BC Today from CBC Radio British Columbia

Follow BC Today from CBC Radio British Columbia
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

BC Today is where British Columbians connect on issues facing their lives and their community. Every week day at noon PT and 1pm MT, BC Today host Michelle Eliot delves into the top story for the province.

CBC Radio


    • Nov 14, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 45m AVG DURATION
    • 1,442 EPISODES


    More podcasts from CBC Radio

    Search for episodes from BC Today from CBC Radio British Columbia with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from BC Today from CBC Radio British Columbia

    How is second-hand shopping changing?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 23:51


    Second-hand shopping continues to see a growing demand, but the market is seeing some changes. Majenta Braumberger breaks down the current and future landscape of thrift shopping as we ask viewers about their experiences shopping for second-hand items.

    Sick note policy changes

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2025 21:34


    The B.C. government is limiting when an employer can ask for a sick note from their employees in order to lift the bureaucratic burden on doctors and help prevent patients from spreading their disease. Ryan Mitton, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business's Director of Legislative Affairs for B.C, joins the show to discuss how it impacts businesses as we ask viewers about their experience getting a sick note.

    Nation-building projects

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 16:53


    Prime MInister Mark Carney announces Canada's next batch of nation-building projects. CBC provincial affairs reporter Katie DeRosa breaks down the details and what it means for B.C. B.C. Premier David Eby reacts in Langley to Mark Carney's latest slew of nation-building projects.

    Flu season

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 14:47


    Experts warn Canada is in for a worse flu season than usual. Dr. Brian Conway, the Vancouver Infectious Diseases Centre's medical director, joins the show to talk about the risks.

    canada flu season brian conway vancouver infectious diseases centre
    Living wage report

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 15:49


    B.C. Policy Solutions released its 2025 Living Wage Report, which says the cost of living continues to rise faster than wages for working families. Co-executive director Iglika Ivanova joins the show.

    living wage iglika ivanova
    LNG projects | Nation-building projects

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2025 49:06


    The Ksi Lisims liquefied natural gas project near Prince Rupert is one of the next batch of nation-building projects the federal government is set to announce this week. The planned capacity is up to 12 million tonnes of LNG per year, representing a major economic and employment opportunity.Stewart Muir, the president and CEO of Resource Works, joins the show to discuss what LNG projects entail. Thomas Green, senior manager for climate solutions with the David Suzuki Foundation, joins the show to discuss potential environmental impacts of the project. And we take audience calls to weigh in on these "nation-building" LNG projects in Canada.

    Remembrance Day 2025 | Who do you wish to honour on Remembrance Day?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025 52:41


    We pay tribute to Canadian veterans who've sacrificed their lives to Canada's wars, as well as those who continue to serve, covering ceremonies taking place across B.C. and Canada. David Zimmerman, a military historian at the University of Victoria, joins the show to discuss the history of Canada's forces as we ask viewers who they wish to honour this Remembrance Day. Canada's former defence minister Harjit Sajjan joins the show to discuss Ottawa's increased investments in national defence, following the Liberals' budget earmarking $81.8 billion to fund the Canadian Armed Forces.

    Extortion threats

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 23:04


    Surrey and other Fraser Valley communities are grappling with a wave of extortion threats that largely target the South Asian business community. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has requested an extra 150 extra police officers to deal with the situation. Surrey Police Service spokesperson Ian MacDonald joins the show to discuss the state of their extortion investigations.CBC's Jon Hernandez has been following the extortion cases closely. He joins the show to break down the timeline of the rise in crime and how it is impacting public safety.

    COP 30 climate leaders summit

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2025 24:27


    The COP 30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, kicked off Monday with UN Secretary General António Guterres warning of a lack of climate leadership. UBC political scientist Kathryn Harrison joins the show as we ask viewers if climate policies are falling by the wayside and what it may take to make climate change a political priority.

    More job losses in B.C.'s forestry industry

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 21:23


    West Fraser Timber Co. has announced the permanent shutdown of its mill in the District of 100 Mile House, impacting approximately 165 employees. B.C. Conservative MLA Lorne Doerkson joins the show to discuss the recent losses to B.C.'s forestry industry.

    Gardening with Brian Minter

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2025 24:38


    BC Today gardening columnist Brian Minter joins us to talk about winter gardening and to answer your gardening questions.

    gardening bc today brian minter
    Dangerous intersections

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 29:23


    The "triangular terror" intersection of Main, 7th and Kingsway was voted the most dangerous intersection in the Lower Mainland, according to a bracket run by traffic safety volunteer group Vision Zero. Haakon Koyote, a volunteer with the group, and Sandy James, an urban planner, join the show as we ask viewers about dangerous experiences at intersections.

    Ostrich cull appeal dismissed

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 11:15


    The Supreme Court of Canada will not hear an appeal to prevent the cull of hundreds of ostriches at Universal Ostrich Farms in Edgewood, B.C. Dr. Scott Weese, the chief of infection control at the Ontario Veterinary College teaching hospital, joins the show to discuss the scientific and political context of the high court's decision. CBC's Caroline Barghout goes live from the ostrich farm in Edgewood to break down the aftermath, with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency saying they will now move forward with the cull.

    Work-life balance

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2025 7:39


    Mariat Jibril, the organizer of the Better Not Bitter Summit, joins the show to talk about the event, which focuses on helping people sustain a work-life balance.

    Federal budget deficit rises to $78 billion with major plans to invest in housing and community projects

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 51:13


    Mark Carney's Liberals pledged "generational investments" in the budget they unveiled Tuesday as Canada navigates a tariff-hit economic crisis, with $141 billion in new spending offset by about $51 billion in cuts and other savings. It includes a commitment of $13 billion towards housing and new builds over five years. Alina McKay, research manager at UBC Housing Collaborative, and Jill Atkey, CEO of the B.C. Non-Profit Housing Association, join the show to discuss what needs to be prioritized in the housing crisis. The budget also pledges $51 billion towards the Build Communities Strong Fund over the next decade. The Filipino community in B.C. has been working to build a community centre for years. B.C. NDP MLA Mable Elmore joins the show to discuss how government funding can play into the community's goals.

    Mark Carney's Liberals to table 1st federal budget

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 52:47


    It's budget day in Canada, and the new Liberal government is pledging a "big, bold" budget that contains "generational investments" to pivot away from Canada's reliance on the U.S. If the budget fails to pass, it could trigger another general election. Prime Minister Mark Carney has hinted at making sacrifices to transform the Canadian economy. Alex Hemmingway, B.C. Society for Policy Solutions senior economist, joins the show as we ask viewers about what could be sacrificed and if it is justified. Bruce Sellery, CEO of Credit Canada and CBC money columnist, joins the show to discuss the budget's impact on personal finances. We take audience calls throughout the show.

    Ottawa announce forestry task force

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2025 49:51


    Provincial and federal leaders gathered in Vancouver to discuss the ongoing economic crisis facing B.C.'s forestry sector. B.C. Premier David Eby, alongside Dominic LeBlanc, federal minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, announced a task force made up of deputy ministers and representatives to figure out supports for the industry. Derek Nighbor, president of the Forest Products Association of Canada, joins the show to react to the announcement as we ask viewers if they are satisfied with efforts provided for the forestry sector. James Furney, the mayor of Port McNeill, takes audience calls as he discusses how his community is impacted by the U.S.'s duties on softwood lumber.

    Do you believe in ghosts?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 24:38


    We delve into hauntings around British Columbia with Kelly Berge, president of the Vancouver Paranormal Society. She discusses how she became a paranormal researcher as we ask our audience if they have ever had encounters with ghosts.

    Halloween fireworks

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 14:49


    We ask our audience whether or not fireworks should be banned in B.C. municipalities. Burnaby Fire Capt. Paul Rushton joins the show to discuss safety hazards associated with Halloween fireworks.

    Soggy trick-or-treat

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2025 8:58


    A rainfall warning in Metro Vancouver could make for soggy trick-or-treating tonight. CBC's Darius Mahdavi gives a provincewide weather forecast for Halloween.

    Cowichan land court ruling & reconciliation

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 24:00


    A new poll by Angus Reid found that three in five British Columbians believe the B.C. Supreme Court decision affirming Aboriginal title rights on a section of Richmond land will harm the relationship between Indigenous groups and the rest of the province. Jon Roe, a researcher associate with the Angus Reid Institute, joins the show to discuss the findings.Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, head of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, joins the show to discuss how uncertainty over the court ruling could impact reconciliation efforts.

    How to get a good night's sleep

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2025 22:33


    Sleep doctor Dr. Najib Ayas, the medical director of UBC's sleep program, joins the show to discuss sleep strategies, habits and the science behind a good night's rest.

    Novice 'N' driving tests

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 23:33


    The B.C. government is considering changes to the province's graduated driver's licensing program next year to eliminate the second road test to get a full Class 5 licence. That means new drivers would not need to take a second road test to get rid of their 'N' decal. B.C. Conservative and Richmond Centre MLA Hon Chan, the opposition critic for ICBC, says eliminating the second test would make roads less safe. He joins the show alongside Vision Zero volunteer Mihai Cirstea.

    Should B.C. push ahead with its own anti-tariff ads?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 20:57


    B.C. Premier David Eby says the province will push ahead with broadcasting its anti-tariff ads to American audiences, despite threats of further retaliation from U.S. President Donald Trump. Diamond Isinger, a political strategist and former advisor of Canada-U.S. relations to the prime minister's office, joins the show to discuss anti-tariff strategy.

    How pervasive is sports gambling in Canada?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 19:33


    NBA head coach Chauncey Billups and player Terry Rozier were arrested last Thursday along with dozens of others in a massive mafia-linked gambling investigation.Authorities say one scheme focused on insider sports betting and another on rigged poker games tied to the Mafia,to steal millions from victims over a number of years. The CBC's Katie Nicholson breaks it down for us and former Canadian Olympian and co-chair on campaign to Ban Ads for Gambling.

    Your gardening questions with Brian Minter

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 23:17


    BC Today gardening columnist Brian Minter joins us to answer your gardening questions

    gardening bc today brian minter
    Donald Trump ends trade talks with Canada over anti-tariff ad

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2025 25:42


    U.S. President Donald Trump says he will terminate trade talks with Canada over an ad sponsored by the Ontario government that featured Ronald Reagan's 1987 radio address warning of the consequences of trade barriers. Now, B.C. Premier David Eby says B.C. will create its own ad targeting Trump's tariff policies. B.C. jobs minister Ravi Kahlon takes viewers' calls as he discusses the province's planned ads and its response to the latest setback in the trade war. Laura Jones, the CEO of the Business Council of B.C., joins the show to discuss whether or not Canada should fight back harder in response.

    CMHC "Missing Middle" housing report shows middle housing still missing

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 38:13


    A new report by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) says Vancouver saw a decline in the construction of multiplexes and townhomes in recent years, compared to other major Canadian cities. The report calls this type of housing the "missing middle," referring to middle-density housing that includes townhouses, row homes and low-rise apartments. CMHC deputy chief economist Tania Bourassa-Ochoa joins the show to break down the report. Former Vancouver city councillor Gordon Price joins the show as we ask viewers if they feel more middle density housing is needed in their community.

    Should we still be able to make right turns on red lights?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 22:01


    According to ICBC data, cars turning right on red lights are three times more likely to cause a pedestrian collision than other actions at intersections. Former city planner Sandy James and transportation engineer Souzan Sadaat join the show to break down the debate on whether or not cities should do away with right turns on red.

    red lights icbc sandy james
    B.C. Conservative committee calls on John Rustad to resign as leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2025 25:35


    CBC News obtained a letter penned by high-ranking members of the B.C. Conservative Party calling on leader John Rustad to resign, which comes amid ruptures in the party's movement and high-profile exits. CBC's Katie DeRosa breaks down the details of the letter. UBC political scientist Stewart Prest joins the show to discuss the future of the B.C. Conservatives as we ask viewers if they feel Rustad should step down.

    Blue Jays advance to World Series

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 24:32


    The Toronto Blue Jays edged out a 3-4 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 of the ALCS, advancing to the World Series for the first time in 32 years. They face the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. Chris Pritchett, coach of the UBC Thunderbirds baseball team, joins the show to recap the game's highlights and what the historic win means for Blue Jays fans. We ask the audience about their favourite baseball moments.

    Would bail reform help reduce crime?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 23:53


    The federal government will table legislation this week aiming to crack down on crime, including implementing bail reform. It's a move B.C. mayors have called for, arguing repeat offenders keep returning to the community. Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West and defence lawyer Rob Dhanu join the show to discuss the effectiveness of the bail reform legislation.

    What do you make of the increasing popularity of optional cosmetic medicall procedures?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 20:22


    Monica Li, cosmetic and medical dermatologist in Vancouver, answers your questions about cosmetic procedures.

    Richmond reacts to Cowichan Tribes court decision

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 23:08


    Richmond mayor Malcolm Brodie is holding an info session for property owners impacted by Cowichan Tribes court decision that grants the First Nation land title. Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group negotiator Robert Morales and Indigenous resource lawyer Merle Alexander join the show to discuss

    How is artificial intelligence changing your job?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2025 53:09


    We devote the whole hour to discussing youth unemployment and the challenges young job seekers face as some industries lean on artificial intelligence. CBC's Ali Pitargue breaks down what is known about the extent of AI's impact on youth unemployment and how it could be playing a role in post-secondary graduates' struggle to find entry-level job opportunities. Three experts in the field, Flourish Career Consulting coach Yulia Gracheva, The White Hatter instructor Brandon Laur, and MOSAIC B.C. director of employment David Lee, join the show to discuss how young job seekers are adjusting to the shifting job market.

    Bad sport parents

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 23:51


    As the fall sports season gets into full swing, advocates are raising concerns about the behaviour of parents on the sidelines of the arena or in locker rooms. Scott Rintoul, the host of the Better Sports Parents podcast, discusses sport parenting as we ask viewers what can be done to encourage parents to behave better during games.

    Surrey café shot at for 3rd time

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2025 22:37


    Surrey police say Kap's Cafe, a business owned by Indian celebrity Kapil Sharma, was hit with bullets for a third time, and that the incident is believed to be extortion-related. Jinny Sims, Swift 1200 AM radio host and former NDP MLA for Surrey-Panorama, joins the show to discuss public safety measures in B.C.

    Should there be limits on teen social media use?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 23:36


    Meta has introduced new restrictions that prevent teen users from accessing content that is rated higher than PG-13. The limit will stop teenagers from following certain accounts and will ensure they aren't recommended posts that "encourage potentially harmful behaviours." Technology analyst and journalist Carmi Levy joins the show to discuss the measures as we ask viewers if these limits work.

    Game 3 in the ALCS: Are you a Blue Jays or Mariners fan?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 23:37


    The Toronto Blue Jays are hoping to score a win in the best-of-seven ALCS series against the Seattle Mariners. CBC reporter and Blue Jays fan Chad Pawson and Mariners fan Daniel Carroll discuss what is at stake for both teams.

    Additional U.S. tariffs on softwood lumber come into effect

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 50:53


    The United States has placed an additional 10 per cent tariffs on lumber Canada exports to them. They include a global tariff of 10 per cent on all softwood lumber and timber entering the U.S., on top of the 35 per cent duty already in place. Some finished wood products, like cabinets, vanities and upholstered furniture, are also being hit with a 25 per cent tariff with a further increase coming Jan. 1. Kurt Niquidet of the B.C. Lumber Trade Council joins the show to discuss the struggles faced by B.C.'s forestry sector as we ask viewers what these new tariffs mean for the industry.

    Gardening with Brian Minter: Thanksgiving Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2025 46:29


    BC Today gardening columnist Brian Minter discusses ingredients from your garden you could use for Thanksgiving dinner, he joins us for the full hour to take audience questions.

    What could Canada's role be in an Israel-Hamas peace deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2025 9:49


    Israel and Hamas come to an agreement on the first phase of a ceasefire deal for Gaza. CBC reporter J.P. Tasker joins the show with the latest and what Canada's potential role in the future of Gaza.

    Claim BC Today from CBC Radio British Columbia

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel