Coastal Front

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:

Two MLAs who split from the BC Conservatives have launched One BC — a new party that vows to dismantle what they call the “reconciliation industry.”   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/after-the-breakup-mlas-behind-bc-conservative-rift-launch-new-party   PODCAST INFO:

BC Ferries announced that it gave contracts to build four new ships to a Chinese firm, sparking debate about security and the commitment to “Buy Canadian.”   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-ferries-chooses-chinese-firm-to-build-new-ships   PODCAST INFO:

The provincial government has withheld information about a Kitsilano housing proposal, according to exclusive information obtained by Coastal Front.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/arbutus-housing-proposal-folds-after-community-backlash   PODCAST INFO:

The Millennium Line extension is now set for completion in 2027, two years later than initially planned—a delay likely to frustrate commuters and concern taxpayers.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-government-announces-delays-in-skytrain-expansion   PODCAST INFO:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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

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: