Commentary
Tune in regularly to Commentary on BIV.com, where you can find the latest insight into issues facing Vancouver, British Columbia and Canada
In search of a better social housing strategy in an empty city lot
The idle lot at 58 West Hastings Street is a metaphor for the city’s surreal strategy on how to address its complicated social housing challenge. Nothing happens because everything is expected. The...
Different generations sound distinct notes in music poll
The music industry has undergone one of the biggest revolutions over the past three decades. A countrywide survey by Research Co. provides a fresh look at how Canadians are listening to music, their...
Changes to employment law would upset labour market balance
The BC NDP government’s activist policy agenda continues to keep the B.C. business community on its toes. The latest example is the government’s plan to overhaul the Employment Standards Act (ESA)....
Liberal budget stokes election engine with heavy spending
The cliché is that pre-election budgets are jammed with goodies. The reality for Justin Trudeau is that he needs these goodies in a way he didn’t think he would. He was exceptional in courting...
Majority of B.C. residents support speculation tax, survey finds
Over the past few weeks, British Columbians who own property received their speculation and vacancy tax notices and were asked to provide information to make themselves exempt from the levy. The...
Editorial: A West Coast container conundrum
There’s no doubt that Vancouver needs a far-sighted port plan; there is doubt, however, over the plan’s details. Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) CEO Robin Silvester delivered some of those...
Huawei and 5G present Liberals with a complex tech challenge
Even as it delivers its pre-election budget this week, the Justin Trudeau government has serious corporate issues on its plate: the SNC-Lavalin matter that won’t disappear no matter how it tries, the...
Jobs, environmental protection hold key to broad support for resource projects: poll
Note: This column has been updated. A survey conducted by Research Co. on behalf of LNG Canada sought to understand the support that exists for resource development projects in British Columbia and...
Don’t drop the productivity ball during big sporting events
Major sporting events often generate excitement and bring people together. They can also create challenges for employers. Various authors and publications have addressed the issue of lost...
Older Canadians less hopeful about resolving Indigenous impasse
Analysis of the 2015 federal election suggested that two groups had chosen to cast ballots in overwhelming numbers compared with previous democratic contests: Canadians between the ages of 18 and 34,...