Robson Fletcher

Data Journalist / Senior Reporter

Robson Fletcher's work for CBC Calgary focuses on data, analysis and investigative journalism. He joined CBC in 2015 after spending the previous decade working as a reporter and editor at newspapers in Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba.

Latest from Robson Fletcher

Some Alberta parents are paying $0 for child care but that's about to change

The existence of completely free child care may come as a surprise to parents living in Calgary and Edmonton, who are used to paying significant fees. But, given the structure of Alberta's child-care system to date, it's been a reality for parents in some rural areas.

Chronic wasting disease has exploded through Alberta's deer population. Can it be stopped?

Researchers are now racing to come up with strategies to at least slow the spread of the disease in deer and reduce the chances of it spreading to more vulnerable caribou populations — or, worse, humans.
Analysis

Is 13 too young to work? A Saskatchewan proposal has reignited debate around kids and labour

Saskatchewan residents are due to vote in a general election later this year and a business group in the province hopes the next government will lower the province's "absolute minimum" working age to 13 years old. That's reignited debate around how young is too young to have a job.

Alberta's rate of population growth led the country to start 2024 — even before $5K 'moving bonus'

Alberta had the fastest rate of population growth in Canada over the first three months of the year, according to new data released Wednesday, and continues to be the most popular destination for people moving within the country.

Alberta's last coal plant has powered down, marking the end of an era

In a feat once thought impossible, the province went from 80 per cent coal power to zero — years ahead of schedule.

Calgary now has 2nd-highest unemployment rate in Canada — and highest labour-force participation

As Calgary's population booms, its labour force continues to reach new heights, according to new data released Friday, while the unemployment rate grows.
Analysis

From 'fantasy thinking' to 'open for business': Alberta's rapidly evolving view of energy storage

The government's rhetoric is warming toward the nascent industry, but hurdles to its growth remain.

First Nations 'triaging grief' as opioids claim lives at more than 8 times the rate of the rest of Alberta

First Nations people in Alberta have been dying from opioids at more than eight times the rate of the rest of the population, according to newly published data that puts harder numbers on a grim reality Indigenous leaders have been sounding the alarm over for years.
Analysis

What the 'inadvertent error' in the PBO's carbon tax analysis means, in as plain English as possible

Everyone makes mistakes, even expert economists analyzing a high-profile public policy that may be the primary issue in the next federal election.
Analysis

Most Albertans now say it's difficult to meet monthly expenses, for first time in years of polling

For the first time in years of polling on the same question, a majority of Albertans now say it's "somewhat" or "very difficult" to meet their monthly expenses.