Commentary
Tune in regularly to Commentary on BIV.com, where you can find the latest insight into issues facing Vancouver, British Columbia and Canada
Raw deal for Vancouver’s Jody Wilson-Raybould in Trudeau cabinet shuffle
As pre-election cabinet shuffles go, Justin Trudeau’s was a weird one. The demotion – and that is the most polite word one can use – of Vancouver’s Jody Wilson-Raybould from the politically vital...
Most British Columbians want clothing donation bins scrapped
For the past two decades, clothing donation bins have been a constant presence in many municipalities in British Columbia. They have allowed residents an opportunity to donate clothes close to their...
Editorial: 2019 pension plan pressure points
Most downturns are bad for pension plans, and that is bad for pension recipients and contributors, especially when it comes to the public sector. The equity market turmoil that ended 2018 and...
NDP stock headed for bear territory as political capital dwindles
If we were to apply business lingo to politics, and if the NDP were a stock, today you would be shorting it. Let’s discuss. The next few months are almost certainly bad business for the party. The...
Survey serves up snapshot of British Columbians’ tastes in dining out
The end of the holiday season brings British Columbians hurriedly back to the regular routine. After many days of homecooked meals, residents may be eager to try something new to eat. January also...
Separating bear facts from bull in the investment marketplace
If you were an investor in 2018, you participated in a little bit of history. This bit of market trivia hasn’t happened since 1972. Ned Davis Research puts markets into eight asset classes ranging...
Province sanctions ride-hailing app that Katers to taxi-industry lobbyists
Eventually, we find, true colours do shine through. Like this case: The fix was in, the powerful continue to cut up the cash, and the consumer gets the shaft. Late Monday it became clear that the...
Granville Island’s popularity riding on resolving parking problems
Granville Island is regularly featured in documentaries and “top 10” lists that discuss Metro Vancouver’s best tourism attractions. Over the past few years, there have been many discussions about...
Editorial: Phoenix payroll fiasco follies for 2019
Word has it that the federal government now has a short list of companies bidding to replace the financial fiasco that is the Phoenix payroll system. No word yet, however, on a short list of...
How ‘Oprah moments’ can show people they’re valued
Twice a year I moonlight as a tour leader for small groups of international travellers. It’s a dream job, really. For a few weeks in the spring and then again in the fall, I get to travel to some of...