The Discourse

The Discourse is a journalism organization that operates independently, focusing on comprehensive reporting about the intricate issues affecting Canada and beyond. Our mission is to create a platform for innovative storytelling that moves away from the typical conflict-focused news cycle. We aim to deliver the stories that Canadians truly need, presented in a trustworthy manner. Our work includes investigations, analyses, and data-driven journalism that highlight significant public topics such as gender equality, environmental concerns, sustainable development, child welfare, political matters, Indigenous issues, and more. We seek out underreported stories and explore narratives that have the potential to make a difference. Our coverage includes the Cowichan Valley and Nanaimo regions.

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U.S. health-care workers moving to Nanaimo – The Discourse.

1 day ago | thediscourse.ca | Mick Sweetman

U.S. health-care workers are flocking to Nanaimo, and at least one told The Discourse their move is a direct spin-off from the Nanaimo Infusion event that welcomed hundreds of American visitors to the city this spring. Brandy Frye is a registered nurse from Califorina who was in Nanaimo this week with her 13-year-old son Bruce to meet her new boss at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital — where she’ll be working in the emergency department.
Nanaimo Pride 2025 in photos – The Discourse.

2 weeks ago | thediscourse.ca | Mick Sweetman

Thousands of people wearing rainbow clothes and carrying a variety of Pride flags filled downtown Nanaimo with the sound of celebration and resistance at the annual Pride Parade and Festival on Sunday, June 8, 2025. “This year, our theme is louder and prouder, because we will not be silenced. We will not be pushed aside. We are here and we are rising together!” shouted Nanaimo Pride Society president Lauren Semple into a microphone to a crowd of Pride festival goers in Maffeo Sutton Park.
VIU ‘turning a corner’ as board approves $500K deficit budget, chair says – The Discourse.

3 weeks ago | thediscourse.ca | Mick Sweetman

Vancouver Island University — one of Nanaimo’s largest employers — passed a new budget this week in an effort to get on the path to financial stability as it continues to face a multifactor fiscal crisis. On Tuesday, Vancouver Island University’s board of governors approved a slate of program cancellations as well as a budget that falls short of the $18 million in expense reductions mandated by the province, and has a projected $500,000 deficit.
Long Lake boathouse upgrade needed for safety and accessibility – The Discourse.

4 weeks ago | thediscourse.ca | Mick Sweetman

On Monday, Nanaimo city council voted to indefinitely postpone the decision to build a new $10.8 million boathouse and community centre in Long Lake’s Loudon Park after activists rallied to save 29 trees in the park that would have had to come down for its construction.
VIU won’t hit deficit target, acting president says – The Discourse.

1 month ago | thediscourse.ca | Mick Sweetman

A tense senate meeting at Vancouver Island University (VIU) on Wednesday led to the approval of program cancellations at the school, but the withdrawal of a suite of program suspensions means the university won’t reach its financial target this year. “By not moving those suspensions forward right now, academics will not be able to meet the deficit mitigation target in 2025-2026.
After Wrappers exhibit showcases kids’ creative flavours – The Discourse.

1 month ago | thediscourse.ca | Mick Sweetman

A new flavour-filled exhibition is teasing tastebuds at the Nanaimo Art Gallery. After Wrappers is a collaboration between artists Hannah Jickling, Reed H. Reed, guest artists and elementary school students in East Vancouver and Dawson City in the Yukon. The exhibit centres around two main projects.
VIU to cut ‘vital’ dental assistant program – The Discourse.

1 month ago | thediscourse.ca | Mick Sweetman

Vancouver Island University is looking at cancelling 10 graduate and three undergraduate programs over the next two years in an attempt to control a financial crisis that has been compared with the one that preceded the collapse of Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario.
Backyard Fest to take over Victoria Crescent – The Discourse.

1 month ago | thediscourse.ca | Mick Sweetman

Backyard Fest, Nanaimo’s underground music and arts festival, is moving out of the backyard behind Sound Heritage Music this year and into venues around Victoria Crescent. This change, in part, is because the previous location needs to have another exit built for fire safety but it’s also because the festival is expanding with over 50 bands — twice as many as in previous years. “It’s definitely turning a new leaf this time,” said festival volunteer Brendan Holm.
How the NDP lost Vancouver Island – The Discourse.

1 month ago | thediscourse.ca | Mick Sweetman

Former New Democrat MP for Nanaimo—Ladysmith Lisa Marie Barron was choking back tears on the same day she packed up her constituency office. The federal election results were determined about a week prior, and after four years of representing her constituents, Barron had lost her seat to the Conservative’s Tamara Kronis. “I’m worried about all the people on the streets. I’m worried about the people dying from the toxic substances.
Talking with Americans at Tod’s Nanaimo Infusion – The Discourse.

1 month ago | thediscourse.ca | Mick Sweetman

What started out as a video on Tik Tok in February grew into a tourism bonanza in Nanaimo as hundreds of American tourists made their way to the Harbour City. On Saturday morning, they gathered beside the Nanaimo sign in Maffeo Sutton Park to take a “family photo” together. Tod Maffin, who posted the original video and helped coordinate the photo shoot, said the response far exceeded anything he could have hoped for when he uploaded the video.