PolitiCoast: The BC Politics Podcast

Sometimes a whole week of politics happens in a day and sometimes that day is the day after we record. Anyway, here’s our thoughts from Thursday night before three more Conservatives MLAs were dumped on the street and Peter Milobar inherited CentreBC. Election speculation runs rampant, Conservatives spy on themselves, Mark Carney flirts with Europe and investors. Links BC’s Political Orphans: Unhappy with NDP, wary of alternatives, half say they have no party to gladly support – Angus Reid Institute Canada BC Conservative Support Scatters Under Kerry-Lynne Findlay | Ipsos David Eby taps campaign manager as election speculation grows | CBC News Stewart Prest thread B.C. Conservatives hire private investigator to investigate CHEK’s Rob Shaw along with current, former MLAs Ex-B.C. Conservative MLAs and party president say a private investigator was hired to look into them | CBC News At least 2 Con MLAs ask KLF to resign at caucus meeting Wed https://x.com/RobShaw_BC/status/2100481742163644610 The B.C. Conservatives must win. Here’s how. – Claire Ratée BC Conservatives Are Not Far-Right, Findlay Says as Party Friction Continues | The Tyee Milobar’s new party gains seventh B.C. legislator as Donegal Wilson joins Will Milobar do a deal with CentreBC to avoid vote split/beat registration rules https://x.com/RobShaw_BC/status/2100428728577020416 Canada Prime Minister Carney delivers an address to the European Parliament Canada in talks to join EU’s Erasmus+ exchanges programme | Euronews @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu on Bluesky What we know about the proposed partnership between Canada and the EU | CBC News Prime Minister Carney delivers opening remarks at the Canada Investment Summit Prime Minister Carney introduces new Productivity Mega Deduction to boost Canada’s advantage as the most competitive G7 country for new business investment Government of Canada introduces new Productivity Mega Deduction to boost Canada’s advantage as the most competitive G7 country for new business investment (Backgrounder) ‘Mega’ tax writeoffs, private money for airports: How Carney’s investment summit unfolded | CBC Canada Investment Summit: Browse the Dealbook Canada’s 4 largest airports to be opened up to private investment, Carney says | CBC News Stephen Harper says Canada had ‘no choice’ but to walk away from U.S. trade talks | CBC News

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

Another NDP MLA faces down a cancer diagnosis, more MPs announce their resignations and the Greens kick of their leadership race. Links B.C. Finance Minister Brenda Bailey announces she has cancer | Vancouver Sun Brenda Baily statement Premier announces three cabinet changes 1-time settlement ‘windfall’ means B.C.’s deficit last year was $3B less than expected | CBC News Liberal MP Shaun Chen to resign over health concerns – The Globe and Mail Liberal MP’s travel documents show claims he voted on bills while in China are false | CBC News Ontario Conservative MP Larry Brock set to resign in September – The Globe and Mail Mike Morrice, Nira Dookeran running for Green Party leadership – The Globe and Mail Jeremy Appel Green Leadership interview https://mikeforleader.ca/ https://nira2026.ca/ After a month of fundraising, Canadians have donated 1.5% of the goal for 24 Sussex Drive Restoring 24 Sussex: A National Project for Future Generations – Rideau Hall Foundation Quebec law ending mandatory oath to King faces constitutional challenge | CBC News Supreme Court of Canada to hear case on constitutionality of requiring oath to the Crown | CBC News

What’s happening with the BC Conservatives and who will win the next round of federal byelections. Links Rob Shaw: BC Conservatives urged to stop using term ‘First Nations’ Findlay says ‘no directive’ to B.C. Conservatives on First Nations terminology | Victoria News Executive director of BC Conservatives is out as Kerry-Lynne Findlay reshapes party leadership – The Globe and Mail Jas Johal on Conservative talking points Kerry-Lynne Findlay doesn’t deny she called Teresa Wat ‘CCP’ as B.C. Conservative leader faces more challenges Jas Johal on MLAs refusing to resign seats for Kerry-Lynne Findlay Kelly Greene’s break from NDP cabinet solidarity a potential problem for David Eby, experts say Former OneBC chief of staff sues MLA Dallas Brodie over firing and alleged defamation campaign ‘Blanket’ forced treatment of involuntary psychiatric patients unconstitutional, B.C. court rules | CBC News Ottawa to scrap base contribution requirements for U.S. streamers – The Wire Report Ottawa plans to end ‘Netflix tax,’ replace with public Canadian content funding: document | CBC News Carney rules out using energy as leverage in U.S. trade talks – The Globe and Mail Carney says he doesn’t ‘see the value’ in using energy as leverage in U.S. trade talks | CBC News . Carney calls August byelections for 3 ridings in Ontario, Quebec and B.C. | CBC News EXCLUSIVE: Former NDP leader Jagmeet Singh being considered for Destination Canada’s top job Ethics watchdog’s exoneration of Trudeau on We Charity file can be legally reviewed, top court says | CBC News

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

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 takes charge of committees

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