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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 · 29/09/2026
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
thanks for sharing, Michelle ❤️
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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
On another note, The Narwhal is hiring! Here in B.C., the role of senior reporter is open for applications until June 7. thenarwhal.bamboohr.com/careers/43?s...
thenarwhal.bamboohr.com
Senior B.C. Reporter
About the role Hours: 37.5 hours/week Start date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 Application deadline: Sunday, June 7, 2026 The Narwhal is hiring a Senior B.C. Reporter to pursue ambitious journalism abou...
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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
These stories are a fraction of our reporting on the pipeline and the bigger picture of why this matters to all Canadians. Keep up with our legal fight: thenarwhal.ca/press-freedom/ Get reporting updates by subscribing to our newsletter: thenarwhal.ca/newsletter/
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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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Half a year after that, I hopped in a helicopter and flew above the Coastal GasLink route to take a look at environmental infractions affecting the waterways and wildlife habitat at the centre of the tensions. thenarwhal.ca/bc-coastal-g...
thenarwhal.ca
Photos show Coastal GasLink sediment spills into wetlands, rivers | The Narwhal
Slope failures, flooded worksites and sediment from Coastal GasLink pipeline construction could be seen entering Wet’suwet’en wetlands
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
We never stopped reporting on the Coastal GasLink pipeline, including its construction and unearthing government records through freedom of information requests. Nearly a year later, we took an in-depth look at the complexities of Indigenous consent & consultation. thenarwhal.ca/coastal-gasl...
thenarwhal.ca
Mapping Coastal GasLink’s pipeline through Wet’suwet’en territory | The Narwhal
TC Energy often points to its agreements with First Nations along the Coastal GasLink pipeline route. On the ground, it's more complicated
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
As we continued reporting in the aftermath of the events, we sought out the perspectives of the pipeline builders and the RCMP. That included me sitting down for a Q&A with the commander who oversaw those 2021 arrests: thenarwhal.ca/interview-co...
thenarwhal.ca
Questioning RCMP's Community-Industry Response Group head | The Narwhal
We spoke with the head of RCMP's contentious C-IRG, who admitted to a ‘misunderstanding’ around justifying arrest of photojournalist Amber Bracken
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Amber was detained for four days. Hours after her release, she was editing photos of the moments leading up to her arrest. We published them here, providing the public with an up-close look at how enforcement actions in remote resource extraction sites unfold. thenarwhal.ca/rcmp-arrests...
thenarwhal.ca
In photos: RCMP's arrest of media, defenders of Wet'suwet'en territory
RCMP arrests on Wet'suwet'en territory thrust Canada's support for the Coastal GasLink pipeline and incarceration of journalists into the international spotlight
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
After Amber’s arrest, we pivoted to include that development in this story: thenarwhal.ca/journalists-...
thenarwhal.ca
RCMP arrest journalists, matriarchs, land defenders on Wet’suwet’en territory
Photojournalist Amber Bracken was among those arrested as RCMP advance on Gidimt’en occupation of Coastal GasLink drill site
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
As enforcement got underway, we documented the events: thenarwhal.ca/rcmp-arrests...
thenarwhal.ca
Wet’suwet’en land defenders arrested as RCMP enforces Coastal GasLink injunction
RCMP advance into Gidimt’en territory after Wet’suwet’en land defenders closed road access to the Coastal GasLink pipeline project
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Working with Amber while she was on the land, we wrote about why land defenders had decided to blockade a remote road: thenarwhal.ca/wetsuweten-c...
thenarwhal.ca
Wet’suwet’en land defenders say inaction prompted Coastal GasLink eviction
Coastal GasLink pipeline work by river leads Wet’suwet’en hereditary chiefs to reissue eviction order in push to defend Indigenous Rights
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Shortly before Amber’s arrest, I went out to where tensions were escalating: thenarwhal.ca/wetsuweten-c...
thenarwhal.ca
Why tensions on Wet’suwet’en territory are escalating over Coastal GasLink
Wet’suwet’en land defenders occupying TC Energy’s Coastal GasLink pipeline work site as RCMP presence ramps up
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
We believe Amber’s arrest was a violation of her constitutionally protected rights — and yours. The Narwhal sued the RCMP to take a stand for press freedom and as our trial continues, we’re sharing some of the reporting we did back then, helping you see why it matters so much.
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Matt Simmons @writermjs.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
As a staff reporter with @thenarwhal.ca, I was working with Amber at the time and the stories we published before, during and after her detention remain among the few that got at the complexity and depth of the conflict and helped readers get to know the people involved.
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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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