Political Capital with Rob Shaw

With election day of April 28 closing in, we take a look at some battleground BC ridings and look at the issues, dynamics, polling and factors at play in British Columbia. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier, Jillian Oliver and special guest Angelo Isidorou.

April 11, 2025 - Federal Conservative and Liberal leaders campaign in BC, with provincial overdose prevention sites suddenly becoming an election campaign issue. And BC has a brand new political party, called CentreBC, which officially launches to try and appeal to voters who want a middle-ground choice between the BC NDP and BC Conservatives. In audio extras, a discussion about the so-called fudge-it budget scandal with $3 billion in missing revenue from the carbon tax. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jillian Oliver, Jeff Ferrier and special guest Carlie Pochynok from Hill & Knowlton. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

April 4, 2025 - The BC government cancels the carbon tax but faces tough questions about gas prices and climate change. The premier backtracks on an unprecedented anti-tariff bill that would have given him wartime powers, as the province tries to keep up with U.S. President Donald Trump. And, a look at BC's role in the federal election. In audio podcast extras, a look at the new centre party called Centre BC and a discussion about the province's first review of a health authority and its decision to hire health policy insider Dr. Penny Ballem to the job. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jillian Oliver and Jeff Ferrier. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

March 14, 2025 - BC's new tariff legislation gives extraordinary powers to the premier and cabinet that bypass the legislature - is this appropriate or a power grab? Plus, the BC Conservatives continue to scramble in the wake of three defections. In audio extras, a look at the looming end of the carbon tax and new developments on involuntary care. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jillian Oliver and Jeff Ferrier. Brought to you by UBER Canada.

March 7, 2024 - The BC NDP government tables its new provincial budget, drowning in red ink, and yet nobody pays much attention to it due to the continued drama around U.S. tariffs. Plus, Premier David Eby unveils a new response to the Americans. And BC Conservative MLA Dallas Brodie's residential school comments infuriate her colleagues and spark a public war of words. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier, Allie Blades and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

February 28, 2025 - BC readies its provincial budget, but it faces major uncertainty as it is set to land the same day as US President Donald Trump's Canadian tariffs. BC Conservatives prepare for an AGM, while some MLAs make waves voting against a motion to condemn Trump. Plus a look at Opposition successes on health care and tariffs, plus the emerging political discussion of pink shirt day. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jillian Oliver and special guest Mike McKinnon from Enterprise Canada. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

February 21, 2025 - What is behind the BC government decision to roll back unwitnessed safe supply just before the start of the spring legislative session? And what to make of the war-themed BC throne speech? Plus in an audio podcast extra, we discuss the performance of the new Opposition in the first week of the legislative session. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

February 14, 2025 - Premier David Eby travels with the other premiers to Washington DC. The NDP cancels its affordability rebate. We look ahead to the upcoming legislative session. And an interview with federal Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

February 7, 2025 - BC's premier says he's skeptical about a 30-day reprieve on tariffs from US President Donald Trump, so what should the province do next and how does its $20 billion in new resource projects fit into that plan? A leaked report sparks fresh concerns about government safe supply drugs being diverted into the hands of organized crime. And in an audio podcast extra, BC United leader Kevin Falcon (yes, he's still leader) faces calls to resign. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier, Jillian Oliver and Allie Blades. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

January 31, 2025 - BC New Democrats and Conservatives continue to spar over how to respond to Donald Trump on tariffs, but who is making the bigger impact? Plus, Green leader Sonia Furstenau resigns and the party's two MLAs don't want her job, so now what? Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

January 24, 2025 - U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threat continues to alter BC's political agenda, including on how the NDP government approaches the natural resource sector. Our panel breaks down Premier David Eby's sudden support of major resource projects, and his response to Trump. Plus, in our audio podcast extra, we look at the start of public sector contract negotiations amidst a grim economic backdrop. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

January 17, 2025 - U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's tariff threat would blow a multi-billion-dollar hole in the B.C. economy, according to new figures, as the NDP government scrambles to respond. Plus, a look at controversial severance in the premier's office. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

December 20, 2024 - We break down the new cooperative deal between the BC NDP and BC Greens, who got what and who got the better terms? Plus, BC tables a new record-setting deficit projection, while claiming a hiring freeze, what are the ramifications for the NDP government? Plus, in a podcast audio extra, we discuss the federal implosion in Ottawa and how it affects BC Premier David Eby during a time of trying to deal with the threat of new US tariffs. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jillian Oliver and guest panelist Mike McKinnon from Enterprise Canada.

December 13, 2024 - As 2024 winds down, we look at the top stories in a wild year in BC politics. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier, Allie Blades and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

December 6, 2024 - The BC government facing rising pressure to respond to a week of violent stranger attacks in Vancouver, but what can and should it do? Plus, the premier points to involuntary care as imminent, but will that actually solve the public safety problems? And, police chiefs demand decriminalization be scrapped. In audio podcast extras, a look at BC Conservative infighting.Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier, Allie Blades and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

November 29, 2024 - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatens massive tariffs on Canada, but how is Premier David Eby responding? Plus, a BC government decision not to hold a fall sitting of the legislature, delays in NDP rebates and decisions to the debate over PST exemptions to match the federal GST program. In audio podcast extras, a look at the case of an 86-year-old senior sent from hospital to Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, and lobbying concerns. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jeff Ferrier and special guest Adam Olsen. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

November 22, 2024 - Premier David Eby names his new cabinet - who is in, who is out, and what should you make of the newly redesigned ministries? Plus, in an audio podcast extra, we examine the BC Conservative shadow cabinet, critic roles and debate whether MLAs should hold local government jobs at the same time. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jillian Oliver and Jeff Ferrier. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

November 15, 2024 - Our panel reminiscences about former NDP premier John Horgan, his legacy and impact on BC politics. Plus a lookahead at David Eby's next cabinet. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

November 8, 2024 - Politicians debate how to respond to mistakes made by Elections BC and missing ballots - what should they do? Plus, lessons learned from the rise of Donald Trump (again) in the United States election. As a podcast extra: Early speculation on Premier David Eby's new cabinet. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier, Jillian Oliver and Allie Blades.

November 1, 2024 - The BC NDP squeaks out a one-seat majority government in recounts, what does this mean, how will it work and how does it influence the other parties and their positions? Plus, parties jostle on picking a Speaker. And a look at Premier David Eby's "bright line" on how he'll cooperate with other MLAs. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier, Allie Blades and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

BC's near-tie election heads to recounts, while the parties begin (or in the case of the BC Greens and Conservatives fail to start) negotiations for power. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

A special emergency episode of the podcast where we break down the election results and analyze both what happened and what happens next. Recorded Oct. 22. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jillian Oliver, Jeff Ferrier and Allie Blades. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

A special edition of the podcast just before BC Election voting day Oct. 19, where the panel breaks down everything you need to know, and the highlights and lowlights of the campaign. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jillian Oliver and special guest Mike McKinnon. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

BC's leaders square off in the major televised leaders' debate - who won and what does it mean for the campaigns? Plus, the BC Conservatives face more candidate controversy. And we look at the BC Conservative public safety plan, plus the get out the vote strategies. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jillian Oliver, Allie Blades and Jeff Ferrier. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

October 4, 2024 - Week #2 of the BC election sees the NDP and Greens release their platforms, the Conservatives take a run at ICBC and paper straws, and the first leaders debate. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by UBER Canada.

September 26, 2024 - The first week of the BC election is in the books, and the panel takes a look at the highs, the lows, the wasp stings, the housing policies, the attack ads and more. We cover it all.  Plus, in audio extras, we look at the debate over leaders debates and on-the-ground campaign tactics. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Stephen Smart, Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

September 20, 2024 - And we're off to the races in BC Election 2024 - the writ is dropping and we look at what to expect and watch in the first few days of the campaign, along with whether "flip flop" attacks against David Eby are landing, an NDP pivot on involuntary care and the emerging issue of character and trust amongst leaders. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier, Allie Blades and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

September 13, 2024 - Premier David Eby announced a major pivot on the carbon tax just before the provincial election. Plus, in audio extras, the panel discusses reproductive rights debate, and BC's new $9b deficit forecast. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada. 

September 6, 2024 - We look at the United MLAs drafted by the BC Conservatives and whether they were the right picks for the upcoming election. Plus, in a podcast extra, we look at the new BC Green campaign platform for free public transit, and Conservative leader John Rustad's musings about nuclear power. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

August 30, 2024 - This week's show is dedicated entirely to the collapse of the BC United party, after leader Kevin Falcon suspended its provincial election campaign. What happens now, was this the right move, how do the Conservatives pick from a new fleet of candidates and where does this position the NDP in the upcoming election? Plus, extended discussion in our podcast audio extras. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver.

August 23, 2024 - BC Conservatives deal with another candidate eruption, this time over 5G wireless networks and the rapture. Leader John Rustad deals with a shadowy effort to unseat him within the party. And the NDP deliver a huge deficit budget, causing questions about financial positions during the election. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jillian Oliver, Allie Blades and Carlie Pochynok. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

The BC United party swings big with a tax cut proposal, but also has to address concerns on how it will pay for the promise. The governing BC NDP offer a financial bailout to the tree fruit sector, but fail to adequately capture the mood of rural farmers. Plus a look at a new class action lawsuit against government safe supply. In audio extras, the panel discusses BC Conservative leader John Rustad's decision to go on Jordan Peterson's podcast, candidate controversies and ER closures in Northern BC.Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jillian Oliver and Jeff Ferrier. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

July 26, 2024 - BC abruptly drops its vaccine mandate for healthcare workers just two months before an election in which rival parties demanded it be ended anyway. Metro Vancouver faces a major public transit funding crisis. In audio extras: The government faces questions about justice funding in the wake of charges being dropped due to a delayed case, wildfire discussion and the latest in the Vancouver-Yaletown race. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

Premier David Eby takes on Ottawa over equalization at the premiers' conference in Nova Scotia. Plus the BC Conservatives unveil their first election platform plank, on health care. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

Political parties reject Dr. Bonnie Henry's latest report into relaxing drug rules to respond to the ongoing toxic drug crisis, creating a political football out of the ongoing public healthy emergency. Plus, a new poll has the BC NDP and Conservatives tied, but what does that really mean two and a half months before the start of an election campaign? Plus, in a podcast audio extra, we look at the reset of the BC United and Green campaigns, and what they are hoping to accomplish. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

July 5, 2024 - BC's latest political donation numbers show some interesting trends amongst political parties. Plus a look at a sudden rush of NDP cabinet ministers retiring late in the electoral cycle. And in our audio podcast extras this week we look at summer tips for BC political parties, and the recent UK election results. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jillian Oliver, Jeff Ferrier and Allie Blades. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

June 21, 2024 - BC NDP leader David Eby launched his re-election bid this week, how did it land and what themes/messaging did he use both for himself and his opponents? Plus, the BC United and Conservative parties court the business community. Who had the most effective pitch? Plus, in an audio extra, we discuss third-party election ads and how effective they are at this point in the election cycle. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades and Jillian Oliver, as well as guest panellist this week Mike McKinnon from Enterprise Canada.

June 14, 2024 The BC United party is hit by a candidate controversy involving Asad Gondal, the president of the BC Muslim Association, and the fallout affects party leader Kevin Falcon in a variety of ways. Plus, a look at Premier David Eby's sudden fight with Ottawa on equalization payments, on the eve of an election. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades, Jillian Oliver and Jeff Ferrier. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

June 7, 2024 - The panel breaks down the stunning news of BC United's Elenore Sturko defecting to the BC Conservative party - what it means for all political parties. Plus, a look at BC United's child care plan to supercharge the NDP's $10-a-day system with cash subsidies, and whether that is effective timing to turn the page for United. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier, Allie Blades and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

May 31, 2024 - BC Conservatives gain a BC United MLA, who crosses the floor and kickstarts a panic inside the United caucus. Also, the Conservatives lose a candidate in Courtenay due to social media posts and blame vetting, though the problem is actually judgement. And in an audio extra, a look at the latest Angus Reid poll. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jillian Oliver, Jeff Ferrier and Carlie Pochynok. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

May 24, 2024 - BC's surging Conservative party has rejected a non-compete offer from BC United, what does it mean, who would have benefited and lost from such a deal, and more. The pod squad breaks it all down. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier, Jillian Oliver and Carlie Pochynok. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

May 10, 2024 - Premier David Eby offers up ICBC rebates but is it just a move to change the channel from negative performance? Plus, Ottawa grants B.C.'s re-criminalization request, does that put the issue to bed before an election? And Greens call on leaders to make clear their position on abortion rights. Plus audio podcast extras on cybersecurity and Canfor's forestry layoffs. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff  Ferrier, Allie Blades and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada. 

May 3, 2024 - BC's decriminalization request sparks a week of fiery national politics, so how does that filter back down to the provincial level and what are the implications? Plus, restrictions on short-term rentals kicked in this week, and are there any unintended consequences for government on the issue? And one of the most controversial projects in B.C.'s history, the Trans Mountain pipeline, quietly finishes and starts pumping oil, but does it mean anything politically anymore? Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.