Author

Drew Brown

Drew Brown is a writer from Grand Falls-Windsor. He was a national columnist with VICE from 2015 to 2020 and Editor-in-Chief of The Independent between 2019 and 2023. He was a PhD candidate in political theory at the University of Alberta before transitioning to a career in journalism. He is currently finishing a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology through Yorkville University and begins clinical practice in 2026. He lives in St. John’s with two black cats and an alarming number of books.

Drew's Latest Articles

Slim waxing crescent moon against the dark sky.
Sermon for the Winter Solstice, 2021

The wheel continues turning.

St. John's City Hall on New Gower Street.
Taxes Rise to Hold Service Status Quo in 2022 St. John’s Budget

Facing a $13 million deficit, St. John’s City Council opted to raise mil rates in order to avoid serious service cuts in Budget 2022.

Together, let’s make 2022 The Indy’s biggest year yet.

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Graffiti scrawled across a wall, reading "Debt will tear us apart."
I’m a Newfoundlander Born and Bred and I’ll Owe Debt Til I Die

Let’s take Finance Minister Siobhan Coady at face value: what does it mean that “debt” is our birthright as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians?

View of St. John's harbour from Signal Hill, overlaid with text that reads "St. John's Municipal Election 2021"
Progressive Dreams Deferred in 2021 St. John’s City Election

Ophelia Ravencroft makes history in Ward 2, while a seven-way race in the At-Large field sees all incumbents—plus Ron Ellsworth—re-elected.

The Water Street Pedestrian Mall facing east, July 2020.
A Tale of Two Elections—Redux

One September 2021 election down, one to go. Some thoughts about where we are, where we're going, and the candidates who might take us there.

Elections Canada sign in the grass, covered with raindrops.
A Tale of Two St. John’s Elections

You don't often have two levels of government up for grabs at the same time. So it's worth looking at issues where they overlap—like housing.

Canadian flag flapping in the wind.
Back to the Future—and Back to the Campaign Trail(s)

Let's take a look at the first week of an apparently very important federal election that nobody actually wanted to have.

Support The Indy’s Back-to-Back Election Coverage

With the 2021 federal & municipal elections happening at the same time, Newfoundland & Labrador needs independent journalism more than ever.

Drink Deep from Summer’s Oasis

It was a winter of despair, followed by a spring of hope; now comes a summer of beautiful reunion.