Ep 187: The railroad to normalcy

Politics continues in a pandemic as MPs meet virtually for the first time and all the media wants to talk about are the views of each MP's home that we got a glimpse at. Then we look at the steps various (non-BC) provinces have announced to reopen their societies. Finally, there's a new study out looking at the costs of restoring the old Island Rail tracks from Victoria to Port Alberni and Courtenay.Check out our partner: BC Today is the daily newsletter dedicated exclusively to BC Politics. Sign up for a free two-week trial and listen to the episode for your code for an exclusive subscription deal if you decide to continue. Start your trial at politicstoday.news/free-trialPatron Slack is open to all supporters – Fill out the form for accessPhoto credit: Flickr/BCGovPhotosA transcript will be available soon at politicoast.caLinksSegment 1: Politics in LockdownMute buttons and decorating tips: the House of Commons stumbles through an online sessionHouse of Commons meeting virtually on a platform described as a 'gold rush for cyber spies'Canada’s first ‘virtual parliament’: Here are the best, worst and eeriest MP backgroundsFederal deficit could top $252 billion, says budget officerPBO report [pdf]Conservative Party leadership race is back on, with Aug. 21 deadline for mail-in ballotsConservative leadership candidate ignores calls to apologize for attack on Canada's top doctorScott Reid’s Twitter thread on leakSupreme Court moves Sask., Ont. appeals of carbon tax to SeptemberHouse passes $9B aid package after emergency student benefit boostedStudents who collect emergency COVID-19 aid must attest they're looking for workJoint statement on memorandum of understanding on Wet’suwet’en rights and titleNote: After we recorded, it came out that the Wet'suwet'en elected council is strongly objecting to the MoU. We'll take a closer look next week.Segment 2: Ending the lockdownWhere we stand in Canada: Reopenings by province and territory from coronavirus lockdownCoronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak updateNo plan to reopen BC schools yet, says education ministerSegment 3: Malahat a choo chooIsland Rail Corridor condition assessment releasedSummary Report [pdf]