PolitiCoast

Conservative leadership contestants drop out, CentreBC launches its own race and questions remain about Eby's leadership and the fed NDP race comes to an end Links Harman Bhangu is out Bruce Banman is out Seven candidates still in B.C. Conservative leadership race after two MLAs drop out – Business in Vancouver Karin Kirkpatrick is out CentreBC Prepares for First AGM, Leadership Change, and Next Phase of Growth Leader's Statement: Create thousands of jobs and connect our communities through passenger rail All aboard the train to Whistler or Campbell River? B.C. Green leader proposes province-wide rail network Mountain Valley Express Provincial Support for the Village of Lytton's Wildfire Recovery – Office of the Auditor General B.C. BC's Auditor General Offers Reasons for the Lack of Rebuilding in Lytton | The Tyee Premiers' Performance: Eby falls to a new low in B.C., while Kinew continues his comfort atop the list – Angus Reid Institute From Collapse to Dominance « EKOS Politics Front-Runners Emerge in the NDP Leadership Race | The Tyee Avi Lewis stands by past activism as he’s criticized for ‘politics of subtraction’ | CBC News NDP leadership hopeful rebuffed opponent's offer of second-ballot support

BC wants to put limits on protests, and Carney gets another floor crosser as he stumbles his way to yet another position on Iran. Jesse Woodward from CHLY guest cohosts. Links: Protecting access to places of worship, schools BC Humanists: Religious bubble zone law threatens fundamental freedoms Professional Employees Association reaches deal with B.C. gov’t after lengthy labour dispute | CBC News Idlout says she felt she was ‘betraying’ her constituents by staying with NDP Don Davies’ Statement Posted to Twitter  Carney calls byelections in Quebec riding of Terrebonne, 2 Toronto ridings | CBC News The Canadian government is deciding who's a journalist now – The Hub Canadian government backtracks on using media subsidy criteria as accreditation Canada will ‘never participate’ in Iran offensive, Mark Carney says

David Eby kills time changes, the feds sign a deal with the Musqueam and Carney dithers on Iran and foreign interference Links Adopting permanent daylight saving time Most of B.C. to adopt daylight saving time permanently, Eby says – The Globe and Mail B.C. cities can set their own time zones, province says | CBC News B.C. teachers ratify new 4-year agreement with 3% annual wage boost | CBC News BC teachers ratify new four-year agreement šxʷq̓ʷal̕təl̕tən – A Rights Recognition Agreement Fact File: What the Musqueam agreements mean for private property owners in B.C. Rob Shaw: Eby's Musqueam denial unravels after Ottawa insists B.C. was briefed Nine candidates make the cut in the race for the leadership of B.C. Conservatives | CBC https://x.com/Conservative_BC/status/2027849001853182033?s=20 Low Name Recognition for Leadership Hopefuls in British Columbia – Research Co. Improving complaint process for employers, workers New B.C. legislation cracks down on weapons, violence in supportive housing Strengthening health and safety in supportive housing Bill 11 Kelowna MLA wants to cut welfare to drug offenders until they go to rehab – Castanet.net Feb 28 Statement by Prime Minister Carney and Minister Anand on the situation in the Middle East Mar 3 Statement by Prime Minister Carney on the evolving situation in the Middle East Liberal MPs to hold call Friday as caucus raises concerns about Carney’s shifting Iran position | CBC News Around 2,000 Canadians looking for help leaving Middle East as U.S., Israel move to ‘next phase’ of Iran war | CBC Attack on Iran: Little consensus among Canadians as half oppose, one-in-three support the US-Israeli strikes Canada could be called on to help defend Gulf states, says top military commander | CBC News Carney signs deals worth billions in diplomatic breakthrough with India’s Modi | CBC News Canada, India sign ‘landmark' energy deal as CSIS says foreign interference concerns unchanged Carney won’t say if there’s Indian interference in Canada after cutting deals with Modi | CBC News

The BC Conservative race tightens up with candidates dropping out and MLA endorsements racking up. The NDP are under fire for policy changes. The federal government might be fine with some light foreign interference. And the Conservatives get an amendment to the budget. Links Steve Kooner out Prince George-North Cariboo MLA Sheldon Clare ends bid for BC Conservative leadership BC Conservative leadership race: Peter Milobar gets caucus endorsements | Vancouver Sun Federal Tories move to limit use of party data in B.C. Conservative leadership race – The Globe and Mail Kelowna MLA’s bill to repeal BC Human Rights Code quickly voted down – Castanet.net Streamlining government's response to organized crime Improving digital service delivery with FOIPPA amendments Vaughn Palmer: NDP set to weaken B.C.’s FOI law and keep public in the dark   B.C. policy change on billing could limit health-care access – Business in Vancouver $10-a-day daycare program paused in order to stabilize, B.C. government says | Globalnews.ca B.C.’s $10-a-day child-care program pauses controversial funding model, but service remains out of reach for many B.C. premier says Senate committee wants to gut bill that could close loopholes for extortion suspects | CBC News Where is Canada’s immigration minister? Community groups are asking | CBC News Canadian police warn Sikh activist of threat to life as Carney announces India visit | Globalnews.ca Minister says there’s ‘a lot more work to do’ with India after Canadian official says it’s no longer a threat | CBC News PM urged to clarify whether he believes India still carrying out interference in Canada – The Globe and Mail Poilievre targets Trump, urges Canada to focus on what it can control in major speech | CBC News Liberals accept Conservative budget amendments on ‘regulatory sandboxes' Liberals’ omnibus budget bill passes final hurdle in the House of Commons | CBC News

A new provincial budget, an NDP debate, and a few more seats change hands federally. Links BC Budget  Vaughn Palmer: NDP quietly abolishes watchdog on civil service appointments  Reinforcing B.C.'s leadership in interprovincial trade New legislation will allow people to renew, replace driver's licence online New legislation will strengthen oversight of international education John Rustad bows out Harman Bhangu is in Pallas Data poll Supreme Court invalidates result from spring federal election in Terrebonne riding MP Matt Jeneroux leaves Conservatives to join Liberals, citing ‘national unity crisis’ | CBC News Prime Minister Carney launches Canada's first Defence Industrial Strategy to strengthen security, create prosperity, and reinforce strategic autonomy Canada's Defence Industrial Strategy

A sombre reflection takes the place of the throne speech as BC prepares for budget 2026 and Carney may or may not be gearing up for an election. Links Tumbler Ridge PAC GoFundMe for victims' family Throne speech pays tribute to the people of Tumbler Ridge Eby says 2,000 public service jobs cut and counting as B.C. faces $11.2B deficit | CBC News Supporting children, youth with disabilities with new programs, more funding Leader's Statement: BC Greens Will Not Renew CARGA Carney, Ford discussed idea of an early federal election to secure majority, sources say – The Globe and Mail Conservatives, Liberals in behind-the-scenes negotiations as PM downplays election talk | CBC News Conservatives propose helping Liberals pass BIA if they remove sections allowing ministers to ‘ignore certain laws and regulations’ – iPolitics Canada discreetly puts money down on 14 additional F-35s | CBC News

More and more and more names for the BC Con leadership, while Poilievre survives his vote. And an AI consultation summary delivered to us by AI. Links Steve Kooner for BC Conservative Leader Abbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman to run for Conservative leadership Bruce Banman John Rustad considering a run for leadership 2025 Fourth Quarter Interim Financial Reports Available | Elections BC BC Conservative leader candidate eyes 10-lane George Massey bridge project revival | Urbanized BC Greens Announce the Resignation of Deputy Leader Dr. Lisa Gunderson Conservative leadership vote 2026 results: Poilievre easily passes leadership test, receives 87.4 per cent support The Conservative Party is overhauling its policy playbook. Here’s what’s changing | CBC News Bail-reform bill moves to Senate after co-operation deal with Conservatives – The Globe and Mail At portrait unveiling, Harper says Canadians must make sacrifices to preserve independence – The Globe and Mail Stephen Harper nude painting sold to Vancouver man for $20K | CBC News Weekly Writ 2/5: Conservatives and Liberals set fundraising records in 2025 Avi Lewis has wide lead in NDP leadership fundraising New federal grocery rebate will cost $12.4 billion, PBO estimates | CBC News Government tables bill giving Build Canada Homes power to acquisition land | CBC News How one defection to Mark Carney's Liberals set off a political earthquake at Queen's Park When it comes to Ontario, I’m all in. – Nate Erskine-Smith  Eric Lombardi, More Neighbours Toronto founder considering a run An Illusion of Consensus: What the Government Isn't Saying About the Results of its AI Consultation – Michael Geist

The BC Conservative leadership race heats up as the federal NDP membership deadline passes (and one more candidate is rejected). David Eby tries some firey rhetoric, while Carney upsets Quebec with his. And camping is getting more expensive. Links Darrell Jones is in Jones on grocery prices Kerry-Lynne Findlay is in Yuri Fulmer goes after Caroline Elliott's Liberal donations Post by @davidebybc.bsky.social – “Treason” B.C. premier says Alberta separatists seeking assistance from U.S. is ‘treason’ | CBC News B.C. attorney general warns against doing deals with ICE, amid pending Pattison sale B.C. extortion wave is ‘terror attack in slow motion': Eby Western provinces and territories sign pact to develop critical minerals strategy | CBC News B.C. Premier basks in mining expansions as sector proves to be important ally for NDP government – The Globe and Mail Camping fees updated to further invest in parks and recreation Prime Minister Carney announces new measures to make groceries and other essentials more affordable for Canadians Carney stands by Plains of Abraham speech that rankled Quebec's political class Carney cancels news conference appearance last minute after Quebec City cabinet retreat | CBC Former B.C. chief electoral officer tapped to head Foreign Influence Transparency Registry – The Globe and Mail Poilievre courts delegates as he faces a must-win leadership review vote | CBC News NDP blocks Yves Engler's wife, Bianca Mugyenyi, from leadership race – The Globe and Mail

British Columbia is delaying changes to the Heritage Conservation Act pending further consultations. Extortion may or may not be a crisis in Surrey. The BC Conservatives will pick their leader by May 30. Mark Carney gets praise for his Davos speech as he inks a new deal with China. Image credit: World Economic Forum Links B.C. postponing changes to heritage act to increase consultation, says minister – Richmond News Heritage Conservation Act changes further delayed over concerns it could halt development Eby says head of extortion task force needs to demonstrate urgency or step aside – BC | Globalnews.ca B.C. anti-extortion chief sorry for disputing blackmail ‘crisis' after criticism from Premier – The Globe and Mail https://globalnews.ca/news/11572311/extortion-suspects-claim-refugee-status-cbsa/ Trudeau's use of Emergencies Act to clear convoy protests unjustified, appeal court rules – The Globe and Mail LEADERSHIP Rules 2026 | Conservative Party of British Columbia  Darrell Jones announces Mark Carney earned a rare standing ovation in Davos. Read the full text of his speech here ‘The old order is not coming back,’ Carney says in provocative speech at Davos | CBC News Poilievre calls Carney's Davos speech ‘well-crafted,' but says action must follow | CBC News Response From The Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Official Opposition, to the Prime Minister's Speech in Davos – Conservative Party of Canada Trump says he’s withdrawing invitation for Carney to join his Gaza ‘Board of Peace’ | CBC News Prime Minister Carney forges new strategic partnership with the People's Republic of China focused on energy, agri-food, and trade Federal government asked court to set aside Ottawa's shutdown order for TikTok Canada

More BC Conservative leadership candidates enter, BC Green leadership candidates fundraising, Centre BC leadership drama and Carney goes to China Links Former B.C. Liberal minister Iain Black enters B.C. Conservative leadership race | Maple Ridge News Reconciliation critic Caroline Elliott seeks to head BC Conservatives | Vancouver Sun ‘I’m in’: Caroline Elliott confirms run for B.C. Conservative leadership – Richmond News 2025 BC Green Party Leadership Contestant Financing Reports Available | Elections BC Minister's statement on status of the decriminalization pilot program Decriminalizing people who use drugs in B.C. (reports) – Province of British Columbia B.C. officially ends decriminalization pilot project after concerns about public drug use What Canada failed to learn from drug decriminalization in Portugal – Canadian Affairs Carney’s 1st day in China secures agreement on energy — but no tariff breakthrough yet | CBC News B.C. and feds sign lumber understanding with China, as province looks beyond U.S. | CBC News Slim Majority of Canadians (54%) Support Stronger Trade Ties with China | Ipsos Two Liberal MPs cut Taiwan trip short ahead of Carney's China visit – The Globe and Mail Canada not considering a ban on X over deepfake controversy, AI minister says Musk's Grok Is Abusing Women and Children. Our Government Needs to Act | The Tyee Why Canada's reaction to the Grok scandal is so muted in the midst of a global outcry X ‘acting to comply with UK law' after outcry over sexualised images | Grok AI | The Guardian NDP leadership candidate apologizes for using AI to respond to Reddit questions | CBC News r/ndp on Reddit: I'm Rob Ashton, union leader and candidate for Leader of the NDP — AMA I’m Tony McQuail and an NDP Leadership Candidate, AMA! : r/CanadaPolitics

We made predictions for 2025. They… weren’t great. So let’s make more for 2026, as difficult as that seems. Plus, OneBC fully imploded and kinda repaired itself over our break. We recap that and other political stories from the holidays. Links Eby’s approval rating Aaron Gunn out Kelowna MLA Gavin Dew won’t run for B.C. Conservative leadership, citing family B.C. Conservative Party forms committee to select new leader | CBC News Harman Bhangu says he will ‘most likely’ run for leadership of B.C. Conservatives – Energeticcity.ca Kamloops MLA Milobar considering run at B.C. Conservative leadership – CastanetKamloops.net B.C. Conservatives should welcome more people, Yuri Fulmer says, as he enters leadership race – The Globe and Mail Former grocery executive Darrell Jones considers run for B.C. Conservative leadership – Vancouver Is Awesome West Kootenay advocate ready to lead B.C. Conservative Party | Castlegar News OneBC ousts MLA Dallas Brodie as leader — but she says she’s fighting back | CBC News BREAKDOWN: The very public implosion of OneBC Who Is Othman Mekhloufi, the Far-Right Poster Behind OneBC's Strife? | The Tyee Dallas Brodie back in control of OneBC as a party of one after almost 10 days of negotiations – Victoria Times Colonist Chrystia Freeland to step down as MP on Friday | CBC News Pilot phase of Liberal gun buyback program collects 25 firearms | CBC News

We speak with journalist Rod Mickleburgh about his new book

Who’s in/who’s out in the BC Conservative race. Eby promises to amend DRIPA as Conservatives call for a repeal. Federally, another MP crosses from the Liberals to the Conservatives, making Elizabeth May the kingmaker (for now). Yves Engler is rejected from the NDP leadership, Carney pitches ‘constitutional’ mandatory minimums as he snuck superpowered ministers into his budget bill. Links Rookie MP Aaron Gunn considers bid to lead BC Conservatives – The Globe and Mail Kerry-Lynne Findlay Christy Clark cryptic posts Former B.C. premier says Conservatives cannot be ‘kooky’ if they want to govern – Victoria Times Colonist   Sturko hasn't ruled out B.C. Conservative return, bid for party leadership | Goldstream News Gazette Eby says DRIPA law could be amended after First Nations win appeal in mining case – Victoria Times Colonist B.C.’s Indigenous rights law is legally enforceable, rules court Eby accuses courts of jeopardizing B.C. economy, resource projects – The Globe and Mail Ontario MP Michael Ma crosses floor to Liberals, putting party one seat short of majority – The Globe and Mail NDP rejects Yves Engler as leadership candidate – The Globe and Mail Full correspondence via Yves EnglerCanada overhauls Criminal Code to protect victims and keep kids safe from predators What is in Bill C-16, Ottawa's legislation that seeks to toughen gender-based violence laws? – The Globe and Mail Opinion | Mark Carney is quietly giving sweeping new powers to his ministers Canada Post commits to free postage for people who are blind as legislation changes  

John Rustad refuses to accept his firing before resigning to his fate. The Canada-Alberta pipeline MOU leaves BC and Coastal First Nations with little but the public is surprisingly warm to the idea. Stephen Guillbeault isn’t as he leaves cabinet, while his replacement is already stirring up controversy in Quebec. Links John Rustad officially steps down as leader of B.C. Conservatives | Vancouver Sun Rob Shaw: Behind the morning of manoeuvres that unravelled Rustad's leadership Brad Zubyk out as opposition leader Chief of Staff Canada-Alberta Memorandum of Understanding Rob Shaw: Ottawa’s messaging for B.C. pipeline gets even more confusing National Backing High for Alberta–B.C. Pipeline, But B.C. Approval Remains Elusive B.C. premier open to new pipeline if tanker ban remains in place A Big Energy Deal with a Small Political Impact: What Canadians Really Think of the Canada–Alberta MOU Guilbeault resigns from cabinet over Carney's energy deal with Alberta 2 top climate advisers quit saying Carney government is ignoring its experts | CBC News NDP leadership hopefuls say Guilbeault not welcome in their party after quitting cabinet Carney brings Trudeau-era minister back into cabinet, adds responsibilities to 2 others | CBC News Legault calls Miller a ‘disgrace to all Quebecers’ for his comments on French language | CBC News How a pipeline deal in Alberta somehow led to a language controversy in Quebec | CBC News

BC talks big for a small bill on the Mental Health Act. Drug users challenge their conviction. The legislature may take another crack at electoral reform. CleanBC is working but needs help as Carney and Smith come to a pipeline agreement. Links Province taking action to strengthen involuntary care, better support patients B.C. says Mental Health Act changes intended to help nurses, but critics concerned | CBC News Canada's Drug Laws Face Challenge from Founders of Vancouver Compassion Club Rob Shaw: B.C. abandons compassion club it funded as founders face drug convictions A human rights-based approach to the toxic drug crisis Premier appoints new parliamentary secretaries for armed forces, primary care Democratic and Electoral Reform Committee Report CleanBC independent review B.C. LNG push threatens electricity supply: CleanBC review – Business in Vancouver Carney’s expected green light for oil pipeline causes unease in caucus and cabinet: sources | CBC News Carney and Smith to unveil energy deal in Calgary Thursday, source says – The Globe and Mail

David Eby and Mark Carney survive the week but John Rustad's a bit more bruised.

Mark Carney has more major projects for us.

Campaign finances, ostriches and the budget

Strikes ending, one way or another and threats of elections provincial and federal.

Conservatives in disarray

Doctors quit, strikes roll on, parties prep for the budget and Canada wants to nuke the moon

A bevy of bills get introduced in the BC Legislature, Rustad's caucus troubles continue and Carney changes his signature legislation. Links BC Legislature Bills: 

As the Legislature returns, the Conservative infighting continues. Alberta wants a pipeline and the federal NDP race has contestants.

John Rustad surives, kind of, Emily Lowan wins and Mark Carney takes on the post office

People are dying to vote in Rustad's leadership review.

Will the real BC Greens please stand up?

Politics is warming up with strikes, calls to end the temporary foreign worker program and a hint at coming major projects

Ben Woodfinden, former Communications Director for Pierre Poilievre comes on the pod to discuss the 2025 election and the state of Canadian conservativism. Links

We interview the candidates to lead the BC Green Party Emily Lowan, Adam Bremner-Akins and Jonathan Kerr. Find out why they are running and what is their vision for the BC Green Party and the Province. Links Official Campaign Websites: Emily Lowan Adam Bremner-Akins Jonathan Kerr Referenced polls: British Columbians Back Mandatory Voting and Spring […]

Ryan Clayton joins the pod to discuss the BC Green Party leadership race and couple consequential court decisions.  Links

David Moscrop joins the pod to discuss 100 days of Carney. What does the three and a third months since the election tell us about what kind of PM Mark Carney is and what does it mean for the future of Canada. Links

A mining rescue operation, ultimatums for Oak Bay & West Van, an even bigger ballot and First Ministers meet.

A cabine shuffle, a drug decision flip-flop and Poilievre's struggle for relevancy

BC Greens & fed NDP get their leadership races going, events will need risk assessments and tariffs are back on the menu

Non-political blackmail, political ferries and unprecedented NATO spending

BC Conservatives make blackmail accusations, the Liberals infrastructure bill moves ahead and the G7 concludes

The independent Conservative MLAs start a new party, but only some of them. Plus the NDP has ferry troubles again. Meanwhile in Ottawa, Carney takes a page from BC's Bill 15 as questions pile up about what is his foreign policy. Links

Procedural shenanigans and strong armed bills in the House of Commons

The BC Legislature rises for the summer, just as the House of Commons gets back underway

BC hires then fires a DTES czar, Carney releases the mandate letter to rule them all and Danielle Smith plays with fire

BC's opposition is under investigation and Mark Carney unveils his 'ministry.'

Mr. Carney goes to Washington but first a look at David Eby's infrastructure fast tracking stumbles and new interim leaders (kind of). Links

The results are in. We break down the election results and why the LPC and CPC each have reasons for happiness and disappointment. Plus the NDP's disastrous night. You can donate to support the victims and survivors of the Lapu-Lapu attack at:  Filipino BC – United Way Fundraiser  Public invited to sign condolence books for […]

It's the final days of the election and a breakdown of the party platforms. Platforms Liberals – Canada Strong | Liberal Party of Canada Conservatives – Canada First. For a Change NDP – Made for People. Built for Canada. Green – Plans – Green Party Of Canada Bloc – Plateforme politique -2025- | Bloc Québécois […]

The English leader's debate and a debate about the notwithstanding clause

Elections BC annual reports are out! And the federal election sees foreign interference allegations and ample policy.

BC repeals the carbon tax and parts of bill 7. Candidates get replaced and policy starts dropping.

The campaign is off to an uninspiring start but I guess we're guaranteed some tax cuts.

Bill 7 proves controversial and Mark Carney sets to trigger the election.

Canada has a new Prime Minister! Plus Andrew Reeve, former Press Secretary and Deputy Director of Communications for BC's Official Opposition joins the pod to discuss the shrinking BC Conservative Caucus and whether the “Free Enterprise Coalition” has a future in BC. Links

The BC Budget has already been forgotten amid the escalating trade war.