The Hook: Political news, freshly caught
City wants citizens to enlist in Vancouver Volunteer Corps
The City of Vancouver is hoping their newly launched Vancouver Volunteer Corps will kill two volunteer-needs with one program, saying volunteers will help with both large public events and emergency services during and after "the big one." Read more…
Should There Be More Regulations on Big Tech?
- Yes.
- No.
- I don’t know.
- Tell us more…
Are you watching the winter Olympics this year? Read the results of that poll here.
Surrey rolls out new cycling plan
The City of Surrey's new Cycling Plan aims to increase bike ridership, safety and efficiency. But at least one cycling advocate says Surrey should look outside of Canada for it's planning inspiration. Read more…
Conflict of interest concerns cause Whistler Tourism shakeup
Councillor Jayson Faulkner has stepped down from the board of Tourism Whistler over concerns raised by fellow board members that he is in a conflict of interest. Read more…
TransLink reverses decision to cut TaxiSaver program
TransLink, which operates transit services in the Lower Mainland, has cancelled a plan to phase out a program that allows transit users living with mobility challenges to buy $80 worth of half-price taxi vouchers each month. Read more…
Metro Vancouver was more 'middle class' in 1970: study
Metro Vancouver's middle class has shrunk and poverty has become more common in the suburbs over the last four decades, according to data mapped by a University of Toronto Cities Centre research team. Read more…
Health officials, advocates call on Abbotsford to end needle exchange ban
In Abbotsford, needle exchange has been illegal since 2005, when city council passed a zoning bylaw that effectively bans any form of harm reduction. But the bylaw is now up for review, as the local health authority pushes for a government-run needle exchange program, and community groups that have been quietly contravening the law for years argue it's time for the city to embrace the concept of harm reduction. Read more…
Vancouver's First United shelter funding extended one year
The B.C. government will continue to fund the First United shelter in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside for another 12 months past the original expiration date, according to the shelter's executive director Stephen Gray. Read more…
NPA's Anton pens love letter to the oil sands
Had Suzanne Anton won Vancouver's last mayoral election, city hall would be a lot friendlier towards the oil sands industry and plans to greatly increase the amount of bitumen crude passing through Vancouver harbour. Read more…
Metro Vancouver mayors vent infrastructure pain at regional roundtable
Metro Vancouver mayors are calling for the federal government to commit to a new 10-year plan to help fund city infrastructure upgrades, after attending a Vancouver roundtable today that included federal Minister of the State of Transport Steven Fletcher. Read more…
More ferry consultation delays fixing problems: NDP's Coons
A provincial government plan to consult the public about coastal ferry services is a delaying tactic that won't address BC Ferries' real problems, said NDP ferries critic Gary Coons. Read more…
Vision Vancouver critic Sean Antrim appointed COPE executive director
Vancouver's left-leaning Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE) unveiled its new staffer today -- raising some eyebrows over their choice of an outspoken affordable housing advocate and critic of the city's ruling party. Read more…
One year after riot, reporter revisits strange interlude with Canadian forces that night
On June 14, 1994, Vancouver police and RCMP riot squads gathered for what became the Riot on Robson at the Canadian Forces' Beatty Street Drill Hall. On June 15, 2011, when the Vancouver Canucks hosted Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final at Rogers Arena, a blue Canucks' flag was hung from the rafters and more than 300 soldiers and guests watched the game on TV and drank beer in the 110-year-old heritage building. Read more…
Vancouver bike share plan rolls on in spite of helmet laws
Vancouver council yesterday unveiled its plan to launch a bike share program in the city by spring 2013, despite the acknowledgment that helmet laws will impact ridership and cost. Read more…
COPE urges City to use viaduct land for affordable housing
The Coalition of Progressive Electors yesterday issued a statement rejecting Vancouver council's proposal for the future use of land surrounding the Georgia and Dunsmuir viaducts, and called for a plan centered around affordable housing. Read more…
Developer loses bid to buy DTES hotels
Downtown Eastside housing activists are claiming victory after a controversial developer lost his bid to purchase two Single Room Occupancy hotels in the neighbourhood. Read more…
Vancouver councillor Geoff Meggs to seek NDP nomination
VANCOUVER -- A second civic politician in Vancouver is making a bid for a provincial NDP nomination. Read more…
BC Premier Clark backtracks on promise to consult on CETA
British Columbia Premier Christy Clark has nixed a promise to consult with the public on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union. Read more…
Committee chair's pesticide conspiracy email was 'impolitic', says recipient
Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett seems to view environmentalists as a threat to freedom, said a person who received a blunt and dismissive email from him this week. Read more…
Bennett demands to see own pesticide email before commenting
When The Tyee asked Bill Bennett about an email dismissing supporters of a ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides as "politically motivated left wing conspiracy theorists," he demanded to see it before he would comment. Read more…
BC premier warns cities ditching RCMP means higher taxes
British Columbia's premier is warning municipal politicians that failing to sign a new RCMP contract will increase their policing costs and force them to raise property taxes. Read more…
