Author: Daniel Fontaine

This week’s podcast features an exclusive interview with New West school trustee Danielle Connelly. She’s talking mental health and advocating for schools to be at the table when the Province of BC undertakes a review of the Mental Health Act.

A significant motion passed this week that will change the way city hall communicates regarding major projects/initiatives. You can expect better signage, enhanced communication during both the consultation and construction phase of major projects. Listen to find out more!

It was a packed house at New West Council this week as 10 people signed up to exercise their democratic rights. FTR focuses on three of the delegations – one focused on crime and safety in our parks resulting from a video circulating in town of a ‘lewd act’ taking place at Pier Park. The other two focused on bike lanes on E. 6th Ave and 7th Ave near the 22nd St SkyTrain station.

Tired of the incessant train whistle noise in Sapperton? You’re not alone. How will our new Member of Parliament fare compared to the last one in getting the federal government to act more boldly when it comes to stopping the train whistles?

The NWP is seeking a mayoral candidate by June 30th. They’ve also announced that anyone seeking a council or trustee endorsement needs to have their paperwork in by September 29th. FTR talks about why the NWP is being ‘inundated’ with local residents who want to run for a council and trustee spot!

FTR looks ahead at some key upcoming events over the next month or so including the Queen’s Park Garage Sale, Councillor Cafe – Queensborough Edition and PopUp Council booths.

If you enjoy the podcast, be sure to encourage your friends and family to follow us today! It is available on Apple Podcast, Spotify and all major platforms.

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In this week’s edition of FTR with Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas, special guest Liberal MP-elect Jake Sawatzky has an exclusive interview. He speaks about how it felt to win on election night and some of his key priorities in the early days before he’s sworn in later this month. You’ll want to tune in for this one!

Next is a discussion regarding mental health and a motion coming to New West Council later this month. Should Premier David Eby be declaring a mental health emergency in British Columbia? Will Victoria make more investments in mental health beds and drug treatment and recovery beds? Eby’s recent announcement of only 10 new mental health beds at the Surrey Pretrial Center hasn’t gone over well – with good reason. Listen to an excerpt of an interview CKNW host Jas Johal did on this topic with guest Daniel Fontaine.

Just how and when did the infamous burger poll at Burger Heaven get started? FTR sits down with manager Chris Gieb to discuss how the poll got started and the state of local politics in the Royal City.

BC Minister of Infrastructure Bowin Ma introduces Bill 15 in the BC legislature and it triggers a firestorm response! She talks about how for every 10,000 new people added to New West, we should be getting 50 new classrooms, 18 new hospital beds and 4000 new homes. But why has she been so silent on how many new community centers, libraries, pools, parks and playgrounds you need as well?

Looking to apply to become a candidate with the NWP? The Board of Directors met this week and have announced the dates for which you need to apply for the Mayor, Council and Trustee positions.

All this and much, much more! If you enjoy the podcast be sure to let your friends, family and colleagues about us and encourage them to follow. The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast and all other major platforms.

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It was a busy week in civic politics in New West – which translates into another great For the Record podcast!

Starting off the top the discussion focuses on the federal election and some political prognostications. Who will pull it out of the hat on Monday in the New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville riding? Will the NDP’s Peter Julian have the opportunity to be in Parliament for a quarter century? Or will upstart Liberal Jake Sawatsky make an upset victory? Could the Conservative’s Indy Panchi surprise the pollsters? What about the final tally at the national level?

A motion has finally been submitted to removed the USA flag from Queen’s Park and replace it with the City of New Westminster flag. But will the motion be defeated due to the fact our local flag is simply ‘too colonial’?

You’re hired! That’s what New West City Council will be saying very soon as they undertake a process to hire a new city manager. The current city manager will be retiring early next year and the recruitment process is about to get underway.

What is a Pop Up City Council office and why will one be installed on the boardwalk near the Samson V floating museum on Saturday April 26th from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm?

The ‘independent’ governance review of Metro Vancouver is underway and a familiar face was interviewed as part of that process. Will the process yield real change? Why has there been almost no news when it comes to getting answers about the Metro Vancouver Wastewater Treatment Plan cost overruns? What’s with all the silence and lack of transparency?

Another successful Councillor Cafe was held in Queen’s Park last week. It was a full house and there were lots of great comments and questions!

What is the NWP doing when it comes to recruiting council and school board candidates for 2026? Is there an update? Who could they be talking to about running for Mayor and council? Tune in to get the inside track!

All this and much more in the latest edition of FTR with Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas. If you liked the podcast, be sure to follow and encourage your friends and family to do the same. FTR is available on all major platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcast.

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