Author: Daniel Fontaine

Summer’s over and For the Record is kicking it back into gear. We have a wonderful podcast this week filled with some of the hottest topics New West politicos are talking about.

We start the podcast with a discussion on Mayor Patrick Johnstone’s plummeting popularity. Will he decide to run again? Will he face a challenger within his own Community First Party? The summer BBQ circuit was definitely filled with political prognostications regarding the future of New Westminster’s ‘one and done’ mayor.

Did Council really gather for a special meeting this week only to not approve the agenda and adjourn the meeting before it actually began? In full view of the cameras, did a councillor actually flip flop their vote? We discuss what transpired at the meeting and why it could be considered one of the most anti-democratic in recent history.

Why was guest Coun. Paul Minhas asked by the Mayor to publicly apologize for a video he released about a massive chainlink fence that was erected downtown? The fence was quietly installed in late August at the ‘temporary’ homeless shelter which opened three years ago at the former Army and Navy building.

Council crosses the river and heads over to Queensborough for its annual gathering. A special Council meeting will take place at the Queensborough Community Center and will discuss a new Lobbyist Registry and whether to rotate the location of the Canada Day celebrations.

We also share an interview Coun. Minhas had on CKNW’s Mike Smyth Show and much, much more. Be sure to tell family, friends and colleagues if you enjoy the podcast which is available on all major platforms.

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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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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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