Episode 44: Happy Labour Day! & talking Metro Vancouver Budget Consultation Process

In this truncated For the Record Labour Day podcast, I speak to my personal connection with organized labour. I also speak how important union wages and benefits were for my family and for countless others who currently rely on them to make ends meet in our new ‘gig economy’.

CKNW’s Rob Fai (guest host for the Jas Johal Show this week) invited me to appear on the program to talk Metro Vancouver. This time the focus is on their current budget consultation process and whether it’s more than just optics. I share the radio interview in its entirety.

Enjoy the long-weekend and be sure to tell family and friends if you enjoy the podcast which is available on all major platforms.

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Episode 43: Fontaine becomes Acting Mayor, paving 6th Ave, celebrating Aug 24, NewsWestminster roundup

In this week’s edition of For the Record with Daniel Fontaine, special guest Coun. Paul Minhas makes another appearance to talk civic politics in New Westminster.

Does New Westminster have enough EV chargers? A number of folks don’t think so. What more could and should be done?

Is it time for New Westminster’s tree removal by-law to get reviewed? A local residents writes to Council about her family’s horrific experience dealing with a by-law that she considers onerous and inflexible.

When it comes to hosting big events on public streets, what rules should be put in place to make sure local businesses aren’t negatively impacted? Is it fair to put large, obstructive vehicles in front of existing sidewalk patios of local restaurants and pubs? Coun. Minhas shares his personal experience over the past few years when Begbie Tavern’s (he’s the owner) patio has been placed behind a wall and near gas powered electric generators blowing fumes on his customers.

Will the motion put forward to expand the Walking School Bus program get the endorsement of at least 4 councillors on Aug 26th? The program reduces carbon emissions & traffic congestion around schools. But will the motion secure at least 4 votes to make it over the finish line?

Do New West residents unnecessarily pay too much for business license, park and recreation fees? That’s the focus of a motion coming to Council asking for a review and comparison to other cities. But will the motion fail 4-2 yet again?

Is the host of this podcast really going to become the Acting Mayor on September 1st? Could it be?

Did the Mayor of New Westminster really release a video celebrating the paving of roads with asphalt? We focus our attention on the horrible condition of some New Westminster roads and why 6th Avenue has been particularly bad for way too long.

If you like this podcast, be sure to tell family and friends to follow us! It’s available on all major platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcast.

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Episode 42: Lobbying civic politicians, launching “News” Westminster, dodging a fire storm

In this week’s edition of For the Record with Daniel Fontaine, I explore the topic of whether big cities are ready for major fires.  In the opening “The Way I See It” segment, I discuss the recent major fire in Vancouver’s westside and how we all dodged a bullet. Has climate change, warmer and drier summers put our people, structures and parks at greater risk?

I also launch a new segment called “News Westminster”. This will touch upon, in rapid fashion, a number of key media stories and letters to the editor that have a New Westminster connection.

The podcast also features a discussion I had with CKNW radio host Scott Shantz regarding a proposal to introduce a new Lobbyist Registry in New Westminster.

If you like the podcast, be sure to tell friends and family to follow and share! It’s available on Apple Podcast, Spotify and all major platforms.

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