CAOwnership & classification
Founded: 2003
Ownership
The Tyee is an independent online news magazine based in Vancouver, British Columbia, founded in November 2003 by writer and former editor David Beers as an alternative to corporate media. It is not owned by any conglomerate or party; at the start of 2022 it converted to a non-profit model and is now operated by The Tyee Independent Media Society. A separate non-profit, the Tyee Solutions Society, was created in 2009 to produce solutions-focused journalism.
Funding
Reader-supported: financed mainly by voluntary reader donations and memberships through its 'Tyee Builders' program, alongside foundation grants and limited advertising/sponsorship, rather than a paywall.
Affiliation & stance
The Tyee is an independent, reader- and donor-funded non-profit outlet free of party, corporate-conglomerate or state ownership, which makes it INDEPENDENT. Its journalism is progressive/left-leaning in outlook and focused on B.C. and Canadian public-interest reporting, but editorial control rests with its own society and its supporting readers, not an external political or commercial controller.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 85
79/100
Factual
67/100
Objective
96
Articles
96
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Smith says Alberta could have a binding referendum on secession in early 2027
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has stated that if the results of an upcoming non-binding provincial referendum on secession favor separation, the province could hold a binding referendum on leaving Canada by early 2027. Smith outlined her plan during town hall meetings with members of the United Conservative Party, addressing frustrations over the current non-binding nature of the October referendum. She emphasized that any move toward secession would require extensive consultation with Indigenous communities, citing a timeframe similar to that used by Canada for major infrastructure projects. However, Jauvonne Kitto, an advisor working with First Nations groups, warned that consulting Indigenous peoples on such a significant constitutional matter would likely take much longer, between 1.5 to two years, due to the complexity and legal implications involved.
Oh, Lord. Smoking Is Cool Again
The article discusses the resurgence of smoking in popular culture, highlighting how celebrities are normalizing the habit through social media and high-profile appearances. Despite the well-documented health risks and costs associated with smoking, such as the $2.3 billion annual burden on Canada's healthcare system, smoking has regained popularity among influencers and celebrities. British Columbia's government offers subsidized nicotine replacement therapies like Nicorette to help individuals quit, but cultural trends seem to be moving in the opposite direction. Celebrities such as Charli XCX, Kylie Jenner, and Hailey Bieber have been photographed or featured in content involving cigarettes, contributing to a shift in public perception. This trend contrasts with efforts by governments and health organizations to reduce smoking rates.
Please Don’t Squeeze the Tomatoes!
This article discusses the challenges faced by Vancouver's farmers markets, highlighting their growing popularity and the strain on their physical spaces. With increasing visitor numbers and vendor demand, markets like Trout Lake, Riley Park, West End, and Kitsilano are struggling with limited space and resources. The article emphasizes the importance of these markets as vital parts of Vancouver's social, economic, and environmental infrastructure. It uses examples such as Glorious Organics and Cropthorne Farm to illustrate the difficulties vendors face due to overcrowded stalls and the lack of expansion options. The piece calls for greater city planning and investment to ensure the continued existence of these community hubs.
Teen Girls Are Meeting for Coffee. And Changing the World
Zoya Reebye, a 17-year-old Vancouver resident, founded 'Let’s Talk Women of Colour,' a non-profit organization that hosts monthly coffee meetings for teenage girls, including transgender, Two-Spirit, and non-binary individuals, to discuss issues related to race and gender. The initiative began after Reebye noticed a lack of spaces in her school for discussing challenges faced by Black, Indigenous, and girls of color. Now, the group meets regularly at local cafes, featuring presentations on topics like the model minority myth, hypersexualization of Black men, and necropolitics. Discussions are followed by facilitated conversations where participants share personal experiences. The group aims to empower youth through dialogue and critical thinking about social justice.
Let’s Gawk about Sex
The article discusses the resurgence of sexually explicit films, highlighting 'The Invite' as a notable example. Directed by Olivia Wilde and starring Penélope Cruz and Seth Rogen, the film explores themes of intimacy and human behavior through a provocative narrative. The article notes the polarized public reaction to such films, referencing similar movies like 'I Want Your Sex' and 'Wicker.' It mentions critical analyses from outlets like The Guardian and The Atlantic, as well as internet memes surrounding these films. The piece emphasizes the film's impact on audiences, describing it as both humorous and emotionally intense.
Deadline for nominations to run in Ontario’s fall municipal elections closes today
The deadline for submitting nominations in Ontario's upcoming municipal elections is approaching, with candidates still able to register until 2 p.m. Some areas, like Toronto and Mississauga, have seen active campaigning, including former Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith entering the race for Toronto city council. Political analysts note that highly competitive races could boost voter turnout, while races with weak opposition might lead to lower participation. In Toronto, several experienced figures are challenging Mayor Olivia Chow, with a recent Ipsos poll highlighting public dissatisfaction with decision-making speed, innovation, and infrastructure investment. Residents also cite rising costs, housing affordability, and traffic as major concerns.
Lights! Camera! Action! Roll the Data Centre Sell Job!
The article critiques Premier Danielle Smith's promotional video for Alberta's plan to develop AI data centers, accusing the government of misleading the public with overly optimistic claims. It highlights concerns over the environmental impact, economic risks, and ethical issues surrounding AI technology. The piece points out the lack of transparency and public consultation in the decision-making process, particularly affecting rural communities. Critics argue that the proposed data centers would consume vast amounts of energy and resources, exacerbating climate change and displacing local populations. The article references multiple studies and expert opinions warning about the potential dangers of current AI systems, including their ability to deceive, generate false information, and operate beyond human control.
Here’s the Latest Attack on BC Government Accountability
The article discusses British Columbia's decision by the NDP government to restrict public access to an employee directory, which previously allowed citizens to identify government personnel responsible for specific areas. This move is framed as an effort to enhance cybersecurity and protect employee privacy, based on an RCMP recommendation. However, the author argues that this action represents a broader trend of limiting government transparency and public access to information, undermining accountability. The piece traces this shift back to former Premier Gordon Campbell's 2002 reforms, which replaced unionized communications staff with politically appointed individuals, shifting focus from public service to party loyalty. The author criticizes the government's approach as a deliberate strategy to control messaging and suppress dissenting voices.
Hang Tough, Premier Eby, on Gas Royalties
British Columbia's government has struggled for years to overhaul its outdated system for collecting royalties on natural gas production. Although a new royalty framework is expected to take effect in January, the exact terms remain uncertain due to ongoing secret negotiations with the gas industry, Indigenous groups, and other stakeholders. Current royalty rates are considered too low, leading to significant revenue losses for the province despite increased gas production. In 2024–25, the government collected just $672 million in gas royalties, mostly from byproducts like propane rather than raw gas. This represents a sharp decline compared to 2008–09, when royalties made up nearly four times as much of the provincial budget. Industry loopholes and tax credits have allowed companies to avoid paying royalties while increasing their extraction of B.C.'s resources. While the government aimed to capture 50% of gas profits through reforms, industry opposition has led to compromises, raising concerns that the promised financial benefits for British Columbians will not materialize.
The Tyee Podcast: We Have Got to Stop Talking About Alberta Separatism
The Tyee Podcast discusses the upcoming Alberta referendum on potential separation from Canada, highlighting concerns over the growing influence of separatist rhetoric. Hosts argue that the issue has become a major distraction from pressing local problems, fueled by online activism, conspiracy theories, and foreign interference claims. Nate Pike, host of 'The Breakdown AB,' criticizes the elevation of these divisive ideas by provincial leaders, calling it harmful and irresponsible. He emphasizes the need for Albertans to resist this narrative and focus on substantive issues rather than engaging with what he describes as 'asymmetrical warfare' tactics.
Shocked, Then Trucked. Why BC Arranges Road Trips for Live Fish
In British Columbia, bull trout and other fish are being transported by truck past the Site C dam as part of a controversial 'trap and haul' program aimed at preserving fish populations. The $47.2-million fish passage facility allows fish to bypass the dam by using a system of channels, locks, and tanks to move them upstream to a reservoir now named Dreamer Lake. Bull trout, a species at risk of extinction, are prioritized due to the dam blocking their migration routes. While BC Hydro claims the facility maintains habitat access and supports Indigenous cultural values, retired fish biologists criticize the effort as inefficient and costly, with some calling it a waste of money. The project's costs have risen significantly, and the facility was often non-operational, raising questions about its effectiveness.
Why Do We Feed Wildlife?
The article discusses the negative impacts of feeding wildlife, particularly focusing on bears in British Columbia. Experts warn that feeding wildlife leads to health issues like hypoglycemia and tooth decay in animals, and more seriously, habituation to humans. Habituated animals are more likely to encounter humans, increasing risks of vehicle collisions, attacks on pets, and direct aggression toward people. It notes that over 500 bears are killed annually in B.C. due to habituation. The piece highlights historical practices, such as U.S. national parks encouraging feeding in the 1900s, and current efforts by authorities to educate the public on proper waste disposal and campsite practices to prevent wildlife attraction.
The UCP’s Phoney Claim About Alberta’s ‘Distinct Legal Tradition’
The article critiques the Alberta United Conservative Party (UCP) for promoting a misleading narrative about Alberta's 'distinct legal tradition' by comparing it to Quebec. Author David Climenhaga argues that this claim is unfounded and stems from a pattern of 'péquiste envy,' where Alberta politicians attempt to assert cultural and legal uniqueness similar to Quebec. The piece highlights the frustration among Alberta voters who consistently support non-Conservative parties yet rarely elect them, while also noting that such frustrations do not typically lead to separatist movements or violent actions as seen in other contexts. The author suggests that these claims are more about political posturing than genuine legal distinctions.