Thoughts on BC Politics and More

A group of residents and a local First Nation on BC's Sunshine Coast are trying to put a stop to a proposed exclusive 30-year deal between an independent hydropower producer and a U.S. company. Two dams in the area — at Powell Lake and Lois Lake, about 125 and 100 kilometres northwest of Vancouver, respectively — are operated by Powell River Energy Inc. (PREI), a subsidiary of Brookfield Renewable. The company has applied to the Canada Energy Regulator to export the power from its Powell River sites to U.S.-based company BR Pacific Hydro ... CLICK HERE for the full story

As a resident of Powell River born in the old General Hospital and having lived here for most of my life, I have watched with growing concern as the push to change our city's name unfolds. The proposal, driven by Tla'amin Nation's demand to rename Powell River in the name of reconciliation, is set for a non-binding opinion poll in the 2026 municipal election. While I respect the spirit of reconciliation and the need to address historical injustices, the process has been marred by procedural overreach, factual inaccuracies, and what appears to be a deliberate sidelining of public input. This isn't just about a name—it's about upholding democratic principles in a small town where every voice should count. In the spirit of setting the record straight, let's examine three key issues that highlight how the process is being subverted, and offer some constructive paths forward ... CLICK HERE for the full story 

A scathing open letter from Campbell River Mayor Kermit Dahl has amplified growing concerns across British Columbia’s coastal communities regarding the collapse of the forestry industry under the NDP government.  The BC Conservative Caucus is standing in full support of Mayor Dahl’s call for urgent action to save what’s left of the coastal forestry economy. “Mayor Dahl is right, this is not a natural downturn. This is a made-in-Victoria crisis caused by policy chaos, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and a government that talks about resilience while watching mills shut down,” said Ward Stamer , Official Opposition Critic for Forests and MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson.  “Campbell River, Port Alberni, Powell River… these aren’t just dots on a map. They’re working communities that have been abandoned by the very government that promised to protect jobs.” Since 2019, coastal harvest volumes have plummeted by over 40%, and more than 5,400 direct forestry jobs have disappeared in just the...

The New Democrats finally got around this week to providing a public information session for Sunshine Coast residents on the far-reaching agreement the government signed in secret with the shishalh Nation last August ... ... “I was not aware of the agreement when I was a candidate,” said Neill, who won by a comfortable margin in October. She only learned the details when appointed to cabinet. Her ministry is one of those in charge of implementing the amended foundation agreement, as it is known ... CLICK HERE for the full story

As the Conservative team continues to grow, Chris Moore will bring valuable experience and advocacy to our common sense vision for the province The Conservative Party of BC is pleased to announce that Chris Moore, the former BC United candidate for Powell River-Sunshine Coast, is joining the common sense movement of dedicated British Columbians who want to see a better, safer, and more affordable BC. "Chris has an outstanding record of service to this community and will be a strong advocate for the people of Powell River-Sunshine Coast," stated Conservative leader John Rustad. "Chris has talked with hundreds of constituents and understands that there are serious concerns in this riding that need to be addressed with clear and definitive actions, and the Conservatives will do just that with Chris as the MLA in this riding." "I believe that the NDP have done little to address serious problems such as affordability, crime and healthcare. On a daily basis, these i...

Who will be the BC NDP candidate for Powell River-Sunshine Coast in the next election?  Five people have told the local riding association that they're interested in seeking the nomination for the 2024 provincial election – all of them from the lower Sunshine Coast . . . CLICK HERE for the full story