The year 2012 has been a turbulent one for news, filled with soaring highs and abysmal lows. Below is a list of our top stories of the year. They aren't just the high-traffic stories, but ones that provoked thought and reflection. The stories are local, national and global, and all worth reading twice. Here they are:
Harper v. Canada: 2011 election scandal brings scrutiny to PM's controversial past
by David P. Ball
Before becoming Prime Minister, Stephen Harper spent years mired in a court case titled "Harper v. Canada" to challenge the country's election regulations. David P. Ball's article, which digs deep into Harper's past, provides intriguing background to issues such as the robocall scandal. Ball also reported on the Conservative party's use of U.S. Republican strategists in the lead up to the 2011 federal election.
North American Muslim response to Libya attacks and anti-Islam video
by Massoud Hayoun
As seen in the recent subway murder in New York (in which a woman pushed a man onto the tracks, claiming she 'hated Muslims'), Muslims in North America have grappled with Islamophobia since 9/11. In this insightful and touching article, Massoud Hayoun tells the story of Canadian and U.S. Muslims who want to use culture to carve out their place in North American culture, just like their Jewish and African counterparts.
“Charitable” Fraser Institute accepted $500k in foreign funding from Koch oil billionaires
by Alexis Stoymenoff
Federal government went on an all-out attack against Canadian environmentalists and charities in 2012, accusing them of being backed by "foreign radicals". But was the same true of pro-oil, right-wing movement in Canada? Reporter Alexis Stoymenoff and Vancouver Observer researchers exposed how the right-wing Fraser Institute was receiving funds from U.S. oil billionaires who were the driving force behind the Tea Party movement.
Thirteen arrested blocking BNSF coal train in White Rock
by Carrie Saxifrage
What would drive a Nobel Peace Prize winner and respected citizens to risk arrest and personal safety to protest a coal train? The story, written with clarity by environmental writer Carrie Saxifrage, shatters stereotypes and gives voice to citizens taking action amid the federal government's increasing detachment toward environmental protection.
U.S. funding helped to re-open the Canadian abortion debate
As the abortion issue made headlines south of the border, Canadians saw a political push to re-ignite what many considered to be a closed case: a woman's right to choose. Investigative reporter Sasha Lakic spent hours looking up records of the anti-abortion movement, and uncovered funding from powerful U.S. religious groups driving the anti-abortion movement in Canada.
More guns, more shootings, more profit
by Linda Solomon
Less than a month before Christmas, the world was shocked by the news of 26 young children and adults shot to death in a senseless mass killing in Newtown, Connecticut. And even as citizens mourned the loss of innocent life, gun sales spiked -- even in Connecticut, where the tragedy took place. Vancouver Observer Publisher Linda Solomon wrote an incisive piece highlighting the billion-dollar arms industry in the U.S. and who benefits from the perpetuation of gun violence.
Encyclopedia of Canadian pipelines: Keystone XL and Northern Gateway
by Alexis Stoymenoff
The year 2012 was a big one for oil pipelines: both in Canada and the U.S., pipeline proposals for Enbridge Northern Gateway, Keystone XL and Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain dominated the headlines. This helpful explainer gives the basic information about pipelines for the public to understand the issues.
Disabled adults and families devastated by province's proposed group home closures
by Jenny Uechi
You can judge a society by the way it treats its most vulnerable, the saying goes, and the developmentally disabled in BC was cause for much concern this year. After being contacted by the concerned parents of a developmentally disabled woman, The Vancouver Observer reported how disabled residents were being moved out against their will from their group homes, despite authorities' claims to the contrary. Media coverage and public pressure led to the resignation of then-Social Development Minister Harry Bloy and led to calls for a "culture change" in the treatment of the developmentally disabled.
Arctic "death spiral" leaves climate scientists shocked and worried
Of the many disturbing stories about climate change, one that struck a chord with many readers was that Arctic ice was melting at such a rapid rate that three-quarters of the "permanent" year-round sea ice in the Arctic has been cooked away in just 30 years. Compiling data into powerful graphs, climate change writer Barry Saxifrage showed that the current pace of climate pollution is leading the planet toward almost certain ecological collapse.
Why isn't anyone talking about the misogyny involved in Amanda Todd's life and death?
by Krissy Darch
When 15-year-old Amanda Todd committed suicide after posting a video message, all fingers pointed to "bullying" as the main problem. Krissy Darch asked the hard question that was on the minds of many, but rarely reflected in media reports: why did society shame Todd after her encounter with an online sexual predator at age 13? Did this gender-specific shaming lead to her breakdown and suicide? The story sparked heated debate about how (and whether) attitudes toward women and girls had to change if suidices like this were to be changed in the future.
Canada-China FIPA agreement may be unconstitutional, treaty law expert says
by Beth Hong
Only a few months ago, the Harper government was quietly expected to pass a foreign investment protection act (FIPA) deal with China. The deal would have locked Canada's federal and provincial governments to its clauses for 31 years, and would give China the right to sue BC if projects like the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline were not approved. Beth Hong's in-depth coverage of FIPA helped many understand the issue and spread awareness, which has since turned to mass opposition across the country.
Canada is the new Africa in China's quest for oil
by Massoud Hayoun
As Canada amplifies its efforts to draw investment from Asia's biggest economic power, it could benefit from examining the situation in Africa, where Chinese companies have invested heavily in order to draw natural resources. Praised as an "interesting and balanced view" by renown China-Africa relations expert Deborah Brautigam (author of The Dragon's Gift), this article by Massoud Hayoun explores the possible risks -- and benefits -- of increasing Chinese influence in areas such as Alberta's oil sands.
I'm fat, Vancouver. Get over it.
by Emily Walker
Emily Walker's personal story shed light on Vancouver's image-conscious culture and intolerance toward overweight people. Recounting the countless insults and degrading treatment she endured on the streets of Vancouver (one woman actually pointed Walker out to her son, encouraging him not to become like her), Walker shed light on an ugly side of our beautiful and health-conscious city.
"Truthiness" and the right's attack on Canada's charities
by Sandy Garossino
Following up on her scorching critique of the Harper government's attack on scientists and charities, former prosecutor Sandy Garossino dismantles the claim that political advocacy is somehow illegitimate for charitable organizations. Wielding logic like a knife, she pokes holes in the arguments that Conservatives have used to silence dissent.
What to do if your child isn't interested in school?
by Howard Eaton
How can parents encourage children and youth who don't enjoy school? Drawing on his own experience with dyslexia and learning disabilities, renowned educator and author, Howard Eaton gives compassionate and practical advice to parents whose kids aren't the typical A-grade achievers.
Jason Kenney tells war veteran daughter: soldiers were "heroes," but not Canadian citizens
by Jenny Uechi
It was a tense confrontation between Citizenship and Immigration Minister and war veteran daughter Jackie Scott. As an emotional Scott asked why the government refused to recognize that her father was a Canadian citizen at the time of her birth, Kenney replied that soldiers like her father were 'heroes', but "obviously" not citizens during the Second World War. The exchange, captured on video, highlighted the plight of Lost Canadians who were being denied citizenship based on obscure legal technicalities.
Oil executive son's testimony at Prince Rupert Northern Gateway pipeline joint review panel
by Carrie Saxifrage
One of the stories from the Enbridge Northern Gateway hearings with the biggest impact was the testimony of Lee Brain, the son of an oil executive. He spoke in Prince Rupert both about the power and appeal of big oil, as well as well as the devastation it brought to people around the world. His testimonial forced many to ask about the real long-term benefits of an oil pipeline through one of the most beautiful natural environments in Canada.