PolitiCoast

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 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 Convention Esquimalt-Colwood B.C. Conservatives end riding association – Victoria Times Colonist More riding associations call out Rustad Rustad in trouble Revolt within B.C. Conservatives swells against leader John Rustad | Nanaimo News Bulletin Procedural twist becoming common in B.C. legislature over provocative private member’s bill Elenore Sturko wants legislative amendment to change Interpretation Act | Surrey Now-Leader Delivering prosperity, good jobs for B.C., Canada Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada – Province of British Columbia Kirk LaPointe: The fault lines in B.C.’s ‘Go West’ economic plan – Victoria Times Colonist Provinces sign agreement to drop interprovincial trade barriers on goods except food, alcohol | CBC News Lifting trade barriers, making it easier to buy Canadian B.C. brings in measures to support EV adoption, auto sector, while awaiting federal decision B.C. backs proposal to increase capacity for Trans Mountain pipeline – The Globe and Mail Ottawa, Alberta close to deal that includes oil pipeline to B.C. coast, sources say – The Globe and Mail B.C Conservatives talking with Alberta on pipeline: Rustad Minority Liberals narrowly survive high-stakes confidence vote, fending off holiday election How the Conservatives helped pass Carney’s budget, avoiding an election | CBC News Freeland expected to work out of U.K. for new role as Rhodes Trust CEO – The Globe and Mail Chrystia Freeland tasked with tapping Canadian businesses to help rebuild Ukraine

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 Office – Canada.ca Major Projects Office: Second tranche of projects under consideration – Canada.ca Prime Minister Carney announces second tranche of nation-building projects referred to the Major Projects Office Canadian military will rely on public servants to boost its ranks | Ottawa Citizen Top soldier has second thoughts about public servants in reserves | Ottawa Citizen Carney government reduces savings targets for some departments, agencies | Politics | thecanadianpressnews.ca Left-wing activist Yves Engler applies to join NDP leadership race – The Globe and Mail

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 volunteers Hundreds of ostriches at B.C. farm to be killed after top court dismisses appeal to stop cull | CBC Marksmen complete cull at B.C. ostrich farm, CFIA says | CBC News B.C. won’t run ads targeting U.S. homeowners after Ontario backlash – The Globe and Mail Rob Shaw: Eby’s tariff task force ends in a shrug Budget 2025 – Canada.ca   We Expected Little in the Federal Budget on Housing. We Got Less Than Expected. Budget will scrap program to plant two billion trees, source says – The Globe and Mail NDP says abstention is an option on budget vote – The Globe and Mail NDP, Bloc will vote with government on first budget confidence vote Liberal budget clears second confidence hurdle as MPs head into break week | CBC News MP Chris d’Entremont crosses floor to Liberals – The Globe and Mail Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux denies coercion played a role in his resignation | CBC News Poilievre’s Conservatives struggling to stay united, source says, as Carney government survives a second budget vote Financial Returns of Registered Political Parties for the Third Quarter of 2025 Now Online Party supporters ‘tapped out’ as post-election donation dip deepens with Grits and Tories deadlocked at $4M range in third quarter – The Hill Times

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 News BCGEU says tentative agreement reached in historic strike | Globalnews.ca How an all-night mediation session sealed the tentative deal between BCGEU and province https://x.com/katiederosayyj/status/1983639248860541068?t=P7O51eDI34UB3ZAcuceebw&s=19 B.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 Sun https://leger360.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Media-Release-BC-Gov-Report-Card-Oct-2025.pdf Four psychiatrists in Vernon Jubilee Hospital tender resignation – Castanet.net B.C. Greens want to tie rent increases to units, not tenants – but face uphill battle | CBC News ‘Right now, we don’t have the votes’ to pass federal budget, says Liberal House leader | CBC News Conservative, NDP caucuses weighing a budget vote that could trigger an election: sources | CBC News Bloc Québécois candidate who lost by 1 vote loses bid to have result cancelled | CBC News MPs urge Carney government to release special agency governing documents | CBC News Carney saw Reagan anti-tariff ad before it aired, Ford says – The Globe and Mail Premier Eby says B.C.’s anti-tariff ads, aimed at Americans, will go ahead | Vancouver Sun Is it time Canada had its own space launch capability? The military thinks so ‘Forever Canadian’ petition surpasses goal ‘General strike if necessary’: Alberta unions declare intent to bring down UCP government | Globalnews.ca CBA Alberta Statement on the Use of the Notwithstanding Clause

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 Conservative board letter B.C. MLA’s bill to prohibit land acknowledgements in schools fails 1st reading | CBC News CentreBC News Release – Northern Pipeline – FINAL – 251023.pdf CentreBC Backgrounder – Northern Pipeline – FINAL – 251023.pdf Five conditions secure coastal protection and economic benefits for all British Columbians New legislation powers economy with clean energy, North Coast Transmission Line New B.C. legislation promises power line to unlock northern development – The Globe and Mail British Columbia proposes new power rules for AI, data centres Job-protected medical leave lets workers return to work after serious illness   Education minister ordered to hand over documents related to termination of Greater Victoria School Board trustees Liberals table crime bill to restrict access to bail, impose tougher sentences C-14 (45-1) – LEGISinfo – Parliament of Canada   ‘Pressure will mount in the coming days’ for Pierre Poilievre as signs of discontent emerge within the party following his RCMP claims Poilievre backpedals on RCMP comments after days of pushback – The Globe and Mail I’m a former senior aide to Stephen Harper. Pierre Poilievre is dismantling the principled, trustworthy Conservative Party we tried to build Carney government ‘worried’ its budget won’t pass, triggering a federal election It will take ‘sacrifices’ and ‘some time’ to transform economy, Mark Carney says in pre-budget address to country

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 Mail Applications open, permanent location secured for new SFU medical school B.C. government’s professional workers to expand strike after talks break down – Victoria Times Colonist BCGEU strike: Restaurant wishes they could purchase alcohol from private store next door | Globalnews.ca BC General Employees’ Union BCGEU escalates job action across the province You can expect to see some mail in your mailboxes again, but not on a regular schedule Opposition parties are pitching their own ideas ahead of Carney’s first budget | CBC News Demandes budgétaires du Bloc Québécois : Les moyens pour prendre soin de notre monde Conservatives Announce Youth Jobs Plan, Urge Liberals to Act in Upcoming Budget Automatic tax filing, affordability measures coming in budget, Carney previews Carney hints at easing corporate tax burden in budget – The Globe and Mail The Government’s New Budgeting Approach – PBO’s Initial Assessment   Anand ties India trade talks with restoring Canada’s full cohort of diplomats Ottawa threatens Stellantis with legal action over Brampton plant reversal | CBC News ‘Now is the time to talk’: Carney rules out hitting the U.S. with retaliatory tariffs | CBC News Canada eyes putting nuclear reactors on the moon | CBC News

A bevy of bills get introduced in the BC Legislature, Rustad’s caucus troubles continue and Carney changes his signature legislation. Links In John Rustad’s hunt for a leak, B.C. Conservative MLAs have their phones searched | CBC News  The NDP sets a trap. The B.C. Conservatives walk right into it | Vancouver Sun  B.C. bill that would have stopped puberty blockers defeated  White House talks ‘successful, positive, substantive,’ but no relief on steel just yet, says LeBlanc | CBC  Canada has been working for years to prepare for Golden Dome, Air Force general says – The Globe and Mail  Billionaire Chip Wilson fined $600 for unauthorized election sign targeting B.C. NDP | CBC News Elections BC Notice of Fine Fall federal budgets to become the norm, Champagne says – The Globe and MailLiberals in closed-door talks to boost NDP funding, claim it’s not related to upcoming budget vote Aspiring NDP leader who has raised thousands may be breaking party rules, official says  Yves Engler Fires Back at NDP CEO  Canadian residency, language provisions added to bill on citizenship by descent Conservatives want to end birthright citizenship for children of temporary residents   Public Safety Minister set to table new version of strong borders bill after slew of criticism – The Globe and Mail  Understanding Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act, Bill C-12 BC Legislature Bills:  Bill 17 – Intimate images Stronger protections coming for people affected by intimate-image abuse  Bill 18 – Sexual violence policy Stronger measures will address sexual violence at post-secondary schools  Bill 19 – School Amendment (childcare) Province to remove barriers, make way for more child care at schools  Bill 20 – Construction prompt payment New legislation will ensure prompt payment in B.C.’s construction industry  Bill 21 – AG Statute amendments (2) Introduction of attorney general statutes amendment act (No. 2), 2025 Bill 22 – Statutes Act  Bill 23 – Regulations Act New legislation makes online versions of B.C. laws official (and 22) Bill 24 – Vaping damages New law will hold vape manufacturers accountable for public health costs Rob Shaw: B.C. introduces bill to sue vaping companies for health harms Bill 25 – Housing amendments Introduction of housing and municipal affairs statutes amendment act, 2025 Bill 26 – Vancouver Charter Amendments Vancouver residents will have say on park board’s future – Can save for Cambie report Bill 27 – Misc Statutes (2) New meeting rules will strengthen Indigenous, local government relations and Introduction of miscellaneous statutes amendment act (No. 2), 2025  Bill 28 – Business Practices & Consumer Protection Amendment Stronger tools coming to protect people from credit fraud  Bill 29 – Child, Family & Community Service Amendment Safety planning updated to better support children, families 

The BC Legislature returns on Monday and the NDP aren’t giving us much to be excited about. However, the BC Conservative meltdowns continue with a high profile firing. Alberta is pushing through a pipeline that no one is really asking for, Carney faces budget vote challenges. What constitutes terrorism in the government’s eyes? Apparently Irish rappers and Indian gangs. And the NDP race has some candidates now. Links NDP house leader says B.C. gov’t plans to pass 18 bills during fall session | CBC News Rustad Fires Lindsay Shepherd for Residential School Comments | The Tyee Rob Shaw: Local shipyards could have built some BC Ferries ships rather than China, says leaked report Alberta to draw up proposal for new oil pipeline to B.C. coast by May – The Globe and Mail David Eby response Blanchet says upcoming budget has ‘no legitimacy,’ Bloc unlikely to support it Davies meets with Carney as he calls on the Liberals to tackle ‘job crisis’ in upcoming budget – iPolitics Is Irish hip-hop trio Kneecap still banned from entering Canada? Were they ever? It’s unclear | CBC News Canada lists India’s Bishnoi Gang as terrorist entity – The Globe and Mail Ottawa launches Defence Investment Agency to streamline procurement – The Globe and Mail World’s first AI minister will eliminate corruption, says Albania’s PM ‘Eat the rich’: Rob Ashton joins race to lead federal NDP Edmonton MP Heather McPherson enters NDP leadership race | CBC News NDP leadership candidate McPherson stands by ‘purity test’ remarks after criticism from fellow MP Heather McPherson Avi Lewis for NDP Leader Rob Ashton Tanille Johnston Yves Engler for NDP Leader Tony McQuail Green Progressive 2026 Current leadership contestants – Elections Canada *

When it comes to leadership numbers, 70% is bad if you’re John Rustad but 60% is great if you’re Emily Lowan. Mark Carney is under fire for the gun buypack, recognition of Palestine and changes to Canada Post. Links John Rustad survives B.C. Conservative leadership review with 71% support | CBC News ‘No chains’: Elenore Sturko speaks out after ousting from B.C. Conservative caucus | CBC News Inside the BC Conservative Crisis | The Tyee Emily Lowan Elected Leader of the BC Green Party BC Greens elect Emily Lowan as new party leader Opposition leaders offer very different visions for B.C. at UBCM | CBC News OneBC interim leader in favour of defunding non-profits to incentivize recovery focus – Castanet.net   Supreme Court of Canada grants stay on ostrich cull Ostrich farmers hope for ‘miracle’ as CFIA moves to cull flock over avian flu Public safety minister’s ‘misguided’ comments in leaked audio undermined the Liberals’ gun buyback program, critics charge Carney government cancels plan to send buyback rifles to Ukraine after ‘extremely limited interest’ Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Canada’s recognition of the State of Palestine Feds to launch review of Canada Post as Crown corp. continues to face financial hurdles Liberal government frees Canada Post to end home delivery, close some post offices | CBC News Canada Post workers on nationwide strike after government demands reforms | CBC News   Photo credit: BC Green Party

Does foreign interference include the afterlife? Because dead people are signing up for the BC Conservatives, which really isn’t helping their reputation. Also Eby goes to Ottawa as our deficit climbs higher and higher. And in Ottawa, Carney shakes up our foreign affairs approach, launches a public sector builder and promises a new budget. But nothing ever changes with the Green Party of Canada. Links Rob Shaw: Phantom BC Conservatives cast shadow over Rustad’s leadership review – Business in Vancouver Allegations of fake sign-ups, ballot stuffing cloud B.C. Conservative leadership review | CBC News BC Conservatives treasurer resigns B.C. economy in strong position to weather global trade uncertainty B.C. budget deficit jumps to $11.6B, upward trend now expected to continue – Greater Victoria News Eby travels to Ottawa to lobby Carney for B.C. major projects funding Carney, Sheinbaum sign deal to deepen economic ties Mark Carney set to shake things up with diplomatic appointments, staff moves Former justice minister David Lametti to leave Prime Minister’s Office: sources | CBC News Freeland to serve as Canada’s special representative for Ukraine, exit cabinet – The Globe and Mail Build Canada Homes Prime Minister Carney launches Build Canada Homes to supercharge homebuilding across the country Carney allots $13-billion to build affordable housing under Build Canada Homes – The Globe and Mail Carney government to table first budget on Nov. 4 | CBC News May asks to stay on as Green leader after saying she would step aside – National | Globalnews.ca

Who’s afraid of foreign interference? Apparently the BC Green Party. Plus Mark Carney launches a tariff response and picks his first major projects. Links Verification woes cloud B.C. Green party’s leadership race – Business in Vancouver All eligible party members will be able to vote in leadership race: B.C. Greens – Mission City Record Kelowna conservative strategist behind AI news site targeting John Rustad | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan’s News Source Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries Carney unveils billions in funding, Buy Canadian policy to combat Trump’s tariffs | CBC News Canada delaying plan to force automakers to hit EVs sales targets | CBC News Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries Saskatchewan premier set to return from China trip this week Prime Minister Carney announces first projects to be reviewed by the new Major Projects Office Alberta premier says province is being heard by Carney Exclusive: Canada may drop oil emissions cap as part of new climate plan, sources say | Reuters Border security bill, budget could put Liberal minority government on the defensive this fall – iPolitics Conservatives will introduce a bail reform bill this fall, Poilievre says – The Globe and Mail Carney will introduce legislation next month to tighten bail system – The Globe and Mail

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. Links BCGEU says its members will begin walking picket lines Tuesday As BCGEU strike drags on, teachers’ union negotiations simmer in background | Globalnews.ca B.C. schools at funding ‘crunch point’ as districts cut millions from budgets | CBC News Poilievre calls on Liberals to scrap the temporary foreign worker program Ottawa must cancel or significantly reform temporary foreign worker program, says Eby Bryan Breguet v John Rustad on TFWs Youth unemployment is now at level seen ‘during a recession,’ report shows – National | Globalnews.ca Poilievre calls for more legal protection for Canadians defending homes from intruders | CBC News Prime Minister Carney launches new Major Projects Office to fast-track nation-building projects Internal PMO polls show huge support for major hydro, road, port projects – National | Globalnews.ca Project 2025 architect Kevin Roberts no longer attending cabinet forum – iPolitics Finance Minister announces 100-day plan to fix CRA service delays – The Globe and Mail NDP Leadership 2026 « Canada’s NDP Huron County farmer files application papers to lead federal NDP Heather McPherson, Avi Lewis prepare NDP leadership bids

Ben Woodfinden, former Communications Director for Pierre Poilievre comes on the pod to discuss the 2025 election and the state of Canadian conservativism. Links Ben Woodfinden’s Website Ben Woodfinden’s Twitter/X Ben Woodfinden’s Substack

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 Ballots – Research Co

Ryan Clayton joins the pod to discuss the BC Green Party leadership race and couple consequential court decisions.  Links Ryan’s Substack B.C. to appeal landmark Aboriginal title ruling over Fraser River land in Metro Vancouver | CBC News Major land claims ruling says B.C. Indigenous group has claim to a portion of city and port lands – The Globe and Mail Canada’s voting system is constitutional, Ontario Court of Appeal rules | CBC News

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 Carney suggests he’s considering rescinding Online News Act | National Post Write-in ballots to be used in Alberta byelection due to record number of candidates | CBC News David Moscrop’s Substack

A mining rescue operation, ultimatums for Oak Bay & West Van, an even bigger ballot and First Ministers meet. Links Rescue operation underway for 3 miners trapped underground at northern B.C. mine | CBC News Underground 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 News Directives issued to get more homes built in Oak Bay, West Vancouver Drug body members quit after decision reversal on funding for treatment of girl with rare disease Data reveals dramatic spike in patients leaving B.C. emergency rooms without receiving care | CBC News MP wants passenger rail in B.C.’s Sea-to-Sky region as CN Rail pulls out | CBC News More than 100 candidates — most in Canadian history — to run against Poilievre in byelection | CBC News Poilievre calls for law to block long ballot protests that ‘abuse’ democracy Poilievre, Conservative MPs criticize Crown ahead of Freedom Convoy leaders’ sentencing | CBC News Toronto has 6 months to meet terms of housing agreement with Ottawa, minister says | CBC News Premiers push for more power over immigration as Ford takes aim at federal minister – The Globe and Mail After 2 days of trade talks, premiers wrap summit talking crime and health care | CBC News

A cabine shuffle, a drug decision flip-flop and Poilievre’s struggle for relevancy. Links 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 cash B.C. quietly expands scope of Bill 14 to include all future wind and solar – Terrace Standard B.C. improves HOV-lane access for EV drivers Health minister upholds decision to deny rare-disease funds for B.C. girl – The Globe and Mail B.C.’s premiere responds to experts on treatment for Langford’s Charleigh Pollock Rob Shaw – drug coverage restored Ontario Progressive Conservatives schedule convention for same time as Poilievre’s leadership review – The Globe and Mail Poilievre adviser Jenni Byrne staying on, Conservatives confirm amid speculation of ouster – The Globe and Mail Poilievre calls for ‘very hard caps’ on immigration to better integrate newcomers | CBC News Poilievre slams Carney over investment disclosure, says PM needs to sell assets | CBC News Money for nothing? Feds’ failure to condemn Toronto’s breach of housing deal ‘concerning,’ say critics – iPolitics Toronto sixplex policy ‘disappointing,’ Federal Housing Minister says – The Globe and Mail

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. Links BC Green Party Leadership Race 2025: A New Era Comox councillor steps forward as leadership candidate for B.C. Greens | Vancouver Sun Adam Bremner-Akins These are not normal times. Here in B.C., one-third of us can’t afford our bills. Rent and grocery prices are sky-high. Home-ownership and… | Instagram All criminal trials in four B.C. courts to be rescheduled during FIFA World Cup Report says all B.C. events should get risk review, in wake of Lapu-Lapu festival tragedy REPORT OF THE STUDY COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO COMMUNITY EVENTS SAFETY Engagement begins to support implementation of Infrastructure Projects Act Canada Canada rescinds digital services tax to advance trade discussions with the United States | CBC News Trump threatening 35% tariffs on Canadian goods across the board | CBC News Carney’s cabinet asked to find ‘ambitious savings’ ahead of fall budget | CBC News Carney says it’s ‘highly likely’ an oil pipeline makes project list | Calgary Herald Carney government’s nation-building projects list expected to draw from these five areas, says source Carney calls mid-August Alberta byelection, clearing Poilievre’s path to a new seat Liberal Party of Canada announces Darcy Spady as Liberal candidate for Battle River—Crowfoot Katherine Swampy Green Party’s Douglas Gook Launches By-Election Campaign with Focus on Local Empowerment  NDP plans to launch six-month leadership race, choose leader in March 2026 Heather McPherson Yves Engler for NDP Leader Tony McQuail Ruling Liberals Comfortably Ahead in Canada’s Political Scene – Research Co.