Rustad Earns Strong Endorsement in BC Conservative Leadership Review

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John Rustad has secured a decisive victory in the British Columbia Conservative Party’s leadership review, with approximately 70.66% of members voting in favor of his continued leadership.

Of the 1,268 eligible voters, 70.66% supported Rustad’s leadership, while 29.34% opposed. Across the province’s 93 ridings, Rustad won in 78, lost in 10, tied in 3, and 2 ridings recorded no votes.

In his remarks following the vote, Rustad expressed gratitude to party members for engaging in the democratic process. He described the review as a way to “localize democracy,” allowing grassroots voices to be heard. “I believe the members have given me a mandate to lead,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to building a “common sense Conservative government.”

The review was overseen by returning officer Mark Robertson, with vote counting conducted by an independent third party. Robertson also coordinated voting logistics throughout the summer, traveling across the province to ensure accessibility.

Alongside the leadership review, members voted on Rustad’s 11-point Leadership Pledge, which received 80.05% approval.

Highlights from the pledge include:

  • Strengthening measures against violent crime

  • Protecting children in educational settings

  • Upholding property rights

  • Reducing taxes

  • Restricting immigration

  • Focusing on economic growth and healthcare reform

Additional proposals outlined in the pledge involve banning “age-inappropriate content” in schools, expediting legal action for random assaults, implementing voter ID requirements, hand-counting ballots, and ending mass immigration policies.

Understanding a Leadership Review

A leadership review is a formal mechanism within a political party to assess whether its current leader continues to hold the confidence of party members. Depending on the party’s rules, it may occur automatically at regular intervals, following an election, or be initiated through a petition by members.

During the review, members typically cast a “yes” or “no” vote on the leader’s future. If the leader fails to meet the required threshold—often a simple majority or a higher benchmark set by the party—it can trigger a leadership contest or prompt the leader to step down.

These reviews serve as a barometer of internal support and overall party cohesion. A strong result can solidify a leader’s authority, while a weaker outcome may expose fractures within the party or spark calls for new direction.

Bank of Canada Governor Says Canada Should Have Reduced Dependence On US Trade Sooner

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In a September 23 address to business leaders in Saskatchewan, Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem delivered a candid assessment of Canada’s trade strategy, arguing the country has waited too long to reduce its economic reliance on the United States. He noted that while calls for diversification followed the 2008–09 financial crisis, meaningful progress stalled — and Canada is now facing the consequences.

Global Shifts Demand Urgent Action

Macklem emphasized that rising protectionism, disrupted supply chains, and shifting global trade dynamics make diversification more urgent than ever. Without decisive action, he warned, Canada risks falling behind in its ability to withstand economic shocks and sustain long-term growth.

Tariffs and Export Declines Highlight Vulnerability

Recent U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and softwood lumber have exposed Canada’s trade fragility. Macklem also pointed to China’s restrictions on Canadian canola, which have hit Saskatchewan particularly hard. In Q2 2025, Canadian exports dropped sharply, contributing to a decline in real GDP and early signs of labour market weakness — all underscoring Canada’s deep exposure to U.S. demand.

Even when trade agreements soften the impact of tariffs, Macklem noted, the broader effect of protectionist sentiment has already disrupted trade flows and investor confidence.

Structural Barriers to Diversification

While the U.S. will remain Canada’s primary trading partner, Macklem stressed that expanding trade beyond it requires more than signing new deals. Internal hurdles — including interprovincial trade barriers, inconsistent regulations, infrastructure bottlenecks, and slow approval processes — continue to limit Canada’s ability to capitalize on its agreements with over 50 other countries.

He called for targeted reforms: improving east-west transportation corridors, expanding port capacity, harmonizing provincial rules (especially around professional credentials), and streamlining regulatory approvals.

Canada’s Trade Exposure by the Numbers

  • Canada ranks among the most U.S.-dependent economies in the OECD.
  • Key exports include energy, vehicles, machinery, metals, and forestry products.
  • Trade shocks from tariffs and supply-chain disruptions have repeatedly exposed the risks of overreliance.
  • Currency fluctuations and U.S. policy shifts continue to shape Canada’s economic trajectory.

Policy Response and the Road Ahead

The federal government has launched a multi-billion dollar initiative to help Canadian firms enter new markets and mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs. But Macklem made clear that monetary policy alone won’t fix the structural vulnerabilities. Interest rate cuts may cushion short-term pain, but long-term resilience depends on deeper reforms.

“We should have been making these changes 15 years ago,” Macklem said. “But the next best time is now.”

 

Side-by-side: export diversification — Canada vs. three peers

Metric / point Canada Australia Netherlands South Korea
Top export partner (share / reliance signal) Many Canadian exporters depend almost exclusively on the U.S.: nearly 66% of Canadian exporting firms exported only to the U.S. in 2024 — the highest share since 2003, showing deep U.S. market reliance. China is Australia’s largest market; in 2023 China bought roughly ~32% of Australia’s exports — Australia is heavily exposed to one partner but that partner is different from Canada’s (China vs U.S.). Top five partners still account for ~62% of exports. Exports are more regionally spread across EU neighbours: the top five partners (Germany, Belgium, France, the UK, U.S.) account for about 55% of Dutch goods exports — the Netherlands functions as a diversified export and re-export hub. South Korea’s export mix is spread across major markets: in recent years China and the U.S. have been roughly comparable shares (China ~20% / U.S. ~18% in 2023), with strong shipments to ASEAN/EU as well — showing less single-market domination.
Top 3 partners (quick snapshot) U.S. dominant; second/third vary by sector but far behind the U.S. overall. China, Japan, South Korea (top 3 by value in 2023). Germany, Belgium, France (EU neighbors dominate). China, United States, Vietnam (top partners in 2024).
Why diversification is stronger / structural reason Geographic proximity and integrated supply chains with the U.S., plus regulatory and interprovincial frictions that make intra-Canadian reorientation harder. (Explains “natural” U.S. dependence.) Heavy trade with Asia (especially China) tied to resource and agricultural exports; proximity to fast-growing Asian markets plus targeted trade diplomacy. Strategic logistics role (Rotterdam, large ports), re-exporting, EU single market access — a trade hub rather than single-market dependence. Strong transport/port infrastructure enables diversification. Industrial policy and export orientation in high-value goods (electronics, autos, shipbuilding). Diversified buyers for tech and durable goods reduce single-market risk.
Policy levers / enablers used (Needed) Improve interprovincial trade, invest in ports/rail, targeted export supports, trade missions and regulatory harmonization. (These are recommended, not always fully realized.) Active trade diplomacy with Asia, export facilitation for resources/agri, investment in port/rail links to Asia. Investment in ports and logistics; policies that support value-added trade (processing and re-export); EU single-market access is a major structural advantage. Longstanding industrial promotion (R&D support, export credit, supply-chain development) and diversification within high-tech sectors (chips, autos) that sell to many regions.
Practical lesson for Canada Canada’s closest analogy to “fixing” reliance is structural: remove domestic frictions (interprovincial trade barriers), upgrade transport & port links (Atlantic/Pacific), and pair export promotion with product diversification (move upvalue in energy/agrifood/manufacturing). Use targeted market diversification programs like export credits and trade missions. Canada could emulate Australia on targeted outreach to Asia (though Australia’s exposure to a single partner brings its own risks). Invest in market access and bilateral ties with fast-growing Asian economies. Build logistics and re-export capabilities where sensible (improve ports, reduce bottlenecks) and exploit regional trade blocs or supply-chain niches to avoid overreliance on a single market. Foster higher value manufacturing and tech exports through R&D, supplier networks, and export finance so Canadian firms can sell across a broader range of markets rather than being concentrated on commodity exports to one neighbour.

 

Six Concrete Steps Canada Can Take to Reduce Dependance On US Trade

1. Reduce interprovincial trade barriers (High impact / Moderate difficulty)

  • Action: Accelerate implementation of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) by harmonizing rules across provinces (e.g., trucking standards, professional certifications, alcohol distribution).

  • Why: A “bigger home market” strengthens firms and prepares them for global expansion. StatCan estimates interprovincial barriers cost the economy billions annually.

  • Timeline: Several reforms can be negotiated and legislated within 2–3 years.

2. Expand port and transport capacity on both coasts (High impact / High difficulty)

  • Action: Fast-track approvals and investments for Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Halifax, and St. John’s port expansions, plus east–west rail/road infrastructure.

  • Why: Physical bottlenecks limit export diversification, particularly for agriculture, energy, and manufactured goods headed to Asia and Europe.

  • Timeline: Major projects take longer, but permitting and funding decisions can be made within 12–18 months to unlock private and provincial investment.

3. Targeted export finance and insurance programs (Medium-high impact / Low difficulty)

  • Action: Scale up Export Development Canada (EDC) programs that provide financing, insurance, and guarantees for SMEs entering new overseas markets.

  • Why: Firms are often risk-averse when breaking into unfamiliar markets. Government risk-sharing accelerates diversification.

  • Timeline: Can be expanded through budget measures within 12 months.

4. Strategic trade missions & market access deals in Asia and Europe (Medium impact / Moderate difficulty)

  • Action: Focus on India, ASEAN (Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines), Japan, and African growth markets with targeted trade delegations, regulatory cooperation agreements, and sector-specific memoranda of understanding.

  • Why: Canada has FTAs with 50+ countries, but utilization is low. Active political and commercial outreach boosts usage.

  • Timeline: Missions and agreements can be launched within 12–24 months.

5. Support sectoral diversification into high-value exports (Medium impact / Moderate difficulty)

  • Action: Provide R&D tax credits, grants, and scaling programs for cleantech, agrifood processing, advanced manufacturing, and digital services.

  • Why: Canada’s current export base is dominated by energy and raw resources. Higher-value exports are easier to sell to multiple markets.

  • Timeline: Expanded incentives could be rolled out in the next federal budget, with results in 2–3 years.

6. Streamline regulatory approvals for major export projects (Medium impact / High difficulty)

  • Action: Shorten timelines for resource and infrastructure approvals while maintaining environmental safeguards, using “one project, one review” models.

  • Why: Global buyers need reliable supply. Long approval processes weaken Canada’s competitiveness.

  • Timeline: Legislative/regulatory changes could be introduced within 24–36 months.

Secret Santa Returns, Donations Needed

Thanks to the incredible generosity of volunteers and donors, our annual Secret Santa program is once again spreading holiday cheer to families in the Village and Valley who could use a helping hand this Christmas.

Last year, we delivered 37 hampers filled with festive food and gifts — and we’re gearing up to support even more families this season!

If you know a family in need, please send the following details by December 10, 2025:

  • Names and ages of all family members
  • Address
  • Any special dietary requirements

 

Email: dbbgrill@gmail.com. All information is kept strictly confidential. This initiative runs entirely on community kindness. We gratefully welcome donations of cash, toys, and non-perishable food.

Donations can be dropped off at: The Village of Sayward Office. Thank you for helping make the holidays brighter for everyone in our community!

Documents Reveal Former Transport Minister Was Briefed on BC Ferries’ Foreign Contract Despite Prior Denial

Former Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland is expected to reappear before a parliamentary committee following the release of documents that raise fresh concerns about her involvement in BC Ferries’ recent procurement decision.

Emails obtained through access-to-information requests reveal that senior Transport Canada officials were informed in April of BC Ferries’ plan to award a contract to a Chinese state-owned shipyard for the construction of four new vessels. This disclosure appears to contradict Freeland’s earlier claim that she was unaware of the decision until it became public in June.

The Canada Infrastructure Bank had approved a loan of approximately $1.1 billion in March to support the fleet renewal project, though the identity of the selected shipbuilder was not disclosed at the time.

Freeland stepped down as Transport Minister earlier this month to take on a new role as Special Envoy for Ukraine. In response, the House of Commons transport committee passed a motion to recall her for further testimony. Additional witnesses from Transport Canada, BC Ferries, and Canadian shipyards may also be summoned to clarify the timeline and decision-making process.

Critics have raised concerns about the transparency of the procurement, its potential impact on domestic shipbuilding jobs, and whether federal support is being distributed fairly across regions. The federal government has defended the loan as a necessary investment in BC Ferries’ aging fleet, while broader debates over shipbuilding policy and oversight continue. 

Key developments:

 

  • In late April, BC Ferries president Nicolas Jimenez emailed Transport Canada’s Deputy Minister Arun Thangaraj with details about contracting a Chinese shipyard for new vessels.

  • Despite this, Freeland publicly expressed surprise when BC Ferries formally announced its procurement plan in June.

  • The Canada Infrastructure Bank had approved a $1.1 billion loan in late March to fund the four new vessels from Weihai Shipyards (a Chinese state-owned outfit), but did not disclose the shipbuilder at the time.

Political fallout & scrutiny:

  

  • Freeland resigned from her post as Transport Minister, taking on the role of Special Envoy for Ukraine.

  • After the revelations, MPs passed a motion calling for her to return to testify before the Commons transport committee. Others involved — including officials from Transport Canada, BC Ferries, and Canadian shipyards — may also appear in additional hearings.

  • Conservative MP Dan Albas has sharply criticized the handling of the contract, suggesting that Freeland’s narrative of surprise is undermined by the internal correspondence. He claims this raises serious concerns about protecting Canadian jobs.

  • B.C. Premier David Eby has called attention to what he sees as inconsistency and unfairness in federal support: pointing out that Eastern Canadian ferry operators have received full funding for similar vessels (some from the same shipyard), while BC Ferries is only receiving a subsidized loan.

What’s at issue:

 

  • The timeline: who knew what and when, and whether officials misled the public about their prior knowledge of the deal.

  • Transparency and oversight: demands for the release of related records (including contracts, briefing notes, and communication between parties) have intensified.

  • The implications for Canadian shipbuilding, federal-provincial relations, and procurement policy especially when foreign, state-owned manufacturers are involved.

Your Private Mail Could Be Opened Without A Warrant Under Proposed Legislation Bill C-2

The Liberal government’s proposed legislation, Bill C-2 — formally titled An Act Respecting Certain Measures Relating to the Security of the Border — is drawing sharp criticism from opposition MPs and civil liberties groups. At the heart of the controversy are provisions that would allow inspectors to open suspicious mail and examine outgoing containers without a warrant.

Points of Contention

  • The bill seeks to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act, expanding the authority of inspectors to open flagged mail and inspect packages deemed potentially dangerous.
  • Opponents argue the move infringes on privacy rights and may violate protections against unreasonable search under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
  • Conservative MPs have condemned the proposal as overly broad, calling it an “assault on all Canadians” and demanding that such powers be subject to judicial oversight.

Government’s Position

  • Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has defended the legislation, citing national security concerns and the need to intercept illegal goods before they cross borders.
  • Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux dismissed the backlash as “fearmongering,” suggesting critics are overstating the bill’s implications.

Context and Justification

  • Under current law, mail cannot be opened without judicial authorization.
  • Advocates for stronger postal and border security point to rising incidents of drug trafficking through mail, particularly affecting First Nations and northern communities. A 2022 Canada Post report highlighted that a significant portion of intercepted illicit substances were bound for these regions.

What’s at Stake

  • If enacted, Bill C-2 would recalibrate the balance between privacy and security, granting broader inspection powers with reduced oversight.
  • The debate touches on fundamental questions about government authority, citizen rights, and the acceptable limits of surveillance in the name of public safety.

What Legal Experts and Civil Liberties Advocates Are Saying

Charter Concerns: Section 8 in Focus

Legal analysts widely agree that Bill C-2’s provisions likely engage Section 8 of the Charter, which protects against unreasonable search and seizure. Expanding powers to open mail — including personal letters — and access data from service providers without a warrant is seen as a direct challenge to Canadians’ reasonable expectation of privacy.

Risk of Judicial Rejection

Privacy scholars warn that the bill’s language is overly broad and lacks sufficient safeguards. By lowering the threshold for searches and granting vague, discretionary powers, the legislation may fail the Section 1 test — which requires that Charter violations be minimally impairing and clearly justified. Several experts argue the bill’s wording could enable routine warrantless intrusions, increasing the likelihood of it being struck down in court.

Legal Precedents Signal Trouble

Recent case law has shown courts becoming less tolerant of warrantless searches, especially involving digital devices and personal data. Legal commentators point to these rulings as evidence that judges will scrutinize Bill C-2 closely and may invalidate parts of it if adequate safeguards are not in place.

Surveillance Ecosystem Expansion

Civil liberties organizations — including Citizen Lab, OpenMedia, and other advocacy groups — argue that the bill goes beyond mail inspection. They warn that Part 14 and related sections could establish legal pathways for the government to demand data from private entities without judicial oversight, effectively expanding state surveillance powers beyond traditional Section 8 limits.

Government’s Justification

The federal government maintains that the proposed powers are essential for national security and border enforcement, particularly in combatting organized crime and fentanyl trafficking. Officials emphasize that the bill includes oversight mechanisms and procedural limits. However, legal experts caution that any Charter challenge will hinge on whether those safeguards are sufficiently robust and clearly defined.

How Courts Are Likely to Assess Bill C-2

Section 8 — Reasonable Expectation of Privacy Courts will first ask whether the item being searched — such as letters, packages, or digital records — carries a reasonable expectation of privacy. If so, any search must be legally authorized and conducted in a reasonable manner.

Section 1 — Justification of Infringement If a Section 8 breach is found, the government must justify it under Section 1 of the Charter. This involves proving a pressing and substantial objective, and passing the proportionality test: a rational connection to the goal, minimal impairment of rights, and a balance between benefits and harms. Legal experts are skeptical that Bill C-2, as currently drafted, meets the minimal impairment and proportionality standards for its broadest powers.

Legal and Political Fallout of Bill C-2

Charter Challenge Expected

Legal experts and civil liberties organizations anticipate that Bill C-2 will face a constitutional challenge if enacted. The bill’s warrantless search provisions are likely to trigger litigation under Section 8 of the Charter, with privacy advocates preparing to contest its legality.

Partial Invalidation Likely

Commentators suggest that courts may strike down or sever the bill’s broadest powers while preserving narrower, well-defined provisions. If certain elements are found to lack sufficient safeguards, judges could invalidate them while allowing more targeted border-security measures to stand.

Pressure for Legislative Amendments

Political and regulatory scrutiny is expected to intensify. Observers foresee Parliamentary debate and calls for amendments that introduce clearer thresholds, independent oversight, mandatory reporting, and judicial authorization in sensitive cases. These changes may be necessary to ensure the bill withstands legal review and public scrutiny.