
Joel Ballard
Joel Ballard is a reporter with the CBC in Vancouver. You can reach him at joel.ballard@cbc.ca
Latest from Joel Ballard

Rising costs force British Columbians on living, disability assistance to make tough choices
As the cost of living continues to skyrocket across the province and country, people living on income and disability assistance are forced to make difficult decisions, like choosing between groceries and medication.
Canada -British Columbia |

B.C. cannabis retailers say they're being pushed out by deeply discounted government stores
Small cannabis retailers allege unfair pricing from the public government-owned dispensaries are pushing private retailers out of the market by offering products with slim margins compared to wholesale costs.
Canada -British Columbia |

Why is Vancouver's Downtown Eastside so dangerous for pedestrians?
Pedestrian safety on the Downtown Eastside has long been an issue and while there have been improvements over the past decade, residents and advocates say more needs to be done to keep community members safe.
Canada -British Columbia |

B.C. Court of Appeal certifies former flight attendant's class-action lawsuit against WestJet
The B.C. Court of Appeal has certified a former flight attendant's class-action lawsuit against WestJet Airlines, overturning the ruling of the B.C. Supreme Court judge who had dismissed her application.
Canada -British Columbia |

B.C. Ferries crew rescue fishermen from burning boat near Prince Rupert
Two men were rescued early Sunday morning by a passing B.C. Ferries vessel after their fishing boat caught fire in Arthur Passage near Prince Rupert.
Canada -British Columbia |
Man's death inside recycling truck highlights broken support system for people who are homeless, advocates say
Homeless advocates in Penticton say the death of a 52-year old man who was sleeping in an unlocked dumpster puts a spotlight on the homelessness crisis and the need for more funding and affordable housing options.
Canada -British Columbia |

Magic mushroom dispensaries operating openly in Vancouver
In the City of Vancouver, buying magic mushrooms, in at least one case, can be as easy as ordering your morning cup of coffee.
Canada -British Columbia |

Almost 300 B.C. musicians call for jazz society board members to step down after chaotic AGM
Almost 300 B.C. musicians have signed a letter calling for certain board members of the Coastal Jazz & Blues Society to step down following an annual general meeting in November that degenerated into profanity.
Canada -British Columbia |

Judge rejects lawsuit against tour company, bus manufacturer involved in 2014 Coquihalla crash
In 2014, more than 55 people were injured when a tour bus crashed on the Coquihalla Highway south of Merrit, B.C., rolling onto its side and throwing some passengers through the coach windows.
Canada -British Columbia |
Recording studio plagued by interference from Rogers cell tower running out of options, clients
A world-class Vancouver recording studio says it has suffered from booking cancellations and lost contracts as a result of interference from a nearby cell tower owned by Rogers Communications.
Canada -British Columbia |