Today on VanRamblings, a departure from our usual ramblings, and instead an interview with Premier David Eby, conducted by the folks at Air Quotes Media’sHotel Pacifico podcast, the inimitable and skilled purveyors of all things British Columbia politics: former 2013 Christy Clark B.C. Liberal campaign manager, Mike McDonald; former Globe and Mail B.C. Legislative reporter, Kate Hammer; and Geoff Meggs, the former Chief of Staff to BC NDP Premier, John Horgan.
On their most recent edition of Hotel Pacifico, the co-hosts of British Columbia’s most informed political podcast hold Premier David Eby’s feet to the fire, for a good half hour, the remainder of the hour-long podcast dedicated to informed punditry on all of the issues that will impact on the 2024 B.C. provincial election.
Next week, the derring pundit trio introduce B.C. Conservative Party leader John Rustad to their listeners, and all of us folks with a passing interest in politics.
Hotel Pacifico podcast hosts / pundits extraordinaire: Mike McDonald, Kate Hammer and Geoff Meggs
Note should be made before we get to Hotel Pacifico’s David Eby interview that Mr. Macdonald, Ms. Hammer and Mr. Meggs will broadcast daily, Monday to Friday, for 18 consecutive weekdays beginning Monday, September 23rd (two days after the Writ is dropped) in the lead up to the October 19th election, on the machinations of the 28-day B.C. campaign for government, a must-watch, must-listen-to (the podcast available on YouTube, and your favourite Apple or other podcast app, as well as on Spotify and other media platforms) endeavour.
The Hotel Pacifico hosts’ podcast interview with B.C. New Democratic Party Premier, David Eby.
Recently, VanRamblings was afforded the opportunity to meet Dallas Brodie, the B.C. Conservative Party candidate in the riding of Vancouver-Quilchena.
Ms. Brodie, when she approached VanRamblings, told us that one of her campaign workers had made mention to her that we had recently written about her on our blog. Ms. Brodie followed up her initial comment to us by saying, “I read several articles on your blog. You’re a very good writer. Thank you for what you do!”
Now, did Ms. Brodie have to be kind, greet us with a warmth of character and a disarming and engaging complimentary élan?
Nope, she didn’t — particularly given that we’re an opinionated sort of fella, and chances are that Ms. Brodie read some VanRamblings commentary or other with which she was not necessarily in agreement (apparently, Ms. Brodie and VanRamblings, we are told, do not share a “political philosophy” .. alas).
Nonetheless, Dallas Brodie was invariably kind during the few minutes we spoke with one another — in an often too contentious world defined by an unwholesome divisiveness, VanRamblings came away from our encounter hopeful and heartened.
VanRamblings takes this opportunity to congratulate Dallas Brodie on her pending win in the Vancouver-Quilchena riding, where we feel quite assured that she will more than ably represent the concerns and interests of her grateful constituents.
The Role of Kindness as a Core Value in Politics
In an era where political discourse is often dominated by divisiveness, hostility, and polarization, the concept of kindness might seem quaint or naïve.
When we examine the foundational purpose of politics — the organization of society for the common good — kindness emerges as a practical and necessary value.
At its core, kindness represents empathy, respect, and a genuine concern for others. When woven into the fabric of political practices, kindness fosters collaboration, promotes inclusivity, and enables the pursuit of justice and equality.
Kindness must be viewed not as a weakness, but as an essential guiding principle in the development of government policy, and political conduct.
Premier David Eby, one of the kindest, most empathetic persons VanRamblings has ever known, a man committed to social and economic justice, and a robust full employment economy.
In the 17 years we have enjoyed a political alliance with David Eby, we have always found him to be kind, not just to VanRamblings, but to everyone who comes into his orbit. David Eby is one of the kindest, most empathetic and entirely decent persons we have ever known, possessed of a beneficent social conscience, and as you may have noticed since he became Premier, a grassroots, democratic pragmatism that reflects the best interests of those he serves.
VanRamblings very much believes in the concept of “dancing with the one that brung ya.” As such, we’ll work diligently on David’s upcoming campaign.
Kindness as a Tool for Justice and Equity
Kindness in politics also has a powerful role in advancing justice and equity.
At its core, political decision-making is about determining how resources, rights, and opportunities are distributed within society. When kindness is embedded in this process, it ensures decisions are made with empathy for our most vulnerable populations.
In practical terms, policies that reflect kindness take into account the well-being of all citizens. The commitment to social and environmental justice is not an act of charity but an acknowledgment of our shared humanity.
The importance of kindness in addressing issues like climate change cannot be overstated. Climate change disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable communities.
A kind approach to environmental policy prioritizes the well-being of future generations and ensures that those who are least responsible for climate change are not left to bear its worst consequences. By fostering and promoting a sense of responsibility, political leaders who prioritize personal and social kindness (and equity) can guide the world toward more sustainable and just solutions.
John Coupar, a candidate for the B.C. Conservative Party, in the Vancouver-Little Mountain riding.
We had written on VanRamblings last week that we’ll be endorsing John Coupar — a past Vancouver Park Board Chairperson, and current Conservative Party of British Columbia candidate — in his bid to win the newly-created Vancouver-Little Mountain riding in the upcoming provincial election.
For maximum exposure, VanRamblings’ plan will be to publish our formal endorsement of Mr. Coupar early next month, a couple of weeks away from British Columbia’s October 19th provincial election date.
As we have written on social media, at least in part (and for us, an important part) of our endorsement of John Coupar arises from the fact Mr. Coupar, in the time we have known him, has always been one of the kindest, most open and most welcoming human beings we have ever encountered.
Which is not to say that John Coupar isn’t a take no guff, tough but fair-minded man of conscience, a man possessed of integrity and great character, a man who while not suffering fools gladly will stand up always for and behind what he believes is right and just, and serves the best interests of the community, and those he has been elected to serve and represent (which means, of course, all of us).
Kindness as a core value in politics is not just an idealistic aspiration; it is a pragmatic approach to creating a more just, equitable, and functional society.
By humanizing political dialogue, building trust, and promoting co-operation, kindness can repair the fractures in our political systems and enable leaders to address the pressing issues of our time with empathy and clarity.
Kindness in politics is a reflection of strength — the strength to listen, to compromise, and to fight for a society where all individuals are treated with dignity.
On Friday, May 3rd, the Conservative Party of British Columbia announced former Vancouver Park Board Chairperson John Coupar as their candidate in the newly-created riding of Vancouver-Little Mountain, in the upcoming provincial election.
John Coupar announced as BC Conservative Party candidate in the riding of Vancouver-Little Mountain
John Coupar is best known for his role in saving and restoring the iconic and much beloved Bloedel Conservatory atop Queen Elizabeth Park, located at the geographic centre of Vancouver and the Little Mountain riding.
“Public safety is issue number one. Residents deserve to walk down the street without worrying about being assaulted or robbed,” says Coupar. “I know this riding and the people who reside in it. I’ve lived in Olympic Village for over a decade.”
Thanks @VancouverPD for your swift action, by the police presence this morning it appears like the suspect was apprehended near #HingePark#OlympicVillage area in my riding of Little Mountain Vancouver
Public Safety is becoming a major issue in #BCPolihttps://t.co/sfdBdBjWea
Upon accepting the Conservative Party of B.C. nomination, John Coupar had this to say about Christine Boyle, his BC NDP opponent in Vancouver-Little Mountain.
“The current NDP candidate, Christine Boyle, has not represented the concerns of this community. She doesn’t even live in the riding. She promoted the ‘defund the police’ movement, and supports reckless policies on illicit drug use. Quite simply, Christine Boyle is out of touch with the concerns of the community. The residents of Vancouver-Little Mountain require a common-sense approach to governance that will restore public safety, make life affordable, and a responsible MLA in the B.C. Legislature who will represent the best interests of the community,” concludes John Coupar.
BC NDP candidate, Vancouver City Councillor Christine Boyle, seeks office in Vancouver-Little Mountain
After a hard fought nomination race, on April 4th of this year, two-term Vancouver City Councillor Christine Boyle secured the British Columbia New Democratic Party nomination in the newly-created riding of Vancouver-Little Mountain.
“It’s an incredible honour to be your BC NDP candidate in Vancouver-Little Mountain in the upcoming B.C. election,” Ms. Boyle posted on the X social media platform upon securing the nomination. “Thank you for your support, for your encouragement and for your passion as together we work towards building a fairer, healthier and more affordable British Columbia for all.”
BC NDP candidate Christine Boyle for Vancouver-Little Mountain, with media after winning nomination
David Eby weighed in when Ms. Boyle secured the Vancouver-Little Mountain nomination.
“As a Vancouver City Councillor, Christine Boyle is a tireless champion for everyday people and the social good,” Eby said.
“I know she’ll bring that same energy and compassion to her work for people as a BC NDP MLA. Christine will be a strong addition to our team, and a great representative for people in Vancouver-Little Mountain and the issues they care about.”
Christine Boyle is a strong advocate for rental, co-op and non-market housing.
Since first being elected to Vancouver City Council in 2018, and re-elected to a second term on Council in 2022, Christine Boyle has only served to strengthen her environmental and climate advocacy bona fides — including, leading the development of Vancouver’s Climate Emergency Action Plan — which, when you consider that BC Conservative party leader John Rustad believes climate change to be a hoax, makes Ms. Boyle’s election to Victoria all that much more important.
Sources within both the BC NDP and the BC Conservative Party tell VanRamblings that Christine Boyle currently enjoys a five-point lead over John Coupar in the race to become the Member of the Legislature representing Vancouver-Little Mountain.
In the interest of full disclosure, as we wrote on social media yesterday, VanRamblings will formally endorse John Coupar in the lead up to British Columbia’s October 19th provincial election, when we will express why we believe it is critical to the interests of B.C. citizens that John Coupar becomes a member of the BC Conservative Party caucus, a goal that could be achieved should the residents of Vancouver-Little Mountain in all their wisdom elect John Coupar to represent them in the British Columbia Legislature over the next four years.
Here’s what we wrote yesterday on social media in support of John Coupar’s candidacy for elected office under the Conservative Party of B.C.banner.
“I am supporting John Coupar, who I’ve know well since 2011, someone I speak and meet with regularly, someone who saw me through my cancer journey, one of the best men I have ever known, a compassionate and caring man of character who doesn’t suffer fools gladly and stands up for the guiding principles that have defined his life of service and contribution, a champion of the gender variant community, and a person of character who I believe it is critical to have sitting in the BC Conservative caucus.
In the case of John Coupar, it is the privilege of my life to count John among my friends.
My endorsement of John is not meant to suggest that Christine Boyle — his NDP opponent — is not a worthy candidate, or that she wouldn’t make a fine member of the British Columbia Legislature.
The above said, my support for the re-election of British Columbia’s New Democratic Party government could not be stronger, as will be evidenced in my writing in the weeks to come.”
Make no mistake, this will be a close election, with either the NDP eking out a win to form government over the next four years, or the Conservative Party of B.C. — with the wind at their back, riding the coattails of popular federal Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, who is currently polling at 50% support among the B.C. electorate — forming government, from late 2024 through the fall of 2028.
We’ll know the outcome of the provincial election on Saturday, October 19th.
Whoever secures government on the evening of October 19th, VanRamblings implores you to not allow yourself the destructive indulgence of division.
When you awake on a peaceful October 20th morning, those who love you will still love you, and as we head into the holiday season in November and December know that there will be much to be thankful for in all aspects of your life.
Yes, elections are important, and we all — well, at least those diminishing few of us who are engaged in the conditions that impact on our lives, and give a good galldarn about politics, and know how important the role of government is in determining the livability and economic and social viability of our province — will continue on with our lives as we always have, experiencing occasional peripatetic joy, while appreciating the natural beauty of our province, and the love of all those who play a critically important role in the stability and the livability of our lives.
One of the more interesting battles for office in the 2024 British Columbia provincial election will occur in the new, redistributed riding of Vancouver-Yaletown.
Vying for supremacy on election night, Saturday, October 19th, are Conservative Party of BC candidate for office, Melissa De Genova, and the recently recruited British Columbia New Democratic Party candidate, Terry Yung.
As we say above, Vancouver-Yaletown is a new British Columbia electoral riding that was created from a 2022 re-drawing of electoral riding boundaries.
Previously, the area was part of the Vancouver-False Creek riding, which is a geographical area that includes the False Creek South neighbourhoods.
Between 2013 and 2020, the riding of Vancouver-False Creek was held by former Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan. Currently, Vancouver-False Creek is represented by the BC NDP’s Brenda Bailey, who is the Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation. In 2024, Ms. Bailey will seek elected office as the BC NDP candidate in the newly-created riding of Vancouver-South Granville.
Melissa De Genova, her VPD officer husband, Blair, and daughter, Lili — who just entered Grade Two
B.C. Conservative Party leader John Rustad, upon successfully recruiting Melissa De Genova as a party candidate, had this to say …
“Melissa brings valuable experience regarding getting housing built, with her deep understanding of the challenges of actually getting housing built, from all perspectives. In her tenure as a two-term Vancouver City Councillor, and her work in the private sector, Melissa worked to get both market and non-profit housing built. The Conservative Party believes Melissa De Genova’s expertise in housing is critical to tackling the affordability crisis in BC.”
The Conservative Party website adds about their Vancouver-Yaletown candidate.
Ms. De Genova was named one of the top forty under forty by Business in Vancouver for her work in creating affordable housing. She has volunteered for numerous community-focused charities, including the Moberly Arts and Cultural Centre, the Salvation Army in the Downtown Eastside, Odd Squad productions, Honour House and the Italian Day Festival Society.
What is true about Melissa De Genova is that she is a fighter, a community activist and elected official who doesn’t put up with any guff.
When Melissa De Genova fought for the construction of the Killarney Seniors Centre — despite members of the majority Vision Vancouver City Council dragging their heels on approval of the needed seniors facility — Melissa was relentless in working to get the seniors facility built, as she moved the sun, the moon, the Earth and the stars to achieve her goal.
VanRamblings, and anyone who has worked with Melissa, can tell you, this three time elected official (Melissa sat as a Park Board Commissioner from 2011 to 2014, before being elected to two terms on Vancouver City Council) is no one to mess with when she sets her mind to serving the best interests of the community.
Vancouver City Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung, and her beloved husband Terry Yung, BC NDP candidate.
Retired Vancouver Police Department (VPD) Inspector Terry Yung — who recently left the VPD after three decades of distinguished service — on August 28th became the British Columbia New Democratic Party candidate for office in the newly-created Vancouver-Yaletown riding, ready to fight for victory in the October 2024 provincial election.
“I know Terry is values driven.
He readies action any time someone is pushed around, exploited, taken advantage of, or left behind,” said BC NDP Premier David Eby, when Terry Yung secured the nomination.
“He knows we need to be tough on crime, and tough on the causes of crime. These values led him to an exceptional career in law enforcement, and have called him to public life as a BC NDP candidate. Terry will join two other senior police officers on our candidate team, all of whom have spent their careers dedicated to delivering safe and strong communities. The people of Vancouver-Yaletown can count on him to be in their corner,” continued Eby.
Terry Yung was also the longtime board Chair of the non-profit social service organization SUCCESS (United Chinese Community Enrichment Services Society), and involved with other organizations such as the Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver, the Vancouver Cambie Lions Club, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver. Terry is a recipient of the BC Medal of Good Citizenship and a Melvin Jones Fellow.
“City cores across North America are facing crises with homelessness and addictions, and the impact on public safety that follows. Here in B.C., we’re focused on keeping people safe and getting to the root causes of crime — it’s starting to make a difference,” Yung told those gathered for the Vancouver-Yaletown BC NDP meeting where he was acclaimed the party’s candidate.
“As a former VPD officer, I know B.C. can be a leader in successfully taking on these challenges with kindness and compassion, recognizing the roles of poverty and mental health in creating these conditions. And that’s the approach David Eby’s government has taken: hiring new police officers to take on organized crime, launching mental health crisis response teams, while opening more homes and treatment facilities. B.C. is tackling our public safety challenges on every level. It’s work worth doing — and worth being a part of, which is why I came forward. I can’t wait to get to work in the British Columbia Legislature.”
The emergent, central, definingelection issue in Vancouver-Yaletown: crime.
Let me guess…
With 49 Days until the election, ill bet the NDP will say they’ll be ‘looking into this’👇
When recruiting Terry Yung, the Premier made a commitment to Mr. Yung he would appoint the decorated VDP Inspector as our province’s next Solicitor General, and …
According to internal party polling, from both the Conservatives and NDP, Melissa De Genova currently enjoys a substantial lead over her opponent. But believe us when we say, with 46 days to go until Election Day, it is waaayyyy too early to predict the outcome of the electoral race to represent the residents of Vancouver-Yaletown..
Terry Yung’s claim to fame is that the residents of Yaletown give him credit for shutting down the controversial Overdose Prevention Society safe injection site — which was a magnet for crime and disorder in their neighbourhood.
Given that Yaletown has emerged in recent years as a family neighbourhood — we’re always surprised to find young children and their families walking throughout the neighbourhood, heading home from a visit to the T&T market, to their home on the 11th floor of one of the myriad Yaletown towers — moving the safe injection to a nearby site, adjacent to Yaletown, was the first order of business for Terry Yung, and the grateful residents of Yaletown.
If we have a criticism of Melissa’s 2024 campaign for provincial office it’s that she is — as has been the case throughout her political career — far too partisan for her own good, her daily visceral, ad hominen attacks on David Eby … who most folks actually like on a personal level, even if they’re not fans of his government … we believe to be counterproductive to her goal of attaining a seat in the provincial Legislature. In the 2022 Vancouver civic election, the electorate tired of her act, relegating her to a 19th place finish on election night, on Saturday, October 15th.
Melissa may wish to reconsider her strategy by adopting a somewhat less inflammatory approach to her goal of winning elected provincial office.
We will say two more things pertinent to Ms. De Genova’s bid to attain office.
There is no love loss between Ms. De Genova and current ABC Vancouver / former Non-Partisan Association (NPA) Vancouver City Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung. Terry Yung loves his wife, and hardly cottons to Ms. De Genova’s less than generous appreciation of his beloved spouse. For Melissa, this is personal, not to mention which, knowing Melissa it is probable that she feels Terry Yung to be a turncoat — “How dare he have supported his wife’s run for Vancouver City Council under the centre-right Non-Partisan Association banner, while supporting his good friend, Vancouver-Langara B.C. Liberal Member of the Legislature, Michael Lee, and now emerge as a latter day candidate for the hated NDP.”
Terry Yung is a respected and beloved, retired 30-year member of the Vancouver Police Department. Ms. De Genova’s husband is Blair Da Costa, a multi-year member of the aforementioned Vancouver Police Department. Now, dear and constant reader, you may have heard something about “the boys in blue are a brotherhood.” If Terry Yung doesn’t exactly cotton to Ms. De Genova’s derision for his wife, you can bet that members of the VPD will not be thrilled with Mr. Da Costa’s wife going after one of their own. Just sayin’ …
One more thing: for far too long, members of the public — particularly on the left side of the political spectrum — have underestimated Melissa De Genova, written her off as a “whack job,” designated her as a ne’er-do-well right winger (this name calling on the left drives VanRamblings crazy).
In our long association with Melissa, VanRamblings has always found her to be a progressive on the social issues of the day — and, dare we say, a union supporter — a person of heart and conscience who means well for our city, a person who strives each and every day towards building a better tomorrow for her young daughter, and for all children and families who reside in every region of our province.
Photo of Terry Yung taken on May 11, 2012 for a BBC story on Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
When it come to Terry Yung — who we know and like — we’re unconcerned about the viability and potential for success of his bid for elected provincial office.
Terry Yung went after the Vancouver-Yaletown New Democratic Party nomination with his eyes open. To underestimate Terry Yung’s wit, his intelligence, his experience and his political acumen — hell, he’s married to VanRamblings’ favourite political person in the province! — would be a terrible mistake. No fool he — they’re ain’t a smidgen of naïveté in how Terry Yung brings himself to the world.
Not to mention which: David Eby has no intention of losing this election.
The BC NDP and the BC NDP alone in the 2024 British Columbia provincial election have built an unassailable election campaign machine, with Dippers from across Canada arriving on our shores daily — experienced and winning campaigners, who mean to re-elect David Eby’s NDP government, given that there is so much on the line as they run against an alt-right, Trump-like John Rustad (who actually told the CBC’s Michelle Elliott last week that teachers are indoctrinating students in their care, distributing pornography to Grade 4 students as part of the SOGI 123 programme — without any evidence whatsoever to prove his claim — and that his government would ban thousands of books currently on the shelves in school libraries) — ready to fight for what is right, forward thinking and just for all.
