September 8th, 2025
By Jason Lewis

Estimated reading time: about 25 minutes

This week in Canadian and BC politics: Poilievre faces over 200 opponents in his Alberta by-election, BC Premier David Eby reshuffles his cabinet, a Vancouver Island mother welcomes the reinstatement of her daughter’s $1 million-per-year drug coverage, and debates continue over safe supply, drug decriminalization, commuter rail, and BC Ferries subsidies and contracts.

Poilievre Faces 200+ Opponents in Alberta By-election

3–4 minute read

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, after suffering the surprising loss of his own seat in the April 28 federal election, is preparing for a comeback through a by-election in Battle River-Crowfoot, Alberta. Poilievre chose this riding because it is one of the safest Conservative seats in the country, though it is a big shift from his former constituency in Carleton, Ontario. But there’s a twist that is creating major headaches for election staff and voters alike: over 200 candidates are running in the by-election.[1]

The record-breaking number of candidates is thanks to the Longest Ballot Committee—an activist group advocating for electoral reform through a citizens’ assembly.[a] The group has previously targeted by-elections in Mississauga-Lakeshore (2022), Winnipeg South Centre (2023), Toronto-St. Paul's (2024), and even Poilievre’s former riding of Carleton in the 2025 general election.[3]

The group exploits a vulnerability in the law that allows voters to sign as many nomination papers as they want. Typically, candidates need 100 voter signatures, usually gathered from their supporters or party members. By organizing just 100 electors in support of the Longest Ballot Committee, they are able to nominate virtually unlimited candidates—essentially anyone willing to put their name forward. The candidates in this scenario usually run as independents.

The problem of overly long ballots has become so extreme that, in this upcoming by-election, voters will use write-in ballots instead of massive printed sheets.[3] The issue also prompted Canada’s chief electoral officer to demonstrate one of the giant ballots during a House of Commons committee hearing, where he suggested requiring a post-election verification of signatures to discourage voters from signing nomination papers for dozens of candidates. The committee is currently studying Bill C-65, which proposes to lower the number of signatures required from 100 to 75. The bill does not, however, address the loophole of voters signing multiple nomination papers.[4]

Poilievre has referred to the process as the “longest ballot scam.” Other candidates in the riding have criticized the effort, though some have praised it as a form of protest.[5]

After Public Outcry, BC Reverses Decision on $1M Drug for Child

2 minute read

In June 2025, the family of a then-9-year-old Vancouver Island girl received devastating news: the BC government was ending coverage for the life-saving drug she relied on. The girl, whose name is being withheld on this blog, is the only person in the province using the medication, which treats Batten disease — a rare neurological disorder that causes multiple seizures per day. While the disease has no cure, the treatment slows its progression.

The province argued that the girl no longer met the criteria for coverage, which are set by a committee of independent experts based on clinical guidance from Canada’s Drug Agency. But the decision sparked backlash. More than a dozen Batten disease specialists, including researchers and clinicians, sent a letter to Premier David Eby and Health Minister Adrian Dix urging the government to restore funding.

Health Minister Osborne responded by citing “significant disagreement between health experts,” but ultimately announced that the province would reinstate coverage. “I continue to strongly believe that decisions about care should be made by health experts to ensure they are based on the best available evidence,” Osborne said.

Since then, questions have been raised about the neutrality of the experts who advocated for coverage. Reports revealed that eight of the 12 physicians and medical professionals involved had ties to BioMarin Pharmaceutical, the manufacturer of Brineura, the $1-million-per-year drug in question. These individuals have declared conflicts of interest in recent publications, having consulted for, received grants from, or been paid by the company. The BC government has acknowledged it was aware of these ties.

Eby Pushes for Federal Ferry Subsidies as BC Ferries Contract Sparks Debate

6-8 minute read

After Prime Minister Mark Carney announced reductions to ferry fares in Eastern Canada, BC Premier David Eby is calling on the federal government to increase subsidies for BC ferry users. Eby argued that the federal government subsidizes East Coast ferry users by about $300–$522 per person, while those in BC receive only $1.50 per person.[11] He added that the federal subsidy for BC Ferries has not increased in decades. The federal fare cuts mean that passengers, cars, and commercial vehicles on federally-supported Eastern Canada ferry services will see fares drop by 50 per cent.

The federal government has an obligation under the constitution to support freight and passenger ferry services between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. BC Ferries, a private company owned by the BC government, says that without additional financial support, fares could rise by more than 30 per cent in 2028 alone.

The news comes amid criticism of BC Ferries for hiring China Merchants Industry (CMI) Weihai Shipyards to build four new vessels. Although no Canadian companies submitted bids, critics argue that domestic shipyards cannot compete in terms of time or cost with China’s state-owned facilities. China accounts for roughly 50 per cent of the world’s shipbuilding capacity. Federal Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland expressed disappointment with the decision, saying federal subsidies should not support procurement from a Chinese shipyard. Conservatives in Canada and BC have called for the contract to be scrapped entirely.[8]

Concerns about the procurement include environmental protection, workers’ rights in China, national security, and geopolitical issues, especially given Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola, peas (100%), pork, and aquatic products (25%).

Reports indicate that choosing a European shipyard would cost an additional $1.2 billion, while American shipyards are largely off the table due to the ongoing trade tensions with President Trump. BC shipyard Seaspan did not bid, citing capacity constraints — it is fully booked for about five years building Coast Guard and Canadian Navy ships. According to a Seaspan vice-president, Chinese shipyards are “7 or 8 times cheaper” in labour costs. He argues that awarding the contract in Canada would create high-paying jobs, boost tax revenue, stimulate consumer spending, and expand innovation in the shipbuilding industry. “The potential for the ships to be built in Canada has to be seen as an investment for BC,” he said.[9]

Not everyone shares this view. David Eby has said that restarting the procurement planning process would cause delays and significantly higher costs for “British Columbians who are desperate for [the new vessels].”[10] Mayors of ferry-dependent communities have also weighed in. Sechelt Mayor John Henderson said his Sunshine Coast community doesn’t care where the ferries are built because his residents rely on BC Ferries for transportation. Restarting procurement would take years, he said, and “we don’t have years.” While Henderson noted that the new vessels will primarily serve routes between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland, he believes they will improve the overall reliability of BC Ferries’ aging fleet. Bowen Island Mayor Andrew Leonard echoed this, pointing out that residents are affected whenever old ferries break down. He described the political debate over shipbuilding location as “disconnected” from local needs.

Eby also highlighted apparent inconsistencies in criticism of contracting CMI Weihai. He noted that Marine Atlantic’s newest ships were also built at CMI Weihai without similar political fallout. Additionally, one Marine Atlantic ferry was fully funded, while BC Ferries qualifies only for a $1 billion loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank — a loan now under scrutiny by the House of Commons transport committee.

Conservatives continue to call for the procurement process to be restarted. BC Conservative labour critic Kiel Giddens pointed to Bill 7 — The 2025 Economic Stabilization (Tariff Response) Act — which allows the government to override procurement decisions to prioritize Canadian industries. While Giddens argues that the contract should be canceled and jobs brought home, a Lower Mainland resident quoted by CBC News said: “I think they [BC Ferries] are playing catch-up. [...] We need those ferries now.”[11]

MP Advocates Repurposing Rail Lines to Connect Vancouver and Sea-to-Sky

2-3 minute read

A push for commuter rail service in one of BC’s fastest-growing regions is underway. Liberal MP Patrick Weiler, who represents West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country, has been advocating for the repurposing of existing rail lines.

CN Rail currently operates and maintains BC’s rail network infrastructure between Squamish and Exeter — just northwest of 100 Mile House. On July 11, CN Rail provided notice of its intent to discontinue operations on that section of track, opening the door for repurposing the lines from long-haul passenger service to commuter service.

Weiler argues that Highway 99 — which was expanded prior to the 2010 Vancouver–Whistler Olympics — is at capacity, experiencing major congestion and frequent, fatal crashes. Since the expansion, the Sea-to-Sky region’s population has grown by 60 per cent.

Previously, the region had regular passenger rail until 23 years ago. Under the BC Liberal government and then-Premier Gordon Campbell, BC Rail ended operations in the area, and a year later the BC government leased much of the province’s operations to CN Rail.[b] Weiler says that given the existing infrastructure and rapid population growth, the region is ripe for passenger rail, which would benefit both commuters and tourists.

The topic of commuter passenger rail service connecting Vancouver and the Sea-to-Sky region was included in a list of priorities outlined in an agreement between the BC NDP and BC Greens last December, following the BC NDP’s razor-thin majority win.

Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford notes the area’s railway history, pointing to the nearby Railway Museum of BC. He also emphasizes the importance of rail access to Squamish’s port, which served as a critical cargo route during the 2021 floods in southwest BC. Overall, Hurford says maintaining operational status is key, as the line passes through challenging terrain; otherwise, restarting and continuing service could become cost prohibitive.[13]

Eby Shuffles Cabinet: Housing Minister Moves to Jobs, Health Minister Keeps Position

2-3 minute read

BC Premier David Eby has restructured BC’s cabinet, saying the world has changed since the first swearing-in. "I have every confidence that the team we have assembled today will be able to meet that moment," he said.

Ravi Kahlon — the former housing minister — has been moved to minister responsible for jobs. Kahlon was originally seen as a potential contender against Eby during the 2022 BC NDP leadership race but quickly stepped aside to support Eby. Eby had repeatedly signaled at the time that housing would be his top priority, making Kahlon’s ministry — and the trust and relationship between the two — one of the most crucial in his government.

Garry Begg — a former Surrey RCMP officer — has been replaced by Nina Krieger as minister of public safety and solicitor general. Begg did not move to another cabinet position.

Christine Boyle — a former high-profile Vancouver City Councillor for six years — is taking over the housing ministry, while her previous position of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation has been given to Spencer Chandra Herbert. Boyle was previously seen as a likely contender for the Indigenous Relations portfolio before the first cabinet swearing-in. Chandra Herbert previously served as Minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.

Among the most surprising retentions is BC’s Minister of Health — Josie Osborne is keeping her position. At the time of the cabinet shuffle, Osborne’s ministry had been under fire for the government’s decision to stop a young Vancouver Island-based girl’s $1 million per year drug treatment coverage for a rare disease. Before Osborne’s tenure as Minister of Health, Adrian Dix led the file from 2017 to 2024, including during the COVID-19 pandemic with Dr. Bonnie Henry, and oversaw numerous hospital emergency room closures affecting both urban and rural communities. Osborne has been leading the health ministry since last November, while ER closures and long wait times continue to make headlines in different communities.[14]

BC Safe Supply Funding Ends as Overdose Crisis Worsens

3-4 minute read

In a province where over 100 people a month are dying from the toxic drug supply crisis, the federal government is ending safe supply funding.

In 2020, Health Canada provided funding to 31 programs across Canada that offered those struggling with substance use disorder prescribed alternatives to the toxic opioids sold on the street. Funding for those programs has ended as of March 2025. Health Canada is now saying, in a statement to CBC News, that there are no plans to resume funding or start new safe supply programs.[15]

Earlier this year, in February 2025, BC changed its safe supply program, requiring people to take their prescribed hydromorphone (brand name Dilaudid) under supervision at pharmacies. This change followed a large outcry from BC Conservatives and others concerned about diversion of prescribed opioids. Prescribed Dilaudids were frequently sold on the street by users seeking money for more potent drugs. In May 2024, BC rolled back its decriminalization pilot, making it illegal once again to possess illicit drugs in public — effectively ending decriminalization. That decision is currently being challenged in court by a group of 13 non-profits representing drug users, arguing recriminalization was done with "minimal justification or evidence."[16]

There is increasingly strong evidence that safe supply programs work. A report published this summer by Ottawa's safe supply program found that 85% of participants reported a decrease in fentanyl use. In addition, among those who had previously experienced an overdose, 77% reported no overdoses during participation in the program.

The current toxic drug supply crisis on the streets is shocking and deadly. Since 2016, over 52,000 people have died from opioid overdoses in BC. Approximately three-quarters of those deaths involve fentanyl. Fentanyl drastically changed the overdose landscape: the substance — used legitimately as a hospital painkiller for cancer patients and other exceptional circumstances — can be lethal in just a few grains.

Overdoses are becoming increasingly complex. Street drugs are now often contaminated with other substances, such as the animal tranquilizer xylazine. Other drugs, including benzodiazepines (known on the street as “benzo-dope”), further complicate overdoses. These drugs make naloxone (Narcan) less effective and increase the likelihood of hospitalizations from overdoses.

Conservatives have criticized the Liberals’ drug policies, saying the government "disproportionately funds programs focused on stigma, harm reduction, and vague references to 'wrap-around care.'" NDP health critic Gord Johns argues safe supply can save lives, saying the government is "choosing politics over evidence" while people continue to die.

About the Author

Jason Lewis has spent over nine years in politics, including co-managing NDP campaigns and serving in local government on the Sunshine Coast. They are a website developer and self-publisher, as well as a competitive Rubik’s Cube solver with a 9.2-second best time and a Canadian blindfolded ranking of 88th.

Citations

[1] More than 100 candidates — most in Canadian history — to run against Poilievre in byelection (CBC, 7/18)

[a] Although a citizens’ assembly can take place in many different ways, a typical citizens’ assembly might look like the one used in BC when the BC Liberals initiated electoral reform in 2004. In essence, that citizens’ assembly had a structure of choosing two residents per riding, one man and one woman, from a sample of 200 random individuals in each constituency. [2]

[2] Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform (British Columbia) (Wikipedia)

[3] Write-in ballots to be used in Alberta byelection due to record number of candidates (CBC, 7/28)

[4] Elections Canada proposes rule changes after 'longest ballot protest' (CBC, 7/23)

[5] Poilievre wants bill to stop 'longest ballot scam' introduced this fall (CBC, 7/22)

[6] B.C. funding for $1M drug Brineura reinstated after outcry (CBC, 7/17)

[7] Mother of girl with rare condition 'very grateful' after B.C. reinstates coverage of $1M drug (CBC, 7/17)

[7.5] U.S. Batten disease experts who lobbied B.C. to reinstate drug in Charleigh Pollock case had relationships with drug company (Vancouver Sun, 8/13)

[8] Premier calls for 'fair treatment' for ferry users in B.C. after Ottawa cuts fares in Eastern Canada (CBC, 7/28)

[9] B.C. Ferries defends shipbuilding contract with Chinese yard after Seaspan loses out (Global News, 6/20)

[10] B.C. premier won’t step in on question of BC Ferries’ China deal (CityNews Vancouver, 6/17)

[11] Mayors voice concerns over B.C. Ferries’ China shipbuilding contract (CBC, 7/4)

[b] The privatization of BC Rail was part of an extensive effort to privatize public assets and shrink government spending. In 2003, the RCMP conducted search warrants at the BC Legislature, seeking evidence on whether or not bribes were made—including the sale of confidential government information. While two ministerial aides were convicted of accepting bribes, no elected officials were ever charged. [12]

[12] British Columbia Legislature Raids (Wikipedia)

[13] MP wants passenger rail in B.C.'s Sea-to-Sky region as CN Rail pulls out (CBC, 7/23)

[14] Eby reshuffles B.C. cabinet, switching up heads of housing, public safety and jobs (CBC, 7/17)

[15] 'No plans' to renew safer supply funding after federal support quietly runs out (CBC, 7/29)

[16] B.C. drug decriminalization court case: province, Ottawa appeal judge's ruling (CBC, 5/31)

Card Image (visible on social media): Blue Bus Fan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons