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Policy and Rights

Policy and Rights

Written by: Michael Clogs
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This a series of conversations around government policy and our rights. We are trying to report information to listeners about what is happening with government and communities

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/policy-and-rights--3339563/support.Depictions Media Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Carney and Eby speak about major projects in British Columbia

    Carney and Eby speak about major projects in British Columbia
    May 26 2026
    BC Hydro's $1 billion PowerSmart II conservation program and the contentious federal-provincial dialogue between Mark Carney and Premier David Eby on pipeline expansion, environmental protection, and trade policy. 12 The energy efficiency initiative aims to avoid $2 billion in new infrastructure costs while Eby maintains firm opposition to lifting the North Coast oil tanker moratorium.

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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • BC Business Extortion Task Force Report

    BC Business Extortion Task Force Report
    May 19 2026
    The wave of targeted extortion schemes against local businesses—predominantly targeting South Asian business owners in the Lower Mainland—prompted extensive coordination between municipal police forces, the RCMP, and provincial authorities. Rather than a single, formal, published "government task force report," the operational updates, findings, and ongoing strategies regarding these extortion syndicates are primarily channeled through multi-jurisdictional police task forces and provincial public safety briefings. Here is a breakdown of the key findings, structure, and updates surrounding the BC business extortion task forces:


    Thousands of people will benefit from B.C.’s $241-million investment in skilled trades training, expanding access to good-paying jobs for people in British Columbia, while ensuring employers have workers to deliver major projects. “Growing B.C.’s economy means making sure British Columbians are first in line for the opportunities created by the billions in investment arriving in our province,” said Premier David Eby. “We are expanding training capacity where it’s needed most and helping people get into rewarding trades careers faster, while also building up B.C.’s economy.”

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    1 hr and 34 mins
  • Auditor General Karen Hogan and Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Jerry V. DeMarco

    Auditor General Karen Hogan and Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Jerry V. DeMarco
    May 7 2026
    On May 4, 2026, Auditor General Karen Hogan and Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development Jerry V. DeMarco released five critical performance audits. Their reports highlight significant gaps in federal oversight, ranging from climate change preparedness to the management of public health resources and Indigenous funding.
    Below is a summary of the key findings from their latest reports:🏗️ Climate Resilience & InfrastructureCommissioner Jerry DeMarco expressed deep concern over the federal government's slow response to protecting its own physical assets—valued at roughly $100 billion.
    • Federal Assets at Risk: The audit found "significant gaps" in the Treasury Board’s oversight of the Greening Government Strategy. Departments like National Defence and Fisheries and Oceans have been slow to adapt infrastructure (such as bridges and buildings) to extreme weather.
    • Outdated Flood Mapping: Efforts to map high-risk flood areas are behind schedule and often fail to account for future climate projections. The audit noted that current data is frequently insufficient for making long-term decisions on where to safely build homes or infrastructure.
    ⚕️ Public Health: The Avian Influenza ResponseOne of the more striking findings involved the management of medical supplies during the avian flu outbreak.
    • Vaccine Waste: The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) was criticized for allowing 95% of its avian influenza vaccines to expire after purchasing far more doses than necessary.
    • Preparedness Gaps: Despite the lessons of COVID-19, the audit found continued failures in data collection and decision-making processes, which hindered the efficiency of the response.
    🤝 Indigenous Services & ReconciliationAuditor General Karen Hogan focused on the "New Fiscal Relationship" between the federal government and First Nations.
    • Funding Oversight: While over $6.5 billion has been distributed via 10-year grants to provide predictable funding, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) failed to monitor whether recipients remained eligible or if the funding was actually closing socio-economic gaps.
    • Stalled Progress: Hogan noted that without better monitoring, the government is falling short of its commitments to advance reconciliation and improve outcomes for First Nations communities.


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    1 hr and 28 mins
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