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.
The BC government has announced nine million dollars in new funding to speed up homebuilding. However, delays remain an issue. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-awards-more-funding-support-for-local-home-building-despite-lagging-progress PODCAST INFO:
Since 2016, the BC public sector workforce has expanded by more than 50 percent. While this has increased the scope of government services, it has also added pressure on the province's public finances. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-public-sector-workforce-grew-50-percent-since-2016-analysis-shows PODCAST INFO:
Trump's new H-1B visa policy highlights America's strength in drawing global talent — while exposing Canada's failure to compete. But Canada still has the chance to change that. Read the full opinion here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/opinion-why-are-we-falling-behind-america PODCAST INFO:
Canada's elections chief admits “unacceptable” failures in April's federal vote — from lost ballots and staff shortages to polls that never opened. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/elections-canada-chief-admits-unacceptable-failures-in-april-vote PODCAST INFO:
Ophthalmologists had some of the highest earnings out of every medical field in BC for the last few years. Why? Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/why-do-ophthalmologists-make-so-much-money-in-bc PODCAST INFO:
BC Premier David Eby is defending a contract with a comedian to help write speeches — worth up to $450K — as BC runs a record $11.6B deficit. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/eby-defends-450k-comedian-contract-as-bc-runs-record-deficit PODCAST INFO:
BC Premier David Eby's approval rating has fallen to its lowest point since he took office, leaving him tied for second-least popular among Canada's premiers. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/eby-tied-for-second-least-popular-premier-as-approval-hits-new-low PODCAST INFO:
The BCGEU strike is escalating as its dispute with the BC government drags on amid fiscal pressures. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bcgeu-strike-grows-as-government-standoff-continues PODCAST INFO:
Despite the province's past reliance on the initiative, BC Premier David Eby has called for the temporary foreign worker program to end. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/eby-urges-end-to-temporary-foreign-worker-program PODCAST INFO:
While Prime Minister Carney has pledged to reduce immigration to Canada, the numbers recently unveiled by the government show a different story. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canadian-immigration-on-pace-to-exceed-government-target-data-shows PODCAST INFO:
Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson says Canada needs to catch up with America on domestic manufacturing. A task that appears harder than it seems. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canada-must-catch-up-to-us-on-domestic-manufacturing-says-robertson PODCAST INFO:
As summer 2025 winds down, rising tensions between the United States and Canada have fuelled a noticeable Canadian boycott of American goods and services. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canadians-are-avoiding-america-at-an-unprecedented-rate PODCAST INFO:
Every year, BC shells out millions for trade offices around the world. But are they doing anything useful for British Columbians? We dug in. Watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/ShJunvBFS9A?feature=shared PODCAST INFO:
Canada Post has reported the largest loss in its history, posting a $407-million shortfall in a single quarter. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canada-post-reports-record-407m-loss-as-labour-dispute-drags-on PODCAST INFO:
OPINION: Cities in the Lower Mainland are a mess. Why not try and consolidate a few of them? Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/opinion-why-are-we-so-separated PODCAST INFO:
Mayor Ken Sim is facing intense criticism following a year-long investigation that revealed potential breaches of conduct by him and his ABC party. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/mayor-ken-sim-accused-of-breaching-citys-conduct-code PODCAST INFO:
The federal government recently announced more than a billion dollars to support the softwood lumber sector. What does this mean for BC, the primary supplier? Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/feds-invest-over-a-billion-into-lumber-sector-as-american-tariffs-loom PODCAST INFO:
Records show the African Descent Society received millions in government grants despite red flags, and officials have not explained why the money kept flowing. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/festival-shutdown-in-vancouver-tied-to-questions-of-government-funding PODCAST INFO:
BC's Public Safety Minister has asked the federal government for assistance in drug lab cleanups— prompting discussion over which branch of government is responsible for the process. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-bills-ottawa-for-illegal-drug-lab-cleanup PODCAST INFO:
BC's short-term rental restrictions have sparked debate and opposition from many who view the issue as a red herring in the housing market. Watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/hTKOxe45Mq8?si=h5WUFgEYsR2TKRVT PODCAST INFO:
John Rustad and the BC Conservatives came close to winning in 2024. Now, they are struggling to raise money. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-conservatives-fundraising-below-expectations-disclosures-show PODCAST INFO:
A survey from a rental marketplace site shows that one in three Canadians spend half or more of their income on rent. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/new-canadian-rent-survey-has-depressing-implications PODCAST INFO:
British Columbia's public accounts show the province's debt grew by $10.6 billion more than budgeted last fiscal year, prompting criticism from a taxpayer advocacy group. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-government-debt-jumps-106b-above-budget-watchdog-warns PODCAST INFO:
BC's provincial debt grew by 50 percent, further cementing concerns about the government's newfound commitment to fiscal responsibility. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-debt-grows-province-lacks-clear-plan-to-address-it-lfrkj PODCAST INFO:
Amid a cost-of-living crisis, BC has lost 16,000 jobs in total — and the provincial government's response to this is confusing to say the least. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/report-16000-jobs-lost-in-bc-last-month PODCAST INFO:
Cost pressures, stagnant wages, and declining services are pushing British Columbians to leave the province in record numbers, according to a new report. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-loses-thousands-to-alberta-amid-cost-and-wage-strain PODCAST INFO:
BC's healthcare system remains under strain from chronic staffing shortages and service pressures, despite repeated government initiatives. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/private-nursing-agencies-cashed-in-while-bc-hospitals-struggled PODCAST INFO:
A recent survey ranked Vancouver as “impossibly unaffordable,” with its housing situation worse than Los Angeles, London, and New York City. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/vancouver-housing-designated-impossibly-unaffordable-survey-shows PODCAST INFO:
A Vancouver-based animation studio received more than $6 million in Canadian government funding earmarked for counter-terrorism initiatives—raising questions about transparency and oversight in federal spending. Watch the YouTube video here: https://youtu.be/a13j_5d1Mv4?si=t-RS5emZ7qLyO9x0 PODCAST INFO:
Last week, the City of Vancouver hired Donny van Dyk to be its City Manager. While van Dyk's title may indicate that of a mid-level bureaucrat, his salary reflects a position of greater significance. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/why-does-this-city-manager-make-so-much-money PODCAST INFO:
On this episode of the Coastal Front podcast, we are joined again by Vancouver realtor Steve Saretsky, who discussed the Vancouver housing situation, home affordability, and other factors affecting the real estate market today. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/0AJH-PAdN9o?si=r13pxwFCwS-OZIoL PODCAST INFO:
An analysis of BC housing orders shows that many municipalities are behind schedule on their home building target, sparking concerns about whether they will be able to complete their benchmarks on time. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-municipalities-are-behind-housing-supply-benchmarks-analysis-shows PODCAST INFO:
Ottawa pulls safer supply funding as deaths rise and programs shrink in BC. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/feds-confirm-end-to-safer-supply-funding-as-drug-deaths-mount PODCAST INFO:
The feds call trade missions a cornerstone. The province calls them job creators. Neither has shown the math. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/carneys-govt-touts-significant-trade-missionswhatever-that-means PODCAST INFO:
The BC government has approved new rules for the province's mortgage industry aimed at cracking down on fraud and money laundering. Still, critics argue that the measures arrive late and fall short. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-unveils-mortgage-reforms-to-fight-fraud-but-critics-say-its-too-late PODCAST INFO:
Statistics Canada recently released data from its monthly labour force survey and found concerning numbers for youth workers in BC. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-youth-struggle-finding-employment-labour-data-shows PODCAST INFO:
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim has reported record-high mayoral expenses during his time in office, undermining his claims of fiscal responsibility. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/vancouver-mayor-ken-sim-spends-big-on-transport-food-and-office-supplies-city-docs-reveal PODCAST INFO:
BC Housing Minister Ravi Khalon said in a press statement that the government will take action to protect supportive housing tenants from violent threats. Earlier this year, he said that these supportive housing buildings were safe. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-govt-reverses-course-on-supportive-housing-safety PODCAST INFO:
The Canadian government gave $20M to build colleges in Tanzania, but the cost for the projects seem excessively high, raising concerns of graft. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canada-spent-20m-on-tanzanian-schools-but-where-did-themoneygo PODCAST INFO:
BC Farmers lost a staggering $457 million in 2024. What does this mean for the future of BC agriculture? Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-farmers-suffer-largest-net-loss-in-entire-country PODCAST INFO:
A humanist group wants BC to stop subsidizing faith institutions and redirect funds to secular programs. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-group-calls-to-cut-faith-funding-rethink-public-spending PODCAST INFO:
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie received more than $300,000 in compensation — a high amount compared to other public servants in the Lower Mainland. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/richmond-mayor-received-over-300k-in-compensation-docs-reveal PODCAST INFO:
The BC government has begun moving towards a plan to take advantage of American “brain drain”— but the public details are vague and sparse. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/the-ndps-plan-to-woo-american-healthcare-workers PODCAST INFO:
The BC government estimates that hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Vancouver will cost BC taxpayers at least $532 million, a 10 percent increase from last year's estimate. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/fifa-world-cup-to-cost-bc-taxpayers-at-least-532m-govt-says PODCAST INFO:
On this episode of the Coastal Front podcast, we are joined by Langley-Abbotsford MLA Harman Bhangu, who discussed issues British Columbia faces, such as Bill 15, transportation, infrastructure, and cost accountability. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/AYEO2B-XgZo?si=wjDYpZEbZza8qXtP PODCAST INFO:
The BC NDP government has proposed a new wage increase deal for unionized employees, but this has sparked criticism— even from the unions themselves. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-ndps-proposed-419m-wage-hike-faces-blowback PODCAST INFO:
BC's short-term rental restrictions have sparked debate and opposition from many who view the issue as a red herring in the housing market. Read the full article here: htthttps://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-short-term-rental-restrictions-face-fierce-opposition-6prkep PODCAST INFO:
Canada's largest solar farm is planned for BC, backed by the provincial government through Bill 14. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bill-14-solar-power-is-amping-up-in-bc PODCAST INFO:
Canada sent over $1 billion in military goods to Saudi Arabia in 2024 — despite executions, repression, and a rights record that runs counter to Ottawa's own stated foreign policy values. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/canada-sent-over-1-billion-in-arms-to-saudi-arabia-in-2024-despite-human-rights-abuses PODCAST INFO:
A recent survey by Statistics Canada paints a bleak picture of Canadian job prospects, with youth in British Columbia facing particularly tough challenges. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/unemployment-across-canada-at-a-staggering-high PODCAST INFO:
Just weeks after the BC legislature passed Bill 15 — a controversial law allowing the province to override local governments — Kamloops is offering a case study in municipal dysfunction. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/kamloops-municipal-dysfunction-draws-provincial-governments-ire PODCAST INFO:
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