Matt Simmons
@writermjs.bsky.social
Journalist and photographer based on the unceded territory of the Wet’suwet’en Nation. Signal: writermjs.08
@michellecyca.com on point, as always thewalrus.ca/why-is-anti-...
Why Is Anti-Indigenous Racism on the Rise? | The Walrus
The new “Indian problem”
thewalrus.ca
September 3, 2026 at 3:25 AM
@michellecyca.com on point, as always thewalrus.ca/why-is-anti-...
Reposted by Matt Simmons
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...
From us, @writermjs.bsky.social and the great team at @thenarwhal.ca
theijf.org/article/bc-c...
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
theijf.org
August 25, 2026 at 6:58 PM
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...
From us, @writermjs.bsky.social and the great team at @thenarwhal.ca
theijf.org/article/bc-c...
“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...
In a small town, a big employer like LNG Canada has connections to everything.
My latest, with Wil Crisp:
thenarwhal.ca/lng-canada-b...
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
thenarwhal.ca
August 10, 2026 at 1:57 PM
“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...
In a small town, a big employer like LNG Canada has connections to everything.
My latest, with Wil Crisp:
thenarwhal.ca/lng-canada-b...
"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...
A beautiful read from kelsie kilawna.
indiginews.com/first-person...
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)
indiginews.com
August 8, 2026 at 6:09 PM
"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...
A beautiful read from kelsie kilawna.
indiginews.com/first-person...
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.
Latest from me and Wil Crisp, on LNG Canada's flaring.
LNG Canada’s original plans for its Kitimat, B.C, plant included a commitment to operate "without routine flaring." That commitment was later removed from submissions to the BC Energy Regulator, and in 2025, almost 10 per cent of all gas transported to the terminal was burned off.
LNG Canada dropped commitments to operate ‘without routine flaring’: docs | The Narwhal
For years, LNG Canada made environmental commitments in documents submitted to BC Energy Regulator (BCER). It removed them before the Kitimat facility launched
thenarwhal.ca
July 29, 2026 at 4:47 PM
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.
Latest from me and Wil Crisp, on LNG Canada's flaring.
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!
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!
July 26, 2026 at 1:52 AM
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!
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!
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.
why would someone keep an African wild cat as a pet? and how many people in B.C. have them? it’s impossible to say — but probably more than you think! many questions, a few answers & some surprises in my new long read for @thenarwhal.ca thenarwhal.ca/bc-exotic-ca...
B.C. is cracking down on exotic cats as pets. Where will they go? | The Narwhal
As of May 2026, you can no longer buy or sell exotic cats, like servals, in British Columbia. What do we do with them now?
thenarwhal.ca
July 7, 2026 at 5:53 PM
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.
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.
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
thenarwhal.ca
June 23, 2026 at 7:03 PM
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.
Reposted by Matt Simmons
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.
We’re standing firm in our conviction that journalists must be given access to cover the actions of powerful government institutions like the police.
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
thenarwhal.ca
June 16, 2026 at 10:23 PM
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.
We’re standing firm in our conviction that journalists must be given access to cover the actions of powerful government institutions like the police.
Reposted by Matt Simmons
“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...
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...
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.
thenarwhal.ca
June 3, 2026 at 8:49 PM
“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...
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...
Reposted by Matt Simmons
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.
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...
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.
thenarwhal.ca
June 3, 2026 at 3:03 PM
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.
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...
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.
thenarwhal.ca
June 3, 2026 at 2:52 PM
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...
Reposted by Matt Simmons
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...
Our latest newsletter:
thenarwhal.ca/newsletter-b...
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
thenarwhal.ca
May 29, 2026 at 6:43 PM
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...
Our latest newsletter:
thenarwhal.ca/newsletter-b...
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...
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
thenarwhal.ca
May 26, 2026 at 3:29 PM
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...
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!
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!
May 18, 2026 at 10:16 PM
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!
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!
Reposted by Matt Simmons
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/spring-2026-...
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
thenarwhal.ca
April 21, 2026 at 12:38 PM
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/spring-2026-...
Reposted by Matt Simmons
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!
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-...
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
theijf.org
April 18, 2026 at 11:35 AM
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!
Reposted by Matt Simmons
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-...
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
theijf.org
April 17, 2026 at 8:59 PM
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-...
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...
New from me and Wil Crisp at Point Source U.K.
thenarwhal.ca/lng-canada-b...
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
thenarwhal.ca
April 16, 2026 at 7:06 PM
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...
New from me and Wil Crisp at Point Source U.K.
thenarwhal.ca/lng-canada-b...
Reposted by Matt Simmons
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...
a real banger of an investigation at @thenarwhal.ca today by @writermjs.bsky.social & Wil Crisp. thenarwhal.ca/lng-canada-b...
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
thenarwhal.ca
April 16, 2026 at 6:54 PM
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...
a real banger of an investigation at @thenarwhal.ca today by @writermjs.bsky.social & Wil Crisp. thenarwhal.ca/lng-canada-b...
Reposted by Matt Simmons
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...
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
thenarwhal.ca
April 16, 2026 at 6:57 PM
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...
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.
April 1, 2026 at 4:50 PM
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.
Reposted by Matt Simmons
“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...
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...
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
thenarwhal.ca
March 20, 2026 at 10:34 PM
“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...
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...
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.
As talk about developing an LNG export project in Newfoundland and Labrador continues, residents have questions. Here’s why they’re looking for answers in Kitimat, B.C. thenarwhal.ca/lng-newfound...
With possibility of an LNG export project, a Newfoundland village looks to B.C. | The Narwhal
An LNG facility could bring jobs to this sleepy Newfoundland village. Residents worry it’ll change their home forever and are looking to Kitimat, B.C., for answers
thenarwhal.ca
March 19, 2026 at 3:13 PM
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.
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.
Winter in Alert Bay, B.C., is slow and exposed — frequent power outages, fewer open businesses and storms. For the ’Na̱mg̱is, life on the edge of the Pacific is shaped by efforts to assert stewardship and sovereignty. Photos and words by @writermjs.bsky.social: thenarwhal.ca/life-in-aler...
A snapshot of life in Alert Bay, B.C. | The Narwhal
Off of Vancouver Island’s rugged north coast, the tiny community of Alert Bay, on ‘Na̱mg̱is territory, is a place of deep connections to the land and waters
thenarwhal.ca
February 10, 2026 at 3:32 PM
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.