Reporter covering the Federal Government and Vancouver (backfill)

Canada's National Observer (CNO) delivers vital reporting on the defining crisis of our time: climate change. Through rigorous investigation and compelling storytelling, we reveal the impacts of climate change on politics, public health and business transformation. 

With an audience of millions and over 400,000 who have access through subscriptions, CNO is Canada's leading source of 

reporting on the climate crisis and the path to solutions. Our teams investigate the intersections of power, money, and climate action while amplifying solutions and celebrating innovation that drives possibility and change.

This is a full-time 8 month backfill position based in Ottawa for a Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) project.

Job Description

The Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter for the federal government and Vancouver will report on federal policies and parliamentary activities that relate to and impact the city of Vancouver. The reporter will consistently cover municipal issues for Vancouver through a federal lens. That will include reporting on the UBC rapid transit expansion, the pipeline MOU,

the Trans Mountain pipeline and Indigenous land claims– stories with roots in federal politics and policy. Without reporting on the federal level, these stories are missing critical context and are missing what is often the real locus of power.

The reporter will use Civic Searchlight, a tool developed by CNO to monitor and search municipal meetings across the country, to enhance their reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Report 2-3 stories weekly, with allowances for extra reporting time when appropriate


• Report accurately, write engagingly and practice journalism ethically


• Develop contacts and information pathways in Ottawa and in Vancouver


• Be an expert in climate change and federal climate policy and solutions as they impact Vancouver.


• Report on breaking news related to climate, from disasters to court decisions


• Be responsive to editors and colleagues


• Experiment with innovative ways to tell stories online

What we’re looking for:

• Strong English-language reporting and writing skills


• A minimum undergraduate degree or equivalent experience


• Five-plus years of reporting experience, ideally with a focus on politics, climate policy, city issues or a related field


• A passion for climate change news and staying on top of the key political, policy and business issues in Canada that impact the climate agenda


• A track record of finding unique stories and angles, not following the pack


• A great storyteller


• Other multimedia skills like photography, videography, data journalism or social media are assets

Salary and benefits:

• Salary: $32.47 hourly/ $67,500 annually


• Comprehensive Sun Life package (including dental, mental health counselling, wellness funds, gender affirmation coverage, travel insurance, and $25,000 life insurance)


• $125/month towards home office expenses


• This is a bargaining unit position under the J1 category in our collective agreement. The collective agreement between Observer Media Group (Canada’s National Observer) and the Canadian Media Guild ensures robust support

Start date: Feb. 2, 2026

End date: Oct 31, 2026

Please submit applications through the Bamboo Portal and include a cover letter and a resume. Any incomplete applications will not be considered. Please be advised we can only contact candidates we wish to interview. 

We thank everyone for their interest in working with the team at Canada’s National Observer.