For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas

🎙️ BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FROM FOR THE RECORD 🎙️After more than 120 episodes over the past three and a half years, For the Record will be taking a short hiatus as the October 17 civic election campaign gets underway.In this special episode, co-hosts Councillors Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas announce that there are only two episodes remaining before the podcast pauses, with the final pre-election episode dropping on July 9 - exactly 100 days before Election Day.To mark the occasion, Daniel and Paul take a look back at some of the many memorable conversations that have made For the Record a trusted source for civic discussion in New Westminster.🎤 This week's episode features highlights from past guests, including:🍀 Jennifer Mackie, owner of Kelly O'Bryan's Restaurant & Pub🏢 Rich Patterson, local business owner and community advocate📰 Bill Tieleman, political commentator and public affairs strategist🙏 Jag Sall, community leader from the Queensborough Gurdwara🎖️ Terry Leith, President of Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 2 in New Westminster...along with reflections on the many people who have helped make the podcast what it is today.📺 The episode also includes Daniel Fontaine's recent Global News interview highlighting his third annual Metro Vancouver Mayors' Salary Report, which sparked significant public discussion around transparency and accountability in regional government.📱 Daniel and Paul also celebrate an incredible 30 days of engagement for the NWP, with hundreds of thousands of Facebook and Instagram views as residents continue engaging with local issues and the future of our city.❤️ Above all, this episode is a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has tuned in, shared an episode, appeared as a guest, or supported For the Record over the past three and a half years.There's still one more episode before the podcast takes its election break, so be sure to join us next week for our final show before we hit the campaign trail.🎧 Thank you for listening - and we'll see you next week for one last episode before For the Record takes a short pause.

Episode 120 of For the Record features Councillors Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas reviewing key decisions and debates from the June 8 New Westminster City Council meeting, along with the latest developments at Metro Vancouver and growing concerns about affordability in the city.The episode begins with a detailed discussion of the City’s remaining $3.5 million Growing Communities Fund allocation. Fontaine and Minhas explain why they support a proposal that would dedicate $1 million toward immediate local sport and recreation priorities while reserving $2.5 million for the future redevelopment of the Grimston Park lacrosse box and multi-sport facility. The hosts argue that community sports organizations have been waiting years for investments and that funding should benefit residents across the city as soon as possible.The conversation then turns to Fontaine's motion honouring legendary New Westminster Bruins coach Ernie “Punch” McLean. Fontaine provides an update on efforts to recognize McLean’s contributions to the city and discusses the growing support for a permanent tribute celebrating one of New Westminster’s most iconic sports figures.Recreation infrastructure remains a major focus throughout the episode, including discussions about the future expansion of Queen’s Park Arena, upgrades to local lacrosse facilities, and ways to improve recreational opportunities for families. The hosts also review a motion from Councillor Tasha Henderson aimed at providing free swimming lessons for children. While supporting the goal of expanding access, Fontaine and Minhas discuss concerns that simply increasing waitlists without creating additional capacity may not solve the underlying problem, drawing comparisons to a similar debate currently taking place in Vancouver.The hosts also examine a report outlining an automatic retroactive 2.2 per cent pay increase for elected officials that took effect on January 1 under existing council policy. While emphasizing that the increase is automatic and not the result of a council vote, Fontaine and Minhas question the timing given that New Westminster property taxes have increased by roughly 30 per cent over the past four years.Infrastructure and neighbourhood improvements are also discussed, including calls to accelerate road paving projects in the West End and ongoing efforts to ensure the təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre remains welcoming and accessible for families.Listeners will also hear highlights from Daniel Fontaine’s appearance on The Mike Smyth Show, where he discussed ongoing concerns surrounding Metro Vancouver governance, spending, and accountability. The hosts review the latest regional issues and what they could mean for taxpayers across the Lower Mainland.The episode concludes with a discussion about property tax increases and the feedback council members continue to receive from residents struggling with affordability challenges. Fontaine and Minhas share concerns they have heard from homeowners, seniors, and families facing rising costs.The podcast wraps up with recognition of Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month, while also celebrating the completion of the New West Progressives election team, with 13 candidates now confirmed for the upcoming civic election.It's another wide-ranging episode covering local government, sports and recreation, taxpayer accountability, infrastructure priorities, and the issues shaping New Westminster’s future.

Episode 118 of For the Record features Councillor Paul Minhas alongside guest co-host Ray Porcellato, NWP candidate for City Council, filling in for regular co-host Daniel Fontaine.The episode opens with a compelling presentation from lacrosse advocate Dylan Jones, who addressed City Council about the deteriorating condition of the outdoor lacrosse box at Moody Park. Jones highlighted the real impact that aging and underfunded infrastructure is having on young athletes and the broader lacrosse community. While over $300,000 had previously been allocated for interim improvements, those funds have yet to be utilized, with the project now tied to a larger future redevelopment plan.The discussion then shifts to regional politics, featuring commentary on Councillor Daniel Fontaine’s recent appearance on The Mike Smith Show (AM 730). Fontaine spoke critically about Metro Vancouver’s ongoing investigation into alleged information leaks, characterizing it as an unnecessary expense with little expected value for taxpayers.Attention then turns to Simcoe Park, where Paula Naylor, President of the New Westminster Community Gardens Society, raised concerns about a proposed asphalt pathway that could negatively affect community garden space. As an active member of the cycling community, Naylor emphasized the need to balance accessibility improvements with preservation of green space.A key policy discussion follows on what Councillor Fontaine has described as “density without dollars.” Using the Royal City Towers proposal as a case study, the episode examines how over 1,000 new housing units could bring significant population growth - without corresponding investment in public amenities. The panel discusses how the City’s decision to prioritize provincial responsibilities like affordable housing and tenant relocation has come at the expense of securing approximately $11.6 million in potential community amenity contributions.The episode wraps with a look ahead at recent and upcoming community events, including a lookback at the April 30 NW City Matters forum focused on local schools, along with additional NWP outreach activities.A wide-ranging episode covering infrastructure, regional governance, land use, and community advocacy in New Westminster.

🎙️ For the Record - Special Midweek EditionJohnstone Announces Mayoral Run - A Closer Look at the RecordThis week’s episode of For the Record drops on a special Wednesday release, following Mayor Patrick Johnstone’s official announcement that he'll be seeking another term as mayor of New Westminster. NO APRIL FOOL's!Co-hosted by Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas, the episode takes a closer look at what that announcement means - and what voters may want to consider as the city heads toward the October 17th civic election.🗳️ 12 Years In… Asking for 16The podcast opens with discussion around Johnstone’s time in office - 12 years on council - and his decision to seek another four-year term to continue advancing his ideology and agenda.The hosts ask a central question:What remains to be accomplished after more than a decade in office - and is a new direction worth considering?💸 Taxes, Spending & AffordabilityA major focus of the episode is affordability, including:30%+ property tax increases over this current term in office alone!Spending priorities that many residents are questioningWhether current financial decisions align with the pressures facing households today🚲 Priorities at City HallThe discussion also explores broader priorities, including:Heavy investments in bike lane infrastructure versus basic core servicesHigh-profile spending decisions such as the $500,000 “mushroom wall” in Queen's ParkOngoing concerns about aging infrastructure and service delivery🏛️ Leadership & AccountabilityFontaine and Minhas also examine:Questions around public consultation and responsivenessThe decision to support a “Sue Big Oil” initiative and related costsPast controversies, including the business class all expenses paid Dubai trip and Ethics Commissioner findings🏙️ Growth, Development & Regional RoleThe episode also touches on:Major development approvals, including Columbia SquareThe city’s role at Metro Vancouver and whether stronger advocacy is neededThe long-term impact of growth on infrastructure and livability⏳ Looking Ahead to the ElectionAs the campaign season begins to take shape, the hosts frame the conversation around choice - encouraging listeners to reflect on the past, assess current priorities, and consider what direction they want for New Westminster moving forward. A choice of status quo - or positive change to make progress in our city.🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📣 This is shaping up to be a pivotal election - and the conversation is just getting started.

🎙️ For the Record – Episode 113This week on For the Record, Councillor Paul Minhas is joined by special guest host Maryann Morrison, who sits in for Daniel Fontaine while he takes the week off from the podcast.The episode begins with a preview of the topics ahead before turning to the latest NW City Matters forum in Sapperton, which drew a large and engaged crowd. Residents raised a wide range of concerns, including train whistle cessation, slow building permit timelines, parking shortages, and the double bike lanes near Royal Columbian Hospital.The strong turnout at the community forum was contrasted with a much smaller audience - described as only a 'handful of people' - who attended a keynote presentation by the mayor to the Downtown Residents Association at the same time.Next, the podcast features a Global News segment highlighting how the City of North Vancouver and District of North Vancouver mayors are now calling for a public inquiry into the North Shore wastewater treatment plant financial debacle and broader governance reform at Metro Vancouver. Minhas and Morrison note how much of the language being used mirrors arguments that Councillor Daniel Fontaine has been raising for years.Another major topic is the controversial “Tiny Town” supportive housing project. The hosts discuss concerns raised by residents about the lack of advance notification, consultation, and the lack of a Good Neighbour Agreement prior to the project being announced for New Westminster. They also discuss how the issue of a lack of consultation could become a major topic in the upcoming civic election campaign taking place on October 17th.Housing policy also takes centre stage as the podcast examines proposed infill housing rezonings scheduled for a public hearing later this spring. Hundreds of single-family properties could be affected, with potential zoning changes allowing up to six units per lot and buildings up to three storeys in height. The hosts discuss concerns raised in other municipalities, including Burnaby, where similar developments have sparked debate about neighbourhood character.The episode also revisits the ongoing issue of Queensborough secondary school bus funding, which has still not been confirmed by the provincial Ministry of Education. The podcast features a clip from Don Doyle, a Queensborough resident who has been advocating for the bus service and recently announced he will run for school trustee with the NWP.🎧 For the Record is available on *Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🎙️ For the Record – Episode 112Community Reflection, Budget 2026 & Campaign MomentumThis week on For the Record, Councillors Paul Minhas and Daniel Fontaine return to the studio and share an important programming update: as the October 17 civic election approaches, the podcast will now move to a bi-weekly format, featuring a range of special guest hosts in the months ahead.🕯️ A Somber Reflection: Tumbler Ridge TragedyThe episode opens with commentary on the recent Tumbler Ridge shootings in British Columbia. Fontaine reflects on growing up in a small community with a grades 7–12 high school, where everyone knew each other - and how deeply a tragedy like this can affect a tight-knit town.Both hosts emphasize the importance of mental health supports and acknowledge the profound impact such events have on small communities.🏘️ NW City Matters: Queensborough SpeaksThe latest NW City Matters forum took place in Queensborough, and residents did not hold back.Key themes raised included:Open ditches and infrastructure concernsProperty tax pressuresTraffic and transportation challengesElectricity billsA lack of amenities such as pools and arenasA major concern discussed was the future of the Queensborough secondary school bus program, which is set to lose funding on June 30. The hosts note that a previous provincial commitment suggested the program would become permanent and free - something that has not materialized. With no high school planned for Queensborough, families are left with ongoing uncertainty.💬 Online vs. In-Person Bullying: A Rare Moment of Common GroundThe podcast features two clips from a City Hall chamber discussion on bullying.Councillor Nadine Nakagawa speaks about her experience attending the Stronger Cities initiative conference and addressing online bullying, while Councillor Fontaine responds by sharing his perspective on in-person bullying.Despite political differences, the hosts observe that there was notable common ground between the two perspectives.💰 Budget 2026: The Final StretchWith Budget 2026 nearing completion, residents have but a few days left in the consultation phase to weigh in.The hosts discuss how this budget effectively locks in a 30% property tax increase over four years, positioning New Westminster among the highest tax increases in Metro Vancouver during this council term.They also look ahead:What might change under a different council majority? And how would an NWP-led government approach affordability differently?🎓 New Candidate Announcement: Anita DunnThe episode introduces Anita Dunn, the newest NWP school board candidate.Dunn, a former Columbia Street retail business owner and trained chartered accountant, recently announced her candidacy in front of supporters. As a parent of a secondary school student, she brings both professional financial expertise and firsthand education experience to the team.📅 Looking AheadThe hosts wrap up with a preview of:Family Day wishes to listenersAn upcoming trip to Victoria (Feb 18–19) to meet with MLAsAn upcoming exclusive interview with Nancy Jickels and Jennifer Mackie, co-chairs of the NWP campaignA February 17 fundraiser at Judge Begbie’s Tavern ($30 per person, limited tickets remaining)Listeners are reminded that future NW City Matters events and campaign updates can be found at NWProgress.ca.🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.📣 As the civic election season continues, now more than ever, local conversations matter.

🎙️ For the Record – Election Year Conversations Continue Metro Governance, the Pier That Never Returned & New Voices for 2026This week’s edition of For the Record features Maryann Morrison, NWP council candidate, sitting in as guest co-host alongside Coun. Daniel Fontaine, as the podcast continues its deep dive into the issues shaping New Westminster’s 2026 civic election.🏛️ Metro Vancouver Governance: Hope vs. SkepticismThe episode opens with a discussion on Metro Vancouver’s governance committee, which met this week to examine potential reforms to the region’s 41-member board.Morrison expresses cautious optimism that meaningful change could still emerge, while Fontaine remains skeptical that the current structure will deliver real accountability or reform.🌊 Pier Park: Five Years Later, Still No PlanAttention then turns to Pier Park, which was destroyed by fire in 2020 and remains unrebuilt. The hosts discuss how a resurfaced Facebook post of the original Global News story sparked tens of thousands of views, underscoring ongoing public frustration.For contrast, they highlight White Rock’s pier, where the mayor publicly committed to rebuilding within a year - successfully securing provincial and federal funding and reopening the pier to the public. The comparison raises questions about leadership, priorities, and follow-through in New Westminster.🧑‍🎓 Youth Engagement: YNWP & the NW City Youth ForumFontaine and Morrison then discuss the newly launched Youth New Westminster Progressives (YNWP) initiative and the NW City Youth Forum, announced before a large crowd at the Inn at the Quay.The forum aims to increase youth engagement at City Hall and encourage young voters to participate in the October 17 election, a topic both hosts agree is critical to the city’s democratic future.🪶 Métis Representation at City HallThe conversation also touches on a Métis cultural display at New Westminster City Hall. Both Fontaine and Morrison, who are Métis, share their appreciation for seeing Indigenous culture reflected in civic spaces - and reflect on how visibility and representation still matter in local government.🎓 Exclusive Interviews: School Trustee CandidatesThe second half of the episode features two exclusive sit-down interviews with New West Progressives school trustee candidates:Liz Fajber joins the podcast to discuss why she’s running, her priorities for public education, and takes part in a fun rapid-fire segment.Lucas Steele shares his vision for bringing a stronger youth voice to the school board and the broader NWP caucus if elected.Both interviews offer listeners a chance to get to know the candidates beyond campaign literature, directly from the studio.🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📣 If you enjoy the podcast, please share it with friends, family, and neighbours — election-year conversations are just getting started.

🔟🎙️ It’s Back! The Top 10 New West Stories of 2025The annual Top 10 “For the Record” Vodcast has arrived - and this year’s countdown is packed with some of the biggest civic and political moments New Westminster has seen all year.Hosted by Coun. Daniel Fontaine and Coun. Paul Minhas, this special episode looks back at the stories that sparked debate, packed council chambers, dominated headlines, and shaped the conversation across the city in 2025.👀 What made the list? Without giving away the rankings, listeners will hear about:Major property tax and affordability debatesHigh-profile bike lane and traffic controversiesHow many petitions were needed for changeNeighbourhood issues that wouldn’t go awayPolitical moments that signaled change heading into 2026Some stories will surprise you. Others you’ll absolutely expect. And a few may spark a “how did that rank higher than this?” conversation.🎧 The Top 10 Vodcast is available now as both a video and audio podcast on:SpotifyApple PodcastsYouTubeAll major platforms💬 Watch, listen, and then tell us — what would your #1 have been?👉 Share this post with friends, neighbours, and fellow New West watchers — the debate is half the fun.

🎄 NEW EPISODE! For the Record Police Budget Drama, Parking Battles, Flashlights at City Hall & a 30% Tax Increase?This week’s For the Record features a festive pre-Christmas theme - but the topics are anything but quiet.🚔 1. Police Budget Passes 5–1: A Closer LookThe episode opens with a detailed breakdown of the 2025 NW Police Department budget vote. The budget passed 5–1, but had Councillors Fontaine and Minhas voted no, the result would have been a 3–3 tie - meaning the police budget would have failed, as Councillor Ruby Campbell was not present.The podcast shares:🎙️ Coun. Nakagawa’s remarks, after she voted against the budget🎙️ Mayor Johnstone’s comments claiming he has always supported police budgets👮 The Chief of Police’s concerns about a decade of underfundingWith policing as the largest line item in the city budget, the discussion raises important questions about priorities and public safety.🚗 2. “Zach Is Back”: Parking Chaos on 13th StreetListeners hear a compelling five-minute presentation from Danielle and Zach, landlords who renovated their apartment building at 13th Street and 7th Avenue.They request more time to meet the city’s compliance deadlines and highlight the severe impact of losing up to 50% of on-street parking, which would directly affect their tenants.Both councillors note that Fontaine, Minhas, Campbell, and the Mayor visited the building to see conditions firsthand. The saga continues - and the podcast is following closely.🔦 3. Queen’s Park Consultation… Bring a Flashlight?What do a flashlight, winter coat, and umbrella have in common?According to Gail North, President of the Queen’s Park Residents’ Association - they might have been needed at a recent city consultation event.Held outdoors on the porch of Irving House between 3–5 PM, the session grew darker by the minute as the sun set at 4:19 PM. Space was limited, some residents stood outside, and the setup left many puzzled.Fontaine has requested clarity from staff on whether porch consultations are considered “standard practice.”💸 4. Operating Budget = 5.6% Tax Increase (and Nearly 30% in Four Years)The city’s operating budget now comes in at:4.6% base increase, plus1% capital levyTotal: 5.6% increase for 2025, bringing New Westminster to nearly 30% in cumulative tax increases over four years - likely the highest in Metro Vancouver during this term of council.The discussion highlights affordability concerns for residents, seniors, families, and businesses.🕰️ 5. Déjà Vu: Century House Hours Return… AgainCoun. Ruby Campbell is now proposing the reopening of Century House on Sundays - raising questions about:Who cut Sunday hours originally?Why have they not been restored until now?How does this relate to Fontaine’s earlier motion calling for a similar review back in 2023?As the councillors note: It’s déjà vu all over again.❄️ 6. ACORN Presents on Air Conditioner AccessACORN advocates for a program enabling low-income residents to install air conditioners. Fontaine reminds listeners that he previously proposed a $500 AC grant through the Electrical Utility - a low-barrier idea that was rejected after referral.🎄 7. Around Town: Community Spirit on Full DisplayThis week’s “around town” segment features highlights from:The Sapperton Pensioners Hall Christmas PartyThe West End Residents Association meetingA business association gathering in SappertonThe Hyack Annual Christmas EventThe launch of the new Freshet Newspaper, now printing citywide🔟 8. Top 10 New West Stories Preview & Holiday BreakThe popular “Top 10 New West Stories” vodcast is coming soon, and listeners are invited to help shape the list. The podcast will take a short Christmas break after December 19, returning in early January.🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📢 If you enjoy the show, please share this episode with neighbours, friends, and family. Community engagement matters more than ever.

🚨 NEW EPISODE! For the Record – Episode 104 Downloading, New Taxes, Community Pushback & Two Big Candidate AnnouncementsThis week’s episode of For the Record with Councillor Daniel Fontaine and Councillor Paul Minhas covers a packed list of major civic and regional issues affecting New Westminster residents.🏛️ 1. “Downloading” Report Gets Voted DownThe episode opens with the story of the provincial downloading report initiated by the NWP.City staff produced a framework to measure how much provincial and federal downloading is impacting New Westminster - but Community First councillors (all NDP-affiliated) voted it down 4–2.As a result, the public may never get a clear picture how much NDP government cost-shifting is hitting municipal taxpayers.🚗 2. New TransLink Taxes? Fontaine Responds on AM730Popular AM 730 host Mike Smyth interviewed Daniel Fontaine about new tax ideas being floated by transit advocates - including:A new tax on carsA regional sales taxAdditional fees for Metro Vancouver commutersFontaine discusses real alternatives that don’t involve piling more taxes onto already overburdened residents.💧 3. Councillors Across Metro Vancouver Push BackSix councillors from five cities issued a public call asking Premier David Eby to pause approval of the 10-year Metro Vancouver Liquid Waste Management Plan, citing poor consultation with member municipalities. FTR features a CTV News story summarizing the concerns.📣 4. Improving Communications at City HallAnother NWP motion returned from staff - this one aimed at improving communications and engagement on major projects in New Westminster.After years of hearing from residents frustrated with last-minute notices and weak consultation, the motion opens the door to stronger communication practices across the city.🚘 5. Delegations of the Week: Parking Loss on 13th StreetInstead of "letters of the week," the podcast spotlights two impressive delegations:DanielleZachBoth spoke passionately at City Hall about the impacts of parking loss on 13th Street, and the podcast shares clips from their presentations.💙 6. NWP Fundraiser Sets New RecordThe NWP’s November 20th fundraiser was the most successful in the organization’s history, showing strong momentum and community enthusiasm heading into 2026.Fontaine and Minhas discuss what this means in the fight against the powerful District Labour Council (Community First) machine.🏘️ 7. NW City Matters Forum – November 26The next NW City Matters event is happening on November 26 at 726 12th Street. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in shaping New Westminster’s future.🗳️ 8. Two New NWP Candidates AnnouncedFTR closes with some major political news:Ray Porcellato, General Manager of the SalmonbelliesMaryann Morrison, Executive Director of the North Fraser Métis AssociationBoth have officially announced they are running for City Council under the NWP banner.These strong additions significantly bolster the team - and two more council candidates and seven school board candidates are still to come.🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📢 If you enjoy the podcast, please share this post to help bring more community voices into the conversation.

🎙️ For the Record – Episode 102 Metro Mayhem, Budget Blows & Political Power PlaysIn this week’s episode of For the Record with Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas, the discussion kicks off with a bold new proposal: a 2026 referendum on reforming Metro Vancouver. The idea? Ask voters whether they want to directly elect Metro board members and shrink the size of the board. A Global TV story on the release is featured, along with reflections on what real reform could look like.🎧 The conversation continues with an excerpt from Jas Johal’s AM 730 show, where Daniel Fontaine discusses Metro Vancouver’s skyrocketing spending and how it's directly impacting property taxes - including a projected 30% increase in New Westminster over four years.🏨 Tourism New West vs. Affordable Housing?Questions were raised this week by Coun. Paul Minhas after it was revealed that Tourism New West funding was being redirected to an affordable housing reserve. He pressed for answers, especially after a presentation by Tourism New West Executive Director Gerardo Corro.🪶 Acting Mayor Role Gets Political?A seemingly minor request to "depoliticize" the acting mayor schedule during election season — raised by Coun. Nakagawa and supported by Coun. Campbell — sparked debate. The twist? Coun. Fontaine is scheduled to serve as acting mayor during the 2026 election. The podcast explores whether the discussion and request to staff itself is, ironically, politicizing the role.💰 Federal Budget BreakdownThe 2025 federal budget dropped last week — so who came out ahead? Cities like White Rock, Surrey, and Victoria were named in the budget for key infrastructure investments. New Westminster? Not mentioned. What does that mean for the city moving forward?🚶‍♀️ Queensborough Sidewalks: Election-Year Timing?A new report looks at accelerating sidewalk construction in Queensborough, raising questions about the timing — just ahead of the 2026 election. Minhas asked staff for clarity on how priorities were set.📅 Upcoming Events & Community Engagement🕊️ Remembrance Day – November 11 at City Hall (3rd largest event in B.C.)🏘️ Next NW City Matters: November 26 in Connaught Heights / West End✅ Recap: The November 6 event in Massey Victory Heights was a tremendous success.🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📣 If you enjoy the show, please share with friends, family, and neighbours — growing the audience helps amplify the conversation in New Westminster!

🎙️ For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas – Episode 101It’s Halloween week and this episode starts with a spooky soundtrack and an even scarier topic: Budget 2026.👻 Budget 2026 – Trick or Tax?With a potential 7% property tax increase, and the prospect of more than 30% in total hikes over four years under the current Community First majority, Daniel and Paul refer to this budget as one of the scariest things in New Westminster. Paul’s motion to explore a 0% and 2.5% increase was voted down by Community First, leaving taxpayers bracing for another costly year.🏘️ NW City Matters LaunchThe New West Progressives are launching a major community engagement effort - starting with their first town hall on Nov. 6 (6:30–8 p.m.) at Mount Zion Lutheran Church. Daniel and Paul explain how this series of town halls, surveys, and neighbourhood canvasses will help shape the NWP’s 2026 election platform.🎖️ Exclusive Interview: Terry Leith, Royal Canadian Legion Branch #2Past President Terry Leith joins the podcast to discuss the Poppy Campaign, what defines a veteran, and how the Legion is modernizing its outreach. He reminds listeners that everyone is welcome at the Legion - membership not required - and encourages New Westminster residents to wear their poppies proudly through Remembrance Day. If you want to have a poppy box at your establishment in New West call the Legion at 604-524-1511. 🚓 Chamber of Commerce Panel – Chief Paul Hyland on StigmatizationDaniel and Paul reflect on comments made by Chief Hyland, who said stigmatization can play a positive role in curbing harmful behaviours - from drunk driving to public illicit drug use - and that the NDP government's decriminalization experiment has failed.💌 Letter of the WeekThis week features two letters - one about the 7th Street bike lane, and another from a listener outside New Westminster who praised Daniel for his ongoing accountability work on Metro Vancouver issues.🎧 Tune in now for thoughtful discussion, accountability, and community voices - available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🎉 Episode 100 of For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul MinhasA major milestone episode! This week, For the Record celebrates its 100th show with big announcements and exclusive interviews.✅ Metro Matters – Daniel and Paul kick things off with a look at Metro Vancouver’s ballooning budgets and growing public concern. With clips from both CTV and CBC, they break down what’s really behind the rising costs — and Metro’s efforts to manage the optics.✅ Paul Minhas Announces His Re-Election Campaign – Co-host and City Councillor Paul Minhas confirms he’ll seek another term with the New West Progressives (NWP). Paul shares why he’s running again and what drives his commitment to New Westminster.✅ Exclusive Interview: Ken Armstrong Joins the Race – Former NWP mayoral candidate Ken Armstrong returns to the political arena — this time running for council. A lawyer and Queensborough resident, Ken could make history as the first councillor ever elected from Queensborough.✅ Letter of the Week – This week’s featured letter focuses on the ongoing Woodward’s Building controversy — and what residents want to see happen next.✅ Coming Next Week – Terry Leith, past president of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 2, joins the podcast to discuss the upcoming Poppy Campaign and how the Legion supports local veterans.🎙️ Tune in to For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas — available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.