PolitiCoast: The BC Politics Podcast

Lorne Doerkson’s BC Conservatives won a massive majority with 48% of the vote and 63 seats (at time of recording), while David Eby’s BCNDP crashes to 37% in its worst result since 2001 (and second worst result since Thomas Berger). The Greens sit at 11% with two seats, and turnout is a bleak ~48% as many NDP voters stay home. Ian’s joined by journalist Shannon Waters and now ex-political staffer Patrick Meehan to breakdown what happened. We argue Eby never sold a convincing reason for the snap vote, looked opportunistic, and lacked a forward-looking “what’s next” pitch—while distractions like the childcare controversy and shifting rationales didn’t help. We flag tight races, the Greens’ limited breakthrough, and the risks for the new premier, including party infighting over his interim leadership status. The NDP taps Jennifer Whiteside as interim leader, Kevin Falcon resigns as BC United leader, and Patrick reflects on seven years as a government staffer now job-hunting after the loss. Links Read Shannon Waters in The Narwhal Follow Shannon on Bluesky Follow Patrick Meehan on Bluesky Elections BC results B.C. NDP knives were out for David Eby before the last vote was cast | Vancouver Sun Jarryd Jäger claims of BCNDP infighting over Whiteside appointment Diamond Isinger response to Falcon’s resignation The post Snapback appeared first on PolitiCoast .

Scott’s last episode before paternity leave coinciding with possibly our last episode covering David Eby as premier. What a world. Anyway, the polls are bad for David Eby, the Conservative platform is built on economic magic and maybe we’ll look for two leadership contests in the new year when Scott returns. And Alberta’s sticking around, for now. Links Go vote! Or if you’re late to listening, check for the results. BC Conservatives open up commanding lead over Eby NDP | Trending Politics Greens rising, NDP diving BC Conservatives lead as election enters final week – Innovative Research Group B.C. Election 2026: BC Conservatives lead slightly as two-way race narrows and campaign enters final days Sarbraj Singh Kahlon on X: Doug McCallum rallies with BC Conservatives / X Platform | Conservative Party of British Columbia Conservatives Commit to Building SkyTrain to Newton Town Centre BC NDP will work with Surrey to build SkyTrain extension to Newton 338Canada British Columbia | All 93 districts The Writ’s British Columbia Election Tracker Elliott, Gunn deny BC NDP claim they’re vying for Doerkson’s position Advance voting for B.C. provincial election down 11% compared to 2024: officials | CBC News Elections Alberta Alberta referendum live results | CBC News The post Beginning of the End appeared first on PolitiCoast .

The debate was bad. The platforms are too long, too short or too non-existent. But at least the Cons are smart enough to dump the Hitler comment guy. Links BC Leaders’ Debate 2026 NDP Platform: Build BC Strong – BC Strong Fiscal & Costing Plan BC NDP will advance Sooke’s Phillips–Throup connection BC NDP to connect people to new Cowichan Hospital with new bus route Eby to expand transit to get people where they need to go, faster Eby Outlines Next Steps for Forestry Eby pledges new B.C. shipyard, permanent manufacturing fund Eby’s BC Ferries Plan: Reserving Bookings for Locals | BC NDP Conservatives Will Fix BC Ferries Conservatives Will Crack Down on Gangs and Lock Up Violent Offenders Conservatives Vow To End NDP Election Chaos Conservatives Will Build a New Massey Bridge and New Hospital in Surrey Greens Platform: https://bcgreens.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/BCG_Platform.pdf 2026 Platform | CentreBC — A Balanced Plan for BC B.C. NDP Leader David Eby gets $10-a-day child care. Opponents are outraged | CBC News B.C. Conservatives cut ties with candidate accused of Hitler remarks – The Globe and Mail B.C. Conservative campaign director under fire for anti-Islam posts | CBC News DAVID EBY MUST FIRE NDP CANDIDATE FINED FOR CONCEALING INFORMATION FROM INVESTIGATORS | Conservative Party of British Columbia Judge dismisses B.C. NDP’s challenge of Green candidate in Yaletown | Vancouver Sun The post David Eby is no John Horgan appeared first on PolitiCoast .

We have candidates, policies, upcoming debates and more. And if you have an idea for a future guest co-host, let us know! Links 2026 Provincial Election | Elections BC Candidates | Elections BC CANWEST PARTY How to watch the B.C. provincial election leaders’ debate on Oct. 14 | CBC News Eby will take on grocery giants to protect families from rising costs To build B.C. strong, Eby will ask the wealthy to pitch in a bit more , B.C.’s Eby promises new tax on millionaires to help pay for health care BC NDP to double funding for public libraries David Eby’s plan will strengthen health care for seniors Eby to support small businesses through the trade war BC NDP commits to Jewish community security and summit to confront organized hate BC NDP announces new support for wildfire-impacted families, including those uninsured Fighting Wildfires. Protecting Communities. | Conservative Party of British Columbia Meet the BC Wildfire Service aviation fleet Conservative Platform: Delivering Essential Services and Cutting Waste at Metro Vancouver Safe Streets For BC | Conservative Party of British Columbia Supercharge British Columbia’s Economy Conservatives Will Cut Your Taxes by $1,000 BC Greens’ Fair Share Act would unlock $22.2B for childcare, transit, and housing BC Greens announce plan to end legislated poverty and address low assistance rates BC Greens announce plan to regulate AI and hold Big Tech accountable Data Centre Doubts: Two-thirds want them limited; fears over resource drains drive resistance – Angus Reid Institute Canada BC Greens pledge to close the inclusive education funding gap so every student gets the support they need BC Greens pledge funding for Community Health Centres in every riding, support for healthcare workers BC Greens announce plan to reform forestry sector, protecting forests, jobs, and communities BC Greens announce plan to support seniors BC Greens launch major platform plank, Economic Vision for B.C.’s future B.C. Conservatives plan to repeal no-fault insurance, leaked letter shows | Globalnews.ca BC Conservatives should level with voters on ICBC plans – Business in Vancouver ‘No excuse’: BC Conservatives fire Victoria-Beacon Hill candidate over social media posts B.C. MLA Brent Chapman drops out of race, alleges threats from Conservative insiders Richard Martel joins Conservative Senate group, returns to Conservative caucus | CBC News The post I’ve made a huge mistake appeared first on PolitiCoast .

We have polls! So many polls that all say the same thing. We have policies! They’re… well maybe we’ll get something better. We’re getting a pipeline (dammit, that’s not what I meant). Links BC Conservative Support Rallies Without Kerry-Lynne Findlay | Ipsos BC’s Wide-Open Election – Innovative Research Group B.C.: Conservatives 40%, NDP 39% as Housing Mandates Collide BC Election 2026: Dissatisfaction Is High, But Voters Remain Unsettled 338Canada British Columbia | Poll Analysis & Electoral Projections The Writ’s British Columbia Election Tracker British Columbia Election Projection | Poliwave Eby to turn more empty condos into homes people can afford Eby to double critical mineral exports, expand Port of Prince Rupert Eby’s plan will cut gas prices by up to 30 cents a litre, crack down on gouging Conservative Party of BC Pledges No New Taxes on British Columbians Make British Columbia an Energy Superpower Conservatives to Remove PST from Canadian Alcohol BC Greens announce plan to lift the freeze on $10-a-day daycare, with universal free child care by 2031, alongside new candidate for Victoria-Swan Lake BC Greens announce plan to support renters, unveil two new candidates for South Island BC Greens announce Toxic Drugs policy alongside former chief coroner and candidate for Saanich South, Lisa Lapointe BC Supreme Court finds Drug Law Unconstitutional, Frees DULF The ruling OneBC pledges not to run against eight ‘principled’ B.C. Conservative candidates B.C.’s large parties on track to field candidates in all ridings as deadline looms Current candidate list Criminally charged B.C. incumbent running for re-election, another ‘seriously considering’ candidacy Recently-resigned Abbotsford-Mission MLA fails to land BC Conservative nomination | Saanich News No re-election bid for Conservative-turned-NDP MLA Amelia Boultbee of Penticton-Summerland – Castanet.net Late Filing Deadline for 2026 Conservative Party Leadership Contestant Financing Reports | Elections BC West Coast oil pipeline becomes 1st project designated in national interest | CBC News ‘We’ve got an important role to play,’ Eby says in response to pipeline Conservative MP Scott Aitchison to resign by end of year: source The post Voluntary Underdog appeared first on PolitiCoast .

In a wild week we have resignations, defections, defectors defecting again and an election call that may just backfire Register to vote: https://elections.bc.ca/2026-provincial-election/register-to-vote/ Links B.C. Premier David Eby pauses PST expansion, adds $90M tariff relief package Eby mum on snap election as Conservatives lose three more MLAs – The Globe and Mail OneBC ‘overwhelmed’ with candidates but fails to get party status before B.C. vote B.C.: NDP Leads Conservatives 41% to 36% as Election Begins Ballot Backlash: BC Conservatives open 8-point lead after snap election call, but electorate far from locked in Confused by what’s going on in B.C. politics? Catch up on the disarray | CBC News Policy Announcements: NDP: Eby to triple U.S. health worker recruitment Eby pledges new “Built in B.C. and Canada” buying rules The post The Craziest Week in BC appeared first on PolitiCoast .

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 post Most improved premier appeared first on PolitiCoast .

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 post Untitled Peter Milobar Project appeared first on PolitiCoast .

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 post Either way, Eby wins appeared first on PolitiCoast .

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 The post Summer of Discontent appeared first on PolitiCoast .

<p>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</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca/2026/08/21/the-smallest-shuffle/">The Smallest Shuffle</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca">PolitiCoast</a>.</p>

<p>Another NDP MLA faces down a cancer diagnosis, more MPs announce their resignations and the Greens kick of their leadership race</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca/2026/08/14/shuffling-silver-linings/">Shuffling silver linings</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca">PolitiCoast</a>.</p>

<p>What's happening with the BC Conservatives and who will win the next round of federal byelections</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca/2026/08/02/saved-by-a-shambolic-opposition/">Saved by a shambolic opposition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca">PolitiCoast</a>.</p>

<p>A familiar face returns, another is sticking around and one might need to find the door; and a bridge deal done Links</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca/2026/07/25/ebys-no-starmer/">Eby’s no Starmer</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca">PolitiCoast</a>.</p>

<p>The BCNDP accept a floor crosser and Mark Carney appoints a Conservative to the Senate</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca/2026/07/17/principles-of-convenience/">Principles of convenience</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca">PolitiCoast</a>.</p>

<p>Eby and Carney face blowback over their plans to buy condos and the PM might be getting a new home. Links Scheduling note: we will be on hiatus for one to two weeks, starting next week.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca/2026/06/27/david-eby-has-lost-touch/">David Eby Has Lost Touch</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca">PolitiCoast</a>.</p>

<p>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</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca/2026/06/20/big-dam-power-plans/">Big Dam Power Plans</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca">PolitiCoast</a>.</p>

<p>Is it time for the return of the BC Liberals? (No)</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca/2026/06/13/not-a-teflon-premier/">Not a teflon premier</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca">PolitiCoast</a>.</p>

<p>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</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca/2026/06/06/oldest-and-craziest-candidate-wins/">Oldest and craziest candidate wins</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca">PolitiCoast</a>.</p>

<p>The legislature goes on summer break, which couldn't come soon enough.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca/2026/05/29/deftless-handling/">Deftless handling</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.politicoast.ca">PolitiCoast</a>.</p>