Ryan & Lisa: The Podcast

Listeners text in their thoughts on dealing with spiders and more issues of the day as Ryan & Lisa kick off the day with top local updates and conversations about the news.  Friday brought some significant shake-ups in B.C. politics, after a cabinet shuffle followed Minister Brenda Bailey disclosure she will be seeking cancer treatment. We have Josie Osborne taking on the finance file, while Ravi Kahlon is going to health and Bailey takes up jobs with Adrian Dix stepping in while she is undertaking treatment. Meanwhile, former BC Conservative finance critic Peter Milobar left his caucus to sit as an independent, citing a mis-match of values with the party’s new direction. Rob Botterell is the BC Greens finance critic and a local MLA, and he’s joining us to share his thoughts. Plus, the Junior A Shamrocks hope to build more momentum after starting off Minto Cup with a loss. CFAX 1070 program director and lacrosse box broadcaster Brad Challoner joins for a peek at what's happening in Calgary.  A local 11-year-old is hosting his annual lemonade stand in support of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, a tradition that began after his father died suddenly from a brain aneurysm in 2022. This year Anders Yee will host his stand on Shelbourne St. from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and he is joining us on the line now. He joins with Susanna, his mom.  Plus more on how Peter Milobar announced he left the BC Conservative caucus on Friday shortly after Premier Eby laid out the cabinet shuffle because former finance minister Brenda Bailey will soon be seeking cancer treatment. How unstable is B.C. politics heading into the fall session? UBC political science lecturer Stewart Prest is joining us for his take. Meanwhile, we’re getting new information about how police responded to the tragedy that unfolded in Tumbler Ridge when a 18-year-old shot and killed eight people before committing suicide. We all still have questions ahead of the results of the coroner’s inquest and a subsequent public inquiry remains on the table. CTV news and a group of media outlets went to court, and obtained hundreds of pages of heavily redacted documents. 

Catch the latest on BC wildfires, upcoming weekend events and transit labour troubles in Victoria as Ryan & Lisa explore what you need to know to start your Friday off right.  Plus, Central Saanich Little League says it is seeing a significant uptick in girl’s registration since 2022, and they’ve even filled out some new all-girls teams. To encourage more kids to get involved, they’re hosting a free girl’s baseball try it night upcoming next Wednesday. Coach Clare McDonald joins to explain why these efforts are needed to prevent girls from quitting the sport as they get older.  Ryder Hesjedal’s Tour de Victoria will see riders of all ages and abilities work through word-class cycling routes in the capital region. Hesjedal joins to share how you can get a piece of the action, and weighs in on the state of cycling as a sport in Canada. One of the ways people are helping out folks on the mainland displaced by wildfire evacuations is through donations of hygiene products, linens and cleaning supplies. Soap for Hope Canada is working with the Salvation Army to get the products from the capital region to the Okanagan. Anne McIntyre, the executive director of Soap for Hope, talks us through how it all works.  The union representing more than 750 transit workers in Greater Victoria have issued a strike notice, and are set to start with a uniform ban on Monday—though it says there won’t be any change to service for riders yet. This comes after their collective agreement expired in the spring of 2025. How did we get here and what could happen next? Stephen Bains is the president of Unifor Local 333, representing these workers. Plus, Dallas from the Vic Food Guys has all you need to know about great food and community events this weekend, including a sneak preview of plans for the Kyoto Garden Japanese Tea House. 

You know Kids Count! supports children in our community through things like the breakfast program, but we’re also supporting other things that are key for their development – including things like mental wellbeing. Ryan spent much of his mid-day with horses yesterday so to learn a bit more about horse therapy and access for children. Victoria Theraptic Riding Association executive director Liz Gagel is joins to share more. This year’s long-awaited Soberfest is happening Saturday, with headliners including Bif Naked, Tyler Shaw, Caleb Heart & Friends and Snack the Ripper. It’s a family friendly space where people can enjoy the music festival community without being around intoxicating substances. Founder and recovery advocate Mike Manhas joins.  As we’re seeing more hazy skies around Vancouver Island as volatile wildfires continue to blaze on the mainland, some of us may start to feel the negative effects of this exposure. Anne-Marie Nicol is an SFU associate professor of professional practices in the health sciences department who leads the university’s BREATHE Project, which offers resources to the public on building a do-it-yourself air cleaner. She’s joins to talk smoke exposure and mitigation. Frustration over U.S. relations has boiled over into a petition headed to the House of Commons which calls for the ambassador from the U.S., Pete Hoekstra, to get the boot out of Canada. It’s something our own listeners weighed in on in a news poll this week, with 85 per cent of you saying you agree with the idea. But what would the diplomatic fall out of such a drastic move be? Jeremy Kinsman is a retired diplomat based here in Victoria, and we always appreciate his insight It’s official, the Victoria Shamrocks are set to take on the WLA championship series on Saturday, and we can see the action here at the Q Centre.General manager Chris Welch is joining us to talk about what we can expect.

As these devastating wildfires on the mainland continue to wreck havoc on communities, many of us here on the Island are reconsidering our summer travel plans. Road Safety at Work is urging drivers to avoid unnecessary travel near wildfires. Program director Trace Acres is joins to talk through what you need to consider before taking that ferry over.  Apparently dangerous driving has become such an issue in the Nanaimo region, RCMP have resorted to bringing in a helicopter in a recent enforcement frenzy. Police say on Sunday they partnered with Comox Air Services 8. During the operation, they observed 46 traffic violations, issued 33 charges under the Motor Vehicle Act, issued 8 warnings, served one 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition and impounded four vehicles. Nanaimo RCMP operations officer Inspector Donovan Tait is joins for more. As technology and a tremendous human effort has struggled to keep up with growing wildfires on the mainland, many of us are wondering what more we can do in the face of even more intense wildfire seasons yet to come. The Council of Canadian Innovators is a technology business advocacy organization, and their director of B.C. affairs has penned an Op-Ed in the Vancouver Sun addressing that question, arguing we need to resource new initiatives that could help manage ignition risk. Kiersten Enemark joins to make the case for the province and feds to establish a Wildfire Innovation Fund.  It looks like there will be a bit of a gap between the Crystal Pool closing in late September, and the re-opening of the old Y-M-C-A building– which will soon be known as the Victoria Recreation Centre— as it won’t be back in action until early 2027. This follows a significant water leak at the Victoria Recreation Centre earlier this summer, which was originally envisioned to be the plan B during construction of the Crystal Pool Replacement project. Victoria’s director of parks, recreation and facilities Derrick Newman joins. We’ve gotten word on plans for the old Capital Iron building, with Midland Appliance saying it is taking over and will open a new luxury showroom at the site in the fall. Mike Kozakowski from Citified also joins to chat about this latest development (pun intended) and remind us of what changes are in store for the area as well.

Ryan & Lisa discuss with listeners the story of the flight from Victoria to Toronto cancellation after a child refused to put on their seatbelt. Plus, B.C.’s wine growers are among the industries highly effected by the wildfire situation in the Okanagan, and the rapidly evolving situation means we may not know the full extent of the damage until this is finally under control. Industry spokesperson and Wine Growers of BC CEO Jeff Guignard joins.  CFAX Santas Anonymous executive director Christine Hewitt-Goodsir has our latest Kids Count! Mega Summer 50/50 update.  Meanwhile, E-scooter and E-bike safety on the roads remains a live issue, and it’s important enough to our community we want to dig into the policy options. We haven’t yet gotten back much yet from the ministry of transportation, and ICBC is deferring to the province since they haven’t gotten any new legislative guidance. Anytime we get into some of the local conversations about safety hazards, we get questions from our community about if liscencing or further regulation is the way to go. BC Conservative transportation critic Harman Bhangu is joins to weigh in with the opposition take.  Plus, now is a hard time for many of B.C.’s farmers effected by wildfires right now, including the Bald Range fire. We’ve even heard reports of farmers risking their lives in the hopes of protecting their livelihoods, staying longer than is safe amid evacuation orders. BC minister of agriculture and local MLA Lana Popham joins to discuss.  The Bald Range wildfire situation which forced 20,000 people out of their homes remains a volatile situation. We wait for more answers about how this happened as the RCMP investigates the fire’s origin, but for now we wanted to connect with a mayor who’s got eyes on the ground of this evacuation. Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes calls us from Penticton for the latest. 

As the Senior Shamrocks are headed to the WLA final Saturday, the Junior Shamrocks are also having a moment in the sun, after a win over the weekend has progressed them to compete in the 2026 Minto Cup in Calgary. Junior A Shamrocks General Manager Rod Wade has the details. Plus, Fiona Hammersly Chambers from Metchosin Farm gets us prepared to prepare our gardens for the winter.  Though we’ve been fortunate so far here on Vancouver Island, the province’s wildfire situation seems to have escalated even further over the weekend, with areas in the Okanagan valley hit particularly hard. We have a lot of questions about home insurance. What happens if your home is damaged in a wildfire or you have to evacuate? The Insurance Bureau of Canada’s vice-president for Pacific and Western Canada Aaron Sutherland joins.  Meanwhile, the BC Conservatives are noting a year has passed since the Cowichan Tribes decision brought political fallout over the questions it raised about fee simple property rights and Aboriginal title. Attorney General critic Steve Kooner says the provincial government has given a clear message property rights are not secure anywhere in B.C. He’s joining us to explain why he says that and what he’d like to see happen.   Plus, the local wrestling community has been in the spotlight after Victoria-grown Chelsea Green claimed the Interim WWE Women’s Championship earlier this month. Vancouver Island Pro Wrestling is one of the companies Green herself has wrestled for in her career, and remains one of the most active hubs for the wrestling community around here. Co-founder BJ Laredo joins to help us make sense of the news.  On the heels of breaking news Liberal MP Shaun Chen plans to resign, we discuss byelections in federal politics. The North Vancouver-Capilano federal byelection is coming up fast at the end of August, with candidates from all parties declaring their picks to replace Liberal MP Jonathan Wilkinson. The Liberals are putting up Braeden Caley, the Greens are offering Shelley Luce, the conservative pick is Stephen Curran and the NDP has offered up Stephen Tweedale. As byelections seem to be playing a bigger role in federal politics, Royal Roads professor David Black joins to break down this race and its significance in the big picture.  

Ryan & Sports Guy Steve talk gas prices and field questions from listeners about sports news. Plus, local hoaxes and legends on International Serpent Day.  Meanwhile, Air quality is remaining top-of-mind as hazy skies have made it to much of Vancouver Island. Overnight here in Victoria we saw the air quality health index peak at four, or a moderate health risk. What’s the latest and what should we expect over the weekend? Donna Haga is a meteorologist with the provincial government with the latest.  The Mosh the Rock Island MetalFest is returning to Fred Milne Park in Sooke this weekend, and organizer Royal Savoie from Royalty Entertainment joins to run through what we need to know before we go. Plus, the latest Stats Canada jobs numbers are in with unemployment in B.C. falling to 6.2 per cent, and we’ve gotten word Minister Ravi Kahlon isn’t able to talk job numbers this week, so B.C.’s forestry minister and local MLA Ravi Parmar is taking it on. It’s a good time to talk to him, as wildfires blaze in much of the province and we’ve just welcomed the wildfire crews from Mexico to help. Yesterday brought relieving news for the friends and family of a 25-year-old hiker from Courtenay, when an RCMP helicopter found him on a cliffside in the Paradise Meadows-Mount Albert Edward area. He had been missing since Monday when he had reportedly decided to stay behind as his hiking partner made an ascent. It was a huge search and rescue effort, and Comox Valley Search & Rescue manager Paul Berry walks us through what happened.  The David Foster foundation’s celebration of 40 years of fundraising to support children and families of organ transplant recipients is set to be it’s last gala, followed by a huge concert open to the public at the inner harbour on Saturday.  The weekend is kicking off with a red-carpet event at the Victoria Conference Centre today. Foundation CEO Mike Ravenhill checks in ahead of the big weekend.  Plus, Dallas joins for CFAX 1070's Friday morning local food feature, with what you need to know about the Cadboro Food Festival, fusion food truck eats, soup dumplings, Pickle Fest. Is Victoria becoming one of the chicken hubs of the world? 

The Canadian Red Cross has launched a campaign aiming to support people in the province affected by wildfires, in the form of direct assistance and relief along with future community preparedness efforts. Their BC and Yukon vice president Pat Quealey joins to break down the appeal.  Plus, the Nanaimo Night Owls’ win last night brought them to the playoffs, while the Victoria HarbourCat’s final match of the season against the Wenatchee AppleSox was cancelled due to wildfire smoke in Wenatchee. We’re catching up with managing partner for both of these Island baseball teams, Jim Swanson. Meanwhile, Oak Bay is asking for permission to enter local properties for the purposes of ramping up its deer contraception program, after an initial pilot program showed promise. Mayor Kevin Murdoch joins to chat about the latest. The WLA playoffs are on, and the Victoria Shamrocks are fresh off a win in the best-of-five semifinal series, and we’re heading more big Island match-ups against Nanaimo. The team’s general manager Chris Welch joins for a check in. We’ve learned BC Hydro is buying the Island Generation natural-gas power plant in Campbell River, with the province’s energy minister saying this will support province’s plans to expand clean energy while keeping back-up power is available. Minister Adrian Dix (who we learn is also a wrestling fan) joins. 

You might remember that discussion paper that caused a bit of a stir in conservationist groups after it suggested a federal policy where projects of national importance could seek exceptions to species at risk protections. It’s something Nature Canada is weighing in on now, with a submission that argues bypassing environmental review won’t actually speed up economic projects. Director of policy Akaash Maharaj joins.  This year’s Island Star Party is set to take place on the ground of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Saanichton on Friday and Saturday night. The Victoria Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada says it’s the spot to be for anyone who wants to gaze upon celestial objects, with free drop-ins for the astronomy-curious and by-donation camp-out for the hard-core stargazers. For more on this and other space events, we catch up with past president Randy Enkin. The province had confirmed the Point Ellis House will cease operations as a public heritage designation, though the province will assume control over the site in early September to preserve its artifacts. This comes after the site has changed operators several times since 2002, most recently the Metis Nation of BC and some time before that the Vancouver Island History Society. That society’s president Kelly Black joins to share his reaction.  Pacific FC took yet another narrow loss at its most recent home game, and now the team sets its eyes on facing off against Inter Toronto on Saturday. We’ve got Sports Guy Steve here on CFAX Mornings this week, so it’s the perfect time to catch up with Pacific FC coach Terry Dunfeild. The City of Victoria and Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce are launching a new pilot program aiming to help local entrepreneurs launch and grow their business. The inaugural class will be a five-person cohort, as the city and business community works to help incoming business leaders develop. Chamber CEO John Wilson joins. 

Sports Guy Steve (aka CFAX 1070's afternoon news anchor) is in for Lisa today, so we explore athletic stories off the top with his expertise on hand. AI is becoming an increasingly handy tool, with B.C.’s premier even saying he once used it to help him fix a toilet. However, preventing injuries at work requires a bit more context, according to WorkSafe BC. You may have heard a catchy slogan in an ad lately: “before you ask a bot, ask your boss.” It’s something we caught up with WorkSafe BC field prevention manager Sandeep Mangat about.  We’re getting hyped up for the Snowbirds display happening later today (catch all the action live on CFAX Afternoons with Josh & Jade), so we explore some of the passion for aviation in the local community on the heels of the BC Aviation open house with BC Aviation museum president Steve Hale.  Plus, it seems Westjet has come to a tentative deal with the union representing nearly 4,400 flight attendants after a brief work stoppage over the long weekend. We don’t know the details of how that is shaking out, and nothing is ratified yet, but it raises a larger question for passengers. What do you do if you need to travel when there is a labour interruption affecting the airline you are using? Norm Schafer is the founder of Far and Away Adventures and host of the Far and Away Adventures Podcast, and he's got advice.  Meanwhile, Metchosin was one of the recipients of a $7M infrastructure grant, and this could be a big deal for the district as it navigates increasingly tricky financial demands. Mayor Marie-Térèse Little joins for the update.  We cap off today's show with a very special contest and Josh Hylden from Afternoons with Josh & Jade sharing a preview of everything you can expect today during the Snowbirds display right here in Victoria. Listen live to hear what's happening in the air while you watch the snow! 

Food waste is at issue today after a local buffet issued a message asking people to be mindful of how much they load up their plates. Plus, Dork Uncorked co-host Rod Philips to the Canada wide direct-to-consumers alcohol sales agreement. What does this really change for the B.C. industry? Also, there’s something on Hornby Island called the Seaweed School—a place where researchers from UBC are working to educate the next generation of coastal scientists. The school’s co-creator is associate professor in UBC’s botany department Bridgette Clarkston joins.  In B.C. politics news, the BC Conservative shake-up continues with the executive director of the party moving on. Angelo Isidorou is largely credited for taking what was a fringe party to the brink of a majority in the 2024 elections, and this week he says he’s leaving on amicable and mutual terms. Meanwhile, a director of research for the caucus who was let go estimated a 50 per cent staff turnover since Kerry-Lynne Findlay took power. Also this week, MLA Ian Paton stepped down from the caucus leadership position of Lower Mainland Lieutenant, citing his need for time to dedicate to family and career responsibilities. CTV Vancouver legislative reporter Rob Buffam hops on to help us keep track. There’s been a big infrastructure funding announcement, with two local governments getting 7 million dollars in the capital region. While, Metchosin was awarded for its fire hall project, the CRD is getting funds to build a facility to convert biosolids into biochar, a high-carbon material with uses in industries like agriculture and construction. CRD Board chair Cliff McNeil-Smith breaks it down.  Plus, Dallas joins in studio for this week's edition of Friday Food Vibes. 

A new Angus Reid Poll suggests the federal NDP may be getting a boost in popularity as concern over climate change rebounds. Their data found climate as a top issue has crawled up from 14 per cent in March to 21 per cent now. Meanwhile, one-in-six people who voted Liberal in the past federal election told pollsters they would now support the NDP. What’s the deal with the NDP’s proposal for a Green New Deal? NDP leader Avi Lewis joins.  Plus, the David Foster Foundation says this upcoming gala will be the last for the foundation, and it’s a much awaited event with new details about special guests. Foundation CEO Mike Ravenhill has the latest.  BC Ferries is getting set for a busy long weekend and we catch up on what you need to know if you are planning to get off the island for BC Day, with spokesperson Lilian Kim.  Meanwhile, we've been tuned into safety issues that come with the rise of e-mobility lately, as police increasingly remind us of the road rules and age restrictions. Now, the hazards of these devices are something local Saanich Councillor Colin Plant is feeling first-hand, after receiving a significant injury in an E-Scooter ride gone wrong – ending with a crash in a parking lot. He shares his experience. Plus, housing policy continues to dominate the controversies in B.C. politics, with a Research Co. poll suggesting British Columbians are largely mixed on the rent-to-own proposal some critics have described as a “condo bail-out.” Research Co. president Mario Canseco breaks it down.   

Ryan and Lisa discuss B.C. nurses' job action with BC Nurses' Union president Adriane Gear, get Elizabeth May's perspective on Alberta's proposed pipeline, meet new Pacific FC head coach Terry Dunfield, and hear from a Victoria volunteer who worked behind the scenes at the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver.

On today's show, Ryan and Lisa chat with I-Land Fest co-founder Kara Randall about this year's celebration of Caribbean culture, speak with SD61 Superintendent Deb Whitten on the school year that was, an interview with Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer about the politics behind a proposed new pipeline to B.C.'s coast. Plus, Dallas with the Vic Food Guys with his latest local food picks.

It’s a full-city snapshot on today’s show. BC Hydro’s Susie Rieder shares smart ways to manage your power use with World Cup watch parties driving demand. We get reaction to Canada’s new Digital Safety Act from the Raffi Foundation’s Laurel Collins, plus Christine Hewitt Goodsir joins us with exciting updates to CFAX Santa’s Anonymous and the Kids Count! program.Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto tackles big local issues—from Rifflandia’s future to policing and creative community spaces—before we wrap with the Vic Food Guys’ guide to a packed weekend of beer gardens, festivals, and must-try eats.

Local Conservative MP Jeff Kibble catches up with us after an opposition motion involving private property rights failed in the House of Commons. Dr. Isaac Bogoch from the University of Toronto's department of medicine joins to talk infectious disease risks in the context of Ebola outbreak. Jan Kietzmann, a professor with UVic's school of business, shares the latest on "no-click commerce." Plus, a marmot recovery update. BC Conservative opposition critic for education Lynne Block weighs in on the School District 61 board firing reversal. We also get into Canada's submarine procurement dilemma with UVic military history professor David Zimmerman. 

Kirk Palmer, Race Chair for the Swiftsure International Yacht Race joins for a recap of what happened on the water over the weekend. Fernwood Cat Walk organizer Jesica Girard has the details you need to know before you go. Easter Seals of BC and Yukon acting CEO Tristan Klassen discusses the Camp Shawnigan rebuild funding shortfall. The Vancouver Sun's Alec Lazenby lays out the stakes ahead of today's Western Premiers Conference. Race organizer Nick Walker shares the details on how the Oak Bay Half Marathon shook out. 

On today’s show, Ryan and Lisa discuss the launch of Our Place Society’s new Reunification House, designed to help mothers in recovery reconnect with their children and build long-term stability. Victoria Councillor Stephen Hammond joins the program to explain council’s proposal to restrict the sale of spray paint to minors. Angus Reid Institute research director Dave Korzinski breaks down new polling on sports betting and growing public support for restrictions on gambling ads during broadcasts. The show also examines a major voyeurism case in Greater Victoria with Saanich Police Deputy Chief Damian Kowalecich after a Saanich man was sentenced in what investigators believe is the largest case of its kind prosecuted in Canada. Plus, the Vic Food Guys return for Friday Food Vibes.