🚨 NEW EPISODE! For the Record – Episode 105

FIFA Funding Fight, NW City Matters Momentum & Queensborough Concerns

This week’s episode of For the Record with Councillor Daniel Fontaine and Councillor Paul Minhas dives into a major debate at City Hall, strong community engagement across New Westminster, and big updates affecting Queensborough and the school district.

⚽ FIFA Funding Showdown at City Hall

The episode opens with a deep dive into the heated debate over whether New Westminster should spend $320,000 of taxpayer money on local FIFA World Cup “activation” events and parties.

The initial motion, championed by the Mayor, failed 4–3, with two Community First councillors breaking ranks. A secondary motion later passed, but it could still cost taxpayers over $200,000.

To bring listeners the full picture, the podcast features:

🎥 A Global News story outlining the controversy

🎙️ Jill Bennett (AM 730) interviewing Daniel Fontaine on why he voted NO

🎙️ Jas Johal (AM 730) interviewing Paul Minhas about both his FIFA NO vote and the current 3.5% climate action tax

🏘️ NW City Matters: Another Packed House

The popular NW City Matters series continued this week in the West End / Connaught Heights neighbourhood, drawing 50+ residents for lively discussions on bike lanes, taxes, crime, road repair issues, and more.

The full NWP council team attended, including:

• Coun. Daniel Fontaine, Mayoral candidate
• Ken Armstrong, Council candidate
• Ray Porcellato, Council candidate
• Maryann Morrison, Council candidate
• Coun. Paul Minhas, Council candidate

Residents shared strong concerns and practical ideas and the energy behind NW City Matters continues to grow.

🚍 Queensborough Issues: School Bus + Costco Traffic

Two key issues affecting Queensborough residents are explored:

1. Conservative MLA Steve Kooner’s petition in the BC Legislature calling for dedicated school bus service in Queensborough - as promised by the NDP government in the last election.
2. Significant traffic impacts linked to the newly opened Costco Business Centre.

The podcast features MLA Kooner’s remarks in the Legislature and discusses what’s next for the community.

🎒 Leadership Change at the School Board

For the first time since being elected in 2018, NWP School Trustee Danielle Connelly has been chosen as Vice-Chair of the New Westminster School Board.

The episode breaks down the political dynamics behind the decision and what it may signal for the year ahead in the civic council campaign.

🎄 Upcoming Episodes & Operation IRV

As the podcast heads toward its annual Christmas break after December 19, Daniel and Paul preview the popular Top 10 Stories of the Year Vodcast and invite listeners to submit their own picks.

The episode closes with a community call-to-action:

💌 Operation IRV

Irv is a New Westminster veteran who turned 100 years old on November 13. Community members are encouraged to help reach the goal of sending 100 Christmas cards to Irv this holiday season.

🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📢 Please share this week’s episode with friends, family, and neighbours as local engagement matters!