PolitiCoast

There was a debate but more importantly we had plenty of debates about the debate given the kerfuffle that was this entire affair. The Conservatives bring up invoking the notwithstanding clause again and the BCNDP consider making it easier to drive. Links * Debates commission defends inviting Greens despite party’s candidate shortage | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/green-party-debate-commission-rules-candidate-numbers-1.7509867] * Green Party dropped from leaders’ debates for not running enough candidates | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/leaders-debate-commission-green-party-removed-1.7511447] * Post-debate press scrum scrapped at last minute over lack of ‘proper environment’ – The Globe and Mail [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-post-debate-press-scrum-scrapped-at-last-minute-over-lack-of-proper/] * Right-wing media including Rebel News dominate post-debate news conferences | Radio-Canada.ca [https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/2157552/rebel-news-rightwing-media-press-conferences-debates] * Federal debates chief says he was unaware Rebel News had registered as advocacy group [https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/federal-debates-chief-says-he-was-unaware-rebel-news-had-registered-as-advocacy-group/] * Time changed for French-language leaders’ debate due to Montreal Canadiens game | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/french-language-debate-quebec-1.7510909] * Conservatives are limiting media access to Poilievre. Is it helping or hurting him? | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/pierre-poilievre-media-access-1.7506045] * Journalist appears to be pushed by Conservative staffer [https://x.com/gmacofglebe/status/1907225273260507385] * WATCH Election 2025: English-Language Federal Leaders’ Debate [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2TgVPANdVw] * Liberal operatives planted ‘stop the steal’ buttons at conservative conference | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/liberal-oppo-csfn-1.7509217] * Carney apologizes for fake Trump-style buttons, Liberal staffers ‘reassigned’ [https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/mark-carney-apologizes-liberal-staffers-trump-buttons] * Ed Fast back’s Mike de Jong [https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-91-the-early-edition/clip/16140515-fast-backing-de-jong] * Poilievre says he’ll use notwithstanding clause to ensure multiple-murderers die in prison | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/poilievre-notwithstanding-clause-multiple-murders-1.7509497] * Poilievre Will Restore Consecutive Sentences For Mass Murderers – Conservative Party of Canada [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-will-restore-consecutive-sentences-for-mass-murderers/] * Graduated licensing changes improve accessibility, safety [https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025PSSG0009-000346] * Sick notes restriction will leave more time for patient care [https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025LBR0016-000336] * Rob Shaw: Gutted org chart signals deeper B.C. health ministry upheaval [https://www.biv.com/news/commentary/rob-shaw-gutted-org-chart-signals-deeper-bc-health-ministry-upheaval-10530626]

It’s like Christmas for political nerds as we have annual reports from Elections BC and tons of policy coming fast from the parties. Plus allegations China and India are meddling in our politics (again). Linka 2024 Annual Financial Reports Available | Elections BC [https://elections.bc.ca/news/2024-annual-financial-reports-available/]  Demoractic reform committee [https://www.leg.bc.ca/parliamentary-business/committees/43rdparliament-1stsession-dem/] Premier directs government to cancel American contracts wherever viable [https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025PREM0043-000316] Province, mayors pledge stable, expanded transit services in Metro Vancouver [https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025TT0035-000317]   Election interference watchdog detects Beijing effort to influence Chinese Canadians on Carney – The Globe and Mail [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-election-watchdog-china-influence-opinion-mark-carney/] Carney says he had never heard of pro-Beijing group despite photos with its leaders – The Globe and Mail [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-carney-says-he-never-heard-of-pro-beijing-group-despite-photos-with/] The Exchange [https://x.com/atRachelGilmore/status/1910372556453847448] The Modi ‘friends’ who helped finance Poilievre’s leadership campaign | Globalnews.ca [https://globalnews.ca/news/11113678/overseas-friends-bjp-canada-modi-poilievre-conservative-election/] Policy Liberals * Mark Carney’s Liberals to protect Canada’s national identity by strengthening CBC/Radio-Canada [https://liberal.ca/mark-carneys-liberals-to-protect-canadas-national-identity-by-strengthening-cbc-radio-canada/] * Mark Carney’s Liberals to cover costs of apprenticeship training for skilled trades workers [https://liberal.ca/mark-carneys-liberals-to-cover-costs-of-apprenticeship-training-for-skilled-trades-workers/] * Mark Carney’s Liberals to deliver urgent support to protect Canadian retirees in this global crisis [https://liberal.ca/mark-carneys-liberals-to-deliver-urgent-support-to-protect-canadian-retirees-in-this-global-crisis/] * Mark Carney’s Liberals to protect Canada’s Nature, Biodiversity, and Water [https://liberal.ca/mark-carneys-liberals-to-protect-canadas-nature-biodiversity-and-water/] * Mark Carney’s Liberals to make Canada the world’s leading energy superpower [https://liberal.ca/mark-carneys-liberals-to-make-canada-the-worlds-leading-energy-superpower/] * Mark Carney’s Liberals release plan to fight crime, protect Canadians, and build safer communities [https://liberal.ca/mark-carneys-liberals-release-plan-to-fight-crime-protect-canadians-and-build-safer-communities/] Cons * Conservatives Will End Carney’s Crime Wave [https://www.conservative.ca/conservatives-will-end-carneys-crime-wave/?utm_content=National] * Poilievre to Crack Down on Liberal Violent Crime Wave with ‘Three-Strikes-And-You’re-Out’ Law – Conservative Party of Canada [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-to-crack-down-on-liberal-violent-crime-wave-with-three-strikes-and-youre-out-law/?utm_content=National] * Poilievre Announces Plan To Cut Taxes By $100,000 Per Home – Conservative Party of Canada [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-announces-plan-to-cut-taxes-by-100000-per-home/?utm_content=National] * Conservatives Will Crack Down on Tax Cheats [https://www.conservative.ca/conservatives-will-crack-down-on-tax-cheats/] * Poilievre Will Bring in ‘One and Done’ Approvals, Accelerate Ten Specific Resource Projects – Conservative Party of Canada [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-will-bring-in-one-and-done-approvals-accelerate-ten-specific-resource-projects/] * Poilievre To Cut Red Tape by 25%, Bring in Two-for-One Law – Conservative Party of Canada [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-to-cut-red-tape-by-25-bring-in-two-for-one-law/] * Poilievre will Make Recovery a Reality for 50,000 Canadians – Conservative Party of Canada [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-will-make-recovery-a-reality-for-50000-canadians/] NDP * NDP Unveils Plan to Stop Corporate Tax Dodgers Like Carney’s Brookfield [https://www.ndp.ca/news/ndp-unveils-plan-stop-corporate-tax-dodgers-carneys-brookfield] * Singh pledges federal action to give every Canadian access to a family doctor by 2030 « Canada’s NDP [https://www.ndp.ca/news/singh-pledges-federal-action-give-every-canadian-access-family-doctor-2030] * Singh: Universal healthcare isn’t complete until pharmacare is delivered « Canada’s NDP [https://www.ndp.ca/news/singh-universal-healthcare-isnt-complete-until-pharmacare-delivered] * Singh: NDP Will Build 3 Million Homes by 2030—and Make Housing Affordable Again [https://www.ndp.ca/news/singh-ndp-will-build-3-million-homes-2030-and-make-housing-affordable-again] * NDP to end landlord money grabs and bring in national rent control [https://www.ndp.ca/news/ndp-end-landlord-money-grabs-and-bring-national-rent-control] Greens * Green Party of Canada Unveils Bold Plan to Expand Universal Public Healthcare [https://www.greenparty.ca/en/news/green-party-of-canada-unveils-bold-plan-to-expand-universal-public-healthcare] * Green Party Launches Foreign Policy Plan to Strengthen Canada’s Sovereignty and Global Role [https://www.greenparty.ca/en/news/green-party-launches-foreign-policy-plan-to-strengthen-canadas-sovereignty-and-global-role]

The carbon tax is gone. The dictator clauses of Bill 7 are gone. BC gets a credit downgrade. And we have a new political party on the scene! In the federal election, the Liberals drop candidates (some after some delay) and the Conservatives drop more. The Cons wheels come off and policies abound. Links Gas prices tumble across B.C. after carbon tax lifted in late-night legislative session | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/gas-prices-carbon-tax-british-columbia-1.7499164] David Eby walks back key portion of proposed B.C. tariff response legislation following backlash | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/david-eby-niki-sharma-bc-bill-7-backlash-1.7496078] Rob Shaw: Fixes to Eby’s controversial tariff bill don’t go far enough, say business leaders [https://www.biv.com/news/commentary/rob-shaw-fixes-to-ebys-controversial-tariff-bill-dont-go-far-enough-say-business-leaders-10452521] Double blow as S&P and Moody’s downgrade B.C.’s credit rating again, citing deficit [https://vancouversun.com/news/sp-moodys-downgrade-bc-credit-rating-again-deficit] Ex-BC United MLA who ran as independent registers new ‘Centre BC’ provincial party | Globalnews.ca [https://globalnews.ca/news/11115164/centre-bc-new-political-party/] Liberal candidate Paul Chiang withdraws from race after suggesting people claim China’s bounty on Conservative | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/paul-chiang-liberal-candidate-withdraws-election-2025-1.7498693] Liberals drop Calgary Confederation candidate [https://calgaryherald.com/news/national/federal_election/liberals-drop-thomas-keeper-as-calgary-confederation-candidate] Liberals drop Edmonton candidate who praised Hamas, Hezbollah in video | National Post [https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/federal_election/liberals-drop-edmonton-candidate-who-praised-hamas-hezbollah-in-video] https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/conservatives-drop-fourth-candidate-in-just-two-days-over-alleged-social-media-activity/ [https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/conservatives-drop-fourth-candidate-in-just-two-days-over-alleged-social-media-activity/]   Ejected Conservative candidate in B.C. defended Chinese government [https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/economy-law-politics/ejected-conservative-candidate-in-bc-defended-chinese-government-10468960] Aaron Gunn [https://fxtwitter.com/jasjohalbc/status/1907577201484247317?s=46&t=XWspOb_RUHGHr5Hq-FIP1A] and calls to fire him [https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/former-vice-chief-of-ubcic-calls-for-removal-of-conservative-candidate-aaron-gunn/] Independent MP Han Dong won’t seek re-election in suburban Toronto riding | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/han-dong-not-running-don-valley-north-1.7497367] Tory MP Rempel Garner defends Conservative campaign plan amid pressure for Poilievre to pivot [https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/rempel-garner-pivot-fight-stands-behind-poilievre] Policies Liberal * Agrifood plan [https://liberal.ca/liberals-release-plan-to-protect-canadian-agrifood-workers-and-build-a-stronger-agrifood-sector/] * Housing [https://liberal.ca/housing-plan/] Con * Reduce taxes on alcohol [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-will-axe-the-annual-liberal-beer-tax-increase/] * National energy corridor [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-to-create-canada-first-national-energy-corridor/] * Supporting Newfoundland & Labrador in doubling oil & gas production [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-will-unleash-newfoundland-and-labradors-energy/] * Poilievre To Axe GST on Canadian-Made Cars, Create ‘Keep Canadians Working Fund’ – Conservative Party of Canada [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-to-axe-gst-on-canadian-made-cars-create-keep-canadians-working-fund/] * Poilievre Announces Canada First Reinvestment Tax Cut [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-announces-canada-first-reinvestment-tax-cut/] * Poilievre Commits to Tax Fairness for Travelling Trades Workers – Conservative Party of Canada [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-commits-to-tax-fairness-for-travelling-trades-workers/]   NDP * Singh to First-Time Buyers: We’ll Help you Buy a Home—Not Investors and Speculators « Canada’s NDP [https://www.ndp.ca/news/singh-first-time-buyers-well-help-you-buy-home-not-investors-and-speculators] * Home retrofits and industrial/border carbon pricing [https://www.ndp.ca/news/singh-climate-action-protects-you-trumps-trade-war-and-rising-costs] * Victory bonds [https://www.ndp.ca/news/jagmeet-singh-launches-canada-victory-bonds-and-plan-build-canadian] Greens * Green Party will create a National Civil Defence Corps to Strengthen Canada’s Resilience [https://www.greenparty.ca/en/news/green-party-will-create-a-national-civil-defence-corps-to-strengthen-canadas-resilience]

If you watched the first week of the federal election campaign, you might now realize we’re in an unprecedented trade war with the largest economy in the world. Links * Federal election campaign begins, with leaders pitching themselves as best option amid trade tensions – The Globe and Mail [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-carney-canada-federal-election-call/] * Canada election: Cancelled debate steals the campaign show from taxes and housing | CBC [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/livestory/canada-election-cancelled-debate-steals-the-campaign-show-from-taxes-and-housing-9.6695827] * Elections Canada [https://elections.ca/home.aspx] * Redrawn ridings could give Conservatives an advantage, say pollsters [https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/redrawn-ridings-could-give-conservatives-an-advantage-say-pollsters/] * Nepean’s Mark Carney surprise further disrupts the local race | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/mark-carney-ottawa-nepean-riding-1.7491293] * Former B.C. cabinet minister Mike de Jong set to run in federal election as an independent – The Globe and Mail [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-former-bc-cabinet-minister-mike-de-jong-set-to-run-in-federal-election/] * Randy Boissonnault announced he will not run in upcoming election [https://www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/article/randy-boissonnault-announced-he-will-not-run-in-upcoming-election/] * Liberal MP Sean Fraser changes mind, will seek re-election | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/sean-fraser-reelection-1.7492503] * Trevor Tombe: Duelling tax cuts from the Liberals and Conservatives improve family budgets—but do little for the economy – The Hub [https://thehub.ca/2025/03/27/trevor-tombe-duelling-tax-cuts-from-the-liberals-and-conservatives-improve-family-budgets-but-do-little-for-the-economy/] * Poilievre pledges $14B annual income tax cut, saving average worker $900 a year | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/poilievre-conservative-tax-cut-1.7491457] * Liberals launch 2025 campaign with middle-class tax cut [https://liberal.ca/liberals-launch-2025-campaign-with-middle-class-tax-cut/] * Poilievre To Cut Income Tax By 15% For The Average Canadian – Conservative Party of Canada [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-to-cut-income-tax-by-15-for-the-average-canadian/] * NDP announces plan to cut taxes for working and middle-class families, not millionaires and billionaires [https://www.ndp.ca/news/ndp-announces-plan-cut-taxes-working-and-middle-class-families-not-millionaires-and] * Greens Propose a $40,000 Tax-Free Income Threshold, Delivering Up to $3,675 in Direct Tax Relief for Millions [https://www.greenparty.ca/en/news/greens-propose-a-40000-tax-free-income-threshold-delivering-up-to-3675-in-direct-tax-relief-for-millions] Liberals * No cap gains increase Mark Carney: “My government is cancelling the capital gains tax hike. We’re going to incentivize builders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses right here in Canada and create more good-paying jobs. It’s time to build the strongest economy in the G7.” — Bluesky [https://bsky.app/profile/mark-carney.bsky.social/post/3lkvqynk2lk26] * National energy corridor: Carney and premiers have agreed to develop national energy, trade corridor, PM says [https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/premiers-mark-carney-meeting] * Liberals release plan to rebuild, reinvest, and rearm the Canadian Armed Forces [https://liberal.ca/liberals-release-plan-to-rebuild-reinvest-and-rearm-the-canadian-armed-forces/] * Liberals to protect Canadian auto workers and stand up against tariffs [https://liberal.ca/liberals-to-protect-canadian-auto-workers-and-stand-up-against-tariffs/] * Mark Carney pitches $2B fund to help auto sector navigate Trump’s tariffs [https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/mark-carney-pitches-2b-fund-to-help-auto-sector-navigate-trumps-tariffs/article_7ca50a47-c553-4e9d-8577-2f21153c5971.html] Conservatives * Poilievre Will Axe The Tolls For Islanders – Conservative Party of Canada [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-will-axe-the-tolls-for-islanders/] * Poilievre To Axe GST On New Homes Under $1.3 Million – Conservative Party of Canada [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-to-axe-gst-on-new-homes-under-1-3-million/] * Poilievre Announces ‘Canada First TFSA Top Up’ to Bring Home Investment [https://www.conservative.ca/poilievre-announces-canada-first-tfsa-top-up-to-bring-home-investment/?utm_content=Nationalhttps://www.conservative.ca/team/edas/?utm_content=Nationalcd-province/MB/] * Lower Taxes, Secure Retirement for Our Seniors – Conservative Party of Canada [https://www.conservative.ca/lower-taxes-secure-retirement-for-our-seniors/] * Pierre Poilievre says he’d support Liberal pharmacare, dental-care programs — but questions remain over who would be covered [https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/pierre-poilievre-says-hed-support-liberal-pharmacare-dental-care-programs-no-one-who-has-them/article_699e8d2a-7148-4437-a243-6e4caba56a94.html] NDP * WORKERS FOR CANADA « Canada’s NDP [https://www.ndp.ca/workers-for-canada] * The NDP will unlock public land to build more homes people can afford [https://www.ndp.ca/news/ndp-will-unlock-public-land-build-more-homes-people-can-afford] CSIS alleges India organized support for Poilievre’s 2022 Conservative leadership bid – The Globe and Mail [https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-india-alleged-foreign-interference-pierre-poilievre-conservative/] Canada’s ‘old relationship’ with U.S. ‘is over’ amid Trump tariffs: Carney – National | Globalnews.ca [https://globalnews.ca/news/11100883/donald-trump-tariffs-auto-canada-response/]

The BC Government continues to face backlash over its tariff response bill. Who knew unlimited power for the executive would be controversial? Plus the province ends subsidies for Tesla products, the carbon tax and its secondary-suite loan program. Federally, now-Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to call an election hours before the House of Commons is scheduled to resume. The Liberals have largely turned their fortunes around and are attracting all kinds of star candidates. The Conservatives, meanwhile, are on the defensive and the NDP are talking defense. Links * The BC NDP should reconsider Bill 7 – Stewart Prest [https://open.substack.com/pub/stewartprest/p/the-bc-ndp-should-reconsider-bill] * Greens want amendments to NDP broad powers to respond to Trump tariffs | Vancouver Sun [https://vancouversun.com/news/bc-greens-want-amendments-to-ndps-emergency-powers-to-respond-to-trump-tariff-threats] * Electric vehicle charger rebate program for single-family homes [https://www.bchydro.com/powersmart/electric-vehicles/rebates-incentives/rebates-home-chargers.html] * Tesla products now excluded from B.C. Hydro rebates in response to U.S. tariffs | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/tesla-products-bc-hydro-rebates-tariffs-1.7482501] * End of consumer carbon tax leaves $1.5-billion hole in B.C. budget [https://cheknews.ca/end-of-consumer-carbon-tax-leaves-1-5-billion-hole-in-b-c-budget-1244665/] * Provincial secondary-suite pilot program update [https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HMA0014-000226] * Carney will ask Governor General to dissolve Parliament Sunday and call election, sources say | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-to-call-election-this-sunday-1.7488444] * Liberals lagging other parties in candidates as election call could be days away | CBC News [https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/liberal-mp-candidates-1.7486203] * Former journalist Evan Solomon to run for the federal Liberals in next election [https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/former-journalist-evan-solomon-to-run-for-the-federal-liberals-in-next-election-source/] * Canadian journalist sacked in scandal involving art sale to Mark Carney [https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jun/10/canadian-journalist-sacked-in-scandal-involving-art-sale-to-mark-carney] (history) * Amarjeet Sohi [https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ypogwo4xy3pwnmdathxn3c4b/post/3lkrrkm35cs2k] * Not Chandra Arya [https://bsky.app/profile/davidwcochrane.bsky.social/post/3lku5vvr4uk2j] * Poilievre, Singh call on Carney to publicly disclose assets, possible conflicts [https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/poilievre-calls-on-carney-to-publicly-disclose-assets] * ‘He got defensive,’ Canadians are weighing in after Mark Carney pushed back against journalist for question on conflicts of interest – NOW Toronto [https://nowtoronto.com/news/canadians-are-weighing-in-after-mark-carney-pushed-back-against-journalist-for-question-on-conflicts-of-interest/] * Conservatives say there will be no media seats on Poilievre’s election campaign [https://nationalnewswatch.com/2025/03/18/conservatives-say-there-will-be-no-media-seats-on-poilievres-election-campaign] * Insiders say Pierre Poilievre called Doug Ford for ‘advice’ — but the premier said he’ll be ‘staying out’ of the election [https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/insiders-say-pierre-poilievre-called-doug-ford-for-help-and-the-premier-turned-him-down/article_d969be45-5286-48b3-b582-86acf6c37836.html] * Poilievre says he’ll repeal carbon price law including for big industrial emitters – Business in Vancouver [https://www.biv.com/news/economy-law-politics/poilievre-says-hell-repeal-carbon-price-law-including-the-industrial-charge-10384211] * Carney orders review of F-35 fighter jet purchase from U.S.’s Lockheed Martin [https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/carney-orders-review-of-f-35-fighter-jet-purchase-from-uss-lockheed-martin/] * NDP will build jets in Canada, invest in Canada’s North and Arctic sovereignty [https://www.ndp.ca/news/ndp-will-build-f-35s-canada-invest-canadas-north-and-arctic-sovereignty]