Wes

Worthwhile to follow and digest the madness of our Canadian system of governance.

@VoteCanadaCom @joymacphail Why does this woman and the leader of the CBC look half dead with their hair colour something out of a post apocalyptic dystopian film? Nature shows us the dangerous animals by their colours I think we need to get back to nature.

NDP Crony Joy MacPhail @joymacphail Vacations While BC Ferries Collapses in Easter Chaos: Fast Ferry Boondoggle Redux with Chinese Ships and Fat Cat Salaries thedaily.ca/ndp-crony-joy-… The Easter weekend in 2026 brought significant disruptions to BC Ferries operations that stranded many families and travelers during a busy holiday period. Multiple sailings faced cancellations and delays on key routes, including those from Tsawwassen to Duke Point and other connections to Vancouver Island. Vessels such as the Queen of Surrey experienced mechanical breakdowns with steering panel failures shortly after completing refit work, while other ships encountered generator problems. The aging fleet lacked sufficient backup capacity, which left the system vulnerable when issues arose. Officials attributed the service shortfalls to the older vessels combined with earlier decisions that limited investments in redundancy and maintenance. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, testing also uncovered potable water contamination on several vessels. The Queen of Alberni and the Salish Orca showed evidence of E. coli and coliform bacteria, which prompted shutdowns of water taps and food services. Another vessel, the Salish Raven, raised separate concerns regarding lead levels in its drinking water. Communication with passengers received criticism for being slow or unclear about these health-related notices. BC Ferries CEO Nicolas Jimenez addressed the problems in media appearances, noting that immediate steps were taken, yet public frustration mounted over the repeated reliability failures. Joy MacPhail serves as the board chair of BC Ferries following her appointment in 2022 by the New Democratic Party government under Premier David Eby. She is a longtime former NDP member of the legislative assembly and cabinet minister from the 1990s and early 2000s, with previous roles in finance, labour, and ferries. During the recent Easter disruptions, she was on vacation and initially difficult to reach for direct media inquiries, which opposition figures highlighted as evidence of detachment from her oversight responsibilities. When contacted by reporters, she indicated that she does not speak publicly for the corporation on operational matters and advised continuing efforts to reach communications staff. Her earlier tenure as ferries minister overlapped with the controversial fast ferry project pursued by the NDP in the late 1990s. That initiative sought to construct high-speed catamarans in local shipyards, but it led to massive cost overruns, technical shortcomings, and vessels that were ultimately sold at a substantial loss. Taxpayers bore the burden of hundreds of millions of dollars, with the total expense often cited around $450 million or higher after accounting for delays and write-offs. MacPhail publicly described the project as a failed experiment, while the government under Premier Ujjal Dosanjh issued an apology for the mishandling. Critics have long portrayed the fast ferry episode as a prime example of mismanagement, political priorities, and poor fiscal oversight during that era of NDP governance. No public records reveal personal corruption convictions or major ethics breaches tied directly to MacPhail in her past positions or her current board role. Nevertheless, her involvement in the fast ferry decisions and her repeated appointments to crown corporation boards such as BC Ferries have prompted opponents to raise questions about patterns of political patronage and accountability in public governance. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, a candidate for the BC Conservative Party leadership, used the ferry disruptions to criticize the current management and broader NDP ties. She drew upon her background as a former federal Conservative member of parliament and associate minister of national defence under Stephen Harper, where she participated in national shipbuilding committees. Findlay advocated for constructing and repairing vessels domestically to generate local jobs and enhance service reliability rather than awarding major contracts overseas. In June 2025, BC Ferries selected the Chinese state-owned CMI Weihai Shipyard to build four new major vessels, with expected deliveries spanning 2029 to 2031. No Canadian shipyards submitted qualifying bids according to the corporation, yet the decision ignited backlash over missed opportunities for domestic industry and dependence on foreign construction at a time of geopolitical concerns with China. The contract includes provisions for milestone payments, refund guarantees, and fixed-price terms to safeguard BC Ferries, although the precise total value has not been fully disclosed publicly and it remains within the limits approved by the independent BC Ferries Commissioner. Critics, including Findlay, have called for reconsideration of the deal and greater emphasis on supporting British Columbia marine sectors. She also spotlighted executive compensation levels at the corporation, which are funded through fares and taxpayer contributions. For the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, president and CEO Nicolas Jimenez received total compensation of $530,441, which encompassed salary, benefits, perquisites, and other elements. Other vice presidents earned amounts ranging from approximately $400,000 to $455,000 in comparable categories. The board chair position occupied by MacPhail carries a retainer in the area of $100,000, along with additional fees. These compensation figures have intensified debates about value for money, particularly when service reliability continues to falter and procurement choices direct work abroad. BC Ferries maintains that its selection process followed a rigorous competitive international bidding procedure, with site visits and third-party evaluations emphasizing cost effectiveness, timely delivery, and proven capabilities. New vessels from the overseas contract will take several years to enter service, leaving the existing fleet exposed to ongoing mechanical risks. The challenges facing BC Ferries stem from systemic factors, including an aging fleet, the demanding nature of coastal routes, and funding models that complicate consistent performance. Past NDP governments, including those in which MacPhail participated, encountered similar accusations of political influence over ferry operations and board appointments. The current administration under Premier David Eby asserts that the corporation functions at arm's length from direct government control, while still facing demands for stronger accountability during periods of crisis. Opposition research commonly revisits historical cases such as the fast ferry saga to illustrate perceived recurring issues with judgment, spending, and project management. All political parties routinely conduct such scrutiny when examining opponents' records on appointments, procurement, and fiscal outcomes. Findlay frames her statements within her leadership campaign to stress the importance of fiscal discipline, domestic job creation, and improved oversight, in contrast to what she describes as NDP-associated patterns of higher costs and offshore preferences. Reliable ferry service holds critical importance for coastal communities, families, and the provincial economy. Public dissatisfaction with cancellations, delays, and water quality incidents highlights the urgent need for advancements in maintenance practices, backup capacity, communication protocols, and procurement strategies. Whether achieved through increased local investments, refined planning, or adjustments to governance structures, the objective remains delivery of safe, dependable service without imposing undue burdens on users. Political discussions will persist as the Conservative leadership contest and subsequent elections draw nearer, with voters assessing historical performance against proposed solutions for meaningful change. The events of Easter 2026 illuminate the continuing tensions among operational constraints, political appointments, and public expectations for effective, accountable management of essential services in British Columbia.

@Bobunapologetic @AbJrogg @ShaneWenzel Bob this old liberal will continue to waste your time. He uses the same old arguments like we haven’t heard them all. Disengage

@AbJrogg @ShaneWenzel It’s all academic now…Alberta will solve much of this with a separation vote…everything will then become negotiable….

Is it just me, or is the ground under our feet feeling a little more "shaky" than usual lately? I’ve been looking into some of the recent data on Western alienation, and it’s a massive wake-up call. For a long time, the conversation around national unity always centered on Quebec. But the numbers coming out now suggest that the push for Western autonomy might actually be a more complex hurdle for the country to clear. The news just hit that organizers for the Stay Free Alberta independence petition claim to have officially crossed the 177,000-signature threshold. If verified by Elections Alberta, this could trigger a province-wide referendum on the ballot as early as this October. It's a move that moves the conversation from theoretical "coffee shop talk" to a tangible statutory process. Here is the kicker: recent polling shows that Canadians might actually be more willing to negotiate with the West than they are with Quebec. About 55% of Canadians say they would be open to sitting down at the table if Western separatism became a serious threat. That tells me that, across the board, there is a growing recognition that something in the current system is broken. We aren’t just talking about identity or culture here. We are talking about the checkbook and the ballot box. Nearly half of the people in Alberta and Saskatchewan feel like they don’t have a meaningful seat at the table in Ottawa. When you see that 43% of Canadians are open to reforming federal programs like equalization just to keep the peace, you realize this frustration has gone mainstream. And let’s be real the stakes are shifting. With global trade tensions and talk of new tariffs, the economic leverage has moved. While most people would still choose to keep the country together, there is a loud, growing sentiment that the West provides more to the federation than it receives in return. As someone who has spent decades building communities, I know you can’t keep a structure standing if the foundation is cracked. You don’t fix a house by ignoring the leaks in the basement until the whole thing starts to tilt. It feels like we’ve reached a point where the West can’t just be "managed" anymore. There is a demand for a partnership based on modern realities. We aren't necessarily looking for an exit, but we are definitely looking for a fair deal. So, is it time for a hard reset on how the provinces talk to each other, or are we just headed for a messy divorce?

@DrewCouver56 @TheRealKeean Which one isn’t?

@TheRealKeean None, it's a bought and paid for party

Who do you think will win?

@crashof2016 @dsimieritsch How about neither.

@moveablemass @dsimieritsch Better a road in Canada then bombs for Ukraine

🛣️Carney's Nunavut Grays Bay Project 🔴A Canadian funded Inuit led infrastructure corridor benefiting a Chinese owned mine The Facts: 🔸Izok Lake deposit was discovered in the 1970s but the private sector couldn't make the financials work. The road and port infrastructure always cost more than the mine could return alone. 🔸Then the 2008 2009 financial crisis hit. OZ Minerals Australia was drowning in debt. China Minmetals a Chinese state owned enterprise bought the package including Izok Lake for roughly 1.4 billion USD in a fire sale deal. 🔸Today the project is controlled by MMG Limited with China Minmetals holding majority ownership 67.4 percent and another Chinese state entity as the second largest holder. 🔸Now Ottawa is looking at spending up to 900 million dollars of taxpayer money on the 230 km Grays Bay Road and Port. The very infrastructure no private operator was willing to build for decades. Canadians pay for the road. China gets the critical minerals zinc copper etc. ❓What specific guarantees were secured for ❓Canadian jobs royalties or supply chain security ❓Why is public money suddenly viable now when it was not for 55 years ❓How does funding infrastructure for a majority Chinese state owned mine strengthen Arctic sovereignty Sources MMG Limited ownership (China Minmetals 67.4% majority) mmg.com/wp-content/upl… China Minmetals acquisition of OZ Minerals assets including Izok Lake (2009) reuters.com/article/market… Izok Lake historical timeline and development attempts nunatsiaq.com/stories/articl… Grays Bay Road and Port project details and proposed federal funding (2026) pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgr… MMG investor / project documents on Izok Corridor mmg.com/media-release/… Additional economic and project context (Nunavut Impact Review Board / MMG reports) mmg.com/wp-content/upl…

@crashof2016 @dsimieritsch Maybe they know there is a golden goose… but at this point the taxpayer seems to be the goose.

@dsimieritsch Maybe the road will lead to other future projects, plus more mining means more taxes and royalty payments.

@dsimieritsch @cgcnoakes have you seen any of this guys info?😡

@NVanCaroline Clearly a plant by the corporate Liberals. Drop out tomorrow BC deserves better than you. There is nothing lower than a lying self serving politician who works both sides of the aisle.

After years of NDP policies, students are falling behind. I will end the NDP’s far-left activism in the classroom, bring back letter grades and set our kids up for success. 👉 Sign if you agree: WinForBC.ca

@PauloEastvan @Gladstonian1953 @NanaCanada333 Fuck off dummy mRNA was untested Safe supply is free as are the supplies Now the federal government has a deal with the Musqueam. Why the fuck did you bother to tweet at me with bullshit ?

@moveablemass @Gladstonian1953 @NanaCanada333 This entire paragraph is misleading and some of these statements aren’t even true. Giving fee simple land away? False. Giving away free drugs? Also false. Mandating a new untested drug? Also false.

Am I alone in feeling like a communist takeover is happening in Canada??

@AndrewNDP2025 @E_IS_Ferguson @axlefolley1 @ronmortgageguy Reply’s like this make you look even more pathetic than an NDP membership does.

@moveablemass @E_IS_Ferguson @axlefolley1 @ronmortgageguy Yes they did so please don’t insult all the white folk I grew up with

Hey Ron the word WOKE when used in the manner you use it and in the way you are thinking it should be used just shows your expectable ignorance of the word. Respectfully I don’t think you know what the word means. We are about the same age

@Martyupnorth @ScottsOriole Did a few forest fires in my youth, couple time brought in by the bird. Some of the best days I’ve ever had at work. Lots more fly time going into the backcountry lodge I worked at though.

Just a cool picture.

@AndrewNDP2025 @E_IS_Ferguson @axlefolley1 @ronmortgageguy We know what the NDP stand for and it’s in your username. Didn’t your parents tell you you will be judged by who you associate with? This is common sense.

@E_IS_Ferguson @axlefolley1 @ronmortgageguy Oh Edward what do you know about what I stand for? Is it the bald head or the glasses that give you a clue or is it something else, be honest you don’t know and are just chiming in , hey that ok I get it let’s respond to the guy no one cares about makes sense

@Jonathan_Fluke @FergusCircus @Gladstonian1953 @NanaCanada333 You all think the situation in Canada is a laughing matter. Where does the direction we are going end up? We aren’t selling enough resource to pay for the social programs or the influx of migrants or to fully fund hospitals and schools. What is the end goal for your ideology?

@FergusCircus @moveablemass @Gladstonian1953 @NanaCanada333 Which Canadian politicians are actual communists?

@j_smith80749 @FergusCircus @Gladstonian1953 @NanaCanada333 Hey E Your ad hom account is unpaid so the insult doesn’t have any impact.

@moveablemass @FergusCircus @Gladstonian1953 @NanaCanada333 Hey Wes, thanks for reaching out. May I say that you have the perfect face for radio.

@Jonathan_Fluke @FergusCircus @Gladstonian1953 @NanaCanada333 Are you willing to do nothing until all of our rights are extinguished even if we aren’t going communist we certainly aren’t headed toward enlightenment in our political system when every Canadian gets an equal vote or direct democracy. So what is it ? You love being dictated to?

@FergusCircus @Gladstonian1953 @moveablemass @NanaCanada333 That’s still not communism

@j_smith80749 @FergusCircus @Gladstonian1953 @NanaCanada333 Oh yea and Fuckouttahere with the sock puppet account.

@FergusCircus @Gladstonian1953 @moveablemass @NanaCanada333 Maybe you don’t understand how communism actually works.

@j_smith80749 @FergusCircus @Gladstonian1953 @NanaCanada333 Tell us all how communism gets started and who starts it off? Come on you seem to be the all knowing Twitter expert.

@vancolour Spoken like a truly impartial journalist who fully understands polling in Canada.

Ah yes, Poilievre’s Joe Rogan Experience bounce in full effect.

@dobro_the @Gladstonian1953 @NanaCanada333 Why?

@moveablemass @Gladstonian1953 @NanaCanada333 Time for you to grab your kids, a ton of guns, and move to Idaho, Wes.

@DontJimmyMe366 @TomMarazzo Larouche he had some big ideas, one was to dam and flood our BC valleys build water pipelines and pumping stations to supply water to the US western states. If we only look at the history of the Brit’s we could see the dots connect when it comes to control of the hidden hand.

@TomMarazzo Well given everything that has happened I don’t fault you for your suspicion but I think they’re literally just old obscure cat lady activists, I’ve never heard of Lyndon Larouche before, have you? I mean, I’d never heard of any of the dissident doctors before covid either.

The way I reconcile everything the US is doing if for 2 ideas: 1. Trump’s presidency is a Military Operation. 2. The US is sick of hemorrhaging money all over the world and wants to contract into Fortress North America and become a Regional, not Global, superpower. They can’t do that unless China is unable to fill the void. That’s the only way the US war against Iran makes sense to me. What do I know. I’m just a guy consuming info from the Psyop app!