Coastal Front

BC's NDP has paid hundreds of millions through BC's education savings grant. But the real story is who successfully claimed it — and who didn't. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMZSdxtkweI   PODCAST INFO: ◆ Podcast website: https://www.coastalfront.ca ◆ Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3HhcsH1 ◆ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3LyTOgC ◆ Other Podcast sites: https://linktr.ee/coastalfrontbc ◆ Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/@CoastalFront/videos   FOLLOW COASTAL FRONT: ◆ https://x.com/coastalfrontbc ◆ https://www.facebook.com/coastalfrontbc ◆ https://www.linkedin.com/company/coastal-front ◆ https://www.instagram.com/coastalfrontbc

Former Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart sits down with Coastal Front for a candid, no-holds-barred conversation about Ken Sim, the UBC SkyTrain, policing, property taxes and the future of Vancouver ahead of the 2026 municipal election.   Stewart looks back on his time as an NDP MP and his 2018–2022 term as mayor of Vancouver: leading a split city council, getting the city through COVID, helping bring the FIFA World Cup to BC, and securing funding for the Broadway Plan and the SkyTrain extension to UBC. He explains why he believes the UBC SkyTrain line was fully funded when he left office, what went wrong under Mayor Ken Sim, and why he says Sim "had four years to deliver."   We also get into:

A BC non-profit society received millions in public funds. Then came unpaid bills, vendor complaints, and an arrest warrant. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/p/a-bc-non-profit-got-millions-in-public   PODCAST INFO:

Weeks before sanctioning Streit Group for helping “feed Russia's war machine,” Ottawa pledged to increase defence exports to Saudi Arabia. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/p/selective-outrage-ottawa-sanctions   PODCAST INFO:

The Abbotsford South MLA will sit as an Independent, continuing a wave of caucus departures that began in mid-August. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/p/sixth-bc-conservative-mla-leaves   PODCAST INFO:

A new province-wide petition is seeking to repeal DRIPA as debate over the law's legal and economic impact intensifies. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/p/elections-bc-clears-initiative-bid   PODCAST INFO:

In this episode of Coastal Front, we sit down with Ms. Lavell, head of York House School, and Ms. Harrop, head of Crofton House School, to discuss what it means to educate and raise girls in 2026. From social media and emerging technology, including AI, to confidence, resilience and the pressures facing young women today, they explore how education is evolving and what all-girls schools can offer that a coeducational environment may not. The conversation also tackles parenting, screen time, school uniforms, career choices, financial aid, politics in schools and the importance of preparing girls to think independently and confidently navigate a rapidly changing world. Watch the full conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4j6V2iGBvA&t=2332s

Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/p/city-of-vancouver-extends-granville   PODCAST INFO:

Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/p/poll-puts-sim-ahead-as-26-percent   PODCAST INFO:

Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/p/recall-dallas-brodie-inside-the-campaign   PODCAST INFO:

“Firefighting has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization—the same category as tobacco smoking." For recently retired Vancouver Fire Chief Karen Fry, that isn't just a statistic—it was the reality firefighters faced every day. In this conversation, she shares the devastating toll occupational cancer continues to take on Vancouver Fire Rescue Services and why this issue deserves more attention. Watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/wGcUGq5xZIU

Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/p/budget-blowout-feds-pledge-3b-for   PODCAST INFO:

What is driving the rise of the BC Conservatives, and what does it mean for the future of British Columbia? In this episode, Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission and BC Conservative Critic for Jobs, Economic Development, Innovation & Artificial Intelligence, joins Coastal Front to discuss the state of BC politics, the provincial economy, and the growing Conservative movement. We explore party dynamics, the history of BC politics, and the key challenges facing the province today. Watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/2UuvrkimNW8

While investors benefit from rising markets, many households remain under financial pressure.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/p/as-markets-rise-many-canadians-are   PODCAST INFO:

A plan for "affordable" condo conversion by the federal and BC provincial governments has sparked strong backlash. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/p/federal-provincial-condo-bailout   PODCAST INFO:

Federal personnel expenses are projected to rise by $10.2 billion next year. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/p/pbo-projects-10b-surge-in-federal   PODCAST INFO:

An ongoing strike, and another potential one, put Vancouver in a tricky spot while hosting the world's largest sporting event.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/p/strikes-and-mandates-in-metro-vancouver   PODCAST INFO:

Housing, jobs, and the economy fuel a tighter race between the BC Conservatives and NDP.  Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-conservatives-capitalize-on-economic-concerns-as-ndp-support-softens   PODCAST INFO:

A 10 percent additional tariff has been imposed on Canada by the Trump administration. What does it mean? Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/trump-piles-on-new-tariffs-targeting-canada   PODCAST INFO:

Kerry-Lynne Findlay won a heavily contested leadership race for the BC Conservative Party on Saturday night, with 51 percent of the vote. Findlay has taken the leadership position from interim leader Trevor Halford, who himself took over in December after former leader John Rustad resigned. 

While youth employment grew in most provinces, BC recorded the largest decline in the country Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-youth-employment-falls-worst-in-canada-report-says   PODCAST INFO:

What does it take to build a beloved Canadian brand while staying true to family values, quality, and purpose? In this episode, Karen Flavelle and Scott McTavish of Purdys Chocolatier join us for a candid conversation about leadership, legacy, and growing one of Canada's most iconic chocolate companies in a rapidly changing retail landscape. From navigating generational business transitions to maintaining craftsmanship at scale, they share insights on entrepreneurship, company culture, sustainability, and what it means to build a brand that Canadians genuinely love. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/M2BCe-yqa0A

Coastal Front's Reid Small sat down with author and journalist Aaron Maté at Web Summit Vancouver to discuss Canada, Ukraine, Syria, media narratives, and more.   Aaron's Substack: https://www.aaronmate.net/ Watch the full interview here: https://youtu.be/deOREtGDlyA   PODCAST INFO:

What does it actually take to build a winning NHL franchise and scale a billion-dollar business?   In this rare and wide-ranging conversation, Tom Gaglardi, owner of the Dallas Stars and CEO of Northland Properties, shares his perspective on leadership, culture, business strategy, and the future of Canada.   As one of only 32 NHL owners, Gaglardi offers insight into:   How winning teams are built and sustained The role of culture vs talent in elite organizations Lessons from running a professional sports franchise Canada's economic challenges and competitiveness What separates great businesses from those that struggle   From hockey to hospitality to macroeconomics, this is a candid look into how top operators think.   Watch the full podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyGhxOGfJV4&t=249s   PODCAST INFO:

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced another $270 million in military funding for Ukraine during a summit in Armenia, bringing Canada's total funding tied to the war to $25.8 billion. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/carney-brings-canadas-ukraine-funding-to-25b-with-new-270m-military-commitment   PODCAST INFO:

BC introduced DRIPA as a path toward reconciliation and investment certainty. Nearly seven years later, business confidence is falling, political pressure is mounting, and even supporters are questioning the government's handling of the law. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/dripa-backlash-grows-in-bc-business-confidence-sinks   PODCAST INFO:

BC is handing $6.75 million to manufacturers to spur jobs and production, extending a program that directs public funds to private companies as deficits and debt rise.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-hands-out-millions-to-manufacturers-as-deficits-rise-and-debt-mounts PODCAST INFO:

BC taxpayers are footing the bill for government vehicle leases nearing $1,200 a month — while key details about the cars remain undisclosed. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-taxpayers-paying-near-maximum-rates-for-executive-vehicle-leases   PODCAST INFO:

British Columbia's finances took another hit this month as S&P Global Ratings downgraded the province's credit rating.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/multiple-credit-downgrades-deepen-concerns-over-bc-finances-as-deficits-and-debt-rise   PODCAST INFO:

How much do these offices actually cost, and what do British Columbians, who are footing the bill, get in return?   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bcs-global-trade-offices-cost-millions-but-key-details-remain-hidden   PODCAST INFO:

Nearly five years after a claim that 215 unmarked graves were identified at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School site, no human remains have been recovered and no excavation work has begun. Officials now say the search could take decades.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/kamloops-residential-school-search-could-take-decades-as-questions-over-funding-and-findings-persist   PODCAST INFO:

Moody's downgrades BC's credit rating as deficits grow, debt surges and fiscal management weakens — raising concerns about rising costs for taxpayers.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/moodys-downgrades-bc-credit-rating-as-deficits-pile-up-and-debt-surges   PODCAST INFO:

The group behind a class-action lawsuit against BC's COVID-19 measures will host a public town hall in Burnaby to discuss its ongoing appeal and the future of the case.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/group-challenging-bc-covid-measures-plans-burnaby-town-hall-amid-ongoing-appeal   PODCAST INFO:

Federal records show Ottawa still has 21 million expired pandemic PPE items in storage, costing taxpayers millions each year.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/ottawa-storing-21-million-expired-pandemic-ppe-items-costing-taxpayers-millions   PODCAST INFO:

Two new analyses warn that rising taxes, fees and public debt could increase costs for businesses and households in BC, raising concerns about affordability and long-term economic growth.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/reports-raise-concerns-about-taxes-waste-fees-and-affordability-in-bc   PODCAST INFO:

Proposed amendments to BC's freedom of information law are drawing criticism from opposition MLAs and transparency advocates who say the changes could weaken transparency.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/critics-say-bc-freedom-of-information-bill-could-weaken-public-access-to-records   PODCAST INFO:

On this episode, we sit down with BC MLA Elenore Sturko for a candid conversation on land, power and politics in British Columbia.   Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrdurKB6b9A   PODCAST INFO:

Canada's new defence strategy is about more than military spending. It's creating a financial architecture around war production — linking public capital, private banks and a proposed global defence bank.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/the-rise-of-canadas-defencefinance-complex   PODCAST INFO:

The BC government wants a $400-million fund to invest in private-sector projects, saying it will help attract major investment. Critics argue the plan risks putting taxpayers on the hook while debt continues to climb.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-proposes-400m-investment-fund-drawing-criticism-over-taxpayer-risk   PODCAST INFO:

BC's opposition is taking aim at Premier David Eby's government after the province posted a record $13.3-billion deficit and projected rising debt over the next three years.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/opposition-slams-eby-government-over-record-deficit-and-rising-debt   PODCAST INFO:

The Liberals are gaining support as Canadians harden their stance toward the US, according to new data. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/liberals-surge-ahead-as-canadians-turn-against-us-new-report-   PODCAST INFO:

BC forecasts a record $13.3B deficit as debt climbs to $189B and taxes increase. The plan does not project a return to balance. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-budget-posts-record-133b-deficit-as-debt-climbs-and-taxes-rise   PODCAST INFO:

BC's 2035 gas-car mandate and luxury vehicle surtax are in focus as the province forecasts record deficits and no return to balance. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/with-red-ink-rising-bcs-vehicle-mandates-and-surtaxes-come-into-focus   PODCAST INFO:

Protests calling for the fall of Iran's government are unfolding across Canadian cities. Framed as solidarity, they raise questions about who stands to gain and Canada's role in Iran's turmoil.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/manufacturing-consent-iran-information-warfare-and-canada   PODCAST INFO:

Liberals open 13-point lead over Conservatives: poll   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/liberals-open-13-point-lead-over-conservatives-poll   PODCAST INFO:

A delayed BC Ferries maintenance project has surged past $168 million, attracting attention about oversight as costs rival nationally significant shipyard investments.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-ferries-redevelopment-42m-over-budget-failed-redaction-shows   PODCAST INFO:

After years of loose fiscal policy across multiple levels of government, Surrey's newest public elementary school reflects more moderate construction costs.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-completes-44m-elementary-school-costs-far-more-reasonable   PODCAST INFO:

Ottawa has warned 23,000 federal employees their jobs could be at risk as it moves toward cutting 40,000 civil service positions. Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/ottawa-signals-major-federal-workforce-reductions-ahead   PODCAST INFO:

On this episode of the Coastal Front podcast, we're joined by Fraser Institute President Niels Veldhuis, who shares his views on what he sees as an ongoing attack on BC property rights, Canada's culture around business achievement, and the Fraser Institute's annual provincial school rankings.   Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/n0AIEIfjmTw?si=y14LAagxpH1L0tuv   PODCAST INFO:

British Columbia's drug decriminalization pilot is ending amid questions about cost, effectiveness, and whether the policy delivered on its promises.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/bc-ends-decriminalization-pilot-effectiveness-remains-unclear   PODCAST INFO:

Vancouver announces $75k for Indigenous Language Revitalization, but outcomes remain unclear.   Read the full article here: https://www.coastalfront.ca/read/vancouver-grants-75k-for-language-revitalization-amid-cost-concerns   PODCAST INFO: