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Cindy E. Harnett

Cindy E. Harnett

Cindy Harnett is a Times Colonist reporter focused on health.

Cindy is originally from Toronto, where she attended York University and Ryerson University before taking her first newspaper job in northern Ontario, where she learned about forestry, wildlife, block heaters, and snowstorms in May. She has worked as a reporter in Quesnel and a managing editor at Black Press, and has contributed to publications including Maclean’s magazine.

In 2008, Cindy and her Times Colonist colleagues picked up a Jack Webster Best News Reporting of the Year award for coverage of the 2007 Lee family murder-suicide, which highlighted gross inadequacies in domestic violence and child protection services and police co-ordination.

Over the years, Cindy has gravitated to issues of justice, including the 1997 swarming and murder of teenager Reena Virk, the 2012 botched firing of eight B.C. Health Ministry researchers during which one committed suicide, the 2018 toxic drug poisoning death of Elliot Eurchuk, and the 2019 William Head jailbreak that saw two prisoners charged with murder.

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Recent Work by Cindy E.

Addictions doctors keep up pressure for drug-consumption areas at hospitals

Addictions doctors keep up pressure for drug-consumption areas at hospitals

The B.C. Nurses’ Union says the service should be provided by the health authority
Patient dies in Nanaimo hospital bathroom after overdose prevention site closes, says doctor

Patient dies in Nanaimo hospital bathroom after overdose prevention site closes, says doctor

‘This is an example of why services like this are needed,’ doctor says
Green ribbons at NDP MLAs' swearing in a tribute to 'superfan' Horgan

Green ribbons at NDP MLAs' swearing in a tribute to 'superfan' Horgan

Shamrocks owner Jim Hartshorne said the former premier had a “crazy interest” in lacrosse, and wore his Shamrocks hat in photos around the globe
'A life well lived': Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies after third bout with cancer

'A life well lived': Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies after third bout with cancer

Horgan, who survived throat cancer in 2021 and bladder cancer in 2008, had remained confident that he would “live long and prosper,” a reference to Star Trek, his favourite TV series. 
B.C. Cancer Victoria counselling, research centre to be named for donors

B.C. Cancer Victoria counselling, research centre to be named for donors

The Integrated Care and Research Pavilion across from Royal Jubilee Hospital will be named for Ernie and Yvonne Yakimovich, who donated $2.5 million.
Comox Valley RCMP wants to speak to man who approached kids in Courtenay schoolyard

Comox Valley RCMP wants to speak to man who approached kids in Courtenay schoolyard

Police released a photo of the man, and suggested parents talk to kids about how to handle stranger encounters
Police investigating after Oak Bay teen says she was drugged at house party

Police investigating after Oak Bay teen says she was drugged at house party

The 16-year-old Oak Bay High School student had to be taken to hospital after she began vomiting and passed out. The clinical team soon suspected GHB, a.k.a. the "date rape drug."
Byelections in the cards after three Island municipal councillors elected as MLAs

Byelections in the cards after three Island municipal councillors elected as MLAs

Three municipal councillors on Vancouver Island were elected to provincial office in the 2024 provincial election, which triggers byelections for local government in the new year.
Surgical robot coming to Victoria hospitals this year

Surgical robot coming to Victoria hospitals this year

The foundation is fundraising for a 10-year robotics program and system upgrades that will first be used in urology
Ferry sailings resume as wind warnings lifted for Vancouver Island

Ferry sailings resume as wind warnings lifted for Vancouver Island

High winds are expected from Nanoose Bay to Campbell River as well as in Greater Victoria.
More work by Cindy E. >