Thoughts on BC Politics and More

These days, it seems like two provincial premiers in particular can do no wrong. A poll conducted in the spring suggested that Ontario’s Doug Ford is among the most popular politicians in the country. A new poll published this week (more on that below) shows support for his Progressive Conservatives to be the highest any party has enjoyed in Ontario in decades. Meanwhile, Manitoba’s Wab Kinew continues to top the premier approval ratings rankings and, on Tuesday night, nearly pulled off a stellar byelection upset in a part of the province his New Democrats have never won ... CLICK HERE for the full story 

As he announces his refusal to sign on to the pipeline accord recently reached by Premiers Ford, Smith and Moe, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew appears to be wearing two hats. First, he wears his premier’s hat. He knows that any pipeline project must pass through Manitoba, and he is refusing to let it pass unless his terms are accepted. Here’s what he said: “Our government will not treat consultation as a box to check after decisions are made,” said Kinew on Wednesday. “We believe reconciliation requires shared decision-making from the start.” But the second hat Kinew appears to don is the feathered headdress of an Indian chief ... CLICK HERE for the full story 

F resh on the job, Mark Carney is facing down a monumental list of challenges. From Trump and his tariffs to national unity and social fracture, the prime minister and his government are dealing with their fair share of pressing issues. Faster economic growth won’t quite solve them, but slow growth will certainly exacerbate them. As Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says, “the economic horse pulls the social cart.” It’s crucial, therefore, that the Carney government is focused on boosting Canada’s economic growth. As a first step, Prime Minister Carney should start by recognizing Canada’s economic engine drives right through the West ... CLICK HERE for the full commentary

... “I think that there’s an argument that Manitoba is maybe one of the strongest cases you could make, that the price on carbon should be revisited in our jurisdiction,” Kinew told The West Block host Mercedes Stephenson in an interview that aired on Jan. 7. “It’s definitely something that I know Manitobans would like to see some help with. We’ve put a lot of hard work in over the past five decades to build a low carbon electricity grid. We’ve paid the down payment on that mortgage. We’re in a position to have a low carbon economy going forward into the future" ... CLICK HERE for the full story

Premier David Eby should look to New Democrats in Manitoba for ideas to make life more affordable. Manitoba’s new premier, Wab Kinew, promised to suspend the provincial gas tax. “I don't know about you, but in our household, the workhorse that we use to drive to work, to drive the kids to their activities is a pickup truck and it takes 100 litres to fill up every time we go to the pump,” Kinew said. “That means that this announcement for a family using a vehicle like [that], it'll save you $14 every single time you gas up" ... CLICK HERE for the full story

Across the country, conservative parties and leaders have been experimenting with extremism, edging as far to the right as they can get, testing the boundaries of support. The assumption, backed by some polls, is that it works in today’s disordered Canada. Maybe not. Along comes Wab Kinew, Manitoba’s new premier-designate; a First Nations man, a New Democrat, the admirable survivor of a troubled youth ... CLICK HERE for the full story

Manitoba's provincial election is to take place Tuesday. Here's a look at the leaders of the province's three parties that have seats in the legislature ... CLICK HERE for the full story