Thoughts on BC Politics and More

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That might be the slogan of all lobbyists and politicians in Ottawa — and it was certainly the approach Irving Oil took last year, according to documents I got my hands on for my latest investigation. This story, however, is about more than persistent lobbying. It’s a reminder of how oil and gas companies are adept at diverting political and public attention towards dealing with their concerns, on their terms — and away from the fact that fossil fuels are driving the climate crisis . . . . CLICK HERE for the full story

Most of my columns have been about local issues, some federal and some provincial. The feedback I have received in person or by phone has been very positive. Facebook has brought out some negativity, seemingly as if I were attacking someone’s friend on city council. I take that with a grain of salt. Who I have not heard from – at all – is city council or city staff.   Maybe they think I should be giving them more pats on the back? I don’t know, but that’s their job, not mine. Frankly, they have done a lousy job of communicating on some key issues. I’ve heard nothing but loud howls of derision about the “million-dollar dog park.” I know there’s more to the story, but it’s council’s job to get accurate and complete information out – all of council, not just the mayor. I’ve raised deep concerns about the rationale for the taxpayer bailing out the Budnick family with the purchase and demolition of the Condill. What’s the rationale, particularly as it appears...