Vancouver journalist for @TheTyee. Find me on Bluesky (@jenstden.bluesky.social) Instagram, Threads and TikTok (@jenstdenis) Email: jstdenis at thetyee dot ca
Fun fact about Othman Mekhloufi: he was the first person, to my knowledge, that shared the link to the website CharliesMurderers here on Twitter.
That ended up being the main doxxing website for those accused of "celebrating" Charlie Kirk's death.
They put me first on the site, which made me suspicious it was made by a far-right Canadian.
Anyway👀
@JasJohalBC What we know about Othman Mekhloufi, a very young man who seems to have been totally radicalized by far-right online ideas. https://t.co/QCtkgeyuCu
I want to take a moment to speak openly and from the heart about the recent events at OneBC and the rationale behind the decision I have come to.
I entered politics for one reason and one reason only: to fight for the people of British Columbia and to stand against policies that are doing real harm to our province. From the very beginning, I made a promise to myself that no party, no title, and no political convenience would ever be worth compromising my integrity, values, or principles.
That commitment is what led me to stand beside Dallas Brodie when she was unfairly removed from John Rustad’s caucus. I believed in her and until recently, I defended and supported her as the leader of OneBC without hesitation. That same moment in time also brought me together with two remarkable individuals, Tim Thielmann and Paul Ratchford. These men stood with us when we exited a compromised caucus and stepped into the uncertainty of serving as Independent MLAs in the legislature.
Together, Tim and Paul helped build OneBC from the ground up. They poured countless hours, energy, and belief into a shared mission. Their political instincts, leadership, and dedication are a major reason OneBC grew into an ascending movement in such a short period of time. Through this, I gained a profound amount of respect and loyalty to both of them.
That is why the events of the past two weeks have been so shocking and deeply painful.
Leadership is revealed most clearly in moments of strain. Long days in the legislature, mounting pressure, and internal disagreements tested all of us. Differences of opinion - particularly surrounding a junior staffer - were not the core issue. What truly mattered was how those challenges were handled: whether there was openness, communication, empathy, and a willingness to listen, adapt, and lead by example.
After days of silence by the leader, and the sudden removal of the very people who helped build OneBC - without conversation, explanation, or accountability, I was left with a profound sense of sadness and disbelief. What followed, including an unauthorized data breach that was admitted to me in writing, placed me in an impossible position as a board member and crossed lines I cannot ignore.
This decision has not come easily. I make it with a heavy heart. But I also make it with clarity, conviction, and fidelity to the principles that brought me into public life in the first place.
If we seek the opportunity to lead, we must accept the full responsibility that leadership demands. And when we fall short, we must be willing to own that as well.
I will always be grateful for the moment in time that allowed us to work together so effectively and to bring a meaningful and principled voice into the legislature.
At the end of what has been a very difficult time, I will close by saying this: my voice remains and I will always fight for what’s right!
My latest for @TheTyee. This one is so close to my heart. I am touched by Janet’s story and determination. But this shouldn’t be her reality. From housing affordability to RTB bureaucracy to legal access, her story encapsulates many struggles of low-income renters in BC. #bcpoli
Janet Fraser is 74, supporting her partner who has cancer, & exhausted after fighting multiple eviction attempts.
Even after a court win overturned an unfair RTB ruling, she expects her landlord will try again. By @maya_elhawaryy https://t.co/ATQSNSVei1
Nazi Socialism, Soviet Socialism, Narco Socialism and all other forms of socialism move at different speeds but always to the same destination — impoverished hell for the many and special powers & wealth for the few.
Only freedom — free speech, free enterprise and free choice — empowers all to fulfill their potential & live good and great lives.
My @ricochet_en podcast "In Bed with the Elephant" will be taping a live show this Friday October 4th in downtown Ottawa at Union Local 613, 315 Somerset St. West at 7pm. My special on-stage guest will be author/podcaster @LukewSavage from @jacobin.
https://t.co/5Ddo4PpMfX
"More than a century ago, a Canadian official sat down and wrote one of the first damning reports on his country’s emerging system of residential schools." https://t.co/rH2wiVUjK7
BC Conservative MLA Elenore Sturko says she was ousted from the party not because she tried to organize to oppose leader John Rustad, but because she voiced concerns about an explosive internal report that detailed "manufactured memberships." #bcpoli https://t.co/MsvzGgCBn2
“This man is a key architect of Donald Trump’s assault on the U.S. Constitution and it’s completely inappropriate that he be invited to address the federal Cabinet.”
How some Lib MPs feel about a decision to invite Kevin Roberts, by @atRachelGilmore https://t.co/hlfgvpGeim
Some updates on the Sean Feucht/Canada tour story:
No churches in Winnipeg would host his gathering.
Meanwhile, West Kelowna decided to not grant a permit because of security concerns (same reason given by many other municipalities).
Prev coverage https://t.co/4dQBX4NETL