottawa sex exhibit lands Heritage Minister in 'hot water'
- And now, a nude picture of Stephen Harper
