Coastal Front

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:

Some of Metro Vancouver's board members have received tens of thousands in compensation. The question is whether that is necessary given the current economic climate.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/metro-vancouver-board-payouts-reach-tens-of-thousands-analysis-shows   PODCAST INFO:

Canada and Saudi Arabia have been allies for decades, but it's time to ask, given the Kingdom's recent actions, whether that relationship is really worth it.    Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/wn7bdD8F-w0?si=BUEZRorg3D7bw3TR   PODCAST INFO:

On this episode of the Coastal Front podcast, we are joined by Chan Hon Goh‬, Executive Director of Goh Ballet Canada, who discussed Goh Academy, The Nutcracker, and many other topics relating to the art of ballet.   Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/skeIQvrxIfg?si=fBQfRLI7ZpvQ-V7z   PODCAST INFO:

Despite a $19-billion housing push and 93,600 homes since 2017, homelessness rose in 12 of 20 BC communities.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-homeless-count-communities-see-rise-despite-19b-housing-push   PODCAST INFO:

The Canadian government's messaging about economic resilience appears to have done little to temper anxiety about day-to-day costs.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/poll-62-percent-still-see-canadian-economy-as-poor-inflation-fears-persist   PODCAST INFO:

The Canadian government has pledged to distance itself from the US, yet the recent Canada–US HIMARS deal suggests otherwise.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/us-greenlights-canadian-purchase-of-himars-undercutting-canada-first-claims   PODCAST INFO:

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: