Episode 107: Exclusive interviews with Karima Budhwani & Rick Folka, Budget 2026, False Accusations of Lying + more!

🎙️ NEW EPISODE! For the Record – Episode 107Two Exclusive NWP Candidate Interviews, Budget Battles & a Heated Council MomentThis week’s episode of For the Record with Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas features two exclusive interviews, a deep dive into the 2026 budget debate, and a preview of the much-anticipated Top 10 New West Political Stories vodcast.🗳️ Exclusive Interview: Karima BudhwaniThe episode opens with an in-depth, exclusive conversation between Daniel Fontaine and Karima Budhwani - former NWP president and past council candidate.Karima discusses:Why she has decided to run againThe issues she’s most passionate about in New WestminsterHer perspective on community leadership and the road to the 2026 civic electionIt’s a thoughtful and candid discussion about values, priorities, and the future of the city.🗳️ Exclusive Interview: Rick FolkaNext, Fontaine sits down with Rick Folka, another newly announced council candidate who also ran in the 2022 civic election.Rick shares:What motivated him to put his name forward again in 2026The challenges he sees facing New WestminsterWhat excites him about the upcoming campaign and community engagement💰 Budget 2026: Cutting $1.5M to Ease the Tax BurdenThe conversation then turns to the 2026 budget, where Councillors Fontaine and Minhas introduce a motion to trim $1.5 million from city spending in an effort to ease what is shaping up to be a record property tax increase.New Westminster is now on track to potentially hold the highest cumulative property tax increase in Metro Vancouver over a four-year term - exceeding 30%.🔥 Mayor’s Council OutburstThe podcast features an excerpt from a heated moment at City Hall, where Mayor Patrick Johnstone falsely but publicly accuses Daniel Fontaine of lying about tax increases. The exchange is played in full, allowing listeners to hear exactly what was said on the council floor.🔟 Top 10 New West Stories Vodcast PreviewTo close the episode, Fontaine and Minhas preview their annual Top 10 Civic & Political Stories vodcast, recorded once a year.Stories likely to make the list include:The London Street bike lane controversySafety upgrades at 6th Avenue & 2nd StreetNearly 30% property tax increases over four yearsCostco traffic chaos in QueensboroughLiberal Jake Sawatzky defeating NDP Peter Julian in the federal election🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📣 If you enjoy the podcast, please share this episode with friends, family, and neighbours — community conversations matter.