We made predictions for 2025. They… weren’t great. So let’s make more for 2026, as difficult as that seems.

Plus, OneBC fully imploded and kinda repaired itself over our break. We recap that and other political stories from the holidays.

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We speak with journalist Rod Mickleburgh about his new book

Who’s in/who’s out in the BC Conservative race. Eby promises to amend DRIPA as Conservatives call for a repeal. Federally, another MP crosses from the Liberals to the Conservatives, making Elizabeth May the kingmaker (for now). Yves Engler is rejected from the NDP leadership, Carney pitches ‘constitutional’ mandatory minimums as he snuck superpowered ministers into his budget bill.

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Rookie MP Aaron Gunn considers bid to lead BC Conservatives – The Globe and Mail

Kerry-Lynne Findlay

Christy Clark cryptic posts

Former B.C. premier says Conservatives cannot be ‘kooky’ if they want to govern – Victoria Times Colonist  

Sturko hasn’t ruled out B.C. Conservative return, bid for party leadership | Goldstream News Gazette

Eby says DRIPA law could be amended after First Nations win appeal in mining case – Victoria Times Colonist

B.C.’s Indigenous rights law is legally enforceable, rules court

Eby accuses courts of jeopardizing B.C. economy, resource projects – The Globe and Mail

Ontario MP Michael Ma crosses floor to Liberals, putting party one seat short of majority – The Globe and Mail

NDP rejects Yves Engler as leadership candidate – The Globe and Mail

Full correspondence via Yves EnglerCanada overhauls Criminal Code to protect victims and keep kids safe from predators

What is in Bill C-16, Ottawa’s legislation that seeks to toughen gender-based violence laws? – The Globe and Mail

Opinion | Mark Carney is quietly giving sweeping new powers to his ministers

Canada Post commits to free postage for people who are blind as legislation changes

John Rustad refuses to accept his firing before resigning to his fate. The Canada-Alberta pipeline MOU leaves BC and Coastal First Nations with little but the public is surprisingly warm to the idea. Stephen Guillbeault isn’t as he leaves cabinet, while his replacement is already stirring up controversy in Quebec.

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BC talks big for a small bill on the Mental Health Act. Drug users challenge their conviction. The legislature may take another crack at electoral reform. CleanBC is working but needs help as Carney and Smith come to a pipeline agreement.

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David Eby gets a respectable 82% at his convention. More BC Conservative riding associations call out Rustad’s leadership, with one opting to cease operations. BC releases new economic targets while scrapping its EV goals. Pipeline politics renewed. And federally the Budget passes thanks to everyone but the Bloc.

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David Eby hopes to keep his job at the BCNDP convention, Mark Carney unveils the next set of major projects and Yves Engler finally attempts to join the NDP leadership race.

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BC

Rob Shaw: Eby working to shore up support ahead of leadership review

Rob Shaw: BC NDP policy buffet features everything from free transit to ICBC pet insurance

Canada

Carney unveils major projects he wants fast-tracked, including new mines, LNG and hydro development | CBC News? 

Projects referred to the MPO – Major Projects Office – Canada.ca

Major Projects Office: Second tranche of projects under consideration – Canada.ca

Prime Minister Carney announces second tranche of nation-building projects referred to the Major Projects Office

Canadian military will rely on public servants to boost its ranks | Ottawa Citizen

Top soldier has second thoughts about public servants in reserves | Ottawa Citizen

Carney government reduces savings targets for some departments, agencies | Politics | thecanadianpressnews.ca

Left-wing activist Yves Engler applies to join NDP leadership race – The Globe and Mail

Third quarter fundraising numbers aren’t enough to save John Rustad or the ostriches. While David Eby puts his elbows firmly down in the trade war. Federally, the Budget lands with a thud but the opposition parties helped it pass its first confidence tests.

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BC’s strike ends with agreement, Alberta’s with animosity. David Eby threatens an election and Mark Carney mulls the inevitability of one.

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John Rustad loses a caucus member and seemingly loses his senses. He refuses to resign as leader, even as his baord calls for his ouster. New bills come forward in the legislature and House of Commons touching on powerlines, employment standards and crime. But Pierre Poilievre is also facing rumours of dissension. All while Carney ties to position his upcoming budget.

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B.C. Conservative leader faces backlash over handling of MLA’s departure | CBC News

John Rustad hunkers down, again, as party board tries to force him out | Vancouver Sun

BC Conservative board letter

B.C. MLA’s bill to prohibit land acknowledgements in schools fails 1st reading | CBC News

CentreBC News Release – Northern Pipeline – FINAL – 251023.pdf

CentreBC Backgrounder – Northern Pipeline – FINAL – 251023.pdf

Five conditions secure coastal protection and economic benefits for all British Columbians

New legislation powers economy with clean energy, North Coast Transmission Line

New B.C. legislation promises power line to unlock northern development – The Globe and Mail

British Columbia proposes new power rules for AI, data centres

Job-protected medical leave lets workers return to work after serious illness  

Education minister ordered to hand over documents related to termination of Greater Victoria School Board trustees

Liberals table crime bill to restrict access to bail, impose tougher sentences

C-14 (45-1) – LEGISinfo – Parliament of Canada  

‘Pressure will mount in the coming days’ for Pierre Poilievre as signs of discontent emerge within the party following his RCMP claims

Poilievre backpedals on RCMP comments after days of pushback – The Globe and Mail

I’m a former senior aide to Stephen Harper. Pierre Poilievre is dismantling the principled, trustworthy Conservative Party we tried to build

Carney government ‘worried’ its budget won’t pass, triggering a federal election

It will take ‘sacrifices’ and ‘some time’ to transform economy, Mark Carney says in pre-budget address to country