Coastal Front

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Welcome to Coastal Front. Join us each week as we sit down with the movers and shakers of Vancouver to discuss stories of business, politics, accomplishment, and failure. Our aim is to keep you dialed into what matters most in our City.

Andrew Johns


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 40m AVG DURATION
    • 158 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Coastal Front

    News Read: BC Commits $775M to Housing While Vancouver Condos Sit Empty

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 2:29


    During a severe housing crisis being felt across Canada, Metro Vancouver has more than 2,000 empty condos, collectively, with the number expected to rise to 3,500 by the end of 2025.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-commits-775m-to-housing-while-vancouver-condos-sit-empty   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: From Taipei to Phnom Penh: BC and Canada's Costly Trade Missions Lack Clarity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 8:30


    As BC and Ottawa launch new trade missions in Asia, questions persist about costs, accountability, and what—if anything—Canadians are getting in return.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/from-taipei-to-phnom-penh-bc-and-canadas-costly-trade-missions-lack-clarity   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Taxpayers Fund Billions in Film Subsidies — But BC Keeps the Details Scattered

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 6:21


    As Trump targets foreign films, British Columbia's billion-dollar subsidies face scrutiny—not for their size, but for how little the public can see.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/taxpayers-fund-billions-in-film-subsidies-but-bc-keeps-the-details-scattered   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: The Chaotic Development of the Massey Tunnel

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 3:52


    Construction of the Massey Tunnel project will begin next year, although an earlier project with greater lane capacity could have been completed by 2022.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/the-chaotic-development-of-the-massey-tunnel   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Vancouver Plans $1M Taxpayer-Funded Sign for Downtown Waterfront

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 1:26


    Vancouver city staff are recommending up to $1 million in public and partner funds for a permanent VANCOUVER sign near Canada Place, with installation planned ahead of the 2026 World Cup.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/vancouver-plans-1m-taxpayer-funded-sign-for-downtown-waterfront   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Canada Post to Undergo Second Strike in Six Months

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 3:48


    Canada Post services could be disrupted again, with another postal strike set to occur six months after the last one was resolved.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canada-post-to-undergo-second-strike-in-six-months   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Canada's Aid to Mali: A Deeper Look

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 5:04


    An analysis and review of Canada's aid sent to an agricultural project in the country of Mali.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canadas-aid-to-mali-a-deeper-look   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: OPINION: No, The Longest Ballot Committee is Doing Nothing Wrong

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 4:12


    The Longest Ballot Committee plans to fill the Battle River-Crowfoot byelection with over 200 candidates. While this will inconvenience Pierre Poilievre, the committee is doing nothing wrong.    Read the full opinion here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/opinion-no-the-longest-ballot-committee-is-doing-nothing-wrong   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Carney Announces Cabinet Appointments, Including Four Western Ministers

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 2:33


    Following his win in the 2025 election, Prime Minister Carney made changes to his Cabinet, bringing in new faces and keeping old ones.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/carney-announces-cabinet-appointments-including-four-western-ministers   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Elections Canada Scandal in Québec

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 3:11


    A scandal in northern Québec has put Elections Canada into hot water after the federal election.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/elections-canada-scandal-in-qubec   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Kelowna Housing Project Exceeds Prior BC Developments with $120M Cost

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 2:28


    A Kelowna BC Housing venture will cost taxpayers $120 million. A look at previous housing projects indicate this cost is excessive. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/kelowna-housing-project-exceeds-prior-bc-developments-with-120m-cost   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: An Overview of BC's Provincial Budget

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 6:03


    An overview and report on the state of BC's 2025 Budget, as well as the spirited, diverse discussion over what it entails. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/an-overview-of-bcs-provincial-budget   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Grief, Questions, and a City Searching for Answers After the Lapu Lapu Festival Attack

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 13:56


    Eleven people were killed and dozens injured when an SUV struck a Vancouver festival crowd. This report details the victims, the timeline, and the questions that remain.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/grief-questions-and-a-city-searching-for-answers-after-the-lapu-lapu-festival-attack   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: ANALYSIS: How British Columbia Voted in the Federal Election

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 4:25


    Coastal Front breaks down how British Columbia voted—and what it means for the country's next chapter.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/analysis-how-british-columbia-voted-in-the-federal-election   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Election Sees Massive Tory Gains Among South Asians

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 3:33


    South Asians were once a solid Liberal voting bloc, but the 2025 election suggests that may no longer be the case. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/election-sees-massive-tory-gains-among-south-asians   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: UBC Housing Venture Will Cost $560M, Well Above Previous Housing Projects

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 1:01


    The BC Budget has a UBC Housing project listed for $560 million, with $300 million coming from the province. Upon further inspection, the price tag becomes more suspect with an estimated cost of over $300,000 per student bed. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/ubc-housing-venture-will-cost-560m-well-above-previous-housing-projects   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: TransLink and the Taxing “Tug-of-War”

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 1:20


    A $312 million investment seems like a stabilizing financial move for TransLink, but the company's future still seems uncertain as it did at the start of the decade.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/translink-and-the-taxing-tug-of-war   PODCAST INFO:

    REPORT: How BC's Credit Rating Impacts the Taxpayer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 0:49


    A couple weeks ago, BC's credit rating was downgraded by S&P Global, one of the leading American credit agencies, from AA- to A+. While the topic of credit ratings may seem like high-brow finance talk, it costs BC taxpayers millions every year.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/report-how-bcs-credit-rating-impacts-the-taxpayer   PODCAST INFO:

    Exclusive: ICBC Data Reveals Sharp Rise in Tesla Vandalism

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 2:34


    ICBC data shows a rise in Tesla vandalism claims as incidents grow more frequent — and more serious. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/icbc-data-shows-surge-in-tesla-vandalism-claims   PODCAST INFO:

    OPINION: Canada's Luxury Vehicle Tax Misses the Mark

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 2:02


    Canada's federal luxury vehicle tax was meant to target the wealthy—but it's workers and industries paying the price.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/opinion-canadas-luxury-vehicle-tax-misses-the-mark   PODCAST INFO:

    $200M For a Single School? BC Budget Gives the OK

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 3:02


    In its 2025 budget, the BC government allocated $203 million for the construction of a single secondary school in Langley, raising concerns about inflated spending.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/200m-for-a-single-school-bc-budget-gives-the-ok   PODCAST INFO:

    BOMBSHELL: Canada Has Given Millions to Support Authoritarian Mozambique Government

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 1:12


    Since 2007, the Canadian government has provided nearly $250 million in international assistance to Mozambique's Ministry of Education and Culture. However, it appears that Mozambique may not be using the funds as intended.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bombshell-canada-has-given-millions-to-support-authoritarian-mozambique-government   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Why Did Canada Pay a​ Mysterious Man ​in Afghanistan $100​k in 2016?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 1:02


    Why Did Canada Quietly Pay a Mysterious Man in Afghanistan $100,000 in 2016?   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/why-did-canada-pay-a-mysterious-man-in-afghanistan-100k-in-2016   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Billions for Canadian Warships, Billions for a Politically Connected Family Empire

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 6:19


    Description: The federal government has awarded a massive warship contract that directs billions to a politically connected family empire.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/billions-for-canadian-warships-billions-for-a-politically-connected-family-empire   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: A RED WAVE? Polls Show Momentum for Carney's Liberals

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 1:01


    After becoming leader of the Liberals last week and Prime Minister on Friday, Mark Carney takes over enviable position in the polls as election call seems imminent.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/a-red-wave-polls-show-momentum-for-carneys-liberals   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: EUROTRIP: Carney Returns After First Stint Abroad

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 1:05


    Prime Minister Carney returned to Canada today after his first diplomatic trip abroad to Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron, and to London where he met King Charles III and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/eurotrip-carney-returns-after-first-stint-abroad   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: DOWNSIZING: Carney Scales Back Cabinet While Keeping Main Trudeau Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 1:04


    Mark Carney was sworn in on Friday to become Canada's 24th Prime Minister. While Carney has reduced the number of ministers in his cabinet, the top Trudeau lieutenants remain in eminent roles.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/downsizing-carney-scales-back-cabinet-while-keeping-main-trudeau-team   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Turmoil Grows in BC Conservative Caucus

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 0:54


    Deep divisions within the BC Conservatives were on display this past weekend as more than 750 members gathered for the party's annual general meeting.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/turmoil-grows-in-bc-conservative-caucus   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: BC Budget 2025: Record $10.9B Deficit Raises Concerns Over Debt and Spending.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 1:01


    BC's budget ramps up spending without a balance plan, fuelling concerns over soaring debt. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-budget-2025-record-109b-deficit-raises-concerns-over-debt-and-spending   PODCAST INFO:

    Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim Talks Rising Property Taxes, Homelessness, and Government Accountability

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 44:19


    This week on Coastal Front, we are joined by Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim who discussed the issues affecting Vancouverites such as inflating property taxes, social housing, homelessness, and government waste.    Watch the full interview on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ggwBqM36r14   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Vancouver Council Votes to Pause New Supportive Housing Developments

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2025 1:21


    Vancouver City Council has voted 6-3 to pause new supportive housing projects. Critics warn the move could worsen homelessness, while Mayor Ken Sim says the current system is not working.   Article Read: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/vancouver-council-votes-to-pause-new-supportive-housing-developments   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: BC to Require Canadian Biofuels for Fuel Standards, Potentially Impacting US Imports

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2025 1:15


    BC will require renewable fuel content in gasoline and diesel to come from Canadian producers by 2026, which the government says will support local biofuel companies.   Article Read: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-to-require-canadian-biofuels-for-fuel-standards-potentially-impacting-us-imports   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Government Expense Report Shows Nearly $50K Spent on Lodging for Two-Night Stay

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 1:19


    A government travel expense report shows John Murray, President & CEO of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, incurred nearly $50,000 in lodging costs for a two-night stay in Toronto.   Article Read: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/government-expense-report-shows-nearly-50k-spent-on-lodging-for-two-night-stay   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Mayor, Vancouver Police Announce Task Force Targeting Organized Crime

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 1:26


    The City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Police Department have launched a new initiative aimed at dismantling organized crime networks and addressing public safety concerns in the Downtown Eastside and other areas. Article Read: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/mayor-vancouver-police-announce-task-force-targeting-organized-crime   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Canada's Trade Turmoil: Unprepared and Outmatched

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 1:54


    Canada has stumbled into a full-scale economic war. With Trump's tariffs looming and businesses already feeling the strain, Ottawa has yet to offer a clear strategy. Can Canada mitigate the fallout, or will it remain at Washington's mercy? Article Read: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canadas-trade-turmoil-unprepared-and-outmatched   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Leaked Report Reveals BC's Safe Supply Drugs Being Diverted, Renewing Calls for Inquiry

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 4:03


    A leaked BC Ministry of Health report confirms safe supply opioids are being diverted into illegal markets, sparking renewed calls for a public inquiry.   Article Read: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/leaked-report-reveals-bcs-safe-supply-drugs-being-diverted-renewing-calls-for-inquiry   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Canada has given USAID millions over the years for initiatives such as “gender-sensitive watershed planning."

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 2:08


    Canada has given USAID millions over the years for initiatives such as “gender-sensitive watershed planning."   Article Read: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canada-has-given-millions-to-usaid-over-the-years   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Millions in Grave Recovery Funds Spent on Publicists and Consultants, no Remains Found

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 7:34


    Millions earmarked for recovering graves at the Kamloops Residential School were instead spent on publicists, consultants, and administration, with no human remains found nearly four years later.   Article Read: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/millions-in-grave-recovery-funds-spent-on-publicists-and-consultants-no-remains-found   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Why Is Canada Sending Millions Abroad While Canadians Struggle?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 10:14


    While Canadians face a housing crisis, rising costs, and a broken healthcare system, Ottawa has sent nearly $500 million to Plan International over the past decade. Is this funding truly making a difference—or just another case of wasted taxpayer dollars?   Article Read: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/why-is-canada-sending-millions-abroad-while-canadians-struggle PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: New Report Challenges Trump's Claims on Canada-US Trade, Highlights Mutual Benefits

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 4:23


    A new report challenges US President-elect Donald Trump's claim that the US is “subsidizing” Canada through trade, revealing a mutually beneficial relationship.   Article Read: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/new-report-challenges-trumps-claims-on-canada-us-trade-and-highlights-mutual-benefits   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Canada's Aid to Syria: Funding a Crisis It Helped Create

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 2:47


    Canada's $17.25 million aid pledge to Syria aims to address a crisis the West helped create—a cycle of destabilization and intervention with little accountability for the damage done.   Article read here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canadas-aid-to-syria-funding-a-crisis-it-helped-create   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: BC Conservatives Demand Election Review Over Surrey-Guildford ‘Irregularities'

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 3:11


    The BC Conservatives are calling for a review of alleged voting 'irregularities' in Surrey-Guildford, where a 22-vote NDP win secured a razor-thin majority in the legislature. Allegations include improper mail-in ballots and non-resident voting, with Elections BC now investigating.   Article Read: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-conservatives-demand-election-review-over-surrey-guildford-irregularities   PODCAST INFO:

    News Read: Canada Commits $440 Million in Military Aid to Ukraine as Domestic Priorities Face Scrutiny

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 3:18


    Canada pledges $440 million in military aid to Ukraine, sparking concerns over domestic priorities.   Article Read: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canada-commits-440-million-in-military-aid-to-ukraine-as-domestic-priorities-face-scrutiny   PODCAST INFO:

    Organized Crime, Public Safety & Government Accountability: A Conversation with Kash Heed

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 84:54


    Join us for an in-depth conversation with Richmond City Councillor Kash Heed—retired police officer, former BC Safety Minister, and expert on public safety. In this interview, Kash shares his insights on the evolution of organized crime, tackling the fentanyl crisis, improving public safety, and ensuring government accountability.

    News Read: Canada's Deficit Hits $61.9B as Spending and Debt Spiral

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 3:06


    Canada's deficit jumps to $61.9B—well over target—while borrowing rises and economic risks grow. Read the article: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canadas-deficit-hits-619b-as-spending-and-debt-spiral

    Inside Vancouver's Engineering: Infrastructure, Roads, and Future Innovations with Lon LaClaire

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 75:11


    Join Lon LaClaire, General Manager of Engineering Services at the City of Vancouver, as he discusses key infrastructure topics including road maintenance, sewer upgrades, electrification, and the role of Business Improvement Associations (BIAs). Discover the city's plans for sustainable growth and innovative solutions for a better future   PODCAST INFO:

    Inside Vancouver's Engineering: Infrastructure, Roads, and Future Innovations with Lon LaClaire

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2024


    Join Lon LaClaire, General Manager of Engineering Services at the City of Vancouver, as he discusses key infrastructure topics including road maintenance, sewer upgrades, electrification, and the role of Business Improvement Associations (BIAs). Discover the city's plans for sustainable growth and innovative solutions for a better future.

    Growths, Challenges and future Opportunities in Renewable Power: Insights from Craig Lindsay

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 59:10


    Join us on Coastal Front as we chat with Craig Lindsay, CEO of Lonestar Lithium and Director at Revolve Renewable Power, Excellon Resources, and more. With 30+ years in finance and renewable energy, Craig shares insights on wind, solar, and battery storage—covering growth, challenges, and future opportunities in the sector.   PODCAST INFO:

    Election Countdown: Premier David Eby on BC's Key Issues

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 23:21


    BC Premier David Eby joined Coastal Front on Tuesday to discuss a variety of topics, including healthcare, housing, BC's deficit, and involuntary care. PODCAST INFO:

    From Mayor to Premier: Mike Harcourt's Legacy in Urban Planning

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 111:59


    Tune in to Coastal Front as we welcome The Honourable Mike Harcourt, former Mayor of Vancouver and Premier of British Columbia. We discuss urban planning, housing density, economic policies, and the international workforce in Canada. Discover Mike's insights on sustainable development and his advice for today's leaders.   PODCAST INFO:

    Insights from Stan Fuller: Earls and the Future of Dining

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 50:24


    Join us on Coastal Front with Stan Fuller, CEO of Earls Restaurants, as he discusses the founding of Earls, the evolution of the restaurant industry, and the future of dining. Gain insights into the challenges and successes from a true industry pioneer.   PODCAST INFO:

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