Ep 74: Baby’s first budget

Ian’s note: The title for this episode was meant as a (weak) joke about the BC NDP’s Childcare plan (it puts babies first, get it?), and not in anyway an attempt to undermine the credibility of Finance Minister Carole James or any women in politics. I’m sorry for this shortsightedness and will continue to try better in the future. The BC NDP have released their first full budget, so we’re dedicated the entire show to it! First, Ian & Scott break down the major highlights and reactions from the opposition. Then they speak with UBC economist Tom Davidoff about the 30 point housing plan and finally with tax economist Lindsay Tedds about the MSP Task Force and the announced phase out of MSP premiums. Plus a few quick takes and we close off with our picks for this week’s #bestofbcpoli This week’s intro music is Unmade by Ian Cromwell. Vote for the song in CBC Music’s Searchlight every day until February 28. We have a new partner! BC Today is a brand new daily newsletter dedicated exclusively to BC Politics. Sign up for a free two-week trial and listen to the episode for your code for 25% off of a subscription if you decide to continue. Start your trial at britishcolumbiatoday.ca Links Baby’s First Budget BC Budget 2018 Interview with Tom Davidoff at 16m14s Follow @TomDavidoff Tom’s Campaign Issues Interview with Lindsay Tedds at 50m55s Apologies for the lower quality on this interview, we were trying a new call recorder. Follow @LindsayTedds MSP Task Force Interim Report Quick takes at 1h04m03s Hector Bremner to run for mayor Wai Young runs for mayor (it seems) Alberta-BC PipeVine/Drunkirk trade war ends after AB runs full page ad Linda Larson wants Daylight Savings Time gone Greyhound cancels routes #bestofbcpoli 1h14m33s Our long national tantrum is over. https://t.co/jk47eIdl5f — Patrick Meehan (@Patmeister) February 22, 2018 Thanks for the laugh tonight #yyj. #victoriasnowday #westcoastwinter #stillCanadians pic.twitter.com/KAA9Lwb9LH — City of Victoria (@CityOfVictoria) February 22, 2018 The NDP war on upper end homes ignores that many of these homes command premium prices because they invovle significant work from skilled trades people and expansive furnishings from BC builder supply companies. A blow for our residential construction and supply sectors. — Dan Ashton (@DanAshtonBC) February 21, 2018 While you’re passing on their concerns, maybe pass back to them that instead of building upper end homes for 5, maybe build developments that will house 500 instead? And while we’re at it, are those builders the same ones who donated $25k+ to your re-election campaign? #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/AnRPA09zYW — Tony Bui (@Tony_Bui) February 22, 2018 The NDP war on upper end homes ignores that many of these homes command premium prices because they invovle significant work from skilled trades people and expansive furnishings from BC builder supply companies. A blow for our residential construction and supply sectors. — Dan Ashton (@DanAshtonBC) February 21, 2018