Coastal Front

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:

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: