PolitiCoast: The BC Politics Podcast

The BC Conservatives go a full week without losing any MLAs as the new third party in the legislature begins to take shape. Carney makes deals and pitches relationships with Europe and Mike Morrice is set to become the next leader of the Green Party (unless the members choose none of the above). Links Abbotsford-Mission By-election Candidates Confirmed 5 former B.C. Conservative MLAs form new party MLA Teresa Wat to join other Conservative defectors in new party | Vancouver Sun Group seeks to resuscitate ‘mainstream’ BC United, calls on Falcon to quit as leader | CFJC Today Kamloops Unite Liberal BC Updates – Recall Tara Armstrong ‘Growing pains’: Embattled B.C. Conservative leader defiant in face of caucus exodus Eby announces ‘never 51st state’ signs as Canada-U.S. trade war escalates From pipelines to railways and AI: Ottawa pitches 167 projects ahead of Carney’s investment summit | CBC News Carney government drops plan to bypass protections for at-risk species Ministers asked to prove progress ahead of cabinet retreat: sources Canada, Ukraine forge 100-year pact built on drones and defence | CBC News Canada targets millions of drones, a third going to Ukraine | Financial Post EU and Canada Plan Deal to Boost Trade, Security as US Ties Fray EU and Canada plan deal to boost trade, security as U.S. ties fray China reveals military talks with Canadian officials after years of strain Former MP Mike Morrice only Green Party of Canada leadership candidate after Nira Dookeran withdraws | CBC News Green Party 2026 Leadership Race Rules [PDF]

The exodus continues, from the BC Conservative caucus and the government’s revenue forecasts; and the Liberals expectedly sweep three byelections. Links B.C. legislator and Indigenous activist Joan Phillip dies Byelection called for Abbotsford-Mission Áʼa꞉líya Warbus becomes 7th MLA to exit B.C. Conservatives citing leadership concerns | CBC News 2 more B.C. Conservative MLAs quit caucus to sit as Independents | CBC News B.C. MLA Ian Paton questioned by Mounties over allegation Conservatives offered him a job if he’d step down – The Globe and Mail Former Abbotsford-Mission MLA Reann Gasper, is Now Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s Chief of Staff Dew says Findlay deserves chance to prove leadership – Castanet.net Exclusive: Former BC Conservative Staffer Alleges Questionable Conduct, Racial Discrimination From Former Party Chief of Staff 2026 Conservative Party Leadership Contestant Financing Reports Available | Elections BC B.C. admits to $1.5B budget error following BIV investigation B.C. government overstates gas revenue forecasts by $1.46-billion due to errors – The Globe and Mail Canada Liberals sweep 3 federal byelections in Ontario, Quebec and B.C. | CBC Liberal Braeden Caley wins byelection in North Vancouver-Capilano | CBC News Steven Guilbeault officially resigns Montreal seat of Laurier-Sainte-Marie – The Globe and Mail 6 more byelections on horizon will test Liberal momentum, pressure other parties | CBC News Prime Minister Carney announces the largest investment in VIA Rail’s history to bring passenger rail car manufacturing back to Canada Carney government to extend gas tax holiday into the new year Canadians should prepare for a 5 C hotter future, report warns | CBC News

The BC Conservative exodus begins and Carney finds his elbows. Note: We recorded before the news of NDP MLA Joan Phillip’s death. Our condolences to her friends, family and community at this time. Links BC Two MLAs who defected from B.C. Conservatives plan to form new party – The Globe and Mail https://bsky.app/profile/jasjohal.bsky.social/post/3mtwnngivkc2e Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird outlines her reasons for leaving Conservative caucus Brennan Day, Teresa Wat exit B.C. Conservatives, the latest to express concerns with Kerry-Lynne Findlay | CBC News Kerry-Lynne Findlay loses two more MLAs and fires operations director | Vancouver Sun Bruce Banman joins exodus from B.C. Conservative caucus | CBC News Brennan Day, Teresa Wat exit B.C. Conservatives, the latest to express concerns with Kerry-Lynne Findlay | CBC News https://bsky.app/profile/teamcanadaforever.bsky.social/post/3mu4a56jut22k https://www.timescolonist.com/opinion/les-leyne-recording-appears-to-have-findlay-offering-job-in-exchange-for-mlas-seat-12716180 B.C. Conservative MLA for Abbotsford-Mission to step down, paving way for new leader to seek election | CBC News B.C. Conservative riding association president for Abbotsford-Mission steps down Elections BC allows petition bid for Indigenous law’s repeal to proceed | Vernon Matters Canada Mark Carney: Why I Rejected Trump’s Trade Deal B.C. premier urges feds to reconsider fighter jet purchase, coal shipments as U.S. trade war ramps up | CBC News Ottawa fires back after rejecting U.S. trade deal – The Globe and Mail Ottawa removes seafood from counter-tariffs list, adds copper wire and charcoal | CBC News LeBlanc welcomes U.S. decision ‘withdrawing positions’ on language, culture | CBC News 2026 By-elections

Eby makes the smallest possible cabinet shuffle, the Findlay loses a MLA and the trade talk deadline was approaching as we recorded. Episode Notes Links Premier announces three cabinet changes  B.C. opposition finance critic Peter Milobar exits conservative party – The Globe and Mail B.C. Conservative president out as party transitions under new leadership | CBC News NDP officials, B.C. leaders get raises amid record deficit – Bowen Island Undercurrent Transparency issues raised over B.C. gov’t decision to remove public employee directory | CBC News BC Government Directory Manitoba Premier urges Carney to keep fighting in trade talks with U.S. – The Globe and Mail Premiers divided as Carney pushes to close Trump trade deal that keeps tariffs in place Carney asks provinces to return U.S. alcohol to stores Premier Eby’s silence on U.S. booze ban could concern lumber file, says analyst

A familiar face returns, another is sticking around and one might need to find the door; and a bridge deal done Links Former B.C. Liberal MLA says centrist party is the answer for voters tired of ‘extremes’ | CBC News Is the province cutting SOGI funding in schools? The answer is complicated | CBC News Vancouver-Quilchena Recall Petition Unsuccessful | Elections BC Recall campaign against Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie fails: Elections B.C. | CBC News Province would consider selling B.C. Place to Whitecaps: Kahlon The pipeline, the politics, the fallout: who’s up, who’s down after Alberta to B.C. project announcement – Angus Reid Institute Carney slammed over lack of Gordie Howe bridge opening deal details | CBC News Gordie Howe Bridge deal released as Conservatives accuse Carney of lying Proposed Agreement in Principle | Gordie Howe International Bridge 9 premiers to allow wineries, distilleries, breweries to sell directly to consumers across provinces | CBC News

A floor crosser, a Conservative party shakeup, and Eby inks a pipeline deal as Ontario burns. Links Penticton-Summerland MLA Amelia Boultbee joins the BC NDP – Castanet.net JONESIE: We need to talk about MLA Amelia Boultbee | iNFOnews.ca Kerry-Lynne Findlay Announces Shadow Cabinet | Conservative Party of British Columbia Veteran mediator Vince Ready to step in to try to end B.C. nurses’ dispute B.C. government may have no choice but to spend more to settle with nurses, experts say Minister’s statement on Squamish to 100 Mile rail corridor U.S. company believes it can provide rail service between Squamish and 100 Mile House as CN pulls out | CBC News North Coast oil tanker ban being upheld, Port of Vancouver expanding in multibillion-dollar B.C.-Ottawa deal | CBC News Canada and British Columbia strike new cooperative prosperity partnership to build a stronger, more sustainable economy Alberta will provide oilsands producers with incentives to fill proposed West Coast pipeline  Alberta-Ontario pipeline proposal faces criticism over costs, need and lack of Indigenous consultation | CBC News Federal government refers Port of Vancouver strategy to Major Projects Office | CBC News Backgrounder: Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy – Canada.ca Conservatives lose another MP as Carney appoints Martel to the Senate Carney appoints one of his top advisers and a Conservative MP to Senate | CBC News Carney may name more Conservative senators to beef up ranks, says Liberal Senate representative NDP Leader Avi Lewis rules out running in upcoming byelections | CBC News Conservative Party had $85M in revenue but ended 2025 with a $14M deficit | CBC News The Conservative flogging will continue until morale improves – The Hill Times LILLEY: Does Pierre Poilievre actually want to be prime minister? Conservative infighting

Eby and Carney face blowback over their plans to buy condos and the PM might be getting a new home. Links Highway linking Vancouver to Prince Rupert proposed by construction company | CBC News The Long Quest to Merge Victoria and Saanich Hits a Roadblock | The Tyee Critics blast government plan to ‘bail out’ sagging condo sector in B.C. | CBC News Carney-Eby housing deal met with mixed reactions and desire for more detail Premier Eby on B.C. condo purchase proposal: ‘We don’t have to do it’ Carney announcing decision on future of 24 Sussex in coming weeks: sources | CBC News Carney to announce fundraising campaign, design competition to restore 24 Sussex: source | CBC News Feds push to have 3 northern projects fast-tracked under Building Canada Act | CBC News Federal plan aims to boost nuclear sector with up to 10 new reactors, expand international footprint – The Globe and Mail Nuclear Energy Strategy for Canada Scheduling note: we will be on hiatus for one to two weeks, starting next week.

BC needs more power, so the government is considering dams at Site E and Bute Inlet. Plus Carney comes to town with a big cheque for housing, hospitals and transit. Links Province ‘seriously’ considering 4th hydro dam in northeast B.C., plus one on Sunshine Coast: minister | CBC News B.C. Hydro cancels plan to phase out gas-powered generation as electricity gap looms Province nixes deal with contractor on George Massey Tunnel replacement | CBC News Massey Tunnel replacement could cost as much as $11 billion, local official says Adviser makes recommendations to help the district increase its housing supply Canada and British Columbia forge new partnership to accelerate homebuilding, lower costs, and build new local infrastructure Ottawa, B.C. to spend $3.2-billion to cut homebuilding fees and convert unsold condos – The Globe and Mail Ottawa should ‘indefinitely exclude’ people with mental illness from MAID: committee report Committee Report (PDF) Conservatives blast Liberals for trying to ‘ram’ controversial lawful access bill through House | CBC News MPs break for summer after passing motion to advance several bills – The Globe and Mail Opposition parties up in arms as Liberals use majority to speed up legislation before summer | CBC News Liberals tout 21 bills passing House of Commons this year as MPs break for summer | CBC News Public Safety Minister makes changes to lawful access bill – The Globe and Mail

Is it time for the return of the BC Liberals? (No)

Kerry-Lynne Findlay is the new leader of the official opposition, we learn how much FIFA will cost and Carney goes in on AI and out on taxing Netflix and changing environmental assessment laws

The legislature goes on summer break, which couldn't come soon enough.

A deep dive on the state of the BC Conservative race and a bit more

Recall time and Carney plows ahead

Pick your pollster, party fundraising, a legislative all-nighter, a new Governor General

Stormy seas in BC as the White Caps might leave, new hospitals are canceled. And in Ottawa Carney announces something called a sovereign wealth fund. Links:

Eby changes his DRIPA plans again, and Carney gets his majority

A late cheque is a bigger fine than election misinformation.

New bills, new leaders and controversial trains.

Who’s up, who’s down and who’s out of the BC Conservatives, the Strong and Free Elections Act and the Auditor General attacks the government once more

Conservative leadership contestants drop out, CentreBC launches its own race and questions remain about Eby’s leadership and the fed NDP race comes to an end

BC wants to put limits on protests, and Carney gets another floor crosser as he stumbles his way to yet another position on Iran. Jesse Woodward from CHLY guest cohosts. Links:

David Eby kills time changes, the feds sign a deal with the Musqueam and Carney dithers on Iran and foreign interference

The BC Conservative race tightens up with candidates dropping out and MLA endorsements racking up. The NDP are under fire for policy changes. The federal government might be fine with some light foreign interference. And the Conservatives get an amendment to the budget.

A new provincial budget, an NDP debate, and a few more seats change hands federally

A sombre reflection takes the place of the throne speech as BC prepares for budget 2026 and Carney may or may not be gearing up for an election.

More and more and more names for the BC Con leadership, while Poilievre survives his vote. And an AI consultation summary delivered to us by AI.

Shots fired in the BC Conservative race and Mark Carney tries to address affordability while offending Quebeckers

BC pauses another act for more consultation, the Cons set their rules for their race and Carney gets attention in Davos

More BC Conservative leadership candidates enter, BC Green leadership candidates fundraising, Centre BC leadership drama and Carney goes to China Links

A look back on our predictions, a few more for 2026 and catching up on the news.

We speak with journalist Rod Mickleburgh about his new book

The BC Conservative leadership race starts to take shape as another federal MP crosses the floor.

John Rustad's time as BC Conservative leader and Stephen Guillbeault is out of cabinet

Involuntary detentions, climate plans, electoral reform and pipeline politics

David Eby and Mark Carney survive the week but John Rustad's a bit more bruised.

Mark Carney has more major projects for us.

Campaign finances, ostriches and the budget

Strikes ending, one way or another and threats of elections provincial and federal.

Conservatives in disarray

Doctors quit, strikes roll on, parties prep for the budget and Canada wants to nuke the moon

A bevy of bills get introduced in the BC Legislature, Rustad’s caucus troubles continue and Carney changes his signature legislation. Links BC Legislature Bills:

As the Legislature returns, the Conservative infighting continues. Alberta wants a pipeline and the federal NDP race has contestants.

John Rustad surives, kind of, Emily Lowan wins and Mark Carney takes on the post office

People are dying to vote in Rustad's leadership review.

Will the real BC Greens please stand up?

Politics is warming up with strikes, calls to end the temporary foreign worker program and a hint at coming major projects

Ben Woodfinden, former Communications Director for Pierre Poilievre comes on the pod to discuss the 2025 election and the state of Canadian conservativism. Links

We interview the candidates to lead the BC Green Party Emily Lowan, Adam Bremner-Akins and Jonathan. Find out why they are running and what their vision for the BC Green Party and the Province is.

Ryan Clayton joins the pod to discuss the BC Green Party leadership race and couple consequential court decisions.  Links

David Moscrop joins the pod to discuss 100 days of Carney. What does the three and a third months since the election tell us about what kind of PM Mark Carney is and what does it mean for the future of Canada. Links