After 11 years of bringing you local reporting, the team behind the Vancouver Observer has moved on to Canada's National Observer. You can follow Vancouver culture reporting over there from now on. Thank you for all your support over the years!

David P. Ball

David P. Ball is a freelance writer and photojournalist in Vancouver, B.C., on Coast Salish territories. Find him at davidpball.net and @davidpball on twitter. 

In love with photojournalism since he was eight, David studied professional writing and political science at the University of Victoria, following that passion to the Middle East where he reported from the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war. He has been published in more than 20 publications.

Missing Women Inquiry: Ex-Pickton worker echoes lawyer allegations of police cover-up

Describing a 'turning, wrenching feeling,' would-be police informant Bill Hiscox reveals to VO what it was like on serial killer Robert 'Willie' Pickton's farm.

Election cooperation needed for NDP and Canadians: Nathan Cullen

He's been criticized and celebrated – for his opposition to oil sands pipelines and his controversial call for progressives to work together. VO sat down with B.C.'s hopeful to replace Jack Layton.

Pickton inquiry denounced as thousands march for missing and murdered women

Nearly 5,000 people marched today to remember hundreds of women murdered or missing in Vancouver, and criticizing what they said is a 'sham inquiry.'

COPE 378's David Black readies for battle with province over labour negotiations

With the province negotiating 250,000 job contracts with several unions in 2012, COPE 378 president David Black speaks about the coming fight, the age of austerity and today's labour movement.

Anti-racist groups rally outside courthouse for neo-Nazi trial

As the trial of two alleged members of the white supremacist group Blood and Honour resumed today, community groups protested against racism outside.

B.C. migrant farmworker advocates speak out in wake of Ontario tragedy

In the wake of the deaths of 11 Peruvian farmworkers in Ontario this week, concerns are again being raised about the safety of migrant workers in B.C.

Vancouver writer and former revolutionary Carmen Aguirre wins CBC Canada Reads prize

Acclaimed Vancouver playwright – and former Chilean revolutionary – Carmen Aguirre was awarded the CBC Canada Reads prize, only a week after being called a “terrorist" for her book, Something Fierce.

Austerity budget, free trade, crime bill: Conservatives eye sweeping changes with 2012 legislation

With a solid majority, the federal government is set to push through Stephen Harper's controversial bills on crime, immigration and copyright... and a dramatic agreement in secret.

Vancouver Board of Trade chair talks money, police, philanthropy and Ellen DeGeneres

Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia knows commerce in this city. The hotelier, spa magnate and Vancouver Board of Trade chair talked to VO about business leadership, public safety – and her secrets to success.

B.C. racist hate groups 'destabilized' by Anonymous: human rights activist

Racist groups in B.C. are part of an international network exposed by anti-Nazi document leaks, with links to violent attacks in Vancouver.