Paul Johnson

Reporter

Author Archives

• In Oregon, debate continues after state’s 180 on drug decriminalization

  Oregon has walked back key parts of its decriminalization pilot program, but some advocates say the program was never given a chance to succeed.

  Health

  Apr 19
• ‘We’ve had to make a 180’: What Oregonians say they got wrong with decriminalization

  In 2020, Oregon voters approved Measure 110, which replaced drug possession charges with a $100 citation that could be avoided by calling a state-funded hotline seeking treatment.

  Health

  Apr 18
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• Woman found dead in B.C. field was killed by dogs, not a bear: coroner

  Ridge Meadows RCMP officers were called and determined the woman's death was suspicious due to "evident traumatic injuries" according to the Coroner's report.

  Crime

  Apr 12
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• Eagles and death metal: Trio of raptors found on Sunshine Coast with lead poisoning

  All three birds were found on the Sunshine Coast this year, and taken to the Orphan Wildlife Rehabilitation Society in Delta for treatment.

  Environment

  Apr 4
• Vancouver Island shipbreaking company hit with pollution abatement order

  Deepwater Recovery's four-year-old operation in Baynes Sound near Courtenay has rankled neighbours and the regional district

  Environment

  Mar 22
• B.C. makes changes to Sunshine Coast dock management plan, but opponents unconvinced

  The province released a draft of the plan in November, leading to intense debate in the community -- particularly among residents with waterfront property.

  Politics

  Mar 15
• B.C. mulling oversight committee amid pressure on drug diversion concerns

  Earlier this week, B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said RCMP had told him there was no evidence to suggest 'widespread diversion' of safe supply drugs.

  Health

  Mar 14
• Residents upset over Vancouver Island shipbreaking operation

  While the company says it is doing nothing wrong, many locals say they're worried about the operation's effects on their coastal environment.

  Environment

  Mar 1
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• ‘Shocking’ video appears to show horse carcass used as bait outside Merritt, B.C.

  On different days, stitched together by Animal Justice, the man appears to set traps near the horse's entrails, and to have shot a coyote and dragged it away in a sled.

  Crime

  Feb 15
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• Jimmy Pattison’s former home ‘deconstructed’ in unique sustainable way

  "It is old Douglas Fir. We don't have forests anymore that that lumber comes from. It's much more solid than the material we're using nowadays. It's much more dense."

  Environment

  Feb 12
• UBC competition asks citizen scientists to predict when cherry blossoms will bloom

  Think you can predict when the cherry blossoms will bloom? If you can zero in on the date in five global cities there could be a cash prize in it for you.

  Environment

  Feb 8
• Dispute brewing over changes to private dock management on Sunshine Coast

  A new dock management plan for areas in the shíshálh Nation's traditionally territory is facing backlash from some Sunshine Coast residents.

  Politics

  Feb 2
• ‘Not a nickel’: Workers allege cuts to B.C. Interior logging pension plan

  The Interior Lumberman's Pension Plan was set up in the '70s for employees of smaller, non-unionized forestry sector companies in the B.C. Interior.

  Canada

  Feb 1
• ‘People were rooting for her’: B.C. community outraged bear killed with no ‘oversight’

  The Conservation Service told them a relocation would not be possible because Nelson is considered a 'no-go' zone, which means cubs from the area cannot be rehabilitated

  Environment

  Jan 27
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• Environmentalists say federal tracking of forest health replete with ‘spin’

  Environmental groups say an annual federal report puts a positive "spin" on the logging industry and forest health, through selected statistics and the omission of key information.

  Environment

  Jan 19
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• Thousands of Chinook salmon caught accidentally by B.C. trawlers: Report

  DFO's report suggests over 20,000 Chinook were likely thrown overboard, while 3,700 may have been tossed onto land, according to Pacific Wild.

  Environment

  Jan 18
• B.C. jade company wants answers on mining moratorium

  Jade West has been operating for over 40 years, but hasn't been able to mine since the province implemented a moratorium where they mine in 2020.

  Economy

  Jan 5
• Vancouver redevelopment’s critics question lack of early hydrogeological study

  In an emailed statement, the City of Vancouver said it's working closely with the landowners to ensure a detailed hydrological assessment is completed.

  Politics

  Jan 4
• Baby boom helps critically endangered Vancouver Island marmot population

  The population of wild Vancouver Island marmots fell to just 30 animals in 2003. Now, 20 years later, the population has grown by a factor of 10.

  Environment

  Dec 28, 2023
• At $10K per deer, critics question cost of Sidney Island eradication plan

  Parks Canada concluded the first phase in its plan to eliminate the European fallow deer population on Sidney Island this month.

  Canada

  Dec 21, 2023
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• B.C. farm’s ‘Ugly Potato Day’ feeds thousands as police called for traffic control

  For the past 13 years, they have been hosting Ugly Potato Day for anyone who wants to come down and receive a few potatoes and squash that they cannot sell to the stores.

  Economy

  Dec 18, 2023
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• Are there lessons for B.C. as Oregon tempers its decriminalization program?

  Oregon is walking back parts of its pioneering drug decriminalization initiative, but B.C. says it is staying the course on its own program, which it says is different in key ways.

  Crime

  Dec 14, 2023
• Controversial deer cull underway on small B.C. gulf island

  Residents of Sidney Island, off the coast of Victoria, told Global News the aerial gunning component of the deer eradication program has begun.

  Environment

  Dec 9, 2023
• B.C. business calls for cap on commercial rent hikes at lease turnover

  A B.C. business owner says he's being forced to move because of a 74 per cent rent hike when his lease ends. He's started a petition calling for a cap on hikes at lease turnover.

  Economy

  Nov 24, 2023
• Draft policy could be a game-changer for B.C. old-growth protection, conservationist says

  A leading B.C. conservationist says a draft policy on ecosystem health could shift the way the province manages forests away from viewing the economic value of trees first.

  Environment

  Nov 23, 2023