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Bios

Tom Barrett

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Tom Barrett was born in Victoria and raised in Victoria and Vancouver. A writer and editor, Tom has worked in Vancouver, Victoria, and Ottawa for various publications, and is a sessional instructor at Kwantlen University's journalism program..

Reporting Beat: Politics and climate change policy.

Website: Tom Barrett

Twitter: @barrett_tom

Stories by Tom Barrett

opinion

117 BC Liberal Falsehoods, Boondoggles and Scandals: The Complete List

The Tyee’s updated tally of 15 years of public messes, sourced and explained.

By David Beers, Tom Barrett and Tyee Staff and Contributors, 10 Apr 2017


opinion

98 BC Liberal Falsehoods, Boondoggles and Scandals: The Clark Era 53

Part two of 15 years of public messes, sourced and explained. If we forgot any, please remind us.

By David Beers, Tom Barrett and Tyee Staff and Contributors, 4 Apr 2017


opinion

98 BC Liberal Falsehoods, Boondoggles and Scandals: The Campbell Era 45

Part one of 15 years of public messes, sourced and explained. If we forgot any, please remind us.

By David Beers, Tom Barrett and Tyee Staff and Contributors, 3 Apr 2017


news

After Several Fails, Should We Trust Election Polls?

It's a key question, given the swarm of public opinion reports on the horizon.

By Tom Barrett, 7 Apr 2015


news

Pollster Calls BS on BC Libs' Private Election Polls

'Show me the numbers,' demands Insights West president, who says voters simply changed their minds.

By Tom Barrett, 20 Sep 2013


news

Advice for BC NDP: Court the Rich

May election results reveal a surprising new voter bloc for the party.

By Tom Barrett, 12 Aug 2013


news

The Weight on a BC Pollster's Shoulders

Many flubbed their May 14 election calls. Here's one who thinks he knows why.

By Tom Barrett, 21 Jun 2013


news

Green Gains Likely Came at BC Libs' Expense

Further election number crunching that suggests the centre-left vote split is myth.

By Tom Barrett, 31 May 2013


news

Behind BC's Pollster Fail

Were they foiled by the '10-second Socred'? A look at several possibilities.

By Tom Barrett, 17 May 2013


news

In a Greenless World, Would the NDP Have Won?

To decide, look at 13 lost New Democrat ridings where the Greens factored in.

By Tom Barrett, 15 May 2013


blogs

In key ridings, NDP failed to improve on 2009 results

By Tom Barrett, 15 May 2013


news

Did Negative Politics Crush Positive?

Or did Christy Clark just run a better campaign, period?

By Tom Barrett, 15 May 2013


news

For Pollsters, an Alberta-sized Mess

But maybe one way to look at it is that polls don't drive democracy.

By Tom Barrett, 15 May 2013


opinion

The Premier Who Was a Reporter's 'Fantasy'

No one sprouted weird headlines like the Zalm. Last in our series.

By Tom Barrett, 14 May 2013


blogs

POLL: Latest Angus Reid stays steady, giving NDP nine-point lead

By Tom Barrett, 13 May 2013


blogs

POLL: EKOS puts NDP lead at six points among likely voters

By Tom Barrett, 13 May 2013


news

Why Polls Don't Quell New Democrat Jitters

Most BC surveys give NDP solid edge but several factors keep swing ridings in play.

By Tom Barrett, 13 May 2013


blogs

POLL: Angus Reid latest gives NDP nine-point lead over Liberals

By Tom Barrett, 10 May 2013


blogs

POLL: Ipsos puts NDP lead at six points as election nears

By Tom Barrett, 10 May 2013


opinion

The MLA Who Expensed Milk in Tight Times

And luxury resort stays, and non-existent dinners... latest in 'Some Honourable Members.'

By Tom Barrett, 10 May 2013


blogs

New wave of election polls expected today

By Tom Barrett, 10 May 2013


opinion

When 'Fisticuffs Ensued' in BC's Legislature

Fighting Joe Martin and his MLA ilk. Latest in our 'Some Honourable Members' series.

By Tom Barrett, 8 May 2013


opinion

The Booted Minister Who Became a Great Chief

Frank Calder's legacy far eclipsed a night in jail. Latest of 'Some Honourable Members.'

By Tom Barrett, 6 May 2013


blogs

Keep in mind, BC elections tend to be close...

By Tom Barrett, 6 May 2013


mediacheck

Digging into Last Week's Blitz of Polls

A possible clue to why Forum had NDP, Libs closest. And other notes.

By Tom Barrett, 6 May 2013


blogs

POLL: Ipsos latest puts NDP lead at 10 points

By Tom Barrett, 3 May 2013


mediacheck

Making Sense of Week's Wild Poll Shifts

One put the NDP 22 points ahead, another only four. What's going on?

By Tom Barrett, 3 May 2013


blogs

POLL: New polls suggest BC election is suddenly a lot tighter

By Tom Barrett, 2 May 2013


opinion

The Egged Premier Who Scrambled, and Won

Bill Bennett's worst birthday. Latest in our snapshots of BC political history.

By Tom Barrett, 2 May 2013


news

BC's Fight Against Climate Change, Explained

In 2007, Gordon Campbell decided the province would lead the world and slash emissions. What happened?

By Tom Barrett, 1 May 2013


opinion

The 'Honest Bob' Who Was Jailed for Bribery

Socred minister slipped on a rug. Latest in our 'Some Honourable Members' series.

By Tom Barrett, 30 Apr 2013


blogs

POLL: Abacus Data finds closer race between NDP and Liberals

By Tom Barrett, 30 Apr 2013


blogs

POLL: NDP's Adrian Dix won leaders debate, Ipsos Reid finds

By Tom Barrett, 29 Apr 2013


blogs

POLL: Latest Angus Reid sets NDP lead 14 points over Liberals

By Tom Barrett, 26 Apr 2013


opinion

The First MLA Physically Thrown from the Legislature

Who was it? And why doesn't this happen more often? 'Some Honourable Members' gets rowdy.

By Tom Barrett, 26 Apr 2013


blogs

POLL: British Columbians prefer spending on health and education over debt paydown

By Tom Barrett, 24 Apr 2013


mediacheck

Polls 'Don't Predict the Future'

And more hard truths about the use and abuse of modern opinion research.

By Tom Barrett, 24 Apr 2013


opinion

The Labour Minister Whose Visa Card Was X-Rated

Socred Bob McClelland paid the price. Our series of dubious BC political moments continues.

By Tom Barrett, 24 Apr 2013


opinion

The BC Mega-Project Dream that Dwarfed All Others

Wacky Bennett's monorail-mania. Latest in our look-back series 'Some Honourable Members'.

By Tom Barrett, 22 Apr 2013


opinion

The BC Premier Who Loved the Universe

When he wasn't drunkenly clubbing foes. Third in our series 'Some Honourable Members.'

By Tom Barrett, 18 Apr 2013


blogs

POLL: Ipsos' latest sets NDP lead at 19 percentage points

By Tom Barrett, 17 Apr 2013


blogs

POLL: Sixty-one per cent say time for different party to lead BC

By Tom Barrett, 16 Apr 2013


opinion

The Day a Legislator Tried to Do Away with Sex

Socred Agnes Kripps hated 'that nasty little three-letter word.' First of 'Some Honourable Members,' our new daily series.

By Tom Barrett, 16 Apr 2013


news

Writ Drops Tomorrow! Wait, What's a Writ?

It's how we signify the official start of election campaign season, with all its rites and rules.

By Tom Barrett, 15 Apr 2013


blogs

POLL: On campaign eve, NDP ahead of Liberals by 12 percentage points

By Tom Barrett, 14 Apr 2013


blogs

BC no longer sees Liberals as sound money managers: poll

By Tom Barrett, 12 Apr 2013


blogs

POLL: Few think scrapping HST will improve BC economy

By Tom Barrett, 1 Apr 2013


blogs

POLL: NDP holds 20-point lead over Liberals amid outreach scandal

By Tom Barrett, 21 Mar 2013


blogs

Pollsters ponder how voter turnout might spin BC's election

By Tom Barrett, 20 Mar 2013


news

How Tanking Turnout Makes for Ugly Elections

Wedge issues and fear politics win when voters stay home, pollsters say.

By Tom Barrett, 20 Mar 2013


blogs

Does the NDP only win when the free enterprise vote splits? Look to history

By Tom Barrett, 1 Mar 2013


news

BC's Coming Election: Myth of the Demon Vote Splitter

Libs and NDP sow fear of third parties siphoning votes. But political life is complicated.

By Tom Barrett, 1 Mar 2013


blogs

A Christy Clark comeback? Stranger things have happened

By Tom Barrett, 25 Feb 2013


news

Amazing Comebacks Christy Clark Hopes to Emulate

Four election shockers that keep BC's New Dems up at night.

By Tom Barrett, 25 Feb 2013


news

Dix's Big Gamble: No Dirt

As Libs sling mud, NDP leader refuses to go negative. Will out of the box strategy box him in?

By Tom Barrett, 14 Feb 2013


mediacheck

Attack Ads Through the Ages

A brief, inherently dirty history, with video reminders of how low they can go.

By Tom Barrett, 14 Feb 2013


news

Back to Drawing Board for Carbon Neutral Government

As BC Liberals revisit their approach to a carbon neutral public sector, some advice they'll likely get.

By Tom Barrett, 7 Dec 2011


news

Why the Pacific Carbon Trust Draws Political Heat

Making hospitals and schools transfer tight dollars to corporations is no easy climate policy to sell.

By Tom Barrett, 5 Dec 2011


news

'Carbon Neutral' Goal Spurs Projects

Whatever its flaws, BC's quest for carbon neutrality is getting some things done in the public sector.

By Tom Barrett, 1 Dec 2011


news

Is BC's Public Sector Really 'Carbon Neutral'?

Not everyone's buying the math the government uses to make its claim.

By Tom Barrett, 30 Nov 2011


news

Politics Buffet BC's Carbon Agenda

Premier Clark inherited bold climate policies and strong pressures on all sides. What will she do?

By Tom Barrett, 22 Nov 2011


books

A Self-help Guide for the Planet

Changing the way we build our cities is essential to stopping global warming, says 'Seven Rules' author Patrick Condon.

By Tom Barrett, 15 Sep 2010


mediacheck

7 Holiday TV Specials You Won't See

Those hacked Santa emails, Scrooge's hedge fund fantasy, and more.

By Tom Barrett, 15 Dec 2009


mediacheck

Rival Pollsters Declare Victory

Angus Reid and Ipsos Reid each say they predicted best.

By Tom Barrett, 13 May 2009


news

Libs Hold Off NDP in Key Ridings

NDP needed to sweep, not split, these 12 swing ridings

By Tom Barrett, 13 May 2009


blogs

BC Liberals hold off NDP in key ridings

By Tom Barrett, 13 May 2009


blogs

Only one-in-three support BC-STV: poll

By Tom Barrett, 9 May 2009


blogs

Ipsos poll indicates BC Liberals have eight-point lead

By Tom Barrett, 8 May 2009


blogs

Reid poll has Liberals, NDP neck-and-neck

By Tom Barrett, 7 May 2009


news

Pollsters in High Stakes Race, Too

The numbers are all over the place. Who will get to brag about being right?

By Tom Barrett, 7 May 2009


blogs

New poll suggests 9-point lead for Liberals

By Tom Barrett, 7 May 2009


blogs

Debate: Climate plans fuzzy around edges

By Tom Barrett, 3 May 2009


blogs

Poll suggests BC split on STV

By Tom Barrett, 2 May 2009


news

Global Warming Debate Lost in Carbon Tax Fog

'Partisan scrabbling' ruining chance to educate voters: VTACC's Washbrook.

By Tom Barrett, 27 Apr 2009


news

Polling that Obsesses BC's Campaign Strategists

Economy and crime seem to obliterate other issues for BC voters. It's not that simple.

By Tom Barrett, 17 Apr 2009


blogs

Poll gives BC Liberals 17-point lead

By Tom Barrett, 14 Apr 2009


mediacheck

Could New Breed of 'Low Profit' Firms Save Our News Media?

Canada has yet to allow hybrid ownership models operating in US and UK.

By Tom Barrett, 9 Apr 2009


blogs

Liberals launch first election ad

By Tom Barrett, 31 Mar 2009


blogs

Public transit may keep you fit: study

By Tom Barrett, 26 Mar 2009


blogs

Crime emerging as BC election issue: poll

By Tom Barrett, 25 Mar 2009


blogs

Big shocks don’t move voters, poll suggests

By Tom Barrett, 24 Mar 2009


blogs

Canwest wins round in parody suit

By Tom Barrett, 5 Mar 2009


blogs

CanWest drops parody suit against printer

By Tom Barrett, 26 Feb 2009


news

Weird Warnings on FOI Materials

BC gov't sows fear by claiming 'crown copyright' on released documents, say critics.

By Tom Barrett, 24 Feb 2009


blogs

Coalition pushes for Net neutrality

By Tom Barrett, 11 Feb 2009


blogs

Hands off loonies, mint tells enviros

By Tom Barrett, 5 Feb 2009


blogs

Northwest electrification: stimulus or stupidity?

By Tom Barrett, 5 Feb 2009


blogs

Federal climate promises 'flawed and unverifiable,' commissioner says

By Tom Barrett, 5 Feb 2009


news

Premier Campbell Backing off Global Warming Effort?

Enviros worried that cabinet shuffle sends a signal priorities have changed.

By Tom Barrett and Andrew MacLeod, 23 Jan 2009


blogs

Oilsands 'change everything' says Ignatieff

By Tom Barrett, 15 Jan 2009


mediacheck

Idea #8: Twitter the News

Microblogging is shifting the business of reporting events.

By Tom Barrett, 31 Dec 2008


mediacheck

A Win Streak for Free Speech

'Responsible journalism' decision latest to loosen libel law in Canada.

By Tom Barrett, 15 Dec 2008


mediacheck

Canwest Suit May Test Limits of Free Speech

Defence appeals ruling that case is about copyright, not a citizen's right to skewer with satire.

By Tom Barrett, 11 Dec 2008


blogs

Gateway foes promise “action” Sunday

By Tom Barrett, 5 Dec 2008


news

Who's Ahead in BC, Libs or NDP?

Making sense of conflicting poll numbers and methods.

By Tom Barrett, 3 Dec 2008


blogs

CRTC uses faulty logic in “throttling” decision, activist says

By Tom Barrett, 20 Nov 2008


blogs

Canwest to cut 560 jobs

By Tom Barrett, 12 Nov 2008


blogs

Canwest drops suit against pro-Palestine activist

By Tom Barrett, 9 Nov 2008


blogs

Carbon tax whacks poor in three years: CCPA

By Tom Barrett, 30 Oct 2008


news

Carbon Tax Whacks the Poor, Later

Three years out, wealthy take smaller hit than low income BCers: study.

By Tom Barrett, 30 Oct 2008


news

Carbon Tax Gets Another Voter Test Wednesday

Primer: Parties' global warming stands going into byelection.

By Tom Barrett, 27 Oct 2008


mediacheck

Media Democracy Day Gains Steam

Your chance to learn and energize this Saturday in Vancouver and four more Canadian cities.

By Tom Barrett, 23 Oct 2008


news

Is Carbon Tax Political Poison?

Dion and Campbell might have just sold it badly: pollster.

By Tom Barrett, 20 Oct 2008


blogs

How not to sell a carbon tax

By Tom Barrett, 14 Oct 2008


blogs

Conservative vote may be higher than polls suggest, pollster says

By Tom Barrett, 13 Oct 2008


blogs

Media covering horserace more, issues less, prof says

By Tom Barrett, 10 Oct 2008


blogs

You’ll pay for cap and trade, economists say

By Tom Barrett, 9 Oct 2008


blogs

In politics, fibbing works

By Tom Barrett, 8 Oct 2008


blogs

Campbell's Highway 37 plan an expensive way to cut emissions

By Tom Barrett, 26 Sep 2008


blogs

Evangelicals urged to vote for civility

By Tom Barrett, 26 Sep 2008


blogs

Northerners won’t all pay more carbon tax

By Tom Barrett, 22 Sep 2008


blogs

Could fossils fuel Premier Campbell’s re-election?

By Tom Barrett, 16 Sep 2008


blogs

Carbon tax could be axed for good

By Tom Barrett, 9 Sep 2008


blogs

Climate heats up as election issue

By Tom Barrett, 9 Sep 2008


blogs

Election halts air-quality recommendations

By Tom Barrett, 8 Sep 2008


opinion

NDP's Carbon Math Is Wrong

But trying to chase the real numbers can drive you bonkers.

By Tom Barrett, 7 Aug 2008


news

Summit Crafts the Spew Economy

On the table: how to dole out pollution offsets for big parts of Canada, US.

By Tom Barrett, 29 Jul 2008


news

Gordon Campbell's Moving Targets

In search of a level playing field in the climate change numbers game.

By Tom Barrett, 22 Jul 2008


news

Climate Plan Bets on Price of Oil

BC's model built on complex variables.

By Tom Barrett, 14 Jul 2008


news

Freeways Jam up Climate Plan

'Gateway' will wipe out Libs' green goals: expert.

By Tom Barrett, 3 Jul 2008


news

Canada's Rich Stomp the Planet

Their eco-footprint is more than double nation's poor: study.

By Tom Barrett, 24 Jun 2008


news

A Carbon Tax Backlash?

The political bet driving NDP's 'Axe the Gas Tax.'

By Tom Barrett, 23 Jun 2008


books

Chris Wood's Water World

'Dry Spring' author on his tie to water, and his fluid search for solutions.

By Tom Barrett, 11 Jun 2008


news

NDP Takes Heat on Global Warming

Stance against carbon tax steams BC enviros.

By Tom Barrett, 4 Jun 2008


news

Enviros Wary of Campbell's Plans

Secret, conflicting climate change actions hurt support.

By Tom Barrett, 3 Jun 2008


news

Swinging at Mayor Sam

At debate, Vision candidates play to rowdy crowd.

By Tom Barrett, 22 May 2008


news

Can Dion Snag the New Eco-Voter?

His carbon tax push is well timed, says pollster.

By Tom Barrett, 22 May 2008


news

Libs Relent, Open Carbon Trading to Public View

Bills still let govt. 'hand industry a blank cheque,' say critics.

By Tom Barrett, 22 Apr 2008


news

Hate Commuting? Move North

Despite claims that rural folk drive more daily, BC's numbers say otherwise.

By Tom Barrett, 22 Apr 2008


news

'Throttling' Net Traffic

Who does it. Why free speechers are fighting it.

By Tom Barrett, 9 Apr 2008


news

Carbon Tax Screws BC's North?

Finance Minister Taylor defends its fairness, rural or not.

By Tom Barrett, 4 Apr 2008


news

Anti-Tax Group Flunks Math

Slam on BC's carbon tax by Canadian Taxpayers Fed doesn't add up.

By Tom Barrett, 3 Apr 2008


news

The New Carbon Cash, Explained

BC's about to dive into a vast market that limits and trades emissions. How it will work (or not).

By Tom Barrett, 14 Mar 2008


news

Jaccard Rebuts Carbon Tax Critics

Advisor to premier claims it's world-class policy.

By Tom Barrett, 7 Mar 2008


news

Don't Call Him Mr. Carbon Tax

Hotshot eco-wonk Mark Jaccard, on what really works.

By Tom Barrett, 6 Mar 2008


news

Polar Bears to Dog Candidates

Army in fuzzy suits led by oil sands activist.

By Tom Barrett, 21 Feb 2008


news

How Fair Is BC's New Carbon Tax?

And will it make rich people greener?

By Tom Barrett, 20 Feb 2008


news

Idea #10: A Sea-to-Sky Greenbelt

Smart Growth BC takes on exurban sprawl.

By Tom Barrett, 28 Dec 2007


news

Idea #6: Fix the Building Code

Two environmentalists say current rules are a barrier to new thinking.

By Tom Barrett and Andrew MacLeod, 24 Dec 2007


news

Idea #1: Advertise Change

David Vogt wants to turn digital billboards into citizen media.

By Tom Barrett, 17 Dec 2007


news

Climate Fix: Who Plans? Who Pays?

Labour left off premier's action team.

By Tom Barrett, 3 Dec 2007


news

Falling Short on Climate Change

Report tries to bridge the gap between promises and policy.

By Tom Barrett, 21 Nov 2007


news

First Nations Leader to Premier: Carbon Credits 'Belong to Us'

FNs not consulted on new emissions target laws: Porter.

By Tom Barrett, 20 Nov 2007


news

Summit on Global Warming Plans

Business, labour, other 'key leaders' to huddle with premier's point man.

By Tom Barrett, 9 Nov 2007


mediacheck

News Media Revolt: Canada Next?

Activist scholar McChesney rallies growing movement.

By Tom Barrett, 29 Oct 2007


mediacheck

Media Democracy Day Is Here

Citizens gather Friday to open up the news.

By Tom Barrett, 25 Oct 2007


mediacheck

Al Gore's 'Errors': The Verdict

Judge rules on climate film and 'balance' in the classroom.

By Tom Barrett, 19 Oct 2007


news

Quebec's 'Huge Shift'

NDP victor says 'great divide' on sovereignty no longer drives voters.

By Tom Barrett, 1 Oct 2007


news

New Group Joins Rebellion Against BC's Mine Permit Process

'Residents at mercy of ministry': ORCAP

By Tom Barrett, 24 Sep 2007


news

BC Global Warming Policies Soon to Be Unveiled

Oil and gas biz, Gateway project said to be untouched.

By Tom Barrett, 10 Aug 2007


news

Kinder Morgan's Ancient Maps

Company unsure of Burnaby Mountain pipeline's exact location after protest last year.

By Tom Barrett, 3 Aug 2007


news

Tale of Two Strikes

Forestry strike spotlights 'suffering' side of BC.

By Tom Barrett, 27 Jul 2007


mediacheck

The Self-made Pundit

One man's rise to fame as Conrad Black fell.

By Tom Barrett, 25 Jul 2007


news

More from Our Gang in Ottawa

What BC MPs got up to in Parliament. Second of two.

By Tom Barrett and Richard Warnica, 12 Jul 2007


news

Our Gang in Ottawa

What did BC's MPs get done this year? First of two.

By Tom Barrett and Richard Warnica, 11 Jul 2007


mediacheck

News Quality's Big Slide

New poll: Canada's media bosses bend news for profit say staffers.

By Tom Barrett, 27 Jun 2007


news

The Economist Tories Loved, Then Silenced

Mark Jaccard's tough takes on global warming.

By Tom Barrett, 25 Jun 2007


news

Grounding the No-Fly List

Rights groups seek to block 'illegitimate' security plan.

By Tom Barrett, 18 Jun 2007


news

BC's Emissions Go Down: Why?

Economy jumps. Greenhouse gas levels dip. Weird.

By Tom Barrett, 14 Jun 2007


news

'Chump Factor' Holding Us Back

People ready to sacrifice if they don't feel alone.

By Tom Barrett, 6 Jun 2007


news

Huge 'Green' Boondoggle?

Critics claim $300 million will be wasted on BC 'clean energy' project.

By Tom Barrett, 26 Apr 2007


news

Broken Promise on Gambling Suicides

Chief coroner pledged to track cases in 2004.

By Tom Barrett, 16 Apr 2007


news

Attack of the Gravel Pits

Okanagan paradise becoming 'a crater on the moon.'

By Tom Barrett, 10 Apr 2007


news

Ranchers' Revolt Hits Legislature

BC Libs accused of 'stripping landowner rights'.

By Tom Barrett, 30 Mar 2007


news

Campbell's Green-Speak Double Talk

Oil and gas subsidies belie throne speech talk, enviros say.

By Tom Barrett, 20 Mar 2007


news

Too Many Police Chiefs?

Save lives and money, create regional police force: experts.

By Tom Barrett, 8 Mar 2007


news

Green Guru Helped Sway Campbell

California's Governator sent motivator to BC.

By Tom Barrett, 5 Mar 2007


news

BC's Deep Emissions Cuts: How?

What it will take to make good on premier's global warming promise.

By Tom Barrett, 26 Feb 2007


news

Will Voters Turn Politicians Green?

Global warming tops polls, but how much heat do officials really feel?

By Tom Barrett, 2 Feb 2007


news

For Tories, Cities Aren't Sexy

Harcourt report too hot to handle, maybe for Grits, too.

By Tom Barrett, 25 Jan 2007


news

Secret Energy Plan: Will Campbell Top Schwarzenegger?

BC pushed to match California global warming targets.

By Tom Barrett, 9 Jan 2007


news

Fix Homelessness? Pay $250 Million

Estimate is by GVRD, but city, BC officials say 'butt out.'

By Tom Barrett, 20 Dec 2006


news

Province Pledges More Social Housing

After pulling plug in 2001, BC Liberals promise new projects.

By Tom Barrett, 14 Dec 2006


news

How Homeless Housing Got Stalled

And why this project will take a decade to get built.

By Tom Barrett, 21 Nov 2006


news

Homeless Activists Scoring Points

Even reporters upset with Vancouver mayor’s response.

By Tom Barrett, 3 Nov 2006


mediacheck

Best of the Muck

Thanks to YouTube, you may sample the sleaziest political ads.

By Tom Barrett, 25 Oct 2006


news

Right Gets Ready for Rumble in Richmond

On display: Tory clash between social conservatives and moderates.

By Tom Barrett, 24 Oct 2006


news

Secret Summit on Shared 'Security'

Why was North America's power elite invited to Banff?

By Tom Barrett, 12 Oct 2006


news

Oh, Fickle British Columbia!

Once again, we buck the national voting trend.

By Tom Barrett, 24 Jan 2006


news

The Squeakers and the Greens

BC's closest races and that 'spoiler' question.

By Tom Barrett, 20 Jan 2006


news

Labour Grapples with Harper's Surge

Ignoring Hargrove, BC union leaders push the NDP.

By Tom Barrett, 19 Jan 2006


news

Has Harper Really 'Evolved'?

Insiders say he's changed his image, not beliefs.

By Tom Barrett, 16 Jan 2006


news

Conservatives: Muffled, but how Moderate?

Candidates have denounced abortion and 'the gay agenda.' And vowed to 'change laws to reflect biblical values.'

By Tom Barrett, 11 Jan 2006


news

Bet on Election Surprises in BC

Close races give all three major parties hope.

By Tom Barrett, 8 Dec 2005


mediacheck

Hey, Careful Where You Swing that Poll!

More muddled election math.

By Tom Barrett, 6 Dec 2005


news

Politicians Keep Nibbling at Junk Food in Schools

After decades, still an election issue.

By Tom Barrett, 16 Nov 2005


news

Telus CEO Was on Stage in Raunchy 'Telus Idol' Video

Management ordered workers to watch tape many found offensive.

By Tom Barrett, 21 Aug 2005


news

The Video that Outrages Telus Employees

Lewd 'team building' party, caught on tape, further soured relations inside phone firm.

By Tom Barrett, 8 Aug 2005


news

To Censor Pro-Union Web Site, Telus Blocked 766 Others

Company's labour dispute tactic may affect internet speech law.

By Tom Barrett, 4 Aug 2005


opinion

How Close Was It?

Very close, sliced a certain way. New Democrats shouldn’t rush to blame the Greens, though.

By Tom Hawthorn and Tom Barrett, 19 May 2005


mediacheck

Does Mass Media Seduce Voters?

Experts say media helps make up our minds, but so do Mom and Dad.

By Tom Barrett, 17 May 2005


news

Fish Farm Documents Show Politics Trump Science, Say Critics

Deleted facts flagged as 'Technically correct, but politically problematic.'

By Tom Barrett, 12 May 2005


news

Angus Reid Says Polling Shaky

Voter turnout, other factors could create ‘bit of a surprise.’

By Tom Barrett, 3 May 2005


news

The Mysterious Carole James

That’s how nearly half of British Columbians see the NDP leader. Is she doing enough to define herself for voters?

By Tom Barrett, 29 Nov 2004


opinion

Weee! Easy As STV!

Only a deranged math nerd could like the new vote scheme those Citizens Assembly keeners picked for us.

By Tom Barrett, 5 Nov 2004


news

Close Ones: Where Your Vote Really Matters

B.C. is shaping up to be a three-way contest. Party strategists are sweating the tightest races in these ridings.

By Tom Barrett, 14 Jul 2004


news

B.C.'s Big 'No' to Conservatives

And other surprising election twists and turns.

By Tom Barrett, 30 Jun 2004


news

Green Spoilers?

The Greens will be lucky to win a seat in B.C. but may determine who wins several tight races. Call it the 'Nader scenario'.

By Tom Barrett, 21 Jun 2004


news

So What DID Harper Say?

The Conservative Leader's sound bite file on everything from taxes to Iraq, health care, gay marriage, nature, left wingers and more.

By Tom Barrett, 20 May 2004


news

Politicians Behaving Badly

The Brenzinger debacle took B.C.'s political culture to a new low just as the Citizens Assembly ponders a new way of voting.

By Tom Barrett, 19 May 2004


news

The 'Dirty Secrets' of Pollsters

The most poll-driven election in memory has media and voters mesmerized. Don't be fooled, warns Angus Reid.

By Tom Barrett, 7 May 2004


opinion

Everywhere I Turn, Mulroney

Just when you thought it was safe, here comes his kid.

By Tom Barrett, 4 May 2004


opinion

The Dangerous Life of a Parking Cop

People who ticket people are people, too. A new film even makes them heroes, sort of.

By Tom Barrett, 2 Apr 2004