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.
Shuffling silver linings
Another NDP MLA faces down a cancer diagnosis, more MPs announce their resignations and the Greens kick of their leadership race.
Links
B.C. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey announces she has cancer | Vancouver Sun Brenda Baily statement Premier announces three cabinet changes 1-time settlement 'windfall' means B.C.'s deficit last year was $3B less than expected | CBC News Liberal MP Shaun Chen to resign over health concerns - The Globe and Mail Liberal MP's travel documents show claims he voted on bills while in China are false | CBC News Ontario Conservative MP Larry Brock set...Saved by a shambolic opposition
What's happening with the BC Conservatives and who will win the next round of federal byelections.
Links
Rob Shaw: BC Conservatives urged to stop using term 'First Nations'
Findlay says ‘no directive’ to B.C. Conservatives on First Nations terminology | Victoria News
Executive director of BC Conservatives is out as Kerry-Lynne Findlay reshapes party leadership - The Globe and Mail
Jas Johal on Conservative talking points
Kerry-Lynne Findlay doesn't deny she called Teresa Wat 'CCP' as B.C. Conservative leader faces more challenges
Jas Johal on M...
Eby’s no Starmer
Links
Former B.C. Liberal MLA says centrist party is the answer for voters tired of 'extremes' | CBC News Is the province cutting SOGI funding in schools? The answer is complicated | CBC News Vancouver-Quilchena Recall Petition Unsuccessful | Elections BC Recall campaign against Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie fails: Elections B.C. | CBC News Province would consider selling B.C. Place to Whitecaps: Kahlon The pipeline, the politics, the fallout: who's up, who's down after Alberta to B.C. project announcement - Angus Reid Institute Carney slammed over lack of Gordie Howe bridge opening deal details | CBC News Gordie Howe...Principles of convenience
A floor crosser, a Conservative party shakeup, and Eby inks a pipeline deal as Ontario burns.
Links
Penticton-Summerland MLA Amelia Boultbee joins the BC NDP - Castanet.net JONESIE: We need to talk about MLA Amelia Boultbee | iNFOnews.ca Kerry-Lynne Findlay Announces Shadow Cabinet | Conservative Party of British Columbia Veteran mediator Vince Ready to step in to try to end B.C. nurses' dispute B.C. government may have no choice but to spend more to settle with nurses, experts say Minister’s statement on Squamish to 100 Mile rail corridor U.S. company believes it can pr...David Eby has lost touch
Links
Highway linking Vancouver to Prince Rupert proposed by construction company | CBC News The Long Quest to Merge Victoria and Saanich Hits a Roadblock | The Tyee Critics blast government plan to 'bail out' sagging condo sector in B.C. | CBC News Carney-Eby housing deal met with mixed reactions and desire for more detail Premier Eby on B.C. condo purchase proposal: 'We don't have to do it' Carney announcing decision on future of 24 Sussex in coming weeks: sources | CBC News Carney to announce fundraising campaign, design competition to restore 24 Sussex: source | CBC News Feds push to have 3 northern...Big Dam Power Plans
Links
Province 'seriously' considering 4th hydro dam in northeast B.C., plus one on Sunshine Coast: minister | CBC News B.C. Hydro cancels plan to phase out gas-powered generation as electricity gap looms Province nixes deal with contractor on George Massey Tunnel replacement | CBC News Massey Tunnel replacement could cost as much as $11 billion, local official says Adviser makes recommendations to help the district increase its housing supply Canada and British Columbia forge new partnership to accelerate homebuilding, lower costs, and build new local infrastructure Ottawa, B.C. to spend $3.2-billion to cut homebuilding fees and convert unsold...Not a teflon premier
Polls aren’t good for David Eby, centrists think it's time for a return, Carney wants to ban kids from social media and the Greens kick off their leadership race.
Links
Surging Conservatives Tie New Democrats in British Columbia – Research Co. BC Conservatives Take Narrow Lead as Housing Costs, Health Care, and the Economy Shape Voter Priorities Premiers’ Performance: Eby, Smith, and Ford each tumble to new lows approval - Angus Reid Institute B.C. centrists seek to revive provincial Liberal brand in wake of Conservative leadership race - The Globe and Mail Vaughn Palmer: Activist Chris...Oldest and craziest candidate wins
Kerry-Lynne Findlay is the new leader of the official opposition, we learn how much FIFA will cost and Carney goes in on AI and out on taxing Netflix and changing environmental assessment laws.
Links
Kerry-Lynne Findlay elected new leader of B.C. Conservatives | CBC https://conservativebc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-05-30-Conservative-Party-of-BC-Leadership-Results.pdf B.C. MLA Jordan Kealy charged with sexual assault in Fort St. John | CBC News Province, Vancouver, PavCo update cost projections for FIFA World Cup 2026 Costs to host FIFA World Cup 2026 in BC $685M to $729M - Business in Vancouver FIFA releases thousands...Deftless handling
The legislature goes on summer break but not before the government concedes its case against the fired Victoria School Trustees or the Yaletown overdose prevention site. Canada makes a deal to sell LNG to Germany, and Guilebeault calls it quits eventually.
Note: If we said something about age limits for FHSAs, we didn't. You heard wrong.
Links
End of spring session Shannon breaks down bill 9’s passage Who voted for K’omoks treaty Firefighter's health act Opposition MLA's bill set to make dashcams mandatory for commercial trucks in B.C. | CBC News M-245 Minister’s stat...Shades of blue
We were going to talk about more things and then we spent 45 minutes on the BC Conservative leadership race, so enjoy the deep dive. Plus Carney gives Alberta a pipeline and they still plan to hold a referendum on whether to hold a separation referendum.
Links
2026 Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership election - Wikipedia Iain Black Caroline Elliott Kerry-Lynne Findlay Yuri Fulmer Peter Milobar Kerry-Lynne Findlay facing federal election probe - Business in Vancouver B.C. names Site C dam after late premier John Horgan | CBC News Carney, Smith reach energy agreement that could see...A plan to plan for a country
The first recall campaign kicks off, nurses vote to strike and Carney launches discussion papers.
Links
OneBC's Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie to face recall petition | CBC News Past petitions Recall Dallas Brodie Recall Tara Armstrong B.C. nurses union votes for strike action in landslide - The Globe and Mail BC Conservatives revoke Boultbee’s party membership | News | pentictonherald.ca Ottawa begins consultations on strategy to double Canada’s grid capacity by 2050 - The Globe and Mail Powering Canada Strong: A National Strategy for an Electrified Canadian Economy Ottawa proposes suite of measures to streamline project appr...One point trend
Pick your pollster, party fundraising, a legislative all-nighter, a new Governor General
Links
BC Politics: Still-leaderless BC Conservatives open 10-point lead over NDP amid DRIPA uncertainty
B.C. Politics: NDP Holds Narrow Lead as Housing, Health Care, and Deficit Concerns Keep Pressure on Government, Leger Poll
2026 First Quarter Interim Financial Reports Available | Elections BC
B.C. premier calls allegations that cabinet minister was target of investigation false - The Globe and Mail
Politicians were up all night debating B.C.’s Bill 9. Why does it matter so mu...
White Cap-sizing Hospitals
Links:
Formal offer made to relocate Vancouver Whitecaps to Las Vegas: report | CBC News Rob Shaw: B.C. wrestles with the rising cost of FIFA World Cup, as Whitecaps also ask for support Province cancels Burnaby Hospital agreement - Freshet News B.C. cancels contracts for delayed long-term care facilities, hospital expansion, amid growing uncertainty | CBC News 'Left with half of our hospital': B.C. gov't cancels contract for Phase 2 of Burnaby Hospital redevelopment Court shoots down lawsuit over B.C. legal profession regulatory overhaul | CBC News Spring Economic Update 2026 - Canada.ca Ottawa’s economic update to sho...The debasement party
Eby changes his DRIPA plans again, and Carney takes charge of committees
Links
B.C. premier says MLA Joan Phillip is ‘very ill,’ asks for prayers - BC | Globalnews.ca B.C. government pulls back on DRIPA suspension again amid First Nations opposition | CBC News Rob Shaw: Eby 'in full panic mode' after latest DRIPA reversal Vaughn Palmer: B.C. Premier David Eby has learned he is not in charge First Nations file new claims against B.C. government, cite court ruling making UNDRIP enforceable in law Wei Wai Kum, Nine Allied Tribes and Lax Kw'alaams Band...Political Misfortunes
Eby changes his DRIPA plans again, and Carney gets his majority
Links
NDP government to pause DRIPA amendments amid caucus divisions | CBC News Vaughn Palmer: B.C. premier upset courts accepted his use of the word 'must' The problem with DRIPA isn't the courts. It's the Premier. - Khelsilem B.C. tables legislation to ratify Kitselas First Nation Treaty as neighbouring nation calls for pause | CBC News B.C. to implement K'ómoks treaty despite opposition from neighbouring First Nation | CBC News Number of candidates running for leader of B.C. Conservatives has shrunk to 5 B.C...The cheque is in the mail
Elections BC slaps BC United with a fine for election disinformation over the 'Fire John Rustad' campaign from August 2024. The BC Conservatives slap Peter Milobar with a fine for a late deposit. And the NDP kills George Anderson's private members bill but does take some steps toward allowing more housing. Federally, Marilyn Gladu embraces the red and the finance minister continues Canada's oldest tradition.
Links
Elections BC Letter to BC United BC United was secretly behind website calling for Rustad to be fired: Elections BC Rustad says 'dirty trick' by B.C. United may have cost...Just Trust Us Act
New bills, new leaders and controversial trains.
Links
Bill 14 - Forests Statutes Amendment BC Timber Sales to increase fibre access, strengthen long-term forest outcomes, protect jobs
Bill 15 - Environmental Assessment Amendment Amendments improve dispute resolution, transparency, process predictability
Bill 16 - Misc Statutes Amendment Modernizing enforcement, housing, justice tools
Modernizing bylaw enforcement on the University Endowment Lands Updating zero-emission vehicle targets, expanding charging network Readying B.C. to deliver more homes for people in communities Adding new tools to help target organized crimeBill 17 - Municipal Codes of Conduct Improving...
Strongish Freeish Elections
Who’s up, who’s down and who’s out of the BC Conservatives, the Strong and Free Elections Act and the Auditor General attacks the government once more
Links
BC Leadership Poll: Milobar and Elliott down to the wire B.C. MLA Hon Chan charged with assault and choking, kicked out of Conservative caucus | CBC News B.C. NDP government fires back after Greens accuse AI minister of conflict over investments | CBC News Green MLA Valeriote Disclosure Heritage conservation engagement leads to updated proposals to make the act work better for everyone Montreal-area byelection to use wr...Step 3: Profit
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...
Iran So Far Away
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
The emergence of Carneyism
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...Least worst province
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...Budgets are about not making choices
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...Elbows somewhere
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’ familyThrone speech pays tribute to the people of Tumbler RidgeEby says 2,000 public service jobs cut and counting as B.C. faces $11.2B deficit | CBC NewsSupporting children, youth with disabilities with new programs, more fundingLeader’s Statement: BC Greens Will Not Renew CARGACarney, Ford discussed idea of an early federal election to secure majority, sources say - The Globe and MailConservatives, Liberals in behi...Former and forever Conservative leaders
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 LeaderAbbotsford South MLA Bruce Banman to run for Conservative leadershipBruce BanmanJohn Rustad considering a run for leadership2025 Fourth Quarter Interim Financial Reports Available | Elections BCBC Conservative leader candidate eyes 10-lane George Massey bridge project revival | UrbanizedBC Greens Announce the Resignation of Deputy Leader Dr. Lisa GundersonConservative leadership vote 2026 results: Poilievre easily passes leadership test, receives 87.4 per cent supportThe Conservative Party is overhauling its policy...Weird week with words
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 inJones on grocery pricesKerry-Lynne Findlay is inYuri Fulmer goes after Caroline Elliott’s Liberal donationsPost by @davidebybc.bsky.social - “Treason”B.C. premier says Alberta separatists seeking assistance from U.S. is 'treason' | CBC NewsB.C. attorney general warns against doing deals with ICE, amid pending Pattison saleB.C. extortion wave is ‘terror attack i...The speech heard round the world
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 NewsHeritage Conservation Act changes further delayed over concerns it could halt developmentEby says head of extortion task force needs to demonstrate urgency or step aside...If I go to China, I’m going to see some sights
Links
Former B.C. Liberal minister Iain Black enters B.C. Conservative leadership race | Maple Ridge NewsReconciliation critic Caroline Elliott seeks to head BC Conservatives | Vancouver Sun'I'm in': Caroline Elliott confirms run for B.C. Conservative leadership - Richmond News2025 BC Green Party Leadership Contestant Financing Reports Available | Elections BCMinister’s statement on status of the decriminalization pilot programDecriminalizing people who use drugs in B.C. (reports) - Province of British ColumbiaB.C. officially ends decriminalization pilot project after concerns about public drug useWhat Canada failed to learn from drug decriminalization in Portugal - Canadian AffairsCarney's 1st day in...2026 is off to a start
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 ratingAaron Gunn outKelowna MLA Gavin Dew won't run for B.C. Conservative leadership, citing familyB.C. Conservative Party forms committee to select new leader | CBC NewsHarman Bhangu says he will 'most likely' run for leadership of B.C. Conservatives – Energeticcity.caKamloops MLA Milobar considering run at B.C. Conservative leadership - CastanetKamloops.netB.C...John Horgan In His Own Words with Rod Mickleburgh
We speak with journalist Rod Mickleburgh about his new book
A second MP has left the Cons
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...
Professionally incapacitated
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 SunRob Shaw: Behind the morning of manoeuvres that unravelled Rustad’s leadershipBrad Zubyk out as opposition leader Chief of StaffCanada-Alberta Memorandum of UnderstandingRob Shaw: Ottawa's messaging for B.C. pipeline gets even more co...Is there someone Carney forgot to ask?
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 patientsB.C. says Mental Health Act changes intended to help nurses, but critics concerned | CBC NewsCanada’s Drug Laws Face Challenge from Founders of Vancouver Compassion ClubRob Shaw: B.C. abandons compassion club it funded as founders face drug convictionsA human rights-based approach to the to...It's curtains for the Conservatives
David Eby gets a respectable 82% at his convention. More BC Conservative riding associations call out Rustad's leadership, with one opting to cease operations. BC releases new economic targets while scrapping its EV goals. Pipeline politics renewed. And federally the Budget passes thanks to everyone but the Bloc.
Links
David Eby and BC NDP focused on working together and fighting for people at 2025 ConventionEsquimalt-Colwood B.C. Conservatives end riding association - Victoria Times ColonistMore riding associations call out RustadRustad in troubleRevolt within B.C. Conservatives swells against leader John Rustad | Nanaimo News BulletinProcedural twist becoming common in...Nation Building of Good Vibes and Sour Grapes
David Eby hopes to keep his job at the BCNDP convention, Mark Carney unveils the next set of major projects and Yves Engler finally attempts to join the NDP leadership race.
Links
BC
Rob Shaw: Eby working to shore up support ahead of leadership review
Rob Shaw: BC NDP policy buffet features everything from free transit to ICBC pet insurance
Canada
Carney unveils major projects he wants fast-tracked, including new mines, LNG and hydro development | CBC News?
Projects referred to the MPO - Major Projects O...
The Ostrich of Bay Street
Third quarter fundraising numbers aren't enough to save John Rustad or the ostriches. While David Eby puts his elbows firmly down in the trade war. Federally, the Budget lands with a thud but the opposition parties helped it pass its first confidence tests.
Links
2025 Third Quarter Interim Financial Reports Available | Elections BC Letter from BC Conservative volunteersHundreds of ostriches at B.C. farm to be killed after top court dismisses appeal to stop cull | CBCMarksmen complete cull at B.C. ostrich farm, CFIA says | CBC NewsB.C. won’t run ads targeting U.S. homeowners after Ont...We'd all be speaking German now
BC's strike ends with agreement, Alberta's with animosity. David Eby threatens an election and Mark Carney mulls the inevitability of one.
Links
Striking B.C. public service workers announce tentative deal with province | CBC NewsBCGEU says tentative agreement reached in historic strike | Globalnews.caHow an all-night mediation session sealed the tentative deal between BCGEU and provincehttps://x.com/katiederosayyj/status/1983639248860541068?t=P7O51eDI34UB3ZAcuceebw&s=19B.C. premier prepared to call early election if bill for North Coast Transmission Line voted down | CBC News'No real recovery' for John Rustad amid dwindling support: Poll | Vancouver...All my critics are crazy terrorists
John Rustad loses a caucus member and seemingly loses his senses. He refuses to resign as leader, even as his baord calls for his ouster. New bills come forward in the legislature and House of Commons touching on powerlines, employment standards and crime. But Pierre Poilievre is also facing rumours of dissension. All while Carney ties to position his upcoming budget.
Links
B.C. Conservative leader faces backlash over handling of MLA's departure | CBC News
John Rustad hunkers down, again, as party board tries to force him out | Vancouver Sun
BC...
What are you doing?
Mass resignations rock Kamloops hospital as a new medical school opens. Strikes continue, with BC's ramping up as CUPW slows down. Federal parties position themselves ahead of the budget, trade is rocky and Canadians want to put nuclear reactors on the moon.
Links
Seven OB/GYNs at Kamloops hospital resign, citing unsafe workloads, lack of support - The Globe and MailApplications open, permanent location secured for new SFU medical schoolB.C. government's professional workers to expand strike after talks break down - Victoria Times ColonistBCGEU strike: Restaurant wishes they could purchase alcohol from private store next...Should Be Digging Up
Links
In John Rustad's hunt for a leak, B.C. Conservative MLAs have their phones searched | CBC NewsThe NDP sets a trap. The B.C. Conservatives walk right into it | Vancouver SunB.C. bill that would have stopped puberty blockers defeatedWhite House talks 'successful, positive, substantive,' but no relief on steel just yet, says LeBlanc | CBCCanada has been working for years to prepare for Golden Dome, Air Force general says - The Globe and MailBillionaire Chip Wilson fined $600 for unauthorized election sign targeting B.C. NDP | CBC NewsElections BC Notice of FineFall federal budgets to become the...