PolitiCoast
News & Politics
About
PolitiCoast is the BC politics podcast. We cover British Columbia, Canadian and sometimes international politics from a West Coast lens. PolitiCoast was launched in October 2016 by Ian Bushfield & Scott de Lange Boom.
Episodes
- One point trend
This episode of PolitiCoast, titled "One point trend," covers topics such as political polling, party fundraising, a legislative all-nighter, and the appointment of a new Governor General. It also includes discussions on various current ev…
- White Cap-sizing Hospitals
This PolitiCoast episode discusses the cancellation of B.C. hospital projects, such as the Burnaby Hospital redevelopment, and mentions the FIFA World Cup and Vancouver Whitecaps
- The debasement party
The episode discusses changes to B.C. Premier Eby's DRIPA plans amidst First Nations opposition and committee leadership under Carney. It also touches on energy demands, government vehicle spending, pipeline developments, and Canada-U.S. e…
- Political Misfortunes
This episode of PolitiCoast covers various political developments such as Premier Eby's revised DRIPA plans, the ratification of the Kitselas and K'ómoks First Nation treaties, and shifts in the B.C. Conservative and federal Liberal leader…
- The cheque is in the mail
This episode covers BC political news, including fines issued to BC United and the BC Conservatives. It also discusses housing policy developments and federal political shifts, such as Marilyn Gladu crossing the floor to join the Liberals.
- Just Trust Us Act
This episode covers new legislation in British Columbia, including amendments to forest statutes, environmental assessments, miscellaneous statutes, municipal codes of conduct, and parental leave. It also touches on the controversy surroun…
- Strongish Freeish Elections
This episode of PolitiCoast discusses recent developments involving the BC Conservatives, the Strong and Free Elections Act, and findings from the Auditor General regarding government programs. The discussion covers reports on the internat…
- Step 3: Profit
The PolitiCoast episode "Step 3: Profit" discusses the Conservative leadership race with multiple candidates dropping out, the launch of CentreBC, and ongoing questions about Eby's leadership. It also covers the conclusion of the fed NDP r…
- Iran So Far Away
This episode of PolitiCoast discusses Iran, referencing the BC Humanists' concerns about religious bubble zone laws, the Professional Employees Association's labor dispute, and political statements from Don Davies and Mark Carney regarding…
- The emergence of Carneyism
This episode of PolitiCoast discusses David Eby's decision on daylight saving time and the province's deal with the Musqueam. It also covers Carney's evolving position on Iran and foreign interference, alongside developments in B.C. politi…
- Least worst province
The BC Conservative leadership race intensifies with candidate withdrawals and endorsements. The NDP faces scrutiny over policy changes, while federal concerns about foreign interference are noted. Budget amendments were made.
- Budgets are about not making choices
This episode covers the new provincial budget, an NDP debate, and shifts in federal politics, including by-elections and party changes.
- Elbows somewhere
This episode reflects on BC's upcoming budget 2026 and potential elections, referencing the throne speech, public service job cuts, and funding for disability programs. It also touches on federal political negotiations and military spendin…
- Former and forever Conservative leaders
The episode discusses the ongoing BC Conservative leadership race with multiple candidates emerging. It also covers Pierre Poilievre's successful leadership vote, Conservative policy overhauls, and other political news including fundraisin…
- Weird week with words
This episode covers the BC Conservative leadership race, the federal NDP membership deadline, and political rhetoric from David Eby and Carney. It also touches on rising camping fees, grocery prices, and a critical minerals strategy.
- The speech heard round the world
The episode discusses British Columbia's delay in Heritage Act reforms, the ongoing situation with extortion in Surrey, the upcoming BC Conservative leadership election, and Mark Carney's recent Davos speech and his new deal with China.
- If I go to China, I’m going to see some sights
This episode of PolitiCoast covers the BC Conservative leadership contests, the conclusion of the province's drug decriminalization pilot program, and Canada's evolving trade relationship with China. It also touches upon the use of AI in p…
- 2026 is off to a start
This PolitiCoast episode revisits 2025 predictions and makes new ones for 2026. It also recaps the events surrounding OneBC's implosion and restructuring, alongside other political news from the holiday period.
- John Horgan In His Own Words with Rod Mickleburgh
Journalist Rod Mickleburgh joins PolitiCoast to discuss his new book featuring John Horgan.
- A second MP has left the Cons
This episode discusses the BC Conservative leadership race and political developments in British Columbia, including Eby's proposed amendments to DRIPA. Federally, it covers an MP's party switch, Yves Engler's rejection from the NDP leader…
- Professionally incapacitated
John Rustad has resigned as leader of the BC Conservatives. The episode examines the BC-Alberta pipeline MOU, public reactions, and the political fallout surrounding Stephen Guilbeault's resignation from cabinet and subsequent controversy…
- Is there someone Carney forgot to ask?
This episode discusses BC's actions regarding the Mental Health Act and drug convictions, as well as potential electoral reform. It also covers the CleanBC initiative and a pipeline agreement.
- It's curtains for the Conservatives
This episode of PolitiCoast covers David Eby's convention success, internal strife within the BC Conservatives regarding Rustad's leadership, the province's updated economic targets and revised EV goals, renewed pipeline discussions, and t…
- Nation Building of Good Vibes and Sour Grapes
The PolitiCoast episode covers David Eby's efforts to secure his job at the BCNDP convention, Mark Carney's announcement of new major projects for fast-tracking, and Yves Engler's application to join the NDP leadership race.
- The Ostrich of Bay Street
This episode discusses BC's third-quarter fundraising numbers and trade policies, alongside the federal budget's reception and political maneuvering. It also touches on the controversial cull of ostriches at a BC farm and changes to a tree…
- We'd all be speaking German now
The podcast episode 'We'd all be speaking German now' on PolitiCoast discusses the resolution of BC's public service strike with a tentative agreement, contrasting it with the animosity in Alberta. It touches upon Premier David Eby's threa…
- All my critics are crazy terrorists
The episode discusses John Rustad's leadership struggles within the BC Conservatives, including a caucus member's departure and board pressure to resign. It also covers new legislative initiatives in BC concerning powerlines, employment st…
- What are you doing?
Several OB/GYNs resigned from Kamloops hospital due to unsafe workloads. BC's professional workers are expanding their strike, while CUPW's actions are slowing. Federal parties are preparing their budget proposals, trade relations are stra…
- Should Be Digging Up
This episode reviews significant political developments in British Columbia, covering legislative actions on puberty blockers, intimate images, sexual violence, and childcare. It also touches on political maneuvering, election sign fines,…
- Pipeline purity tests
The BC Legislature is set to pass 18 bills, while the BC Conservative party experiences a significant firing. Alberta is proceeding with an oil pipeline, and political figures are facing budget challenges. The episode also touches on the d…
- Our first zoomer leader
This episode of PolitiCoast covers recent leadership changes in BC politics, with Emily Lowan elected as the new BC Green Party leader and John Rustad surviving a leadership review. It also examines federal issues, including Mark Carney's…
- This party contains dead people
The PolitiCoast episode discusses the BC Conservatives facing allegations of voter irregularities, Premier Eby's lobbying efforts in Ottawa, and Minister Carney's new economic and housing initiatives.
- Only Moe can go to China
The BC Green Party is concerned about foreign interference in their leadership race. Mark Carney has introduced measures to protect Canadian industries against tariffs, announced funding, and is reviewing major projects. Potential policy c…
- Fast-track the office to build the things
This PolitiCoast episode covers the BCGEU strike, Poilievre and Eby's stance on the temporary foreign worker program, Poilievre's call for stand your ground laws, Carney's new Major Project Offices, and the beginning of the NDP leadership…
- Ben Woodfinden
This episode provides links to Ben Woodfinden's website, Twitter/X account, and Substack.
- Green Party Leadership Interviews
This episode features interviews with Green Party leadership candidates Emily Lowan, Adam Bremner-Akins, and Jonathan Kerr. It references official campaign websites and polls concerning mandatory voting and spring ballots in British Columb…
- The Greens' Choice
This PolitiCoast episode, 'The Greens' Choice,' touches on a landmark Aboriginal title ruling concerning Fraser River land in Metro Vancouver and the constitutionality of Canada's voting system, as reported by CBC News and The Globe and Ma…
- Blue Grit Honeymoon
This PolitiCoast episode covers potential changes to the Online News Act and the use of write-in ballots in an Alberta byelection.
- Let's nuke Oak Bay
This PolitiCoast episode discusses housing directives for Oak Bay and West Vancouver, a mining rescue in BC, concerns about long ballots, and a meeting of First Ministers addressing crime and healthcare.
- Feet in the file
This episode of PolitiCoast discusses a recent B.C. cabinet shuffle, a shift in drug policy decisions, and analyzes Pierre Poilievre's efforts to gain relevance. It also touches upon housing initiatives, healthcare decisions, and immigrati…
- The first rule of the BC Green Leadership race is don’t talk about the BC Green Leadership race
The BC Green party is holding a leadership race. The episode also covers FIFA's disruption of BC courts, the Infrastructure Act, digital services taxes, and recent byelection and leadership race announcements in Canada.
- Quote-unquote blackmail
This episode of PolitiCoast covers political 'blackmail' accusations involving BC Conservatives, criticism of the BCNDP and federal government regarding BC Ferries, and NATO allies' commitments to military spending.
- Henry VIII Clauses
This episode of PolitiCoast discusses David Eby
- One More BC Party
This episode discusses the formation of the new BC political party, OneBC, and related political developments. It also covers BC Ferries
- It's not 2015 anymore
This episode covers the closure of the pediatric ward at Kelowna General Hospital due to a doctor shortage, the premier's trade mission to Asia, and the passage of the Throne Speech. It also examines the introduction of new government bill…
- The Canadian King's Speech
The BC Legislature finished its spring sitting, passing several bills including two private members' bills and NDP infrastructure legislation. Federally, King Charles delivered the Throne Speech, which outlined plans for national projects…
- Sovereignty by any other name
This PolitiCoast episode discusses BC's DTES czar appointment and dismissal, Mark Carney's mandate letter, and Danielle Smith's political actions. It touches on Alberta separatism and Canadian centralization.
- Pick your cabinet better
The PolitiCoast episode discusses the RCMP's investigation into a leaked safe supply presentation involving BC MLA Elanore Sturko, Solicitor General Garry Begg's comments on police investigations, and BC's consideration of funding Translin…
- Canada Is Not For Sale
This episode of PolitiCoast discusses Canadian political topics, including infrastructure bills, Indigenous reconciliation efforts, election polls showing the Conservatives leading, and international diplomatic exchanges.
- The Two Party Election
This episode of PolitiCoast discusses the Canadian federal election 2025 results, covering the NDP's performance and potential loss of party status, Green Party leadership changes, and Conservative party reflections. It also touches on ele…