Despite voters' rebuke of Vancouver's ABC party, new towers will still be higher, increase density
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The dominant centre-right ABC Party was hammered in last month's Vancouver byelection, with its two candidates coming in a dismal sixth and seventh.
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Despite voters electing two progressive candidates April 5, the direction of council is not about to change regarding the pace and scale of mega-highrise projects in Vancouver, the most dense city in Canada.
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The two newcomers, COPE's Sean Orr and OneCity's Lucy Maloney, voted along with ABC and the rest of council on April 22 to approve the Jericho Lands official community plan, which gives the go-ahead to arguably the biggest housing development in the city's history.
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'It's going to be beautiful and add so much to the area. It's going to be such an amazing contribution,' said Maloney, speaking of the 65 residential buildings, mostly in the 25- to 60-storey range, proposed by MST Development Corp. for the half-empty former military base in Point Grey.
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A watchdog group, the Jericho Coalition, has proposed an alternative vision for the Jericho Lands: of mostly six-storey apartment blocks. But when CBC radio host Stephen Quinn asked Maloney if she would have been open to supporting a 'happy medium' of density for the Jericho Lands, she said it's too late.
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'Other areas have been bearing the burden of accepting all the population growth. I guess it could have been lower levels of density if we'd been building low-rise apartment buildings in every neighbourhood of the city for decades. But we haven't,' said Maloney, a self-described 'environmental lawyer' who works with the mining company BHP Billiton.
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Newly elected Coun. Orr, who describes himself as a Communist and dishwasher, also voted for the Jericho Lands official plan. His emphasis has been on affordability and protecting renters, including those being displaced by the 500-block Broadway highrise plan.
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Despite the historic significance of the Jericho Lands project, three members of ABC were absent for the vote: Mayor Ken Sim and councillors Brian Montague and Peter Meiszner, as well as Rebecca Bligh, who was recently dismissed from ABC.
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Erick Villagomez, who teaches at UBC's school of community and regional planning, predicts little resistance from the two new councillors, or from Bligh and the Green member of council, to the 'monotonous' direction dictated by the ABC majority, particularly in regard to high density.
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In Villagomez's analysis, the two new council members are 65 per cent aligned on the major issues with ABC, which has been pro-tower and often criticized for ignoring citizen input and reducing demands on developers to provide community benefits.
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National Observer
27-05-2025
- National Observer
Even after the Justin Trudeau fallout, Liberal MPs still reject Reform Act rules
Liberal MPs voted against adopting a formal process to eject their leader should the need arise, newly elected Liberal Caucus Chair James Maloney confirmed on Sunday. A majority of the caucus voted down a motion to adopt the rules set out under the decade-old Reform Act. That law was originated by Conservative MP Michael Chong to embolden individual MPs to hold their party leaders to account by allowing them to force leadership reviews, among other things. But Maloney refused to say anything more about the vote or the secret deliberations, insisting that should all remain private. 'The Reform Act was voted down,' Maloney said after the Liberals met for their first caucus meeting since the April 28 election. 'What happens in caucus stays in caucus, and you're going to hear me say that today, and tomorrow and every day going forward.' The internal debate was prompted by Liberal MPs who were frustrated former leader Justin Trudeau was able to remain at the helm despite numerous calls from within caucus for him to step aside. Adopting the Reform Act rules would have given Liberal MPs a road map for such situations. That's how the Conservatives ousted Erin O'Toole from the leadership after the Conservatives lost the 2021 election. The rules let a fifth of the party's MPs move to trigger a leadership review. Then, a majority vote would be required to eject the leader. Liberal MPs refused to talk about the outcome following their meeting on Sunday, but a few chimed in beforehand to share how they personally felt. Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull said he had planned to support adopting the rules because it's "important to have caucus accountability in every party." But Sault Ste. Marie—Algoma MP Terry Sheehan said he doesn't see the need for the new rules, which his party has never adopted. "I've come in with a pre-set mind that I will not be supporting the Reform Act because we don't need to. Our caucus is strong," he said. "Behind those doors right there, that's our caucus and we can let our hair down any time and have frank and open discussions." Prime Minister Mark Carney rallied his Liberal caucus Sunday afternoon with a speech that laid out his governing agenda for the re-opening of Parliament. The Liberals briefly let the TV cameras and reporters into their first caucus meeting since winning the April 28 election to watch Carney address his new colleagues. Carney said his government's immediate focus will be on affordability measures, such as quickly passing the tax cut he promised during the campaign. From dealing with a chaotic White House to building up the economy, he set the stakes high for his new MPs. "Our government has been elected to do nothing less than define a new economic and security relationship with the United States," he said. "Canadians also want their life to become more affordable. They want their communities safer. We will deliver these mandates with urgency and determination. We are going to get going from minute one." Carney said his ministers will immediately introduce legislation to fast-track infrastructure projects deemed to be in the national interest and bring in a bill to eliminate all federal barriers to free trade in Canada. Parliament returns on Monday to elect a new Speaker for the House of Commons, followed by a throne speech on Tuesday to be delivered by King Charles III. Carney promised his government would move at a brisk pace with "one of the most busy returns to Parliament in Canadian history." Parliament, however, is only scheduled to sit for a month before a pre-scheduled summer break until September, and the new government has not made time to table its budget until fall. Still, Carney said his minority government team will be "very, very busy" in not just the coming weeks, but also over the next few years, and accomplish things "previously thought impossible at speeds not seen in generations." The previous minority Parliament found itself gridlocked for months last year amid procedural obstructions, and the Trudeau government had largely failed to pass legislation or advance much of its agenda in its waning days in office. Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon said he has spoken to the House leaders of all the opposition parties and is hoping for a reset in relations in the new Parliament. "We are a minority government, so that obviously means that we need to attract support from all sides of the House to get anything done," he said. "At the same time, we believe very, very clearly that Canadians have given us a mandate, and I think it will be incumbent on all parties to respond to that mandate."
Japan Forward
23-05-2025
- Japan Forward
'Melania' by Melania Trump
Melania Trump's memoir, Melania , (Skyhorse, in English) released in October 2024, offers a curated, yet insightful, glimpse into her life. It begins from her upbringing in Slovenia under a Communist regime, and as a successful model in European capitals and New York. Then it culminates with her tenure as First Lady of the United States and life (until then) after the White House. Although the book has been criticized for lacking depth and introspection, I disagree. I found it very helpful to better understand both Melania herself and her side of the story. And I'm glad she wrote this, as I am for all first ladies who share their lives through autobiographies. As the expression goes, "Behind every great man is a great woman." This is nowhere more true than with Melania. Donald Trump has been successful throughout most of his professional life. However, during the past 20 years of his marriage to Melania (preceded by their long-term relationship beginning in 1998), it is undeniable that his career and trajectory have reached their highest levels. As comes through in her memoir, she influences and helps him make better decisions. One example of this was the Trump administration's policy of separating families who entered the United States illegally and detaining children at the border. Melania, herself an immigrant (who entered legally) and a mother, was distressed by the situation. (Their son, Barron, was born in 2006 and is discussed in Chapter 5.) Before challenging her husband, she studied up on the issue. "It was critical to address this situation with speed, transparency, and compassion, ensuring that the policies reflected our values as a nation," she wrote. (P 172, large print edition.) "Occasional political disagreements between me and my husband," she writes in the same section, "were a part of our relationship, but I believed in addressing them privately rather than publicly challenging him. I found our discussions more productive when we could have a quiet dialogue at home, out of the public eye" (ibid). When she was confident she understood the issue, she took her "deep concerns…regarding the family separations, emphasizing the trauma it was causing these families" (p 173). "As a mother," she stressed, "The government should not be taking children away from their parents." "[W]ith great clarity," she stated, "this has to stop" (ibid). Her husband promised to investigate, and he announced the end of the family separation policy on June 20, 2017. The next day, Melania flew unannounced to McAllen, Texas, one of the "epicenters of the border crisis," to see the situation herself and make sure the new policy was being adopted (p 174). Melania's relationship with her husband, both as president and as the businessman most of America knew before he ran, is a central part of her book. But so is her relationship with the media. She expresses her disgust with its double standards and "relentless spread of falsehoods and negativity" (p 175). Only a few episodes are touched on in the book. However, I imagine she could fill an entire volume (longer than her memoirs) on what she has witnessed. I, for one, hope she writes such a book. As a mother, she was protective of her son. He was the subject of both old media and new media attacks, as well as social media bullying by well-known personalities and others. After the Trumps left the White House, she documents how she and her family experienced "cancel culture." She also related sabotage efforts that even affected her business endeavors (Chapter 17). Such disrespect continued even this May. Former President George W Bush and his wife, Laura, skipped Melania's unveiling of a postage stamp in honor of former first lady Barbara Bush, George's mother. Another major part of the book is about her family life growing up in Slovenia, in the former Yugoslavia. She came from a strong, supportive, and creative family. They seemed to be most happy when they were together. With such a close family, she did not need to be an extrovert. Melania, in other words, grew up confident. Perhaps because of the influence of a Communist government and its secret police and informants, she also learned at an early age to protect her privacy. Akie Abe, wife of the late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with her friend, Melania Trump . (File photo) Yet another part of her book concerns her foreign travels. She includes trips when she was younger with her family and as a model. And later, her travels as First Lady. Akie Abe was one of her counterparts as First Lady with whom she bonded most closely. Melania discusses her trip to Japan in detail in her book and the friendship she developed with the wife of the slain former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Prime Minister Abe experienced much of the same political, legal, and media persecution and academic disdain that Trump did. Even though it wasn't spoken between the two, that struggle likely contributed to the close relationship Melania and Akie developed. Melania talks about their official visit to Japan in May 2019, shortly after the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito. Trump, on his second visit to Japan after becoming president, was the Emperor's first state guest. Melania was there by his side and met Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. They were joined by Prime Minister Abe and Akie. So much was accomplished on that trip for the alliance between the two countries. It also helped deepen the relationship between the Trumps and Abes. "I formed a genuine connection with her," Melania writes, "and this trip reaffirmed this link" (p 164). Melania's remark was not simply being polite or diplomatic, but was no doubt truly felt. Readers will recall how the Trumps invited Akie to Mar-a-Lago, their home in Florida, in December 2024. That trip followed Trump's reelection and preceded his second inauguration. Sadly, they could not be joined by Shinzo, who had been cruelly assassinated in July 2022 while campaigning for a candidate in the Upper House elections. She had also experienced two assassination attempts against her own husband, one of which came within millimeters of succeeding. Melania writes: "I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Mr Abe's assassination in 2022. He was a remarkable leader, and the connection between him and Donald was genuine. The world would undoubtedly be a better place if more countries could foster such relationships" (p 165). Official photo of First Lady Melania Trump (provided by the White House via Kyodo) Knowing her better through this memoir, it would be no surprise to find that Melania recommended to Donald that they invite Akie to Florida, to the place the four of them had previously dined. That is what true friendships are all about — celebrating victories together and sharing in the low points. I am sure Melania continues to advise her husband today, too. She is certainly more confident in her role and has learned from staffing and other mistakes she may have made in the past. This is something she alludes to in Chapter 16. Like her husband, she values trust and loyalty. Hopefully, she finds it this time around. Now that her son is an adult and off to college, she is also able to be more engaged. During the first term, she was actively involved in raising him while serving as First Lady. This time, she can focus more attention on her duties. I can't wait to watch her successes and look forward to seeing her in Japan again. Having read her excellent memoir, I am better able to understand her now, despite the efforts of the media to misportray and misrepresent her. Indeed, she wrote the book to "set the record straight and to provide the actual account of my experiences" (p vii). I am sure she will have more to share in the future, but this was a great start. Title: Melania Author: Melania Trump Publisher: Skyhorse Language: English ISBN: ISBN-10 : 1510782699 and ISBN-13 : 978-1510782693 More Information: To purchase the book or learn more, visit any online English language bookseller or the publisher's website. Reviewed by: Robert D Eldridge, PhD Dr Eldridge is a former political advisor to the US Marine Corps in Japan and author of numerous books on Japanese political and diplomatic history. He was a 2024 Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Fellow at Tamkang University and is a consultant on a broad spectrum of Japan-related matters.
Global News
12-05-2025
- Global News
A Better Calgary Party to endorse some Communities First candidates to avoid vote split
One of Calgary's three political parties won't be running a full slate of candidates in the upcoming election, in an effort to avoid splitting conservative voters. The A Better Calgary Party (ABC Party) held a one-time 'bypass vote' amongst its members to determine whether to run a candidate in certain wards. 'We felt that for the sake of Calgarians, we need to stop splitting the vote,' ABC Party executive director Roy Beyer told Global News. ABC Party members voted to refrain from running a candidate in five wards across the city: Ward 1, Ward 4, Ward 7, Ward 10 and Ward 13. The incumbents in those wards include Sonya Sharp, Sean Chu, Terry Wong, Andre Chabot and Dan McLean. However, Sharp has announced her intention to run for mayor and it remains unclear if Chu will seek another term, after telling reporters this term would be his last back in 2021. Story continues below advertisement Beyer said Sharp's endorsement is based on her work as a councillor and not for her candidacy for mayor. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The ABC Party's endorsements of incumbents include candidates of Communities First, the other centre-right party formed by Sharp, Wong, Chabot and McLean. 'You just need eight council members,' Beyer said. 'If we can get there between us and others, we will have a true conservative coalition or centre-right coalition and that's the goal here.' Communities First declined to comment when asked by Global News on Monday. Lori Williams, an associate professor of policy studies at Mount Royal University, said it's too early to tell whether the endorsements could stand to benefit the Communities First party. 'It could help them,' Williams said. 'But the affiliation with or the endorsement of a further right political party could potentially hurt them amongst those who are not interested in ideology or parties, or are much more moderate in their conservatism.' The Calgary Party, the third party on this year's municipal ballot, said it plans to run a full slate of candidates in the election. Its mayoral candidate Brian Thiessen said he feels it's important for a party to run candidates in each of the city's 14 wards. Story continues below advertisement 'I think Calgarians deserve the right to vote for policies of the party, so if you don't run in certain wards, you're depriving Calgarians the right to vote on your policies,' he said. 'I think if Communities First or A Better Calgary has good policies, they should run in every ward and let Calgarians decide.' According to the ABC Party, all other incumbents including Mayor Jyoti Gondek received a no vote from the members, and the party will move forward with nominating and supporting challengers including in the mayoral race. 'People like Wong got a vote, or Sharp, their voting records don't necessarily scream conservative,' Beyer said. 'But our people said, 'No, overall we still see them as good candidates,' and we want to see that we avoid vote splitting.' Gondek has announced she is running for re-election as an independent, while former councillors Jeromy Farkas and Jeff Davison are also vying to become Calgary's next mayor without party affiliation. The ABC Party said it will announce its nominated candidates in Wards 2, 9, 12 and 14 'in the coming days.' The nomination deadline for candidates is on Sept. 22, and Calgarians head to the polls on Oct. 20.
