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Matt Simmons

@writermjs.bsky.social
4K followers 634 following 99 posts

Journalist and photographer based on the unceded territory of the Wet’suwet’en Nation. Signal: writermjs.08

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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 22h
LNG Canada has green-lit an expansion at its liquefaction and export facility in Kitimat, B.C. The plan is to double production at the LNG plant, bringing more gas, infrastructure and emissions to B.C.’s North Coast.
thenarwhal.ca
LNG Canada’s massive expansion is a go. Here’s what it means
The proposed second phase would double LNG Canada’s export capacity, bringing more gas, infrastructure and emissions to B.C.’s North Coast
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
I recently saw LNG Canada was hosting open houses about its plans to amend a permit, to account for higher rates of flaring. I'd been reporting about this since, well, before it started, so figured I should go. Thanks for being awesome, Kitimat. thenarwhal.ca/bc-kitimat-l...
thenarwhal.ca
LNG Canada poised to decide on expansion as flaring challenges continue
The Kitimat, B.C., liquefaction and export facility has exceeded permitted emissions levels since starting operations last year. Now, LNG Canada wants the government to increase how much it can flare until its systems can be redesigned in 2028
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 25/09/2026
LNG Canada wants B.C. to increase how much gas it can flare until its systems can be redesigned in 2028. The company hosted community meetings to talk about it and @writermjs.bsky.social was there. #bcpoli
thenarwhal.ca
LNG Canada poised to decide on expansion as flaring challenges continue
The Kitimat, B.C., liquefaction and export facility has exceeded permitted emissions levels since starting operations last year. Now, LNG Canada wants the government to increase how much it can flare until its systems can be redesigned in 2028
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
De Facto Journalism Co-op @defactomedia.ca · 19/09/2026
Today at 11am PT we're launching De Facto Radio on 100.5FM in Vancouver Ep1: Canada's spy agency shares sensitive intel to corporations—with @writermjs.bsky.social & @zakvescera.bsky.social • Saturdays 100.5FM & live: coopradio.org/shows/de-fac... • Podcasts on demand: www.defactomedia.ca/radio/
defactomedia.ca
De Facto Radio
We broadcast live on Saturdays 11-11:30am PT, and podcast online
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
@michellecyca.com on point, as always thewalrus.ca/why-is-anti-...
thewalrus.ca
Why Is Anti-Indigenous Racism on the Rise? | The Walrus
The new “Indian problem”
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
Zak Vescera @zakvescera.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
A major Canadian gas company reported dozens of leaks in B.C. after the province exempted thousands of its pipelines from normal cleanup requirements. From us, @writermjs.bsky.social and the great team at @thenarwhal.ca theijf.org/article/bc-c...
theijf.org
B.C. regulator let an oil company delay pipeline cleanup. Spills followed
CNRL has reported 45 incidents since 2020, when B.C. exempted thousands of its pipelines from normal clean-up timelines
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
“When I was growing up, there were schoolyard and classroom arguments about this since as long as I can remember,” a young source from Kitimat, B.C., told me. In a small town, a big employer like LNG Canada has connections to everything. My latest, with Wil Crisp: thenarwhal.ca/lng-canada-b...
thenarwhal.ca
B.C. approved LNG Canada after black smoke warning: docs | The Narwhal
Internal documents reveal LNG Canada warned the B.C. Energy Regulator its Kitimat LNG facility could produce black smoke and release pollutants
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
"They taught me that grief is not a destination, it’s like a creek — you don’t stop it. You discipline yourself to sit beside it, make kin with it, let it flow, and let it carry away what it needs to carry." A beautiful read from kelsie kilawna. indiginews.com/first-person...
indiginews.com
A graduation, a birthday — and an evacuation
As a wildfire burns in OKIB, I’m holding lessons close about grief, love and community — and remembering puti kʷu‿aláʔ (We are still here)
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
In internal govt documents, the consortium of companies behind the project told the regulator the plant would operate without routine flaring. Shortly before commissioning, that commitment was dropped. Then the flaring started. Latest from me and Wil Crisp, on LNG Canada's flaring.
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Wet'suwet'en fishers dip net for salmon at Witset canyon on Likhsilyu Clan territory, Tse Kal Kegh Yikh (House on Flat Rock) yesterday. My first direct photo assignment for the Globe & Mail... I've been at this journalism thing for more than 20 yrs and I still get a huge kick, especially print!
Two Wet'suwet'en fishers on the rocks beside the rushing Wedzin Kwa (Bulkley River.) One holds a dip net, the other crouching above and watching. The photo was taken on July 24 2026 at Witset Canyon on Likhsilyu Clan territory, Tse Kal Kegh Yikh (House on Flat Rock)
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
I freaking love this story, for so many reasons. Take some time to stretch out (like a long cat in a delicious ray of sun) and sink in.
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
This is my last piece of writing on staff at The Narwhal. It started with a question: how can we learn to sit with uncertainty? To me, it's a hopeful, if complicated, story and I hope you'll take some time to sit with it. Thanks to all who have read my words over these past six years.
thenarwhal.ca
Climate change is forcing us to adapt to uncertainty | The Narwhal
As wildfires, floods and other climate impacts accelerate, experts say our best chance of adapting may be accepting a simple truth: we can’t predict everything
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 16/06/2026
After weeks in court, The Narwhal is in the home stretch of our press freedom trial against the RCMP — final arguments are wrapping up.

 We’re standing firm in our conviction that journalists must be given access to cover the actions of powerful government institutions like the police.
thenarwhal.ca
The Narwhal’s press freedom case against the RCMP, explained
Stay informed about The Narwhal and Amber Bracken’s lawsuit against the RCMP as we fight for press freedom in B.C. Supreme Court
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
IISD Energy @energy.iisd.org · 03/06/2026
“If Canada’s LNG projects can’t stand on their own two feet, then public dollars should not prop them up." IISD’s Steven Haig warns that LNG projects are risky investments & subsidies shift some of that risk from corporations onto Canadians. 🗞️ @writermjs.bsky.social thenarwhal.ca/canada-germa...
thenarwhal.ca
Canada-Germany deal shows LNG as a climate solution is ‘false’
Experts say the Canada-Germany LNG deal highlights the climate and economic risks tied to projects like Ksi Lisims LNG in B.C.
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
Carl Meyer @meyer.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
In 2023 I reported Canada lacked evidence backing industry's claim Canadian LNG exports could lower global emissions by displacing coal. They knew domestic LNG would pollute, so they went digging for proof it could lower it elsewhere. As Matt writes here, our deal with Germany isn't displacing coal.
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
My latest looks at the recent Canada-Germany LNG deal through the lens of climate costs, with an honest accounting of the economic situation. thenarwhal.ca/canada-germa...
thenarwhal.ca
Canada-Germany deal shows LNG as a climate solution is ‘false’
Experts say the Canada-Germany LNG deal highlights the climate and economic risks tied to projects like Ksi Lisims LNG in B.C.
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 29/05/2026
In northwest B.C., coming together for the salmon is an intergenerational affair. So when @writermjs.bsky.social went to Prince Rupert for a gathering to celebrate 10 years of protection for the Skeena River estuary, his kid came along. Our latest newsletter: thenarwhal.ca/newsletter-b...
thenarwhal.ca
A decade of protection for Skeena River salmon | The Narwhal
A gathering in Prince Rupert, B.C., marked ten years of protection for Skeena River salmon under Indigenous law
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Earlier this month I had the honour of attending a gathering celebrating the protection of Lelu Island and the salmon that depend on the Skeena estuary. Thank you to S’mooygyet (Chief) Algax’m Hax, Murray Smith, for the welcome and all who shared their words. thenarwhal.ca/bc-skeena-sa...
thenarwhal.ca
The past, present and future of B.C. salmon in the Skeena watershed | The Narwhal
Celebrating 10 years of protection of Lelu Island and the Skeena River estuary, Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders gathered in Prince Rupert, B.C., this month
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Some personal news, as they say: After 6 years on staff with The Narwhal, I'm taking a leap of faith and returning to freelance, as of this summer. It's been an honour and privilege to work so closely with this group of editors and journalists and I'm deeply grateful. Here's to the next chapter!
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 21/04/2026
We're celebrating this spring, as several journalism award programs have named The Narwhal as a winner or nominee in recent weeks. We're so proud of our stellar team of journalists who never give up. 🎉 thenarwhal.ca/spring-2026-...
thenarwhal.ca
The Narwhal celebrates a slew of spring award nominations and honours | The Narwhal
The Canadian Journalism Foundation, Society of Environmental Journalists and Institute for Nonprofit News have all recognized our reporting in recent weeks
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
Kate Schneider @kateschneider.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
Grateful and honoured to find out that my past reporting with The Narwhal's @writermjs.bsky.social and my former @theijf.org colleague @zakvescera.bsky.social has been nominated for the Canadian Journalism Foundation's Award for Excellence in Journalism!
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
Bethany Lindsay @bethanylindsay.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
More great news for @theijf.org! Our collaboration with The Narwhal has been nominated for a Dr. Eric Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism. Major congratulations to @kateschneider.bsky.social, @zakvescera.bsky.social and @writermjs.bsky.social. theijf.org/article/ijf-...
theijf.org
IJF nominated for prestigious Dr. Eric Jackman Award for Excellence in Journalism
Collaboration with The Narwhal on B.C.’s oil and gas regulator recognized by Canadian Journalism Foundation
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
In a moment when Canada is making claims about producing the cleanest LNG in the world, this investigation shows how the country's first major export plant is one of the highest sources of flaring emissions globally. New from me and Wil Crisp at Point Source U.K. thenarwhal.ca/lng-canada-b...
thenarwhal.ca
LNG Canada exceeds estimated 2024 global record for burned gas | The Narwhal
LNG Canada in Kitimat, B.C., burned more gas in 2025 than any other liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility on record in 2024
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
Michelle Cyca @michellecyca.com · 16/04/2026
B.C. loves to say it has the cleanest natural gas in the world, but the truth is — well, more like the complete opposite of that. a real banger of an investigation at @thenarwhal.ca today by @writermjs.bsky.social & Wil Crisp. thenarwhal.ca/lng-canada-b...
thenarwhal.ca
LNG Canada exceeds estimated 2024 global record for burned gas | The Narwhal
LNG Canada in Kitimat, B.C., burned more gas in 2025 than any other liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility on record in 2024
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 16/04/2026
SCOOP: An investigation by The Narwhal and Point Source shows LNG Canada burned 350 million cubic metres of gas in 2025, making it one of the worst polluters for flaring emissions globally and undermining Canada’s environmental claims. @writermjs.bsky.social #lng thenarwhal.ca/lng-canada-b...
thenarwhal.ca
LNG Canada exceeds estimated 2024 global record for burned gas | The Narwhal
LNG Canada in Kitimat, B.C., burned more gas in 2025 than any other liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility on record in 2024
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Very grateful for an honorable mention from @sejorg.bsky.social for beat reporting on the LNG industry in B.C., Canada. I've had the great fortune to collaborate with amazing editors, journalists, photographers and illustrators on this work. Big thanks to all the sources for the trust.
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 20/03/2026
“I hope you don’t mind me reaching out. I am from a small rural fishing village in Newfoundland.” An email in @writermjs.bsky.social’s inbox prompted the latest chapter in his reporting on Canada’s LNG industry. Get the story behind the story in our latest newsletter: thenarwhal.ca/newsletter-l...
thenarwhal.ca
From B.C. to Newfoundland, an LNG connection | The Narwhal
In a small fishing village in Newfoundland, residents look west to Kitimat, B.C., to understand what an LNG plant could mean for their community
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
What do a little Newfoundland fishing village and Kitimat, B.C., have in common? My latest for The Narwhal connects two coasts, two communities and a commodity called LNG.
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Several years ago, I all but hung up my camera to focus on words. While it's always remained part of the craft and I've published plenty of photos alongside articles, this year I'm bringing it back into my work in a more intentional way.
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Latest from me, following up with community after our flaring investigation. For one resident, who was pegged as "alarmist" for raising concerns, the truth is a relief. “I can’t take a shit in my bathroom without my Apple Watch telling me I need hearing protection,” he told me. “That’s a problem.”
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 26/01/2026
It's the third week of trial in our case against the RCMP for arresting photojournalist Amber Bracken. World Press Freedom Canada says "Its implications could shape ... whether journalists can safely observe and document conflicts without fear of arrest." worldpressfreedomcanada.ca/who-decides-...
worldpressfreedomcanada.ca
Who decides what journalists can see? - World Press Freedom Canada
When police arrested photojournalist Amber Bracken while she was documenting a protest in northern British Columbia, they didn’t just detain a reporter — they set the stage for a major test of press f...
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 22/01/2026
The second week of The Narwhal and Amber Bracken’s trial against the RCMP is nearing its end — with three more weeks to go. thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom/
thenarwhal.ca
The Narwhal’s press freedom case against the RCMP, explained
Stay informed about The Narwhal and Amber Bracken’s lawsuit against the RCMP as we fight for press freedom in B.C. Supreme Court
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 24/01/2026
Internal documents show LNG Canada is burning a lot more natural gas than expected — while repeatedly saying the situation is ‘normal.’ Get the story behind the story in our latest newsletter: thenarwhal.ca/newsletter-l...
thenarwhal.ca
LNG Canada’s ‘integrity issue’ in Kitimat, B.C. | The Narwhal
Internal documents show LNG Canada is burning a lot more natural gas than expected — while repeatedly saying the situation is ‘normal’
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
In November 2021, photojournalist Amber Bracken was arrested while documenting tensions over the Coastal GasLink pipeline being built on Wet’suwet’en territory, where I live. More than 1,000 km from Vancouver, this place isn’t easy to get to — and the pipeline was even harder to access. 🧵
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
Michelle Cyca @michellecyca.com · 21/01/2026
an "integrity issue" that will take 3 years to fix has resulted in LNG Canada burning 15 times as much gas as expected and has had a "noticeable impact on the community" — but no penalties yet from the energy regulator. killer investigation by @laurenwatsonjourno.bsky.social & @writermjs.bsky.social
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 21/01/2026
LNG Canada has known there was an issue with its flaring equipment for over a year. While locals raised concerns about noise, smoke and emissions, until now, they didn’t have answers. The Narwhal reviewed more than 2,000 pages of documents for this story: thenarwhal.ca/lng-canada-f... #bcpoli
thenarwhal.ca
Equipment issue led to excessive LNG Canada flaring, docs reveal | The Narwhal
LNG Canada delayed reporting ‘integrity issue’ to regulators and never fully informed the public, while locals raised concerns about noise, smoke and emissions
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
LNG Canada has known about an issue with its flare stack for more than a year. The BC Energy Regulator learned as early as April 2025. Until now, the public has been kept in the dark. New from me and @laurenwatsonjourno.bsky.social thenarwhal.ca/lng-canada-f...
thenarwhal.ca
Equipment issue led to excessive LNG Canada flaring, docs reveal | The Narwhal
LNG Canada delayed reporting ‘integrity issue’ to regulators and never fully informed the public, while locals raised concerns about noise, smoke and emissions
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
Shannon Waters @sobittersosweet.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
In 2019, BC MLAs unanimously passed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act It was hailed as a watershed moment for reconciliation Now, the government is vowing to change the law to block the courts from enforcing it and the official opposition is calling for DRIPA's repeal #bcpoli
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 16/12/2025
B.C.’s UNDRIP law was passed unanimously as a path to reconciliation. But now that a provincial court has ruled the government’s obligations under the act are legally enforceable, Premier David Eby is vowing to amend it, raising alarm bells among some First Nations. thenarwhal.ca/undrip-eby-s...
thenarwhal.ca
B.C. premier’s plans to change Indigenous Rights law, explained | The Narwhal
B.C. Premier David Eby’s plans to change Indigenous Rights law following the Gitxaala ruling has some concerned about the province’s future
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
My take on the federal government's plans for the region I've gratefully called home for the past 20 years.
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 29/11/2025
The prime minister promises he’ll solve climate change … right after he gets a new pipeline built. @balkissoon.bsky.social asks: haven’t we heard that one before?
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 29/11/2025
I spend way more time digging through mountains of documents & swimming through rivers of misinformation than I’m actually out in the mountains and on the rivers — but I do that too, because it’s important. People make all of it possible and for that I am forever grateful. If you can, join us!
give.thenarwhal.ca
Become a member | The Narwhal
Join the readers who power The Narwhal’s ad-free, non-profit journalism about Canada’s natural world.
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 27/11/2025
Trains regularly hit and kill wildlife across Canada. How big of a problem is it? @ainsliecruickshank.bsky.social explains what the data does — and doesn’t — tell us. #wildlife
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 27/11/2025
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith have signed an agreement to advance Alberta’s pipeline dreams — and weaken some pollution laws. Here’s what you need to know: thenarwhal.ca/carney-alber...
thenarwhal.ca
Carney’s Alberta pipeline deal weakens climate policies | The Narwhal
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s ‘grand bargain’ isn’t just about an Alberta pipeline —it also proposes rolling back a host of climate policies
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
In case you were wondering what all this LNG the premier and prime minister are talking about actually looks like, we’ve got you covered.
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 14/11/2025
As the federal government signals support for LNG exports, residents of Kitimat, B.C., live alongside Canada’s first major liquefaction facility — and its flaring activities. Latest by @writermjs.bsky.social and photographer Marty Clemens thenarwhal.ca/kitimat-lng-... #bcpoli
thenarwhal.ca
LNG Canada lights up the night sky in Kitimat, B.C. | The Narwhal
As Canada’s Prime Minister signals support for LNG exports, Kitimat residents learn to live with flaring
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
Amanda Follett Hosgood @amandafollett.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
In Terrace yesterday, Prime Minister Mark Carney sidestepped questions about US ownership and First Nations opposition to the Ksi Lisims LNG export terminal, which has been added to a list of projects the feds plan to expedite. My latest for @thetyee.ca. thetyee.ca/News/2025/11...
thetyee.ca
Ksi Lisims LNG Makes Federal List of ‘Nation-Building’ Projects | The Tyee
The prime minister sidestepped questions about US ownership and First Nations opposition at a northern BC presser.
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 14/11/2025
Are Mark Carney’s nation-building projects really on the fast-track — or just the fake-track? @meyer.bsky.social sorts hype from reality in today’s newsletter: thenarwhal.ca/newsletter-c...
thenarwhal.ca
The hype and reality of Carney’s nation-building wish list | The Narwhal
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s list of nation-building projects just got longer — but the federal fast-track isn’t everything it might seem
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Reposted by Matt Simmons
The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca · 12/11/2025
The day pipeline security followed reporter @writermjs.bsky.social — and what he’s learned since about CSIS — has him asking a lot of questions. thenarwhal.ca/csis-resourc...
thenarwhal.ca
The deepening ties between CSIS and resource companies | The Narwhal
As the federal government earmarks resource extraction projects in the ‘national interest,’ the companies building them are deepening ties to CSIS
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
As the CDN prime minister designates select projects like Coastal GasLink and LNG Canada in the "national interest," the companies behind them continue to form deep ties with Canada's spy agency and other federal law enforcement. Here's a look at why this matters. thenarwhal.ca/csis-resourc...
thenarwhal.ca
The deepening ties between CSIS and resource companies | The Narwhal
As the federal government earmarks resource extraction projects in the ‘national interest,’ the companies building them are deepening ties to CSIS
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