RT @nbennett_biv: This is pretty disgusting. @350Canada is trying to use identity politics and the massacre in New Zealand to tar anyone wh…
COMMENTARY: Economic storm clouds are on the horizon for the NDP government
By Keith Baldrey Legislative Bureau Chief
After experiencing relatively sunny days during their first 20 months in office, things may be about to get a little darker for the NDP government. Continue reading
New B.C. doctors contract could shape teacher negotiations
The new tentative agreement reached between the B.C. government and the Doctors of B.C. may have a direct impact on negotiations between the provincial teachers’ union and the government. Continue reading
COMMENTARY: ‘Stand pat’ budget means no early election call in B.C.
By Keith Baldrey Legislative Bureau Chief
Tuesday’s provincial budget signals the NDP is in no rush to test the electorate, and the party appears set to govern until the next scheduled election in October of 2021. Continue reading
COMMENTARY: National debate on carbon tax makes allies of Horgan, Trudeau
With several provinces mounting a challenge to the Liberals’ carbon tax plan, B.C.’s premier has become a key ally to the prime minister. Continue reading
Keith Baldrey: The BC NDP could give Santa Claus a run for his money
By Keith Baldrey Legislative Bureau Chief
The BC Liberals look on and can only shake their heads at the tone-deaf approach their government took to dealing with big budget surpluses. Continue reading
COMMENTARY: NDP facing tough test in upcoming teacher contract talks
The possibility of another strike by B.C.’s teachers when their contract expires next June cannot be discounted or minimized. Continue reading
Keith Baldrey: Examining B.C.’s ballots on electoral reform
Voters are being asked if they wish to keep the current first-past-the-post system or switch to one of three systems of proportional representation. Continue reading
COMMENTARY: Can the BC NDP carbon tax plan stand up under pressure?
Can the BC NDP government’s plan to hike the province’s carbon tax to $50 a tonne by 2021 hold up in the face of a growing number of premiers opposed to the very idea of such a tax? Continue reading
COMMENTARY: Does this LNG megaproject challenge B.C.’s climate targets?
The plan, to be released later this fall, is expected to contain some ambitious targets to reduce B.C.’s greenhouse gas emissions. Continue reading
Keith Baldrey: The BC NDP and Green Party relationship is about to be tested
Two issues are coming to the fore that may ultimately strain the relationship between the NDP and the party that is propping it up into power. Continue reading
Keith Baldrey: Don’t celebrate just yet over Trans Mountain pipeline ruling
Whether it is the Liberals’ Justin Trudeau or the Conservatives’ Andrew Scheer running things, building that pipeline remains a priority for both of them. Continue reading
COMMENTARY: Don’t expect ICBC changes to make it easier on your wallet
It is hard to argue against penalizing bad drivers and ‘rewarding’ good drivers, although the word ‘rewarding’ may be overstating things a bit. Continue reading
COMMENTARY: BC NDP leaves behind past internal baggage
Not only has the party matured, but it has left behind some internal baggage that dogged it for years. Continue reading
COMMENTARY: Why does ride-hailing continue to flummox the B.C. government?
It is not going to happen any time soon, which means Metro Vancouver will continue to operate in the last century when it comes to taxi services. Continue reading
COMMENTARY: A bus service is a lifeline for rural riders, and the NDP government should recognize that
Much of B.C. will soon be without a bus service and that’s alarming. But should the B.C. government step in and fill the looming void with a taxpayer-subsidized bus program? Continue reading