It was almost as if I went to sleep in British Columbia and woke up in Ontario or Quebec.
There was Prime Minister Mark Carney announcing $10 Billion in federal spending for port improvements, $3.5 Billion for a new transmission line, $3 Billion for a tunnel project, $500 million for a mine expansion, etc. etc. … $20 Billion in all for just one province.
British Columbia!
Seemed like a dream … but it was not.
“We have to be ambitious and build sustainably and inclusively. British Columbia is Canada’s gateway to the world’s fastest growing markets,” said Carney.
“We need to move faster, we need to build bigger, and we need to work together.” (Read the full story here: https://vancouversun.com/news/ottawa-to-provide-up-to-3-billion-for-massey-tunnel-replacement-maintain-north-coast-tanker-ban-as-part-of-new-agreement-with-bc?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Sunrise%20Newsletter%20VS%202026-07-03&utm_term=VS_Sunrise).
It was enough to make even the often dour Eby smile!
Me too.
For decades, I had made a career of challenging (and often upsetting) federal politicians, including five Prime Ministers, by demanding they tell British Columbians why they were announcing BILLIONS for projects in central Canada, but only millions … sometimes nothing … for similar projects in BC?
We all knew the answer: Ontario and Quebec offered five times the seats (and votes) in Parliament. As Liberal strategist Sen. Keith Davey reportedly said in a candid moment: “Screw the West; we’ll take the rest.”
But here was Carney, a Prime Minister making serious amends (or at least promising them) and acknowledging BC’s importance to Canada’s economic future growth … and at least a fairer federal share of tax dollars to meet our needs as well.
““This agreement is about building B.C.’s future – not just for this year, but for generations to come. It means more good jobs for workers and more opportunities to train for better pay, all while protecting the beautiful places that make our province so remarkable,” said Eby.
“This deal will deliver faster commutes as we build critical infrastructure, less pollution as we power growth with clean electricity, and the kind of shared prosperity that funds strong public services.” (More details here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026PREM0046-000779).
The agreement also clears the way for construction of a new Alberta oil pipeline through BC to the southwest coast (Delta?), while maintaining the tanker ban along the northwest coast.
No doubt about it: Eby had scored big for BC.
The question remains, however, how will that affect the Premier’s personal political fortunes?
Eby’s popularity dropped another six points, down to 31% in an Angus Reid poll just weeks ago.
Surely, the BC-federal announcements should help? And be bad news for the BC Conservatives and their new leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay?
But I’m not sure.
Just this weekend, Emergency services at three BC hospitals (Clearwater, 100 Mile House, Merritt) were closed AGAIN for 12 to 24 hours … at least one reportedly for the third time in a week.
British Columbians can still expect to wait up to four weeks just to see a surgeon in urgent cases and up to 10 months for non-urgent cases …. much longer for the actual surgery!!
On Canada Day a man arrested in connection with a stranger attack at Kits Beach was released back into the community after less than 48 hours in custody.
The victim was struck on the head with a large piece of wood.
““She is down on her knees in pain,” her husband told Global News. “He goes to swing again to finish the job. I jump between him.”
Out of jail in less than 48 hours … BC’s Court system, case after case, year after year, at work … or in the view of many voters, actually not!
Work BC reports the province’s unemployment rate in May was 6.8% … UP from 6.3% the same month last year.
And then there’s DRIPA …. say no more!!
Carney came through; Eby scored big for BC … and time will tell if, or how much, their announcements, handshakes and smiles will swing the political pendulum in BC.
Harv Oberfeld
(Follow @harveyoberfeld on “X” for FREE First Alerts to new postings on this Blog.)
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Are we even allowed to criticize DRIPA without a racism allegation?
A criminal investigation if you question anything about Kamloops schools and unmarked “underground abnormalities”.
Has anyone anywhere in Canada been arrested, charged and convicted for arson involving 200+ burnt churches on Reservations?
Seems the courts are busy….just not with things that matter in the real world.
And dare we criticize the 25 year give away contract the NDP government signed with the FN at around one hundred million dollars per year for twenty five years on top of everything else. It’s just amazing we don’t see any critical analysis of this here or anywhere. I figure it’s just not registered in 99 percent of people’s minds because it’s all done behind British Columbians backs. I shake my head in amazement and frustration.
(Response: Today’s timid media and most politicians don’t dare question money giveaways to First Nations or whether the money is actually spent for its intended purpose. In fact, since Justin Trudeau reversed legislation requiring native bands to open their financial books, I believe even FN members are often denied full transparency. Ho)
Not sure if Eby will lead the NDP into the next election, but my guess is that if he left the NDP would win. When given a choice between a conservative government and NDP goverment the progressive voters will abandon the Greens and and vote NDP. Here is an outside the box thought, perhaps a new NDP leader from outside the party would take the NDP to centre and begin to look more like the Federal Liberals.
With respect to “A good week for Eby”, two concerns. First it is an ambitious list but I wonder if it can be accoumpished on the fractured foundation of health care, infrastructure deficits, and an unprepared labour force.
Secondly, are we becoming just more of exporter of natural resources with little added value. Are we being sold a dream of a petro state, a la Norway, with no way of achieving under current political, constitutional and economic conditions.
(Response: I agree that if Eby left, the NDP would have a greater chance of winning the next election. But despite the recent good news announcements without getting rid of DRIPA and showing some substantial improvement in healthcare, the economy, public safety, and the court system, I believe it would still be an uphill battle… because after two terms, the voters just get tired and disappointed with just about every government and want change. Ho)
I have been waiting months just for a CT Scan … Yet we spent millions on the soccer games … could have helped healthcare more than anything …
Am waiting for a new party to take up the “centre” … am not in favour of Findlay …
An election cannot come soon enough for this household ….
(Response: Not “millions” … but hundreds of millions to host FIFA!! As I said earlier, I didn’t object to having the games here, as long as the cost was borne by the hotels, bars, restaurants, other hospitality industries that cashed in on them …not taxpaying working people/families throughout the province … or those waiting for CT scans or surgeries. Ho)
Estimates are $100,000,000 PER GAME for police, road closures, traffic control, cleanup, bureaucracy, blah blah blah.
Disgusting doesnt even begin to describe it when you consider our healthcare is on its knees, our justice system is a revolving door, our immigration system needs a complete overhaul, and the ruinous, apologist, woke, political pandering known as DRIPA should be cancelled.
(Response: We also learned this week the “new” estimated cost of the Massey tunnel replacement is now $8 Billion … which means it will run around $9 Billion or more by the time it is completed … more than double the original bridge estimated cost. And all this more than a decade since the project was authorized … with NO actual construction contract still yet signed!!! Any executives, officials or experts with that kind of job performance in private industry would have been fired by now … but in government, they get rewarded with perks, privileges or, in the case of bureaucrats, even bonuses! Ho)
Eby may have won a small battle for now but as you stated Harvey, DRIPA tops everything.
Every time he comes on TV I cringe at the looks of him. How this person’s mind works to have created this…, I’m not even sure what to call it, is beyond my comprehension.
He cannot leave soon enough.
Now if the world could get rid of the United Nations.
(Response: Don’t get me started on the UN … a noble idea that is now pretty well ignored by the big powers and whose General Assembly, UN agencies have descended into corrupt anti-US, anti-Israel Arab propaganda machine. As for Eby/NDP … yes, it was a really good week, but I believe the voters need to see action NOW on issues/problems that hit much closer to home: affordability, taxes, health care, public safety. Ho)
Diverted safe drug supply
10 day ferry repair delay dock
8 hour porteau cove crash investigate- road closed
Year plus hip replace wait
Bloated bureocracy
Rando in public stranger attacks
Condo bail
https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/vaughn-palmer-chilling-message-bc-landowners-judge-refusal-reopen-cowichan-case
(Response: Yes, lots of problems/failures. The question is: Would the BC Conservatives do any better? That’s the question that will face voters. But for me… and I suspect many other voters … DRIPA will top everything… because it could have the most profound and disastrous impact on BC. Ho)
In the same time frame, Massey tunnel costs have doubled? Still no inquiry into the stench of N Van’s sewage dilemma, how much over budget & when will it open? Don’t forget Iona is at capacity (before the 20 odd new high-rises in Richmond), dumping untreated every time a large rain event occurs.
The stench surrounding the Rennie & co. condo bailout is just beginning to permeate, this one is far smellier than almost all the above issues. Nose plugs for all!
The PRC foreign investment Minister Carney is setting up much future pain with his current tactics.
Don’t forget nafta 2.0.
(Response: One question I have about the condo bailout, and I have not seen any of the media ask, is what happens when people who buy or buy to own these publicly paid for condos flip them in a few years, when the market improves? Do the BC and federal governments share in the windfall? And who specifically will get these lower cost condos … friends/supporters of the NDP or Liberals? As for the other things you mentioned, that’s why I feel it will be really interesting to see the next few polls and how Eby and the NDP fare in those, now that we have had all those announcements of federal and BC spending on major projects. Fascinating! Ho)
Harvey, I have the same questions. If the government buys the condos and then people do the rent-to-own scenario, do they get the money back that they paid when they leave because they supposedly own that portion? Or is that portion not put toward the purchase and only used as rent paid?
Also, with all the secret deals that the Eby government is making with the natives, how long, if not already, is it going to be before the natives take over ownership and the taxpayer gets nothing for their investment?
(Response: Big issues, big questions. The public needs a lot more information/guarantees on who gets those taxpayer-purchased condos and who gets the profits when they get sold down the road? As for DRIPA … we don’t need “info” or “amendments”… we need ACTION to just get rid of it ..and the investment-destroying danger to private property it represents. Ho)
It may have been good news for Premier Eby, but all Kerry-Lynne Findlay has to do is convince voters that she’ll also work well the Prime Minister if she’s given the chance to lead the province. Of course many voters in the centre probably feel she’s too far to the right, but if she focusses on the economy, DRIPA, crime and creating employment for young people, she should do well.
Premier Eby has left BC with a lot of debt, and many people have left the province. There is a housing shortage, a health care crisis and a provincial debt of close to $200 billion. My sister needs surgery on her knee. Though her injury was in April, she has to wait until September for her surgery. I’m sure there are others with similar stories. I don’t expect a new government to solve everything overnight, but it’s time to dismiss the NDP.
(Response: Very good points and for people like your sister or anyone who knows or has family or friends facing the same delays, I doubt they’ll be impressed by the recent project announcements. Bring on the next BC poll! Ho)
8.2 Billion dollar 8 lane tunnel ?can u say possible wreckless abandonment of fiduciary duty? Might have to drop to 6 lanes and limit commercial trucks at times-imo.
(Response: I am no engineer, but I shutter to think of the about the impact and eight lane wide tunnel concrete tube clunk down in the Fraser river will have on the environment in and around it, on the Fraser River fishery and vessel navigation. But I assume any improvement will be very popular with motorists who use that route day after day after day.And the other projects announced will certainly boost the economy… to the benefit of Eby/NDP and the federal Liberals. Ho)
1. The election is over two years away. Anything can and probably will happen to whiplash our opinions on Eby’s leadership and the NDP chances.
2. Eby’s week also included former Conservative, then Independent, now NDP MLA Amelia Boultbee
3. To DMJ’s wish for a third party. The only time in BC that we had a viable third party was in 1991 with the Gordon Wilson led Liberals. When Gordon Campbell took over it tried to be be somewhat liberal but for the most part they ruled like a Conservative party. Now we have an appropriately named Conservative party that can’t seem to keep it together. See #2
(Response: That’s quite a shift … from Conservative to Independent to NDP … all since early 2024! Can’t help but wonder if it’s a true shift in philosophy or a desire for the perks/priveleges of power. As for a third party, I personally would prefer to see an opposition party more to the center than what I keep hearing about Kerry-Lynne Findlay and the apparently more right wing BC Conservative party. However, I realize that would split the free enterprise vote and would be a gift to Eby and the NDP. So I keep thinking, maybe one term of the opposition taking over might smarten up the NDP and also over time give birth to a more centrist alternative. But as you say, the election could be another two years away and a lot can happen between now and then. A lot! Ho)
Don’t forget that Eby only really cares above all else about DRIPA and the 5 percent of of the British Columbia special interest population, and that the NDP also thumbed their noses at commuters and wasted so much of the taxpayers money by not continuing with the bridge. And yes what kind of immoral disgusting shameful justice leadership would let out that criminal who did that to that lady. If that were one of my loved ones so family, I would be out in full protest everyday in front of those responsible for that abomination and perversion of justice. This is what people are going to continue to get along with more theft from our pockets for DRIPA and the unfair and unbalanced handouts. Are more people ever going to wake up to the fact that it doesn’t matter what we get from Ottawa or how pleasing it is, Eby is going to continue on screwing over 95 percent of British Columbians by taking away valuable taxes from other important areas meant to favour the DRIPA fraud. Just wait, but I’m afraid that many people will still just wait and see from their comfy couches and busy lives because they won’t go and vote, but they’ll be crabbing like hell because Eby will have his mandate to continue with both hands in our pockets.
(Response: That’s exactly what I’m wondering: will these recent announcements do anything to improve Eby/NDP fortunes …or are there too many other issues/failures the voters will not put aside. Can’t wait for the next few poll results. Ho)
The problem with the NDP is that they never learn from their mistakes.
The big issue will be DRIPA and Eby has fumbled the ball badly.
But not all is lost for the NDP because the Maple MAGAs now have full control of the BC Conservative party and its new leader Findlay, is not well liked and has a somewhat negative popularity in the last riding she ran in.
The next election will see which politcal party stumbles the least.
The big question I see, is “when will be a centre party running in BC? Politics abhors a vacuum and with the conservatives and NDP, there is a large centrist vacuum.
There is soon to be a massive sticker shock with a major Metro Vancouver projects and it may also sour the NDP with the voters.
I also see the NDP have rid themselves of Joy McPhail (mother of the infamous Fast Ferries) as CEO of the BC Ferries Board. Her term was not renewed.
Cleaning house before an election?
(Response: For me, personally DRIPA remains my greatest concern and, even if Eby/NDP come up with an agreement with First Nations that private lands won’t be included, I wouldn’t trust that promise … or the Courts … one day beyond the next election! That legislation MUST be repealed before I … and I suspect many other property owners (home, condo, recreational, business, industrial) would even consider voting NDP again, even though I may have concerns about new BC Conservative leanings/policies too. Ho)