Thoughts on BC Politics and More

With Donald Trump’s trial (the first of four potential criminal trials) starting this week, it seems like a good time to take a look back at B.C.’s own history of senior elected officials who ran afoul of the law – or nearly did so. The three most famous British Columbia politicians to face police investigations are doubtless the NDP’s Glen Clark, the Social Credit Party’s Bill Vander Zalm, and the Liberals’ Gordon Campbell. All three found themselves in legal trouble at various points in their tenure .... CLICK HERE for the full story

In October 2017, the day after I found out my dad had died from an accidental drug overdose, I picked up my camera and loaded it with a roll of film. Photography is how I make a living and it’s also how I process my experience of the world. In the immediate days after my dad died, I often felt the weight of dissonant, opposing emotions. Our relationship was complex and thus created polarizing memories that can bring a smile to my face or overwhelm me with sadness. Creating double exposures was a way for me to express the contradicting and fraught emotions I was experiencing ... CLICK HERE for the full story

If the next federal election is called today, it will be fought over the existing 338-seat map. If it is called tomorrow or any day afterwards, it will be the new and expanded 343-seat map that will decide the outcome. In addition to the five extra seats that are up for grabs, most ridings have also seen their boundaries change. Some haven’t seen any changes and some have changed only a little, but others have seen some significant changes that will have an impact on the results. So let’s take a look at which riding's have seen the most changes  ... CLICK HERE for the full story

The fact that child killer Allan Schoenborn has successfully changed his name under BC laws has prompted finger-pointing among politicians. BC Premier David Eby told media Thursday that in 2002 when opposition leader Kevin Falcon was the Minister of Deregulation he removed regulations under the Name Act that ensured name changes would be published publicly in the BC Gazette ... CLICK HERE for the full story

Health Minister Adrian Dix insists there are no plans to have overdose-prevention sites at all BC hospitals, but how a provincial task force will standardize rules around patient drug use in hospitals remains unclear. “Smoking anything, least of all serious illicit drugs, is not allowed in hospital, and drug use is not allowed”. There were 10,200 people in hospital on Thursday, some of whom are living with addictions, but there are other patients and staff who must be protected from second-hand smoke and any other drug-related harms, he said . . . CLICK HERE for the full story

BC is well down the path of implementing one of North America’s strongest climate plans. And though a number of key policies continue to be developed—including the oil and gas emissions cap, an emissions cap on natural gas utilities and measures to reduce vehicle kilometres travelled by 25 per cent—many CleanBC policies are now substantially advanced. The plan is working: B.C. has seen a meaningful decline in emissions following a 2018 peak—and in spite of a growing population and economy .... ... Which raises the question: What, if anything, should the next government do from here? ... CLICK HERE for the full story

The catch and release of a suspect in Tatjana Stefanski’s death has left her family so fearful they have left their home.... ... Gaudreault wants to make one thing clear – this is not the fault of the police. “I would like everyone to please understand that the problem lies at a way higher level than the police. Trust me they are doing all they can do within laws and regulations do not lash out at them" ... CLICK HERE for the full story

 ... In our democracy, the majority has the right to make decisions, and the minority has the right to oppose those decisions and offer other choices. To take it a step further: The official Opposition has an obligation, a responsibility, to provide cohesive policy alternatives in the next election. This is not happening in British Columbia today. Blame personalities and egos. With a lengthy list of major issues facing the province, this year’s election should be hotly contested. It should allow voters to pass judgment on the platform of Premier David Eby, who has not won an election, before giving him free rein for another four years. His platform has been clear. Does it face up to the huge challenges we face? There are bold initiatives, but there are also problems worthy of debate ... CLICK HERE for the full editorial

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came to the CHEK Media Centre on Friday for a sit down chat with CHEK’s Rob Shaw. In the one-on-one interview, Trudeau discussed issues affecting Vancouver Island, including drug decriminalization, housing, and public safety .... CLICK HERE for the full story and interview