Thoughts on BC Politics and More

According to NDP Finance Minister, Brenda Bailey “we are in unprecedented financial times,” but David Eby’s NDP government is still spending tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars on gift cards and near-cash awards for government employees.   According to a report by Global News, the government has spent tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars on gift cards for public servants, including some earning well over $100,000 per year. When confronted, Premier David Eby defended the spending, claiming these employees are “taking below average pay for their qualification” and deserve the rewards. The Official Opposition is calling on the NDP government to immediately end the taxpayer-funded gift card program and provide a full public accounting of all related spending. “At a time when families are losing individualized autism funding, and seniors are being told there’s no money, this government is handing out taxpayer-funded gift cards to six-figure public employees,” said Int...

Image Credit:  Castanet Former Mayor of Barriere and longtime community leader, Ward Stamer, has officially endorsed Peter Milobar for Leader of the BC Conservative Party. Stamer, who acts as the BC Conservative Critic for forestry, explained that Milobar’s commitment to the resource sector in BC is a clear indicator of his wealth of experience and understanding that resources are at the heart of solving major problems in the Province. Stamer stressed his belief that Milobar is the right unifying force for the party.  “Peter has the experience and steady leadership our party and province need,” said Stamer. “He understands fiscal responsibility and the importance of responsible government that moves British Columbia forward.” Milobar welcomed the endorsement and thanked Stamer for his contribution to his campaign.  “Ward’s leadership and credibility in the Thompson-Nicola region are deeply valued,” said Milobar.  “I’m honoured to have his support as we work to win th...

The following is a condensed version of Kamloops – North Thompson MLA Ward Stamer’s speech in the BC Legislature, on Tuesday afternoon (02/24/2026) I’d like to delve into Budget 2026 with the understanding that, very similar to what we had last year, there seems to be an awful lot of promises in this budget, with not a lot of substance, because, again, it’s a three-year budget. A lot of times when we’re starting to determine exactly what is going to be spent or provided this fiscal year, there’s a lot of grey area, because it’s a three-year budget. So now people will say, “Well, that’s how we do things around here.” Well, obviously from the looks of the deficit and the way it’s growing, that’s really not what our side would want to continue. That’s why most of us, if not all of us, have been very critical on the delivery of this budget. I rise to speak to Budget 2026, a budget that will not define only the fiscal direction of the province but the living reality of our seniors, work...

Is this based in reality -- how accurate are the numbers? In the past couple of weeks a couple of candidates, for the leadership of the BC Conservative Party, have been presenting polling results that they lead the pack – one even going so far as to say they have a lock on 44% of those who will be voting, and a twenty-five percent lead over the individual ranked second. I am going to say that this one, from Kerry-Lynne Findlay, is highly suspect. First of all the company conducting the poll, ERG National Research, is not a Member of Industry Bodies (the Canadian Research Insights Council), meaning they do not adhere to established industry standards for research, such as transparency, privacy, and methodological rigor. AI Overview states that ... based on alerts from the Canadian Research Insights Council (CRIC) and reports, ERG National Research should be treated with extreme caution regarding its reliability, and legitimacy, in conducting political polling. Before I even read this in...

Premier Keeps Dismissing Businesses as PST Backlash Grows Conservative Critic for Jobs, Economic Development, Innovation & AI Gavin Dew says Premier David Eby’s response to growing backlash over his $500-million a year PST expansion shows a government that is increasingly out of touch with working families, small businesses, and taxpayers across British Columbia. Last Friday at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, the Premier brushed off reports of companies and jobs leaving BC, dismissing the legitimate concerns of frustrated businesses. This morning, fifteen major business organizations held a joint news conference warning the PST hike will raise housing costs, increase rents, punish small businesses trying to keep their stores safe, and further weaken investment confidence in British Columbia. “When fifteen major organizations coordinate a public warning, that’s a serious signal about where our economy is headed,” said Dew. “The economic alarms are going full blast, but David E...