PolitiCoast
PolitiCoast is the BC politics podcast. We cover British Columbia, Canadian and sometimes international politics from a West Coast lens. PolitiCoast was launched in October 2016 by Ian Bushfield & Scott de Lange Boom.
Only Moe can go to China
Whoâs afraid of foreign interference? Apparently the BC Green Party. Plus Mark Carney launches a tariff response and picks his first major projects.
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Verification woes cloud B.C. Green party's leadership race - Business in VancouverAll eligible party members will be able to vote in leadership race: B.C. Greens - Mission City RecordKelowna conservative strategist behind AI news site targeting John Rustad | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News SourcePrime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industriesCarney unveils billions in funding, Buy Canadian policy to combat Trump's tariffs | CBC NewsCanada delaying pl...Fast-track the office to build the things
Ian's back from vacation - and there's politics to talk about. BCGEU goes on strike, Poilievre and Eby take aim at the temporary foreign worker program, Poilievre wants stand your ground laws, Carney opens his Major Project Offices and the NDP launch their leadership race.
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BCGEU says its members will begin walking picket lines TuesdayAs BCGEU strike drags on, teachersâ union negotiations simmer in background | Globalnews.caB.C. schools at funding 'crunch point' as districts cut millions from budgets | CBC NewsPoilievre calls on Liberals to scrap the temporary foreign worker programOttawa must cancel or significantly re...Ben Woodfinden
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Ben Woodfinden's WebsiteBen Woodfinden's Twitter/XBen Woodfinden's SubstackGreen Party Leadership Interviews
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Official Campaign Websites:
Emily Lowan
Adam Bremner-Akins
Jonathan Kerr
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Referenced polls:
British Columbians Back Mandatory Voting and Spring Ballots â Research Co
The Greens' Choice
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Ryan's SubstackB.C. to appeal landmark Aboriginal title ruling over Fraser River land in Metro Vancouver | CBC NewsMajor land claims ruling says B.C. Indigenous group has claim to a portion of city and port lands - The Globe and MailCanada's voting system is constitutional, Ontario Court of Appeal rules | CBC NewsBlue Grit Honeymoon
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Carney suggests he's considering rescinding Online News Act | National PostWrite-in ballots to be used in Alberta byelection due to record number of candidates | CBC NewsDavid Moscrop's SubstackLet's nuke Oak Bay
A mining rescue operation, ultimatums for Oak Bay & West Van, an even bigger ballot and First Ministers meet.
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Rescue operation underway for 3 miners trapped underground at northern B.C. mine | CBC NewsUnderground mine where workers trapped was on BC fast-track list | Canada's National Observer: Climate News Update (after recording): Rescued workers being reunited with families after 60 hours trapped in B.C. mine | CBC NewsDirectives issued to get more homes built in Oak Bay, West VancouverDrug body members quit after decision reversal on funding for treatment of girl with rare diseaseData reveals dramatic spike in patients l...Feet in the file
A cabine shuffle, a drug decision flip-flop and Poilievre's struggle for relevancy.
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Updated cabinet sworn in to meet the needs of British Columbians in a changing world B.C. cuts Metro Vancouver developers a break from soaring fees, backstopped by $250 million in federal cashB.C. quietly expands scope of Bill 14 to include all future wind and solar - Terrace StandardB.C. improves HOV-lane access for EV driversHealth minister upholds decision to deny rare-disease funds for B.C. girl - The Globe and MailB.C.'s premiere responds to experts on treatment for Langford's Charleigh PollockRob S...The first rule of the BC Green Leadership race is donât talk about the BC Green Leadership race
The BC Greens are actually having a leadership race with (at least) three candidates. FIFA is disrupting the courts and future community events may need risk assessments. BC's urgent infrastructure act is going to a year-long consultation process while the feds eye projects for their act. Carney caves on digital services taxes and Trump threatens tariffs anyway. The Battle River-Crowfoot byelection has been called and so has the federal NDP leadership race.
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BC Green Party Leadership Race 2025: A New Era
Comox councillor steps forward as leadership candidate for B.C. Greens | Vancouver...
Quote-unquote blackmail
The BC Conservatives didn't mean to politicize "blackmail" accusations against their political rivals. The BCNDP and federal government face further criticism over the BC Ferries order. And (most) NATO allies commit to spending unseen amounts on military build-ups.
(Sorry for the re-upload)
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Rustad wonders if he should have made 'blackmail' claim after Opposition caucus meets | CBC NewsRustad says staff won't give RCMP 'blackmail' statement as leadership vote begins - Richmond NewsFederal infrastructure bank provided $1-billion in loans for BC Ferries to buy Chinese-made ships - The Globe and MailTories call for hearing on $1..."Blackmail"
The BC Conservatives didn't mean to politicize "blackmail" accusations against their political rivals. The BCNDP and federal government face further criticism over the BC Ferries order. And (most) NATO allies commit to spending unseen amounts on military build-ups.
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Rustad wonders if he should have made 'blackmail' claim after Opposition caucus meets | CBC NewsRustad says staff won't give RCMP 'blackmail' statement as leadership vote begins - Richmond NewsFederal infrastructure bank provided $1-billion in loans for BC Ferries to buy Chinese-made ships - The Globe and MailTories call for hearing on $1-billion federal loan for BC Ferriesâ pu...Henry VIII Clauses
David Eby doesn't have to like China building our new ferries, so long as they get built. John Rustad accuses former colleagues of trying to blackmail his staff. And the BC Greens still exist even if no one is officially running for their leadership.
Federally, Carney's big infrastructure bill passes with Conservative support despite some pushback from the rest of the opposition and some Liberals. They also introduced a new old cybersecurity bill. At the G7, they announced money for Ukraine and talked up trade with the USA. The Coast Guard may, or may not, be armed...
One More BC Party
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B.C. Independent MLAs start new party to 'combat the globalist assault'Kelowna MLA part of new BC political partyOneBC - Party WebsiteKealy confirms no involvement with new party created by fellow ex-ConservativesJordan Kealy tweetBC Privacy Office Forced to Obtain Court Order for FOI Request | The TyeeBC Ferries selects shipyard to construct four New Major VesselsBacklash mounts over BC Ferries' deal with Chinese shipyardNew federal legislation would cut internal trade barriers, advance ânation-buildingâ projects - The Globe and MailGovernment of Canada introduces legislation to build One Canadian EconomyCarney shows his hand on infrastructure and trade bill | Canada's National Obse...It's not 2015 anymore
Kelowna General Hospital's pediatric ward is closed, which is very bad. Meanwhile our premier is in Asia while the other premiers met with Mark Carney.
In Ottawa, the Throne Speech passes quietly in the night despite the NDP's pledge to vote against. And the Liberals introduce their first bills, including a major border and security state overhaul bill.
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Pediatric unit at Kelowna hospital to close for at least 6 weeks amid doctor shortage | CBC NewsKelowna General Hospital doctors warn of 'collapse' of primary maternity care coverage | CBC NewsB.C. health officials were warned of...The Canadian King's Speech
The BC Legislature wraps up its spring sitting with a couple rare private members bills passing, as well as the NDP's two controversial infrastructure bills. Federally, King Charles himself delivered Mark Carney's first Throne Speech but did so without the crown.
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Spring legislative session focuses on standing strong for B.C., growing economyB.C. MLAs banned from holding municipal office after bill passes | CBC News MLAs who are now less employedB.C. Conservative MLA's private member's bill on perinatal, postnatal mental health care passes | CBC.caB.C. NDP government narrowly passes controversial bills to fast-track p...Sovereignty by any other name
BC hires then fires a DTES czar, Carney releases the mandate letter to rule them all and Danielle Smith plays with fire.
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B.C. scraps controversial appointment of Downtown Eastside 'czar' | CBC NewsLiberals will table a budget this fall, Prime Minister Mark Carney says | CBC NewsMandate Letter | Prime Minister of CanadaCanada wants to join Golden Dome missile-defence program, Trump says | CBC NewsPrime Minister Carney pressed on housing pricesHousing Policy Is Mark Carney's Mission: ImpossibleAlberta separatist group releases proposed referendum question, plans to push for vote this yearWhat if Alberta did vote to leave? - by...Pick your cabinet better
Remember that leaked safe supply presentation? The Director of Policing Services does as the RCMP questions BC Conservative MLA Elanore Sturko over the leak, while Solicitor General Garry Begg flubbs questions about the appropriateness of such investigations. BC is also considering ways to fund Translink but congestion pricing is already off the table. And are the BC Greens having a leadership race if no one joins it?
Federally, Mark Carney unveils his cabinet, or "ministry", with a mix of ministers and secretaries of state. And a few ministers are already off to a not great start. They...
Canada Is Not For Sale
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FNLC Questions Regressive, Conflated Infrastructure Projects Act; Alarmed by Provinceâs Backsliding on Reconciliation Efforts - UBCICFar from cutting red tape, B.C. NDP fast-tracking law hands big overriding powers to cabinetRob Shaw: NDP's infrastructure fix risks derailing Indigenous reconciliationB.C. government appoints former chief justice to review festival safety measures | CBC NewsB.C. premier steps over a line in condemnation of Lapu Lapu Day driver | Vancouver Sun  BC: Conservatives Lead NDP, 47% to 45%2025 First Quarter Interim Financial Reports Available | Elections BCProvince takes energy action to electrify economy, increase resilienceKing Charles III to open Parliament at end of May...The Two Party Election
You can donate to support the victims and survivors of the Lapu-Lapu attack at: Â Filipino BC - United Way Fundraiser
Public invited to sign condolence books for victims of Lapu-Lapu Festival attack
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Elections Canada: Election Night Results - NationalCanada federal election 2025 live results | CBC NewsAn emotional Singh steps down with NDP set to lose party status | CBC NewsâThat number is arbitraryâ: NDP to fight for official party status despite only 7 seatsB.C.âs NDP premier says heâs not interested in Jagmeet Singhâs jobPedneault's Resignation LetterGreen Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault resignsGreen Partyâs Eli...The Most Canadian Election
Platforms
Liberals - Canada Strong | Liberal Party of Canada
Conservatives - Canada First. For a Change
NDP - Made for People. Built for Canada.
Green - Plans â Green Party Of Canada
Bloc - Plateforme politique -2025- | Bloc Québécois
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Estimate of Turnout at Advance Polls Now Available â Elections CanadaCost Estimates - 45th General ElectionConservatives, Liberals called out over lack of 'prudence' in platformsConservatives update platform to include omitted 'anti-woke' promise | CBC NewsPoilievre may lose his Ottawa-area riding as Liberals poised to sweep the region...The debate commission lost the debate
There was a debate but more importantly we had plenty of debates about the debate given the kerfuffle that was this entire affair. The Conservatives bring up invoking the notwithstanding clause again and the BCNDP consider making it easier to drive.
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Debates commission defends inviting Greens despite party's candidate shortage | CBC NewsGreen Party dropped from leaders' debates for not running enough candidates | CBC NewsPost-debate press scrum scrapped at last minute over lack of âproper environmentâ - The Globe and MailRight-wing media including Rebel News dominate post-debate news conferences | Radio-Canada.caFederal debates chief says he was unaw...Read the law before proposing to change it
It's like Christmas for political nerds as we have annual reports from Elections BC and tons of policy coming fast from the parties. Plus allegations China and India are meddling in our politics (again).
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2024 Annual Financial Reports Available | Elections BCÂ
Demoractic reform committee
Premier directs government to cancel American contracts wherever viable
Province, mayors pledge stable, expanded transit services in Metro Vancouver Â
Election interference watchdog detects Beijing effort to influence Chinese Canadians on Carney - The Globe and Mail
Carney says he had never hea...
The candidate shuffle
The carbon tax is gone. The dictator clauses of Bill 7 are gone. BC gets a credit downgrade. And we have a new political party on the scene!
In the federal election, the Liberals drop candidates (some after some delay) and the Conservatives drop more. The Cons wheels come off and policies abound.
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Gas prices tumble across B.C. after carbon tax lifted in late-night legislative session | CBC News
David Eby walks back key portion of proposed B.C. tariff response legislation following backlash | CBC News
Rob Shaw: Fixes...
Still campaigning like it's 2024
If you watched the first week of the federal election campaign, you might now realize we're in an unprecedented trade war with the largest economy in the world.
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Federal election campaign begins, with leaders pitching themselves as best option amid trade tensions - The Globe and MailCanada election: Cancelled debate steals the campaign show from taxes and housing | CBCElections CanadaRedrawn ridings could give Conservatives an advantage, say pollstersNepean's Mark Carney surprise further disrupts the local race | CBC NewsFormer B.C. cabinet minister Mike de Jong set to run in federal election as an independent...The guv goes to the polls
The BC Government continues to face backlash over its tariff response bill. Who knew unlimited power for the executive would be controversial? Plus the province ends subsidies for Tesla products, the carbon tax and its secondary-suite loan program. Federally, now-Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to call an election hours before the House of Commons is scheduled to resume. The Liberals have largely turned their fortunes around and are attracting all kinds of star candidates. The Conservatives, meanwhile, are on the defensive and the NDP are talking defense.
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The BC NDP should reconsider Bill 7...Free Enterprise Fractures
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3 former B.C. Conservative MLAs, who will sit as Independents, say party has been captured by 'woke liberals' | CBC NewsThree B.C. Conservative rebels will sit as Independents as they âexploreâ new party - The Globe and MailNew tools allow B.C. to rapidly respond to U.S. tariffsB.C. government introduces legislation giving itself sweeping powers to deal with U.S. trade threats | CBC NewsPremierâs statement on removing all U.S. alcohol from BCLIQUOR storesB.C. looks to attract U.S. doctors and nurses with pitch to fast-track credentials and planned recruitment campaign - The Globe...A budget about nothing
Listen, we were mad at John Horgan for years for continually making big announcements on Fridays after we'd recorded. So now it's our turn to be mad at John Rustad and the BC Conservatives for their caucus implosion that happened after we recorded this latest episode. But we still had lots to talk about with David Eby's first budget since the election, the BC Conservative AGM and the state of the ongoing tariff trade war with the USA.
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BC BudgetHistory on Olympic Village school announcementsPremier announces new measures to defend B.C. from Trump tariffs J...Cantankerous caucus
A rough week for the Conservatives as Rustad struggles to keep his cantankerous caucus under control. Meanwhile, the NDP face criticism over a land deal signed before the election but only announced recently. Federally, the Liberals kick Ruby Dhalla out of the race as the remaining four candidates square off in French and English while releasing their full platforms.
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BC Conservative backs lawyer in Law Society residential school row | Vancouver SunConservative Surrey MLA defends Pink Shirt Day social media post - The Chilliwack ProgressB.C. Conservatives deny rift after 5 MLAs vote against anti-Trump motion...BC goes to war
The BC Legislature returns with a Speech from the Throne that's big on war rhetoric but thin on substance. The first two bills are introduced as a poll shows the NDP with a healthy lead. At the same time, the NDP introduced changes to address pharmacy kickbacks and opioid diversion allegations. Federally, we (Ontario & Quebec) are getting high speed rail (maybe, eventually) and the CBC will be reformed and funded (maybe, eventually). We also have some fundraising numbers for the federal Liberal leadership race and policy from Mark Carney and the also-rans. And it looks like Ruby Dhalla is...
Mr Eby goes to Washington
The premiers go to Washington to speak to the assistant to the President. BC cancels the NDP's signature $1000 rebate as unions come to the table. Federally, we have a fentanyl czar, new Conservative branding, policy from the NDP and from the Liberal leadership contenders.
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White House official says he 'never agreed' Canada won't be 51st state in meeting with premiers | CBC NewsB.C. cancels $1,000 grocery rebate, pauses hiring over tariff threats | Vancouver SunUnions and BC Government Gear Up for Tough Negotiations | The TyeeCanada's fentanyl czar lays out his goal: Stop the drug from crossing U...Carbon tax election grief
Canada and BC respond to the tariff threat, which gets delayed another month. Pharmacies under investigation. BC United refuses to die. Liberal leadership candidates pitch policies, Conservatives consider communication changes and fundraising numbers.
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Premier announces immediate response, vows to defend B.C. against Trump tariffsB.C. fast-tracking 18 resource projects to reduce reliance on United States | CBC NewsLooming U.S. tariffs layer a threat on top of B.C.'s economic malaise | Vancouver Sun (maybe?) New legislation will accelerate B.C. renewable energy projectsMinister's statement on Richmond supportive housing  Special investigation finds some 60 pharmacies accused in kic...It's hard being a small party
The BC Greens kick off a long leadership race, the federal Liberals race narrows and the foreign interference commission reports. Plus: Election spending reports, tariff threats, advisors for Oak Bay, West Van and the Victoria School Board.
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Sonia Furstenau stepping down as B.C. Green Party leader | CBC News2024 Provincial General Election Financing Reports AvailableCoquitlam MLA is fined $500 for not filing election paperworkElections BC suspends probe into Conservative claims of vote violationsNew cabinet committee will protect B.C.'s economy from tariff threatB.C. appoints advisers for West Vancouver and Oak Bay, slams progress on...Seven Liberals Enter, One Will Leave as Prime Minister
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7 Liberal leadership candidates say they've submitted nomination papers as deadline passes | CBC NewsKarina Gould pitches policies as she officially enters race for Liberal leadership'Canadians have lost trust in our party,' Liberal leadership hopeful says while taking a swipe at Trudeau | CBC NewsThe Next Generation of the Liberal Party of Canada â Karina GouldLiberal leadership launches: Freeland pledges tariff fight, Gould pitches carbon tax freeze - National | Globalnews.caFreeland would scrap capital gains tax changes if elected Liberal leader: source | CBC NewsParty Renewal Plan | Leadership CampaignTrump reiterates Feb. 1 tariff deadline, muddying timeline for trade action - POLITICOTrump tells Wo...Liberal's last gasp
Candidates drop left, right and centre (mostly the latter two) from the leadership race. Now only Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland remain as everyone seems to take their sweet time. Well, there are a few others expressing interest but TBD if they make the cutoff. And this all comes as the provincial and federal governments find strategize to manage the incoming Trump administration's tariff threats.
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Mark CarneyFreeland to announce Liberal leadership bid within the next weekLiberal leadership race: Field of candidates narrows in the race to replace Justin Trudeau  Cape Breton MP Jaime Battiste seeks to...Trudover
The race is on to potentially be the shortest serving Prime Minister in Canadian history after Justin Trudeau announced his intention to resign following an abbreviated Liberal leadership race and a prorogation of Parliament. Meanwhile, the BC Conservatives are literally relitigating the last BC election.
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Read Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation speech in full | CBC News Trudeau says abandoning electoral reform is his biggest regret. Here's how it happened | CBC NewsNDP source says voters can expect an 'unfiltered' Singh in election campaign | CBC NewsCRA to continue with capital tax changes despite prorogation: finance departmentLiberal Party o...This government's time is up (and new year's predictions)
We're back to score our 2024 predictions, make some for 2025 and catch up on the latest federal political drama.
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Prime Minister announces changes to the Ministry
Former Liberal cabinet minister Marco Mendicino not seeking re-election | CBC News
Quebec Liberal caucus wants Trudeau to resign: sources | CBC News
Atlantic Liberal caucus calls for Trudeau to step down as leader | CBC News
Ontario Liberal MPs want Justin Trudeau to step down: sources | CBC News
Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal calls for Trudeau to step down, and for...
Trudeau's final chapter
A bombshell resignation by  Chrystia Freeland has turbocharged the likelihood we're witnessing the final days of Justin Trudeau's Prime Ministership. Plus the BC NDP and Greens sign a new confidence and supply agreement. We also get a peak  at the province and country's finances. And another byelection goes badly for the Liberals.
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Sean Fraser to leave federal cabinet as PMO pushes to add Mark Carney | CBC NewsTrudeau says he wonât quit but will reflect on events in wake of Freelandâs resignation - The Globe and MailChrystia Freelandâs letterDominic LeBlanc sworn in as finance...Conservative Caucus Cracks
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Rift in B.C. Conservative caucus deepens as MLA defies party leader | CBC NewsBC Conservative MLA accused of being a Manchurian candidate, Rustad defends free speech amongst caucusCanadian premiers urge strong response to Trump tariff threat, minister says | ReutersEby says 'nothing's off the table' in responding to Trump's tariff threatsPremier David Eby vows accountability after Small Business BC bankruptcySmall Business BC files for bankruptcyB.C. announces 9 new wind projects to power equivalent of 500,000 homes | CBC NewsWind energy in B.C. now exempt from environmental assessment | The Narwhal Trudeauâs office at odds with Finance Minister Freeland over GST...He posts and we deal with it
Health issues for NDP MLAs and MPs. Polling suggests the GST holiday lands with a thud. Foreign interference in the Conservative Party. Trudeau meets with Trump and looks at further immigration and gun control reforms.
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Children and Family Development Minister Grace Lore steps down to undergo cancer treatment | CBC NewsNDP MP Randall Garrison to step down due to health reasons - The Globe and Mail  Canadian Politics: December 2024 - LegerAgents of Indian government interfered in Patrick Brown's Conservative leadership campaign: sources | CBC NewsPatrick Brown says Indian diplomat made an 'angry' call to his Conservative campaign ch...Ep 400 - Eby must wait rebate
David Eby's new cabinet is sworn in. John Rustad bestows opposition roles. But the legislature won't meet till February. Federally, we have a GST holiday and $250 gift from Trudeau, if Singh will agree to the terms. And Trump threatens Canada and Mexico with 25% tariffs on everything.
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New Chief of staffNew cabinet ready to deliver on the priorities of British ColumbiansAll NDP MLAs receive a new title, and all but one get a raiseBC Conservative shadow cabinet revealed | Radio NL - Kamloops NewsNew Abbotsford West MLA remains on school boardVan Popta to juggle duties as MLA...
