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Rebecca Gao

@rebeccaga0.bsky.social
249 followers 207 following 43 posts

writer and editor everywhere | food, culture, health, local politics, science obsessed with you probably | she/her rebeccagao.ca

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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
There is an immeasurable amount of AI slop that these candidates are putting up that the candidate tracker team @thelocal.to is wading through. Read our human generated and fact-checked work here: thelocal.to/candidate-tr...
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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
I've been working with @thelocal.to on their city elections coverage! Live today, the first part of the candidate tracker: meticulously researched, fact-checked information on every candidate running for local office in Toronto. Get informed and then go vote in October! thelocal.to/candidate-tr...
thelocal.to
Candidate Tracker: Toronto Election 2026 | The Local
The only place to find reported, fact-checked biographies and platform summaries for every candidate running in the 2026 Toronto municipal election.
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The Local Magazine @thelocal.to · 25/09/2026
Municipal election season is upon us. If you're looking for meticulously researched, fact-checked information on every candidate running for local office in Toronto, look no further—Candidate Tracker is back. We'll be publishing and updating between now and election day! thelocal.to/candidate-tr...
thelocal.to
Candidate Tracker: Toronto Election 2026 | The Local
The only place to find reported, fact-checked biographies and platform summaries for every candidate running in the 2026 Toronto municipal election.
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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The B.C. Conservatives are fighting!!! In my new story for @thewalrus.ca, I break down how Kerry-Lynne Findlay's chaotic leadership led to the party's implosion (and, as of yesterday, her resignation as party leader). thewalrus.ca/inside-the-b...
thewalrus.ca
Inside the BC Conservatives’ Spectacular Implosion | The Walrus
How Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s turbulent leadership led to a caucus exodus and her own resignation
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The Walrus @thewalrus.ca · 02/09/2026
Private plasma collector Grifols has paused Canadian operations amid scrutiny over a donor’s death. Journalist Rebecca Gao on the systemic regulatory failures that make building a sustainable and robust plasma collection network an uphill battle: thewalrus.ca/plasma-donor-death
On the left: an image of a painted white building with blue lettering spelling out “Grifols” affixed to the wall. On the right: text that reads “Death of plasma donor sparks questions about Health Canada inquiry. The clinic was cleared of wrongdoing, but advocates want to reopen the investigation”
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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
In October, Rodiyat Alabede walked into a Grifols plasma donation in Winnipeg. She never made it home. Since then, Grifols has denied wrongdoing‚ and Health Canada's inquiry into the death has been insufficient. My explainer about Grifols for @thewalrus.ca: thewalrus.ca/plasma-donor...
thewalrus.ca
Death of Plasma Donor Sparks Questions about Health Canada Inquiry | The Walrus
The clinic was cleared of wrongdoing, but advocates want to reopen the investigation
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Alejandra Caraballo @esqueer.net · 30/07/2026
Seattle Storm co-owner suspended for 5 home games. The WNBA has chosen a side. Now, transphobic protesters have an incentive to goad players, team staff, and fans into reacting to get them kicked out or suspended. sports.yahoo.com/wnba/article...
sports.yahoo.com
Storm minority owner Celeste Keaton reportedly suspended from 5 home games, fined after incident with Sophie Cunningham fans
The Storm's majority owner released a statement apologizing for the incident.
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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Thrilled that my @thelocal.to story from the winter about dermatologists upselling patients was reprinted by @thewalrus.ca! Read it (again!) here:
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The Local Magazine @thelocal.to · 25/06/2026
Great to see our friends at the Walrus reprint @rebeccaga0.bsky.social's story from our Cost of Care issue!
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Be Giant @be-giant.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Reports of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses are skyrocketing in Canada: in 2010 there were 143 recorded cases of Lyme disease; in 2025, 7,105. More from rebeccaga0.bsky.social on why there's an uptick in tick-borne diseases–and hope for a simple home test: www.begiant.ca/stories/peop...
begiant.ca
This is why ticks are taking over Canada
Biologist Vett Lloyd on the ticks that cause a red meat allergy – and her work to develop a rapid Lyme disease test
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Inori Roy @royinori.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
This story is the kind of work that made me want to become a journalist - to be able to bring to light an intimate, human story, something that few know about but that may in time affect all of us. I'm very grateful to my sources in this piece, who made room for me in the midst of their grief:
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Be Giant @be-giant.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Canada is importing U.S. ticks for research – and they cost $10–$15 each. One Canadian scientist is fixing that by building Canada’s first tickery. By @rebeccaga0.bsky.social: www.begiant.ca/stories/peop...
begiant.ca
Canadian scientists import U.S. ticks for Lyme disease research – but that’s about to change
Long reliant on costly U.S. ticks for lab work, Acadia University will breed their own to investigate a growing threat of disease
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The Local Magazine @thelocal.to · 13/02/2026
The Globe reports today that online pharmacies offering easy access to weight loss drugs may be violating Canada's ad regulations for pharmaceuticals. Revisit last week's deep-dive on this booming industry in our Cost of Care issue: thelocal.to/online-pharm...
thelocal.to
Inside the Booming Industry Selling Lifestyle Drugs Online | The Local
From erectile dysfunction medicine to hair loss treatment to weight loss drugs—a thriving online market has emerged to seamlessly deliver drugs straight to your door. But what happens when prescriptio...
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Filipa Pajevic @filipouris.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
Great reporting (as per usual) on Ontario's healthcare system by the team over at @thelocal.to, with some stellar pieces by @royinori.bsky.social, @rebeccaga0.bsky.social and @wencyleung.bsky.social, among others. thelocal.to/winter-2026/
thelocal.to
The Cost of Care | The Local
Stories about where money and medicine collide in 2026. Throughout January and February, we’ll publish pieces from the corners of Ontario’s health care system where entrepreneurs and corporate Canada ...
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Inori Roy @royinori.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
The always excellent @rebeccaga0.bsky.social tackles the blurring line between medical and commercial in the world of dermatology. What happens when your health care practition turns a medically-necessary appointment turns into a sales pitch for cosmetic procedures? thelocal.to/dermatology-...
thelocal.to
When Your Dermatologist Becomes a Salesperson | The Local
Getting a mole checked can takes months, but Botox appointments are readily available. Why dermatologists say their practice is the canary in the coal mine for privatized care.
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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
For @thelocal.to i wrote about dermatologists upselling their patients. It’s a trend that critics warn is creating a two-tier system for dermatological care, and may foreshadow what’s to come in Ontario’s health care system more broadly: thelocal.to/dermatology-...
thelocal.to
When Your Dermatologist Becomes a Salesperson | The Local
Getting a mole checked can takes months, but Botox appointments are readily available. Why dermatologists say their practice is the canary in the coal mine for privatized care.
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The Local Magazine @thelocal.to · 10/02/2026
Getting a mole checked can takes months, but Botox appointments are readily available. @rebeccaga0.bsky.social on why dermatologists say their practice is the canary in the coal mine for privatized care. thelocal.to/dermatology-...
thelocal.to
When Your Dermatologist Becomes a Salesperson | The Local
Getting a mole checked can takes months, but Botox appointments are readily available. Why dermatologists say their practice is the canary in the coal mine for privatized care.
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Nick Hune-Brown @nickhunebrown.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
So much going on, but make time for this piece by @wencyleung.bsky.social. A gorgeous, surprisingly uplifting story that tackles an enormous subject, really the biggest subject, and tells is with such careful intimacy. thelocal.to/cost-of-canc... #longreads
thelocal.to
Rhea Seegobin Can’t Afford Terminal Cancer | The Local
For the growing number of Canadians who will get cancer in their lifetimes, the financial stress can be profound. But despite her terminal diagnosis, with the support of her community, Rhea is determi...
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evy kwong @evystadium.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
before we go cheering about canada, just as we do for the IDF, we’re providing ICE with its weapons
globalnews.ca
‘Fantastic news’: Ford welcomes ICE plan to order Ontario armoured vehicles | Globalnews.ca
Reports emerged this week of U.S. government procurement plans to order 20 Senator vehicles for its ICE officers, a move worth roughly $10 million.
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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
Big year in film for the name Agnes
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West End Phoenix @westendphoenix.bsky.social · 13/12/2025
Toronto has once again been named one of North America’s rattiest cities. Why is the population skyrocketing - and what can be done? Step inside the RATPOCALYPSE, from the June issue of WEpP, story by @rebeccaga0.bsky.social w illustrations by Jacqui Oakley www.westendphoenix.com/stories/insi...
westendphoenix.com
Inside the Ratpocalypse — West End Phoenix
Toronto has been named one of North America’s rattiest cities. Why is the rodent population skyrocketing – and what can be done?
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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
📣SOURCE CALL OUT📣 Has your dermatologist tried upselling you? (Like, trying to sell a cosmetic procedure when you're in for a mole). Or, have you struggled to land an OHIP-covered appt but was able to get in fast for something not covered? I'd love to chat for a story in @thelocal.to DMs are open!
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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
📣SOURCE CALL OUT📣 Has your dermatologist tried upselling you? (Like, trying to sell a cosmetic procedure when you're in for a mole). Or, have you struggled to land an OHIP-covered appt but was able to get in fast for something not covered? I'd love to chat for a story in @thelocal.to DMs are open!
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Paloma Pacheco @palomahazel.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
An important story by @rebeccaga0.bsky.social in @thenarwhal.ca today
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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
For @thenarwhal.ca I wrote about Hurricane Melissa, how immigrants in Canada organize aid for their motherlands when disaster strikes, what that means as climate change makes disasters more common and the way that diasporic communities look after each other 💜 thenarwhal.ca/hurricane-me...
thenarwhal.ca
Disasters like Hurricane Melissa put pressure on immigrants | The Narwhal
Immigrants in Canada send billions home every year. Climate disasters like Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Jamaica, add to the pressure
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The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 06/11/2025
Hurricane Melissa's destruction has the Jamaican diaspora mobilizing to send money and aid. The effects of climate change are hitting developing countries hardest, putting pressure on immigrants in Canada to increase the billions they already send home every year. thenarwhal.ca/hurricane-me...
thenarwhal.ca
Disasters like Hurricane Melissa put pressure on immigrants | The Narwhal
Immigrants in Canada send billions home every year. Climate disasters like Hurricane Melissa, which devastated Jamaica, add to the pressure
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Denise Balkissoon @balkissoon.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Hello! The Narwhal is looking to talk to people in Canada who regularly send money home to Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti or the Bahamas and might increase it in the wake of Melissa. I am at denise@thenarwhal.ca 💚
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The Local Magazine @thelocal.to · 29/09/2025
It's election day in Scarborough-Rouge Park. Our Candidate Tracker is the only place for fact-checked bios and platform summaries of every candidate. #TOpoli 🗳️ thelocal.to/srp2025/
thelocal.to
Here Are the Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election Candidates | The Local
The only place to find fact-checked biographies and election platform summaries for every candidate running for Ward 25—Scarborough–Rouge Park in the September 29, 2025 by-election.
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The Local Magazine @thelocal.to · 29/09/2025
In today's Scarborough-Rouge Park by-election, leading candidates run on putting Scarborough first. #TOpoli thelocal.to/scarborough-...
thelocal.to
In the Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election, Candidates Promise to Put Scarborough First | The Local
In a crowded by-election in Toronto’s most eastern ward, is focusing on hyper-local issues the way into City Hall?
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The Local Magazine @thelocal.to · 20/09/2025
🧵Then head over to read @rebeccaga0.bsky.social spotlight of the frontrunners in the race! thelocal.to/scarborough-...
thelocal.to
In the Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election, Candidates Promise to Put Scarborough First | The Local
In a crowded by-election in Toronto’s most eastern ward, is focussing on hyper-local issues the way into City Hall?
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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
My latest for @thelocal.to about Scarborough-Rouge Park’s upcoming byelection. They’re looking for a candidate who, while balancing obligations to the ward and city as a whole, can finally put Scarborough first. thelocal.to/scarborough-...
thelocal.to
In the Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election, Candidates Promise to Put Scarborough First | The Local
In a crowded by-election in Toronto’s most eastern ward, is focusing on hyper-local issues the way into City Hall?
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Wency Leung @wencyleung.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
And here's @rebeccaga0.bsky.social with an in-depth look at the ward. (These ward profiles always offer a better understanding of a corner of the GTA. Worth reading even if you don't live there!) thelocal.to/scarborough-...
thelocal.to
In the Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election, Candidates Promise to Put Scarborough First | The Local
In a crowded by-election in Toronto’s most eastern ward, is focussing on hyper-local issues the way into City Hall?
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The Local Magazine @thelocal.to · 18/09/2025
We believe local journalism is essential to local democracy. Candidate Tracker 2025 is thanks to the work of @aliceboyle.bsky.social, @rebeccaga0.bsky.social, @filipouris.bsky.social, @emmapaling.bsky.social. If you like our work and want to see it continue, consider donating! thelocal.to/support/
thelocal.to
Local Journalism Matters | The Local
Support a new kind of local journalism—in-depth, non-profit, from corners of Toronto too often overlooked.
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The Local Magazine @thelocal.to · 18/09/2025
It's a crowded field for Scarborough-Rouge Park's upcoming by-election. In a ward that feels distant from City Hall and left out of some of its decisions, many of the candidates are campaigning on a platform of putting Scarborough first, writes @rebeccaga0.bsky.social. thelocal.to/scarborough-...
thelocal.to
In the Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election, Candidates Promise to Put Scarborough First | The Local
In a crowded by-election in Toronto’s most eastern ward, is focussing on hyper-local issues the way into City Hall?
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Elaine Anselmi @elaineanselmi.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Southern Ontario's primarily hardwood forest doesn't offer great fuel for wildfires, but the density of the population and all the infrastructure that comes with it means fires that do spark are closely watched. Here's @rebeccaga0.bsky.social's look at how fires here compare to the boreal's blazes:
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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
All summer, Ontarians experienced the impact of wildfires from the west. But now, with fires blazing closer to home (in areas that don't often experience wildfires), we're wondering: how are wildfires in southern Ontario different? My latest for @thenarwhal.ca here: thenarwhal.ca/southern-ont...
thenarwhal.ca
Why southern Ontario wildfires are burning more often | The Narwhal
Southern Ontario wildfires are becoming less rare due to hotter, drier weather. Here’s what you need to know
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The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 03/09/2025
A wildfire burning in southern Ontario — as many did this summer — is a far different beast than a blaze in the boreal forest, but it’s still something to take seriously. Here’s @rebeccaga0.bsky.social with the reasons. thenarwhal.ca/southern-ont...
thenarwhal.ca
Why southern Ontario wildfires are burning more often | The Narwhal
Southern Ontario wildfires are becoming less rare due to hotter, drier weather. Here’s what you need to know
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The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 27/08/2025
With Premier Doug Ford announcing today that construction is set to start on Ontario’s Highway 413, here's a look at our story on where the controversial project stands in light of Bill 5 and a federal government also set on fast-tracking development: thenarwhal.ca/ontario-high...
thenarwhal.ca
Construction starting on Highway 413: what you need to know | The Narwhal
Construction is starting on Ontario’s Highway 413 as the federal government sets its sights on fast-tracking development through Bill C-5
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Rachel Gilmore @rachelgilmore.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
As many of you know, I’m a member of Canadian Journalists for Justice in Palestine. We have a new call to action for the Canadian government. To go with this call to action, I’ve got new details to share with you about Canada’s complicity in arming this genocide. Please listen:
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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
SOURCE CALLOUT: looking for voters in Scarborough-Rouge Park that have thoughts on the upcoming byelection. Would loooove to speak with you for a story I’m working on!
media.tenor.com
a spongebob squarepants scene with a mailbox and a flower
ALT: a spongebob squarepants scene with a mailbox and a flower
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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
SOURCE CALLOUT: looking for voters in Scarborough-Rouge Park that have thoughts on the upcoming byelection. Would loooove to speak with you for a story I’m working on!
media.tenor.com
a spongebob squarepants scene with a mailbox and a flower
ALT: a spongebob squarepants scene with a mailbox and a flower
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The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 12/08/2025
Solutions need to be as multi-faceted as risk factors: everything from climate-resilient, affordable housing to public education about healthy relationships. Dig into this important feature by @rebeccaga0.bsky.social, with art and graphs by @shawnparkinson.bsky.social. thenarwhal.ca/heat-domesti...
thenarwhal.ca
In Canada, heat increases domestic violence | The Narwhal
Excessive heat stresses both the body and mind. That leads to a rise in aggression — which harms women, girls and vulnerable communities the most
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The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 12/08/2025
In Canada and around the world, police forces, anti-violence experts and climate researchers have all recorded an increase in reports of intimate partner violence when temperatures are hottest. The latest data from Statistics Canada shows that the trend continues.
A line graph showing incidences of police-reported intimate partner violence in Canada by month in both 2023 and 2024. Both years show a curve indicating reports are lower in months when temperatures are traditionally cool, and rise in the summer months.
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The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 12/08/2025
Extreme heat stresses the human body. From headaches and thirst to reduced concentration, the physical and cognitive symptoms can cause frustration, irritability — and aggression. That leads to a rise in reports of violence, including domestic violence. thenarwhal.ca/heat-domesti...
thenarwhal.ca
In Canada, heat increases domestic violence | The Narwhal
Excessive heat stresses both the body and mind. That leads to a rise in aggression — which harms women, girls and vulnerable communities the most
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Shawn Parkinson @shawnparkinson.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
An important story. So important I made 6 illustrations and 5 graphs for it. Go read!
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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
For @thenarwhal.ca I looked into the connection between heat and intimate partner violence, how little we prepare for this effect of climate change and what we can do to mitigate violence as extreme heat and other climate change impacts becomes even more common. thenarwhal.ca/heat-domesti...
thenarwhal.ca
In Canada, heat increases domestic violence | The Narwhal
Excessive heat stresses both the body and mind. That leads to a rise in aggression — which harms women, girls and vulnerable communities the most
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The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 07/08/2025
Across Canada, extreme heat causes physical and mental stresses that lead to a documented rise in violence. That includes intimate partner violence, @rebeccaga0.bsky.social reports, which threatens women, girls and vulnerable communities the most. thenarwhal.ca/heat-domesti...
thenarwhal.ca
In Canada, heat increases domestic violence | The Narwhal
Excessive heat stresses both the body and mind. That leads to a rise in aggression — which harms women, girls and vulnerable communities the most
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Rebecca Gao @rebeccaga0.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Toronto's city council will be meeting soon to discuss their "rat response plan". Read all about Toronto's big rat problem (and what it might take to solve it) in the latest issue of @westendphoenix.bsky.social and online here www.westendphoenix.com/stories/insi...
westendphoenix.com
Inside the Ratpocalypse — West End Phoenix
Toronto has been named one of North America’s rattiest cities. Why is the rodent population skyrocketing – and what can be done?
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West End Phoenix @westendphoenix.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
INSIDE THE RATPOCALYPSE 🐀 Toronto has been named one of North America’s rattiest cities. Why is the rodent population skyrocketing – and what can be done? @rebeccaga0.bsky.social gets to the bottom of our rodent problem in the latest WEP. www.westendphoenix.com/stories/insi...
westendphoenix.com
Inside the Ratpocalypse — West End Phoenix
Toronto has been named one of North America’s rattiest cities. Why is the rodent population skyrocketing – and what can be done?
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West End Phoenix @westendphoenix.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
Toronto has been named one of North America’s rattiest cities. Why is the population skyrocketing - and what can be done? Step inside the RATPOCALYPSE, only in the pages of the latest WEP, story by @rebeccaga0.bsky.social with illustrations by Jacqui Oakley www.westendphoenix.com/subscription...
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