#BCPoli | An Alternative Perspective on Election ’24 | The Hotel Pacifico

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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’s Hotel 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.

#BCPoli | BC NDP Will Implement a Dignified Province-Wide Supportive Housing Agenda

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In British Columbia, Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units have long served as a last resort for many of the province’s most vulnerable individuals, including low-income residents, those with mental health challenges, and people grappling with homelessness.

However, these aging, often dilapidated buildings are increasingly unfit for human habitation. As such, there is an urgent need for the British Columbia government to transition vulnerable populations out of rundown SROs in Vancouver, Victoria and elsewhere, toward sustainable, supportive housing models.

By providing care similar to the successful systems used in European countries like Finland, B.C. can address the root causes of homelessness, poverty, and social marginalization while promoting long-term well-being and social integration.

In a 2022 interview with B.C. Legislative reporter Katie DeRosa, then with the Vancouver Sun and now in the same role with the CBC, B.C.’s New Democratic Party Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, David Eby — who was running to replace Premier John Horgan, who had resigned as Premier for health reasons, as leader of the BC NDP — had the following to say about the need for government to provide dignified supportive housing for members of British Columbia’s vulnerable populations living in communities across the province, and move these abandoned individuals out of rundown SROs …

Premier David Eby addresses need to transition people out of SROs

“There really hasn’t been a co-ordinated strategy or a plan about how we get out of the problems of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, Victoria and elsewhere. I think … putting an invisible fence around neighbourhoods and saying ‘this is the best we can do’ and just hope that things work out, it’s a strategy that will no longer carry us forward.” Eby said if he’s successful in his bid to replace Premier John Horgan … he’ll co-ordinate a long-term response to homelessness issues across the province, with the support and assistance from the federal government, our province’s towns and cities, and concerned groups.

In point of fact, Premier David Eby has committed to just that, copying the Finnish model that provides supported and affordable housing.

Juha Kaakinen, Finnish CEO of the Y-Foundation, providing low-cost housing to the homeless

“We had to get rid of the night shelters and short-term hostels we still had back then. They had a very long history in Finland, and everyone could see they were not getting people out of homelessness. We decided to reverse the assumptions,” says Juha Kaakinen, CEO of Finland’s Y-Foundation, which provides low-cost flats to homeless people across Finland.

The Deplorable Conditions of SROs

SROs, originally constructed as affordable housing for the working class, have deteriorated significantly over the decades. Many SRO units in cities like Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna are plagued by chronic disrepair, pest infestations, poor heating and ventilation systems, inadequate plumbing, and a lack of basic sanitation. These environments are not only uncomfortable but dangerous, often exacerbating the mental and physical health challenges faced by their residents.

Research shows a strong correlation between poor living conditions and poor health outcomes, including increased rates of addiction, infectious diseases, and mental health crises. Furthermore, many SRO buildings are located in areas with high crime rates, compounding the risks for residents already facing social vulnerabilities. In essence, SROs have become a symbol of the failure to provide adequate housing and services to the people who need them most. Moving vulnerable individuals out of these dangerous environments is not only a moral imperative, but also a matter of public health and safety.

The Case for Supportive Housing

Supportive housing offers a more sustainable solution to the complex needs of the vulnerable populations currently residing in SROs. Unlike SROs, which often serve as temporary, stop-gap measures, supportive housing provides stable, permanent accommodations where individuals have access to social, medical, and psychological services on-site. This model addresses not only the need for safe and secure housing but also the underlying issues that contribute to homelessness and instability, such as mental health disorders, addiction, and unemployment.


The Globe and Mail’s Kerry Gold on how Finland is solving the problem of homelessness.

In European countries like Finland and Austria, supportive housing has proven to be remarkably successful. Finland, for instance, has implemented the “Housing First” model, which provides stable housing to homeless individuals as the first step toward addressing other social issues. This approach has reduced homelessness by over 50% since its introduction in 2008, with most formerly homeless individuals remaining housed long-term. Austria follows a similar model with an emphasis on affordable, long-term housing paired with social services, which has also led to positive outcomes for at-risk populations.

For B.C., adopting a comparable approach would mean transitioning away from crisis management in the form of emergency shelters or rundown SROs and toward long-term solutions that focus on stability, health, and empowerment.

Supportive housing projects, when coupled with services such as healthcare, employment training, and mental health support, help individuals reintegrate into society, reduce their dependence on public services, and lead more fulfilling lives.

Note should be made that Premier David Eby’s government alone has a long term strategy — that they have committed to implement in their next term of government —  to transition members of our vulnerable population out of rundown SROs and substandard accommodation into supportive housing

Cost Efficiency and Long-Term Benefits of Building Supportive Housing

One of the most compelling arguments for supportive housing is its cost-effectiveness. Studies from both Europe and North America demonstrate that investing in supportive housing ultimately saves governments money in the long run. Homelessness and inadequate housing impose significant costs on public systems, including healthcare, law enforcement, and emergency services.

For instance, individuals living on the streets or in unstable environments are more likely to require emergency medical attention, experience police interactions, or become involved in the criminal justice system. In contrast, when people are find safe haven and community in supportive housing, they use fewer emergency services and are better able to manage chronic health conditions, or avoid encounters with law enforcement. Finland’s Housing First model has shown that for every dollar spent on housing and support, the government saves approximately $2 in costs related to homelessness.

B.C., with its high cost of living and significant homeless population, faces similar challenges. Building and maintaining supportive housing units may initially require significant investment, but it will result in long-term savings by reducing strain on public health, criminal justice, and social services systems. Moreover, the social and economic benefits of helping individuals regain stability, employment, and health far outweigh the upfront costs.

In a government publication titled Lost in Transition, the cost of construction of thousands of supportive housing units would be made possible in part by the savings that would accrue from merging the 277 social services agencies on the DTES into 30 umbrella organizations.

Each of the 277 social agencies employs an Executive Director — at an average annual salary of $500,000 — Directors of Finance, Directors of Human Resources, Managers of Supported Housing, Property Managers and other senior administrative staff — each of these 247 individuals earning up to $375,000 annually — a duplication of services and administration funded by the province, Merging agencies would save more than $1 billion dollars annually that would helo to pay for the cost of building supportive housing on the DTES, and across the province.

The Lost in Transition report questioned if such duplication of services properly serves the interests of those who are resident, and cared for, on the DTES.

There was also recommendation in the Lost in Transition report that argued for the provincial appointment of a Commissioner who would oversee the reformation of the provision of services on the DTES, a person with the authority of a Deputy Minister who would report only to a provincially appointed Board of Directors, which would oversee the transition of the current service model, reporting as well as to the office of the Premier.

A Moral and Social Imperative of Providing Dignified Supportive Housing


Eby government planning to take co-ordination of housing provision for B.C.’s most vulnerable citizens

Finally, there’s a moral dimension to the issue.

In a society as wealthy and resource-rich as British Columbia, allowing vulnerable members of our population to languish in unsafe, unsanitary SRO units reflects poorly on social priorities.

The government has a responsibility — a responsibility recognized by those within the B.C.  New Democrat government — to protect its most vulnerable citizens, ensuring that these individuals have access to the basic necessities of life, including safe housing, healthcare, and social support.

Housing is not just a commodity; it is a human right.

By moving away from the outdated, harmful practice of relying on SROs & instead investing in supportive housing, B.C. can take a meaningful step toward ending homelessness and improving the quality of life for our most marginalized citizens.

Relocating vulnerable populations out of rundown SROs and into supportive housing is not just a practical solution; it is an ethical and economic necessity.

In adopting the supportive housing model, British Columbia can — and will, with the re-election of an NDP government — address homelessness more effectively, reduce the long-term social, moral and medical costs associated with inadequate housing, while promoting a more inclusive and caring society.

The time to act is now, with the re-election of a David Eby-led government.

The benefits of the B.C. New Democrats’ approach to building dignified housing for our most vulnerable population will be felt for generations to come.

#BCPoli | Election 2024 Kindness as a Core Value in the Political Realm

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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.

Music | Top 100 Albums | Imogen Heap Creates A Career, and Endures

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Imogen Heap has the kind of fame that’s mostly invisible.

Throughout her three decades long career, the Grammy Award-winning British musician has merged intimate, sweet, stirring vocals fused with gently sweeping electronic soundscapes into lilting, alluring, pulsating and ethereal synthesized, yet organic pop that is uniformly and captivatingly gorgeous. Perhaps not the best known music artist, Imogen Heap maintains a loyal fan base that encompasses both her devoted listeners, and music critics across every continent on the planet.

Thus, Imogen Heap has managed to build herself a successful, if low key, career that has endured for the past quarter century and more, as she remains true to herself, a self-produced artist popular on the indie concert circuit across the globe.

Born Imogen Jennifer Jane Heap in London, she was raised in Essex, where she studied classical piano from a young age, writing songs in her early teens.

While attending boarding school in her mid-teens, Imogen Heap discovered alternative pop/rock, Euro-pop, and electronica, a musical mixture that effectively ended her desire to become a classical instrumentalist.

In the musical era of the 1990s when talented, attractive young female artists were breaking out into momentous world wide fame — think, Britney Spears, Fiona Apple, Tori Amos, Aaliyah and Alanis Morissette, to name just a few outstanding artists — record companies were on the lookout for upcoming new talent.

Thus, a young 17-year-old Imogen Heap was discovered, promoted and ferried across the globe to meet music critics in major cities across North America.

VanRamblings was invited to an intimate concert featuring Ms. Heap that took place on a late evening in 1993, in the basement of the Georgia Hotel, where a gangly young Ms. Heap played a handful of songs she’d written, after which the music critics on hand were afforded an opportunity to meet with her for an interview, accompanied by a local Warner Bros. A&R rep, in a room just off the concert stage.

Long story short, Imogen Heap’s début release was not a hit, the album fading into history, and, should you look online, not included in Ms. Heap’s discography.

Although Imogen Heap’s 1998 album iMegaphone received some acclaim — Ms. Heap’s music reflecting influences including Kate Bush, Annie Lennox, and Björk —  the album did not sell well, as Ms. Heap lost her contract with Almo Sounds.

All was not lost, though, as Ms. Heap’s transcendently lovely vocals caught the attention of Guy Sigsworth, Madonna’s producer at the time — who produced one of the songs on iMegaphone —  who kept in touch with her after the album’s release.

In 2000, Guy Sigsworth suggested a collaboration.

In the early 2000s, Heap and Sigsworth began working together, sharing equal responsibilities in the collaborative project Frou Frou.

Despite the duo’s lighthearted name, Frou Frou utilized electronics to create an atmospheric, dreamy, and nuanced sound. MCA/Universal signed the group in 2001, and Heap temporarily put her solo career on hold.

Frou Frou released the album Details in 2002.

MCA/Universal arranged for a global concert series for Imogen Heap to support the album. Details sold like mad for Frou Frou across the European continent, becoming a massive hit for the duo, with the song Let Go topping the charts, while also being included on the award-winning Garden State soundtrack.

The success of Frou Frou allowed Imogen Heap to return to her first love: a self-produced, solo career. As Ms. Heap continued to tour across North and South America, and Europe, Frou Frou became a hit only on the European continent, most particularly in France, where Imogen Heap became a certified star.

Frou Frou and Details never took off anywhere else on the planet, save Europe, although the success of the album did serve to pay Heap’s bills, while allowing her to refocus on her career as a solo artist.

From 2003 through 2005, Imogen Heap taught herself the intricacies of the complex music production software Pro Tools (also used by Finneas O’Connell in the production of Billie Eilish’s début album).


Track 2, Goodnight and Go, from Imogen Heap’s 2005 smash hit album, Speak for Yourself.

By 2004, Frou Frou had disbanded, as Heap turned her attention to creating her first, fully self-produced album, which would become the massive hit, Speak for Yourself, which she produced over the period of a year and a half in her kitchen, responsible for every intimate detail of the album.


Track 5, Hide and Seek, from Imogen Heap’s 2005 smash hit album, Speak for Yourself.

The first smash hit off of Speak for Yourself, which sold wildly across the globe, gaining immense radio play, was Hide and Seek, the song rising to number one on the indie charts across Europe, and North and South America. Hide and Seek stops the show midway through; it’s expressly designed to make you come to a dead stop on your drive or walk like it did when it popped up in The O.C.

An a cappella blend of Heap’s hyper-layered pipes, it’s sonic trickery makes the song lap itself; there’s so much synthetic beauty in there that it comes off sounding organic anyway. Besides, it’s uniformly gorgeous; no beat required.


Imogen Heap’s voice, an ephemeral elastic thing that more often than not disappears into the music, as is very much the case with Just for Now, Track 9 on Ms. Heap’s 2005 album, Speak for Yourself.

Speak for Yourself ends with the rather melancholy The Moment I Said It, the song notable for its contrasting melodies that hint at greater possibilities in the future.


Track 12, The Moment I Said It, from Imogen Heap’s 2005 smash hit album, Speak for Yourself.