Rochelle Baker
Journalist | Quadra Island |
English
About Rochelle Baker
Rochelle Baker is the Quadra and Cortes Islands reporter for Canada's National Observer, thanks to a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada. Rochelle has worked as a newspaper reporter and photographer in BC's Lower Mainland for over 10 years.
B.C. headed to polls amid pandemic as NDP calls snap election
B.C. Premier John Horgan announced Monday that an election will take place Oct. 24, in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.
Shell shock: B.C.’s oyster industry hopes to weather climate change
Ocean acidification and new diseases tied to warming ocean waters are significant threats to the viability of B.C.’s shellfish aquaculture sector.
Drought and climate change endangering salmon and fish habitat on Vancouver Island
The B.C. government is urging residential, agricultural, and industrial water users to try to conserve as a number of salmon streams on the island are reaching critically low levels.
Wildfire smoke smothering B.C. stark indicator of climate change, researchers say
“You only have to look out the window right now to see the effects of climate change,” Erik Krogh, Vancouver Island University air quality researcher, as smoke from U.S. wildfires smothers southern British Columbia.
Canada’s rural residents face thousands in medical travel costs and a patchwork subsidy system
Rural residents needing to travel outside their community for healthcare often face steep out-of-pocket costs. The problem is compounded by a provincial assortment of subsidy programs that cause regional disparities and hinder equal access to medical care across the country, say experts.
B.C. rural residents say travelling for health care can cost thousands
Significant out-of-pocket expenses makes it clear rural residents are facing obstacles getting the medical care they need outside their community, say advocates.
B.C. fish farming may be in hot water due to climate change
Global warming is likely to significantly reduce the areas suitable for the farming of Atlantic salmon along the West Coast, according to a recent UBC study.
Legions, the hub of small-town Canada, at risk of being wiped out
Weddings, funerals, barbecues, bingo, dances and innumerable community and branch fundraisers all take place at legions in small towns, many of which are at risk of permanently closing due to COVID-19.
Things are choppy for B.C. kayaking operators after COVID-19 sinks summer season
The marine adventure tourism sector — so critical to the economy of many small coastal communities in B.C. — took a big hit as international visitors vanished this year.
Small, storied bookshop big draw on remote B.C. island
Marnie's Books, a tiny bookshop situated on isolated Cortes Island off B.C.'s West Coast, has an outsize effect on visitors and locals alike.