Coastal Front

BC forecasts a record $13.3B deficit as debt climbs to $189B and taxes increase. The plan does not project a return to balance. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-budget-posts-record-133b-deficit-as-debt-climbs-and-taxes-rise   PODCAST INFO:

BC's 2035 gas-car mandate and luxury vehicle surtax are in focus as the province forecasts record deficits and no return to balance. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/with-red-ink-rising-bcs-vehicle-mandates-and-surtaxes-come-into-focus   PODCAST INFO:

Protests calling for the fall of Iran's government are unfolding across Canadian cities. Framed as solidarity, they raise questions about who stands to gain and Canada's role in Iran's turmoil.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/manufacturing-consent-iran-information-warfare-and-canada   PODCAST INFO:

Liberals open 13-point lead over Conservatives: poll   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/liberals-open-13-point-lead-over-conservatives-poll   PODCAST INFO:

A delayed BC Ferries maintenance project has surged past $168 million, attracting attention about oversight as costs rival nationally significant shipyard investments.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-ferries-redevelopment-42m-over-budget-failed-redaction-shows   PODCAST INFO:

After years of loose fiscal policy across multiple levels of government, Surrey's newest public elementary school reflects more moderate construction costs.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-completes-44m-elementary-school-costs-far-more-reasonable   PODCAST INFO:

Ottawa has warned 23,000 federal employees their jobs could be at risk as it moves toward cutting 40,000 civil service positions. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/ottawa-signals-major-federal-workforce-reductions-ahead   PODCAST INFO:

On this episode of the Coastal Front podcast, we're joined by Fraser Institute President Niels Veldhuis, who shares his views on what he sees as an ongoing attack on BC property rights, Canada's culture around business achievement, and the Fraser Institute's annual provincial school rankings.   Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/n0AIEIfjmTw?si=y14LAagxpH1L0tuv   PODCAST INFO:

British Columbia's drug decriminalization pilot is ending amid questions about cost, effectiveness, and whether the policy delivered on its promises.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-ends-decriminalization-pilot-effectiveness-remains-unclear   PODCAST INFO:

Vancouver announces $75k for Indigenous Language Revitalization, but outcomes remain unclear.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/vancouver-grants-75k-for-language-revitalization-amid-cost-concerns   PODCAST INFO:

The highest-paid doctors in BC aren't saving hearts or brains, they're fixing eyes. Here's how outdated billing codes quietly turned ophthalmology into a multimillion-dollar business.   Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/UTb5AIgF4Zc?si=ShaNKN0J6Dyn8lMY   PODCAST INFO:

On this episode of the Coastal Front podcast, we are joined by Charlwood Pacific Group Executive Chairman U. Gary Charlwood, who discussed how he built two powerhouse companies, CENTURY 21 Canada and Uniglobe.   Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/eD6lS7RKINI?si=64PIKSzUGeaO62Zv   PODCAST INFO:

A federally funded housing project is moving forward, prompting questions about long-term affordability and fiscal oversight.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/federally-funded-housing-project-advances-amid-growing-construction-costs   PODCAST INFO:

Mark Carney's China deal signals a decisive shift in Canadian trade policy away from US dependence, raising both new economic opportunities and fresh strategic risks.   Read the full opinion here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/opinion-carney-offers-a-new-view-of-canadian-foreign-policy   PODCAST INFO:

A BC-based society has received millions in funding from three levels of government, yet businesses hired to support its events say they were left unpaid, while private interests appear closely tied to its operations.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/public-money-and-private-interests-at-the-african-descent-society-bc   PODCAST INFO:

Canada's building permits fell in November, driven by declines in multi-family and institutional projects amid higher costs and financing pressures, despite a federal housing push. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/building-permits-fall-nationally-as-ottawa-pushes-housing   PODCAST INFO:

In the wake of Washington's actions in Venezuela, many Canadians remain unaware of the extent to which their own country has been involved in efforts to undermine and displace Venezuela's government.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canadas-quiet-hand-in-venezuela   PODCAST INFO:

Despite notable drops in assessed property values, Vancouver remains Canada's most unaffordable housing market, fuelling growing public pessimism.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/lower-mainland-property-values-see-a-slide-assessment-shows   PODCAST INFO:

New research suggests AI chatbots may be more effective than traditional political advertising at persuading voters, with potentially significant implications for future elections.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/can-ai-influence-elections-new-research-says-it-already-is   PODCAST INFO:

A small line in Canada's 2025 budget rekindles the long-dormant debate over airport privatisation and what it could mean for the country's aviation future.

BC farmers are facing a deepening financial crisis, with over $450 million lost in 2024 alone due to rising costs, climate disasters, and policy challenges, raising serious concerns about the future of farming and food security in the province.   Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/T7uqOlfYv30?si=RculCrQTgkQppi1h   PODCAST INFO:

A rapid rise in cataract operations is reshuffling BC's top medical earners, intensifying the debate over physician pay.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/cataract-surgeries-cost-bc-26m-a-year-on-average-analysis-finds   PODCAST INFO:

A new report breaks down how Canada's banking system drives home prices, household debt, and rental pressures.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/how-canadas-big-banks-shape-the-housing-crisis   PODCAST INFO:

BC's luxury-car tax was designed to make the rich pay more. Yet, the government has no data to show if it works.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-cant-say-how-much-it-collects-in-luxury-car-tax-inquiry-reveals   PODCAST INFO:

On this episode of the Coastal Front podcast, we are joined by Wishpond CEO Ali Tajskandar, who discussed the challenges of launching a tech company in Canada and the rise of conversational AI. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/_AsrowObXQc?si=qz1eY71bK3eP3RAC   PODCAST INFO:

Canada wants more EVs—but its anti-China tariffs may be sabotaging its own climate goals and hurting farmers in the process.   Read the full opinion here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/opinion-why-is-carney-making-canadians-pay-more-for-chinese-evs   PODCAST INFO:

BC posted the weakest per-capita economic performance in Canada last year, according to a new BCBC report. Private-sector activity remains sluggish while out-migration hits near-record levels.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-ranks-last-in-per-capita-economic-performance-report-finds   PODCAST INFO:

Carney's bid to balance Alberta's demands with coastal protections sparks Indigenous backlash and fresh cracks in Parliament.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/chiefs-revolt-against-alberta-pipeline-carney-forced-to-the-table   PODCAST INFO:

A post-pandemic UBC study shows growing developmental challenges for BC children, raising concerns about long-term impacts.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/post-pandemic-study-shows-developmental-drop-in-bc-kindergarteners   PODCAST INFO:

An in-camera vote quietly added $46 million to Vancouver's PNE Amphitheatre budget, pushing the project close to $200 million ahead of the World Cup. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/pne-amphitheatre-cost-soars-to-184mtriple-original-estimate   PODCAST INFO:

Canada delivers the tech in a $1 billion deal, yet strategic control still sits south of the border.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canada-secures-billion-dollar-defence-deal-but-control-still-sits-in-the-us     PODCAST INFO:

A rising price tag for a New Westminster elementary school underscores growing concerns about escalating construction costs and BC's mounting fiscal pressures.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-approves-65m-elementary-school-far-above-past-costs   PODCAST INFO:

A steep drop in study permits for Indian students is reshaping Canadian campuses amid scrutiny of the international student system.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canada-issues-over-50-fewer-study-permits-to-indians   PODCAST INFO:

Canada has poured more than $450 million into Haiti since 2022 — much of it into foreign-run security missions. Where is the money really going?   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/ottawas-450-million-question-what-are-we-funding-in-haiti   PODCAST INFO:

Last week, Mayor Ken Sim's office unveiled the 2026 Vancouver budget, outlining significant shifts across both emergency services and recreational departments.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/sims-2026-budget-cuts-arts-and-climate-increases-emergency-spending   PODCAST INFO:

A recent report shows that rents in Vancouver are declining, but still high compared to other cities in Canada.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/rents-fall-across-bc-but-vancouver-remains-canadas-most-expensive-city   PODCAST INFO:

On this episode of the Coastal Front podcast, we are joined again by Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West, who discussed immigration, city core services, and the merging of municipalities.   Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/7CzolFszkvE?si=kVZqWUIDqpJNERFU   PODCAST INFO:

BC grape growers are reporting a surplus and financial strain as US imports continue under the province's watch, undercutting its commitment to “Buy Canadian.”   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-grape-farmers-report-surplus-amid-influx-of-us-imports   PODCAST INFO:

Carney's long-anticipated first budget delivers a deep deficit, streamlines government operations, shifts Canada's global relationships, and offers British Columbia a modest boost in resource development and infrastructure investment.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/carney-unveils-the-2026-budget-what-does-bc-get   PODCAST INFO:

After years of hostility toward Beijing, Prime Minister Mark Carney has reopened diplomatic channels with China.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/after-years-of-hostility-carney-opens-the-door-to-beijing   PODCAST INFO:

A new poll shows many Canadians remain comfortable with assisted-dying laws, but rising concern over dementia cases is deepening questions about consent, care, and moral boundaries.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canadians-show-steady-support-for-maid-laws-but-unease-lingers-over-moral-boundaries   PODCAST INFO:

With Canada's federal budget set to be unveiled on November 4, it's worth pausing to reflect on just how extensive the Prime Minister's powers truly are — far more than most people realize.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/a-king-in-all-but-name-an-analysis-of-canadian-prime-ministerial-power   PODCAST INFO:

Vancouver joins a growing wave of Canadian governments mandating full-time office returns as debates over remote work's productivity and satisfaction continue.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/city-of-vancouver-orders-1400-employees-back-amid-return-to-office   PODCAST INFO:

On this episode of the Coastal Front podcast, we are joined by Kindred Construction President Bryan Reid‬, who discussed the BC labour supply, approvals and permitting for new projects, and bottlenecks related to BC Hydro.   Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/xaTOmlMoIDg?si=x1SrKJWf-jvgqb_t   PODCAST INFO:

The BC government's renewed $12-million annual pledge to Indigenous language revitalization highlights its commitment to reconciliation, but prompts scrutiny about fiscal efficiency and measurable outcomes.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-pledges-12m-for-indigenous-language-revitalization-lacks-plan-to-measure-success   PODCAST INFO:

BC hospitality, liquor and cannabis groups say a strike by the BC General Employees' Union could cost businesses more than $250 million and further strain the sector.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bcgeu-strike-could-cost-liquor-stores-250m-businesses-warn   PODCAST INFO:

The government calls it support for “diverse journalism.” In reality, it's another short-term fix for problems rooted in its own media law. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/opinion-ottawas-12-million-fix-for-a-problem-it-created   PODCAST INFO:

TransLink's Rapid Transit Program faces major funding hurdles as plans for nine new Bus Rapid Transit lines continue to stall.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/translink-bus-rapid-transit-expansion-at-impasse-despite-approvals   PODCAST INFO:

Despite a slight uptick in employment, BC's stagnant labour market and fiscal uncertainty point to broader structural issues.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-gained-7800-jobs-economy-still-sluggish-survey-shows   PODCAST INFO:

BC's fall legislative session opened under a $12-billion deficit, a fifth-week public-sector strike, and growing turmoil in the Conservative opposition.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-legislature-opens-amid-12b-deficit-strike-and-political-turmoil   PODCAST INFO:

The BC government announced start of a University of Victoria student housing project. However, its bill to taxpayers is massive.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/uvic-housing-project-costs-178m-way-above-peers-in-canada   PODCAST INFO: