PolitiCoast

David Eby doesn’t have to like China building our new ferries, so long as they get built. John Rustad accuses former colleagues of trying to blackmail his staff. And the BC Greens still exist even if no one is officially running for their leadership. Federally, Carney’s big infrastructure bill passes with Conservative support despite some pushback from the rest of the opposition and some Liberals. They also introduced a new old cybersecurity bill. At the G7, they announced money for Ukraine and talked up trade with the USA. The Coast Guard may, or may not, be armed, depending who you ask and on what day. Jagmeet Singh and Sikh Canadians face intimidation from India but that didn’t stop Carney from reinstating our high commissioner to India. Finally, Damien Kurek resigns, giving Pierre Poilievre a path back to the House of Commons in time for his leadership review in January. Links BC * Premier David Eby rules out cancelling BC Ferries’ China-built ships contract [https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/bc-ferries-new-major-vessels-david-eby-china-shipyard-contract] * B.C. Opposition Leader John Rustad accuses former Conservative MLAs of blackmail [https://cheknews.ca/b-c-opposition-leader-john-rustad-accuses-former-conservative-mlas-of-blackmail-1261335/] * Eby calls for police investigation after BC Conservative ‘blackmail’ claims – Global News [https://globalnews.ca/news/11246333/rustad-blackmail-eby-police/] * Weaving the fringes – by Ryan Clayton – Shot of Ry [https://itsryanclayton.substack.com/p/weaving-the-fringes] * Adam Bremner-Akins [https://www.adamba.ca/]   Canada * Liberals to pass major projects bill this week with Conservative support [https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/liberals-to-pass-major-projects-bill-this-week-with-conservative-support?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=NP_social&utm_content=news] * MPs call out Carney’s sprint to push major projects bill through Commons | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/elizabeth-may-carney-push-bill-c-5-commons-1.7562476] * Liberal MP wants to see major projects bill amended, studied further – Business in Vancouver [https://www.biv.com/news/economy-law-politics/liberal-mp-wants-to-see-major-projects-bill-amended-studied-further-10823954] * Government Bill (House of Commons) C-8 (45-1) – First Reading – An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts [https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/45-1/bill/C-8/first-reading] * Senators amend error in cybersecurity bill that could have cancelled half of it | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cybersecurity-bill-c26-senate-amend-1.7401358] * G7 Leaders’ Joint Statements – Kananaskis, Canada, 17 June 2025 – Consilium [https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/06/17/g7-leaders-joint-statements-kananaskis-canada-17-june-2025/] * Carney’s office retracts claim U.S. wanted to water down language on Ukraine at G7 | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/g7-joint-statements-1.7563790] * Canada announces $4.3-billion in new Ukraine aid and sanctions on Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ – The Globe and Mail [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-trump-zelensky-russia-ukraine-g7/] * Carney and Trump commit to reaching trade deal within 30 days | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trump-carney-trade-war-1.7562351] * Coast Guard union says crews in the dark about promised expanded ‘security mandate’ [https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/coast-guard-union-says-crews-in-the-dark-about-promised-expanded-security-mandate/article_9a135257-3384-5d02-9e31-1ba249ebc7b5.html] * Military vice-chief says there are no plans to arm Coast Guard vessels [https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/military-vice-chief-says-there-are-no-plans-to-arm-coast-guard-vessels/ar-AA1GTIEU] * ‘It’s unacceptable’: Brother of Jagmeet Singh says Canadians warned about risk to their life deserve protection [https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/its-unacceptable-brother-of-jagmeet-singh-says-canadians-warned-about-risk-to-their-life-deserve-protection] * Indian agent had Jagmeet Singh under close surveillance | Globalnews.ca [https://globalnews.ca/news/11229198/jagmeet-singh-indian-agent-surveillance/] * Canada ‘must remain vigilant’ about Indian foreign interference, CSIS report cautions | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/india-foreign-interference-csis-report-1.7564710] * Canada, India agree to re-establish high commissioners after G7 meeting | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-india-high-commissioners-1.7563990]   * Poilievre to face leadership review in January – The Globe and Mail [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-pierre-poilievre-leadership-review/] * Kurek looks to leave mark on Canada with bill to add a new national symbol [https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/kurek-looks-to-leave-mark-on-canada-with-bill-to-add-a-new-national-symbol/]

The independent Conservative MLAs start a new party, but only some of them. Plus the NDP has ferry troubles again. Meanwhile in Ottawa, Carney takes a page from BC’s Bill 15 as questions pile up about what is his foreign policy. Links * B.C. Independent MLAs start new party to ‘combat the globalist assault’ [https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/bc-independent-mlas-start-new-party-to-combat-the-globalist-assault/] * Kelowna MLA part of new BC political party [https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/555884/Okanagan-MLA-forms-party] * OneBC – Party Website [https://1bc.ca/] * Kealy confirms no involvement with new party created by fellow ex-Conservatives [https://energeticcity.ca/2025/06/13/kealy-confirms-no-involvement-with-new-party-created-by-fellow-ex-conservatives/] * Jordan Kealy tweet [https://x.com/jordan_keal/status/1933583270425559237?s=12&t=sSRIDm5F_l5lR8EFct98dA] * BC Privacy Office Forced to Obtain Court Order for FOI Request | The Tyee [https://thetyee.ca/News/2025/06/10/BC-Privacy-Office-Forced-Obtain-Court-Order-FOI-Request/] * BC Ferries selects shipyard to construct four New Major Vessels [https://www.bcferries.com/news-releases/bc-ferries-selects-shipyard-to-construct-four-new-major-vessels] * Backlash mounts over BC Ferries’ deal with Chinese shipyard [https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2025/06/11/backlash-mounts-over-bc-ferries-deal-with-chinese-shipyard/] * New federal legislation would cut internal trade barriers, advance ‘nation-building’ projects – The Globe and Mail [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-federal-legislation-internal-trade-barriers-provinces/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter] * Government of Canada introduces legislation to build One Canadian Economy [https://www.canada.ca/en/intergovernmental-affairs/news/2025/06/government-of-canada-introduces-legislation-to-build-one-canadian-economy.html] * Carney shows his hand on infrastructure and trade bill | Canada’s National Observer [https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/06/13/opinion/carney-bill-c-5-infrastructure-trade] * Canada’s new government is rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces [https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2025/06/09/canadas-new-government-rebuilding-rearming-and-reinvesting-canadian] * Carney to announce Canada’s defence spending will hit NATO’s target of 2% of GDP this fiscal year, sources say – The Globe and Mail [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-carney-to-announce-canadas-defence-spending-will-hit-2-of-gdp-nato/] * Canada to join major European rearmament deal as early as June 23: sources | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-signing-onto-european-rearment-deal-eu-canada-summit-1.7560891] * Canadian military personnel to get 20 per cent pay hike, defence minister says [https://ottawacitizen.com/public-service/defence-watch/canadian-military-personnel-pay-hike] * Saudi Crown Prince MBS will not attend G7 Summit in Canada | Reuters [https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/saudi-crown-prince-mbs-will-not-attend-g7-summit-canada-2025-06-12/] * Carney defends inviting India’s Modi to G7 summit as Liberal MP calls it ‘a bad idea’ | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-pushback-modi-1.7558294] * Indian agent had Jagmeet Singh under close surveillance | Globalnews.ca [https://globalnews.ca/news/11229198/jagmeet-singh-indian-agent-surveillance/] * India and Canada reach deal to share intelligence on terrorism, crime | Financial Post [https://financialpost.com/pmn/business-pmn/india-and-canada-reach-deal-to-share-intelligence-on-terrorism-crime]

Kelowna General Hospital’s pediatric ward is closed, which is very bad. Meanwhile our premier is in Asia while the other premiers met with Mark Carney. In Ottawa, the Throne Speech passes quietly in the night despite the NDP’s pledge to vote against. And the Liberals introduce their first bills, including a major border and security state overhaul bill. Links * Pediatric unit at Kelowna hospital to close for at least 6 weeks amid doctor shortage | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/kelowna-hospital-pediatric-unit-closure-1.7543025] * Kelowna General Hospital doctors warn of ‘collapse’ of primary maternity care coverage | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/kelowna-maternity-care-warning-1.7548851] * B.C. health officials were warned of problems nine months before Kelowna hospital pediatric ward closure [https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/bc-health-officials-were-warned-of-problems-nine-months-before-kelowna-hospital-ward-closure] * B.C. premier on trade mission says Japanese companies expressing interest in LNG, critical minerals | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-premier-david-eby-japan-trade-mission-1.7551606] * Pipeline policy divides B.C., Alberta as premiers meet with Carney in Saskatoon | Globalnews.ca [https://globalnews.ca/news/11208742/bc-alberta-pipelines-saskatoon/] * Premiers express optimism after pitching major projects to Carney | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/premiers-meeting-prime-minister-carney-major-projects-1.7549577] * First Ministers’ statement on building a strong Canadian economy and advancing major projects [https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2025/06/02/first-ministers-statement-building-strong-canadian-economy-and-advancing-major-projects] * Ontario signs deals with Saskatchewan, P.E.I. and Alberta to reduce trade barriers | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-saskatchewan-memorandum-of-understanding-1.7549501] * Throne speech motion rewrite should remind Liberals of the perils of minority government – iPolitics [https://www.ipolitics.ca/2025/06/04/throne-speech-motion-rewrite-should-remind-liberals-of-the-perils-of-minority-government/] * Throne speech adopted without a vote in House of Commons [https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/interim-ndp-leader-says-party-will-vote-against-throne-speech/] * Government of Canada strengthens border security [https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/news/2025/06/government-of-canada-strengthens-border-security.html] * Government Bill (House of Commons) C-2 (45-1) – First Reading – Strong Borders Act – Parliament of Canada [https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/45-1/bill/C-2/first-reading] * Migrant Rights Network Condemns Bill C-2’s Anti-Refugee & Mass Deportation Provisions [https://migrantrights.ca/c2pressrelease/] * Privacy At Risk: Government Buries Lawful Access Provisions in New Border Bill – Michael Geist [https://www.michaelgeist.ca/2025/06/privacy-at-risk-government-buries-lawful-access-provisions-in-new-border-bill/] * Border security bill would give law enforcement access to internet subscriber information without a warrant – The Globe and Mail [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-strong-borders-act-law-enforcement-internet-information-access/] * From increased police power to stricter immigration, here’s what’s in the new border bill – The Globe and Mail [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-what-is-strong-borders-act-bill-immigration/] * Canada introduces proposed citizenship by descent legislation [https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/canada-introduces-proposed-citizenship-by-descent-legislation/article_6c6ab85c-0d74-4e2c-9bb3-4520b6c1022a.html] * Government Bill (House of Commons) C-4 (45-1) – First Reading – Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act – Parliament of Canada [https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/45-1/bill/C-4/first-reading] * House unanimously adopts Liberals’ promised income tax cut | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/house-of-commons-income-tax-cut-1.7553307]

The BC Legislature wraps up its spring sitting with a couple rare private members bills passing, as well as the NDP’s two controversial infrastructure bills. Federally, King Charles himself delivered Mark Carney’s first Throne Speech but did so without the crown. Links * Spring legislative session focuses on standing strong for B.C., growing economy [https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025PREM0060-000514] * B.C. MLAs banned from holding municipal office after bill passes | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-mlas-local-office-bill-1.7546298]  * MLAs who are now less employed [https://bsky.app/profile/sobittersosweet.bsky.social/post/3lqcuhbqhxc27] * B.C. Conservative MLA’s private member’s bill on perinatal, postnatal mental health care passes | CBC.ca [https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6777069] * B.C. NDP government narrowly passes controversial bills to fast-track projects | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-ndp-bill-15-1.7546636] * B.C. gravel truckers’ union suing Conservative MLA over alleged defamation [https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/bc-gravel-truckers-union-suing-conservative-mla-over-alleged-defamation/] * Elections B.C. says 2024 election ‘free and fair’ but marred by ‘false narratives’ | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/elections-b-c-2024-election-1.7545306] * 2024 Provincial Election Report Available [https://elections.bc.ca/news/2024-provincial-election-report-available/] * Throne Speech: Building Canada Strong: A bold, ambitious plan for our future [https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/campaigns/speech-throne/2025/building-canada-strong.html] * Ottawa planning ‘up-front’ approval for projects deemed in the national interest | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/national-interest-projects-approvals-legislation-1.7547435] * Carney says Canada is looking to join major European military buildup by July 1 | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/rearm-europe-deal-canada-carney-interview-1.7545303]

BC hires then fires a DTES czar, Carney releases the mandate letter to rule them all and Danielle Smith plays with fire. Links * B.C. scraps controversial appointment of Downtown Eastside ‘czar’ | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-scraps-downtown-eastside-czar-1.7539559] * Liberals will table a budget this fall, Prime Minister Mark Carney says | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-budget-mark-carney-1.7538248] * Mandate Letter | Prime Minister of Canada [https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/mandate-letters/2025/05/21/mandate-letter] * Canada wants to join Golden Dome missile-defence program, Trump says | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/golden-dome-trump-us-missile-defence-canada-1.7539390] * Prime Minister Carney pressed on housing prices [https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2025/05/19/prime-minister-carney-pressed-on-housing-prices/] * Housing Policy Is Mark Carney’s Mission: Impossible [https://www.davidmoscrop.com/p/housing-policy-is-mark-carneys-mission] * Alberta separatist group releases proposed referendum question, plans to push for vote this year [https://calgaryherald.com/news/politics/alberta-separatist-group-referendum-question] * What if Alberta did vote to leave? – by Stewart Prest [https://stewartprest.substack.com/p/what-if-alberta-did-vote-to-leave] * Opinion: It’s time for a centralization movement in Canada – Emmett Macfarlane [https://open.substack.com/pub/emmettmacfarlane/p/opinion-its-time-for-a-centralization] * Jen Gerson: Danielle Smith is destroying my kitchen [https://www.readtheline.ca/p/jen-gerson-danielle-smith-is-destroying]