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We're able to focus our attention on publishing impactful journalism in the public interest, and publish it for free for all to read, because we have the support of Tyee Builders. Tyee Builders are readers who contribute a bit of money — at a level and frequency of their choice — to support our editorial budget.

This core of supporters — making up about 1 to 2 per cent of our daily readership — enables us to pay our writers, keep our articles free and open to all, and not bombard our readers with annoying ads while you try to read.

Instead of focusing on what kind of articles will attract the most advertising dollars, we can spend time devoted to researching and writing stories that our readers find most valuable and make the most positive impact in our region.

If you'd like to join thousands of readers who help make independent journalism possible, consider joining Tyee Builders. Thank you.

— Jeanette Ageson, Publisher

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Help us un-break journalism in Canada

You made it all the way through the article — I hope that means you liked it (or if not ‘liked’ it, gleaned some useful information from it). Tyee articles are known for being quite lengthy, so we appreciate when people spend some quality time with our work.

Listen, I’ll get to the point — the article you just read was made possible because our non-profit newsroom was able to pay a talented journalist to research and write it. And we can only afford to do that because of our business model, which relies on a certain percentage of our readers signing up for our paid membership program called Tyee Builders.

The traditional business model for journalism in Canada has been completely disrupted, and we’re witnessing a slow collapse as corporate newsrooms buy up distressed publications, lay people off, and suck the value out of them before declaring bankruptcy. And it doesn’t help that tech giant Meta has blocked Canadian news on their Facebook and Instagram platforms.

There is another way and we are carving the path.

Between 1 to 2 per cent of people who visit The Tyee contribute financially, but amazingly, that small percentage is enough to fund half of our overall budget. And it means we can operate without a paywall, too. 1 per cent of people giving means 99 per cent of people get access to quality, fact-based journalism from a talented team of journalists who live and work in B.C., Alberta, and across Canada. We think that’s pretty remarkable.

If you’re concerned about the way journalism is heading in Canada and you’d like to do something about it, consider joining Tyee Builders and contributing an amount that works for you.

— Jeanette Ageson, Publisher

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Marking 20 years
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Welcome to Tyee’s reader poll.

How Are You Staying Cool this Summer?

It’s been a hot, hot summer, and it’s not over yet.

Luckily, the weather hasn’t been as extreme as the June 2021 heat dome that killed 619 people in B.C. At this point in the season, it’s unlikely for temperatures to hit those highs, in part because we’re well into the shorter days and longer nights beyond summer solstice.

But B.C. is still on alert. Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Bowinn Ma said that the 2021 heat wave showed that “heat deaths can happen in Canada.” Meanwhile, wildfires rage countrywide.

“Two to three years ago we didn’t see heat as a threat but we learned that’s not the case, especially with climate change.”

The province will be following the 2023 BC Provincial Heat Alert and Response System, Ma said, which guides governments, health authorities, hospitals and community care sites in taking action to prepare to keep people safe.

“Be prepared, stay safe and look out for one another,” Ma said.

The government and health authorities are recommending that British Columbians find ways to stay cool until temperatures fall. With this in mind, we want to ask:

How are you keeping cool this summer?

* Please note that all poll answers will be publicly viewable, but anonymous.

Fill out this week's poll.

Please note that Tyee Barometer polls are only intended as a quick and engaging non-scientific snapshot of our readers' opinions on various topics that fit with The Tyee's very broad editorial mandate. They are not intended to be seen as a representative sampling of BC opinion.

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