Political Capital with Rob Shaw

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Join CHEK News Political Correspondent Rob Shaw and a lively panel of guests for a weekly breakdown of all of the news in B.C. politics, with analysis and commentary that helps make sense of the latest stories in and around the B.C. legislature.

CHEK Podcasts


    • Jun 13, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 38m AVG DURATION
    • 182 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Political Capital with Rob Shaw

    Political Capital 180 - BC Ferries and China, new OneBC party, tech and polling

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 43:13


    June 13, 2025 - BC Ferries' faces a wave of backlash over its deal with the Chinese government to build new ferries. A look at the new OneBC party of Dallas Brodie and Tara Armstrong. Plus, a discussion about BC tech, and new polling numbers for the premier. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier, Jillian Oliver and Allie Blades. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

    Political Capital 179 - Pipeline politics, special advisors galore!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2025 49:35


    June 6, 2025 - BC's reluctance to support a new oil pipeline runs head-first into a prime minister looking for projects in the national interest. What does the province do now? Plus, the government hires another new special advisor, but are they increasingly becoming political controversies? In audio extras, we discuss legislation to ban MLAs from holding other public office, and social media advice for politicians in the wake of an epic X battle between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier, Allie Blades and Jillian Oliver. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

    #178 - May 30, 2025 - Spring session ends, Bill 15, blur-gate

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 47:53


    The BC legislature's spring session ends, how did the parties do? Bill 15 is pushed through, but is it really a win for government? And "blur-gate" emerges — the blurring of virtual backgrounds on virtual votes. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier, Jillian Oliver and Allie Blades. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

    Political Capital 177 - Michael Bryant fired, Western Premiers' Conference, Bill 15

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 47:35


    May 23, 2025 - Premier David Eby fires his new DTES advisor Michael Bryant after botching the rollout of his contract, but where does that leave government on a persistent issue? Western premiers gather in Yellowknife, where pipeline politics rears its head again. And opposition from First Nations and municipal leaders ramps up on Bill 15, making for a difficult path for the BC NDP government. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jillian Oliver, Jeff Ferrier and Allie Blades. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

    Political Capital 176 - Carney v Trump, Bill 15, pipeline politics

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 37:16


    May 9, 2025 - What should we make of the long-awaited meeting between Canadian PM Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump? Our panel takes a look. And we do a deep dive into Bill 15 and its many controversies, including what it's supposed to do and what the political ramifications may be. Plus, in an audio extra, we examine the pipeline politics of Albera's premier demanding a national pipeline through BC and the BC government supporting dredging Burrard Inlet for tankers. Host Rob Shaw is joined by Jeff Ferrier, Jillian Oliver and Allie Blades. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

    Political Capital 175 - Election analysis, BC mental health tragedy, missed climate targets

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 37:47


    May 2, 2025 - The federal election results have big ramifications for the political landscape in BC, and we break that down. Plus, the tragic deaths at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver leaves the BC government grappling with how to change the Mental Health Act to prevent future tragedies. And what does it mean that the BC government has admitted it won't meet its climate targets? Host Rob Shaw is joined by Allie Blades and Jeff Ferrier. Brought to you by Uber Canada.

    #174 - April 25, 2025 - Federal Election 2025: BC Breakdown

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 45:33


    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.

    Political Capital 173 - Fed Elxn Campaign, CentreBC, fudge-it Budget

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 35:33


    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.

    #172 - Carbon Tax, Bill 7, Fed Elxn, Centre BC, Penny Ballem

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 38:59


    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.

    Political Capital 171 - BC's sweeping new tariff legislation, Conservative dissent, carbon tax and involuntary care

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 43:13


    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.

    Political Capital 170 - BC's tepid budget, Eby counters Trump, Conservatives implode

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2025 22:43


    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.

    Political Capital 169 - Trump hits BC budget, BC Conservatives infighting, free votes and Opposition successes

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2025 55:00


    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.

    Political Capital 168 - Safe supply, throne speech and first week of legislative session

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2025 48:10


    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.

    Political Capital 167 - Eby visits White House, NDP cancels grocery rebate, lookahead to legislative session

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2025 47:44


    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.

    Political Capital 166 - Trump, new safe supply concerns, BC United leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2025 34:52


    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.

    Political Capital 165 - BC's evolving response to Trump + Green leader Sonia Furstenau resigns

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 29:51


    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.

    Political Capital 164 - Donald Trump, resource development & public sector contract negotiations

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2025 33:03


    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.

    Political Capital 163 - Donald Trump sideswipes B.C. politics

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 41:31


    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.

    Political Capital 162 - NDP-Green deal, BC's growing deficit, federal implosion

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2024 38:59


    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.

    Political Capital 161 - BC's top political stories in 2024

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 33:40


    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.

    Political Capital 160 - Frightening stranger attacks raise political pressure, plus BC Conservative infighting

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2024 34:27


    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.

    Political Capital 159 - How BC is responding to Donald Trump's tariff threats

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2024 64:55


    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.

    Political Capital 158 - BC's new cabinet + Conservative shadow cabinet

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 51:55


    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.

    Political Capital 157 - A tribute to John Horgan

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2024 51:31


    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.

    Political Capital 156 - Elections BC ballot concerns, lessons from U.S. election

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2024 31:18


    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.

    Political Capital 155 - NDP majority, Speaker talks, David Eby's "bright line" on cooperation

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2024 44:05


    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.

    #154 - Post-election recounts, negotiations + power negotiations

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2024 22:25


    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.

    #153 - BC Election Results and Analysis!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 43:15


    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.

    #152 - BC Election 2024 Recap: Who sucked harder?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 41:08


    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.

    #151 - Election debate, candidate controversy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 43:36


    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.

    Political Capital #150 - Elections platforms and populist promises

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 44:16


    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.

    Political Capital #149 - Breaking down BC Election Week 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 41:39


    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.

    Political Capital #148 - BC ELECTION BEGINS!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 48:08


    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.

    Political Capital #147 - David Eby flip flops on the carbon tax

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 48:31


    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. 

    #146 - Who's in and who's out in BC United/Conservative merger?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 46:54


    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.

    #145 - The implosion of BC United

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 50:45


    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.

    #144 - Crazy Conservative candidate controversies continue, plus BC's huge deficit

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2024 40:15


    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.

    #143 - BC United tax cut, NDP tree fruit aid, plus safe supply class action lawsuit

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 55:25


    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.

    #143 - Vaccine mandate, TransLink cuts, and more

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 51:38


    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.

    #142 - BC fights equalization formula, Conservatives unveil healthcare plans

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2024 24:24


    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.

    #141 - Toxic drug report, NDP/Conservative tie poll, BC United/Green campaign resets

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2024 40:44


    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.

    #140 - BC party fundraising, NDP retirements

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2024 55:14


    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.

    #139 - BC NDP election launch, BC United/Conservatives pitch business community

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 37:33


    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.

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