In The House

Rob and Mike take a holiday break

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 21:01:27 -0000

Hosts Rob Shaw and Mike Smyth are taking a break over the holidays but will return in January 2020 with new episodes of In The House. Happy Holidays!

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B.C.’s speculation tax goes through another overhaul

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 20:28:17 -0000

B.C.’s speculation tax goes through another in a series of overhauls, a brewing economic crisis in the forestry sector is becoming a political issue for the NDP government and rumours abound about a spring election. Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw discuss another busy week in B.C. politics.

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Pharmacare, LNG, taxis and a new Green leader

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 22:23:06 -0000

B.C. weighs in with other provinces on a national Pharmacare program, Premiers Horgan and Kenney find common ground on LNG, the taxi sector takes one last stab at delaying ride-hailing and hosts Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw look at what Andrew Weaver’s early resignation as BC Green leader means for the party’s future.

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B.C. government clinging to shrinking surplus

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 05:12:38 -0000

Why B.C.’s budget surplus shrinking, Chilliwack Liberal MLA John Martin faces a nomination challenge in his riding and Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson is hesitant to outline his tax changes. Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw break down the week in B.C. politics.

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Pressure mounts on Horgan government to solve transit labour woes

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 04:54:10 -0000

The NDP government feels the pressure from a planned strike by bus drivers in Metro Vancouver, the premier sets a new “federal lead” MLA on cell-phone pricing, ICBC limps toward online renewals, and more this week in B.C. politics.

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Why are gas prices still so high?

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 04:14:23 -0000

B.C.’s second review into gas prices is complete, but why do we still have no idea why the price at the pump is so high? And why is the NDP government fighting the children’s representative in court to forbid her access to child welfare files? Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw are joined this week by special guest Les Leyne, political columnist at the Victoria Times Colonist, to discuss the week in B.C. politics.

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Can Greens stay relevant at critical time in climate fight?

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 07:37:41 -0000

The B.C. and federal Green parties are looking for leaders. What do they have to do to stay relevant at this critical time in their future? Plus, hosts Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw take a look at the Metro Vancouver transit labour dispute and other labour headaches for the NDP government, as well as the province’s new legislation on transparency for gasoline prices.

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Angry farmers, more ICBC problems and a beleaguered MLA calls it quits.

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 16:03:03 -0000

Angry farmers show up at the legislature to raise heck about the NDP government’s changes to farm protection rules. Continued problems at ICBC look like they might provide ammunition for the BC Liberals, but end up blowing up in the face of the Opposition. Plus, long-time beleaguered MLA Linda Reid calls it a career. Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw analyze the news of the week in B.C. Politics.

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What do the federal election results mean for B.C?

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 21:08:44 -0000

What do the federal election results mean for B.C., and what lesson should the BC Green-NDP alliance take away from new minority federal parliament? Also, why are the BC NDP and Liberals flip-flopping on the issue of Freedom of Information? Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw break down all the political news.

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Veteran MLA Linda Reid made rookie mistake running from TV cameras

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 05:16:19 -0000

B.C. voters are two years away from the next provincial election and the NDP is starting to be saddled with mid-term baggage, Mike Smyth digs into his interview with Speaker Darryl Plecas, and some Liberal MLAs have started to announce their retirement—just not the ones the party had hoped for. Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw detail the week’s news in B.C. Politics.

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Key figure in B.C. spending scandal was architect of his own demise

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 08:49:16 -0000

B.C. Green Party leader Andrew Weaver announces his resignation plans, the latest in the legislature spending scandal with a new bombshell report, Jinny Sims resigns, and the NDP starts to feel the heat on ICBC rate changes. Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw bring you all the latest news and analysis on B.C. politics.

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Premier Horgan's UBCM performance may haunt him

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 05:37:45 -0000

Finance Minister Carole James cracks down on “discretionary” spending to protect the budget, Premier John Horgan cracks jokes (to mixed reviews) at his UBCM speech, the legislature spending scandal rolls on, and MLAs prepare to return to work in the fall session. Rob Shaw is joined by special guests: Vaughn Palmer from The Vancouver Sun, and Maclean Kay from TheOrca.ca

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Parents left hanging as parties play politics with vaping regulations

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 04:26:58 -0000

B.C. wins in court against Alberta on pipelines, mayors are furious at government’s clawback of a rural support fund, the public inquiry into money laundering starts to take shape, teen vaping becomes a B.C. health issue, and civic politicians play speed dating with government ministers at UBCM. Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw break down a busy week in B.C. politics.

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War over private auto insurance heats up

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 06:27:31 -0000

The war over private auto insurance heats up with a new advertising campaign, the government unveils its long-awaited aid plan for forestry workers, and Green leader Andrew Weaver suffers a health scare. Hosts Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw break it all down.

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Federal political parties are off to the races

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 15:36:04 -0000

The show returns from summer break for the launch of the federal election campaign. How do things look for the four parties in battleground B.C.? Mike and Rob also catch everyone up on ride-hailing and the NDP government’s faux surprise at taxi outrage, as well as the impact of a softening economy on B.C.’s budget projections, the slow response to the ongoing forestry crisis and the ICBC rate re-design making for big changes to auto insurance costs.

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Summer break

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 18:10:49 -0000

In The House hosts Rob Shaw and Mike Smyth are taking a break for the rest of July. The podcast is scheduled to return in early August.

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Gas companies refuse to report profits despite inquiry calls

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 16:44:25 -0000

Gas companies refuse to disclose their profit margins to a public inquiry. What are they so afraid of and what’s going on? Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum is running into trouble holding on to his council and getting his police plan into reality. Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw dive deep into the topics.

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Critics raise red flag over China-UBCM sponsorship deal

Thu, 27 Jun 2019 05:48:14 -0000

Call The Question podcast hosts Lesli Boldt and Maria Dobrinskaya join Mike and Rob to discuss Chinese sponsorship of UBCM, public trust in politicians, reductions to the electric vehicle rebate program, the government sale of surplus properties, and new research into Airbnb’s impact on rental rates in Vancouver.

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Trudeau wants it both ways on environment in pitch to voters

Thu, 20 Jun 2019 05:13:41 -0000

What does Ottawa's TMX approval mean for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s chances to win B.C. seats in the upcoming federal election? Plus, Rob and Mike look at how the B.C. government subtly shifted its tone on the project.

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B.C.'s forestry sector facing major meltdown

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 15:41:03 -0000

Special guest Shane Woodford, CHNL Radio News Director, joins Mike and Rob to talk whether falling gas prices leads to less pressure on Premier John Horgan, the crisis in the forestry sector on the ground in the interior, and a report card of sorts on the cabinet and NDP government two years into its mandate.

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No filter for McCallum in pitch for Surrey PD

Thu, 06 Jun 2019 04:57:09 -0000

Will B.C. approve a new police force for Surrey? What happens next after a dramatic blow-up involving the Speaker and cloned hard drives at the legislature? And is the new inquiry into gas prices just a big waste of time? Rob Shaw and Mike Smyth take a look at all the news happening in B.C. politics.

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Is B.C. NDP toolbox empty when it comes to blocking TMX pipeline?

Thu, 30 May 2019 04:11:29 -0000

B.C. gets walloped by the Court of Appeal on its pipeline reference question, Jody Wilson-Raybould decides to run as an independent, the costs of investigating the legislature scandal continue to rise, and a look at the surprisingly moderate and popular performance of the NDP government as we reach the end of the spring legislative session.

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Horgan keeps getting hammered over gas prices

Thu, 23 May 2019 06:47:30 -0000

Why aren’t taxes part of an inquiry into skyrocketing gas prices? What’s the latest in the latest standoff between teachers and the provincial government? Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw break down the latest B.C. political news.

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B.C. spending scandal report lands with a thud in legislature

Fri, 17 May 2019 08:50:07 -0000

A bombshell report by former chief justice Beverly McLachlin into the legislature spending scandal lands. What allegations panned out and what fizzled into nothing? We hear audio from Speaker Darryl Plecas and suspended sergeant-at-arms Gary Lenz. Also, Premier John Horgan launches a public inquiry into money laundering – a much-needed move for justice or transparent politics against the Liberals (or both)? Rob and Mike dig into and analyze the stories.

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Crack down on money laundering like playing whack-a-mole

Thu, 09 May 2019 10:22:28 -0000

Host Rob Shaw with guests Vaughn Palmer and Richard Zussman examine the Green Party’s win in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith byelection, money laundering in B.C.’s luxury-car sector, Premier John Horgan's actions on gas prices, “photo radar 2.0” at intersections, and forestry issues.

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B.C.-Alberta pipeline dispute pivots toward gas-price crisis

Thu, 02 May 2019 07:13:49 -0000

Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw break down the pipeline dispute between Alberta and B.C., analyze the comments of Premiers Jason Kenney and John Horgan, take look at the NDP government’s new labour bill and also blurt out massive spoilers about Game of Thrones and Avengers: Endgame.

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Premier Horgan on hot seat over gas prices

Thu, 25 Apr 2019 07:27:20 -0000

This week on In The House, Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw ask why Premier John Horgan thinks refineries are the solution to skyrocketing gas prices and dig up Horgan’s old plan in 2007 to cap and regulate the price of gas in B.C. What happened to that idea? They also tackle the 4/20 protest in Vancouver and Maple Ridge calling for help from other municipalities in its fight with the government over homeless housing.

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Introducing Down to Business

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 17:48:39 -0000

Coming April 24: There hasn’t yet been a podcast dedicated to a wide range of Canadian business stories. We want to change that. Down to Business is a new podcast devoted to what you need to know about Canadian business this week in under 30 minutes. Hosted by the Financial Post's Emily Jackson.

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Kenney victory ripples through B.C. political landscape

Thu, 18 Apr 2019 18:25:17 -0000

This week on In The House, Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw dissect Jason Kenney’s victory in the Alberta election will mean for B.C., when we could see an all-out-legal war between the provinces, what can be done about the high price of gas at the pumps, and the whether being able to order alcohol onboard B.C. Ferries is a good idea.

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Political finger pointing over money laundering a real head scratcher

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 07:16:08 -0000

This week on In The House, Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw dig into new legislation that bans ticket bots. Will the changes help you get a better price on your favourite concert tickets? They also delve into the politics around B.C.’s money-laundering scandal, parties flip-flopping over gas taxes and criticism of the carbon tax, and the Speaker’s attempt to clean up heckling at the legislature.

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Spec tax, ICBC, LNG put B.C. NDP on the defensive

Thu, 04 Apr 2019 08:10:24 -0000

This week on In The House, Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw discuss who is embarrassed and who is pleased by the NDP losing a vote on its LNG legislation. The pair also talk about female workers at the legislature winning their right to bare arms, the government's speculation tax numbers, and check in on a constitutional lawsuit against ICBC’s new cap and pay scheme.

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Weaver exposes B.C. NDP's confusing position on LNG

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 21:58:51 -0000

This week on In The House, Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw discuss the BC Green Party’s effective and harsh criticism of the new NDP legislation on LNG, the questions left unanswered after a new report on ride-hailing and the politics being played with big changes and caps to auto insurance.

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B.C. NDP focus on strengthening immunization program

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 15:43:36 -0000

Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer subs in for Mike Smyth and discusses with Rob Shaw the B.C. government’s new poverty reduction plan, measles vaccination programs, the election call in Alberta and the new federal government budget.

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B.C. NDP shaky on education file in Vancouver, Surrey

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 19:50:08 -0000

This week on In The House, Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw discuss the latest in the SNC-Lavalin affair, as well as challenges facing Education Minister Rob Fleming on Surrey school portables and Vancouver school closures, as well as the future of the NDP minority government now that it has survived confidence votes on the throne speech and budget.

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Butts on hot seat in SNC-Lavalin scandal

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 17:02:42 -0000

With co-host Rob Shaw under the weather, Province columnist Mike Smyth welcomes Vancouver Sun columnist Vaughn Palmer to discuss the SNC-Lavelin scandal rocking the Justin Trudeau government in Ottawa. Closer to home, Smyth and Palmer talk about Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson’s 'wacky renters' gaffe and the continuing fight over the B.C. speculation tax.

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B.C. a key battleground for rookie MP Singh, embattled Trudeau

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 17:13:32 -0000

This week on In The House, Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw discuss NDP leader Jagmeet Singh’s victory in the federal Burnaby-South byelection, the NDP government’s response to threatened school closures in Vancouver, the latest in the legislature spending scandal and the province’s response to a measles outbreak.

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What's in (and isn't in) the NDP's 2019 B.C. Budget

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 22:38:24 -0000

This week on the In The House podcast, Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw discuss the 2019 BC NDP government budget – was it a prudent NDP spending plan or a missed opportunity to get its agenda done?

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B.C. NDP hit populist note in throne speech

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 17:26:45 -0000

Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw answer all the important questions about the B.C. NDP government’s throne speech. Why all the populist measures? Can the B.C. government really act on changing your cellphone bill? What do allies and critics think of the speech? Smyth and Shaw also talk about Liberal MLA Linda Reid having to resign her assistant deputy speaker’s job and Premier John Horgan resisting calls for a public inquiry into money laundering.

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B.C. government moves toward transparency in wake of spending scandal

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 18:14:12 -0000

This week on the In The House podcast, Rob Shaw and guest host Vaughn Palmer discuss a busy time in B.C. politics, including the final count of the Nanaimo byelection, the Auditor General’s look at B.C. Hydro deferral accounts, the legislature being placed under Freedom of Information legislation, and other stories of the week.

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NDP holds while Liberals outlook improves in Nanaimo byelection

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 23:22:37 -0000

Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw discuss the byelection results in Nanaimo, how the Liberals increased their vote but fell short, how the NDP held on to the riding and why the BC Greens collapsed. What does this mean for the future of all three parties?

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B.C. spending scandal implicates MLAs of major parties

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 20:46:24 -0000

Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw take a deeper look at the fallout of the Speaker Darryl Plecas report, the political maneuvering by the parties, Plecas’s first public comments to reporters and the troubled history of expenses that implicates MLAs of all parties.

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Bombshell report on overspending drops at B.C. legislature

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 16:24:53 -0000

n an emergency podcast, In The House hosts Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw discuss the bombshell report by Speaker Darryl Plecas into what he calls “flagrant overspending” by suspended Clerk Craig James and Sergeant-at-Arms Gary Lenz. Does it vindicate the Speaker? What happens next? Smyth and Shaw dig into the report.

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Federal and Provincial By-Election Bedlam

Thu, 17 Jan 2019 20:19:31 -0000

Big developments in two ongoing by-elections – a resignation in the federal race in Burnaby South and the fallout of new speculation tax rules in the provincial race in Nanaimo.

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Smyth and Shaw predictions for 2019

Thu, 10 Jan 2019 22:58:37 -0000

Hosts Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw look into the future and share their 2019 predictions for B.C. politics.

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BC Premier John Horgan

Thu, 27 Dec 2018 20:01:13 -0000

Postmedia News hosts Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw discuss key moments in a recent conversation with British Columbia Premier John Horgan.

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Green Leader Andrew Weaver

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 20:01:20 -0000

Postmedia political reporters Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw discuss key moments in a recent conversation with Green Leader Andrew Weaver.

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Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson fights for the centre vote

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 18:01:43 -0000

Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson's comments about setting a new party agenda and looking to the future, the NDP's class war and if there could be an early new year general election.

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Victoria in High Gear: Uber, ICBC and More

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 22:44:49 -0000

Hosts Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw put the recent events in the house aside and look at stories that were overshadowed, including John Horgan’s personal highlight and David Eby on ICBC losses and future rate hikes.

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Troubles in the House

Thu, 29 Nov 2018 19:29:22 -0000

What the heck is going on in the house?

Postmedia reporters Mike Smyth and Rob Shaw launch the newly revamped IN THE HOUSE podcast with a discussion about the unprecedented events of the last week, including the ouster of Sergeant-at-Arms Gary Lenz and Legislative Clerk Craig James and following behaviour and comments by House Speaker Darryl Plecas.

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