For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas

🎙️ For the Record – Episode 112
Community Reflection, Budget 2026 & Campaign Momentum
This 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 Tragedy
The 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 Speaks
The latest NW City Matters forum took place in Queensborough, and residents did not hold back.
Key themes raised included:
Open ditches and infrastructure concerns
Property tax pressures
Traffic and transportation challenges
Electricity bills
A lack of amenities such as pools and arenas
A 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 Ground
The 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 Stretch
With 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 Dunn
The 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 Ahead
The hosts wrap up with a preview of:
Family Day wishes to listeners
An upcoming trip to Victoria (Feb 18–19) to meet with MLAs
An upcoming exclusive interview with Nancy Jickels and Jennifer Mackie, co-chairs of the NWP campaign
A 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 – Episode 111
Density Debates, Metro Accountability & Campaign Momentum
This week’s edition of For the Record features Ken Armstrong, Queensborough resident and NWP city council candidate, joining Paul Minhas as guest co-host while Daniel Fontaine is away. The episode tackles major planning decisions, regional accountability, and growing momentum as the civic campaign season ramps up.
🗳️ A New Guest Co-Host
The episode opens with Armstrong and Minhas previewing the topics ahead before Minhas briefly steps out, handing the reins to Armstrong to lead the discussion on one of the most consequential housing debates currently facing New Westminster.
🏘️ Townhouse Upzoning: A Major Shift for Neighbourhoods
Armstrong dives into the controversy surrounding Community First’s support for a sweeping upzoning plan, which would pre-zone roughly 900 single-family lots across New Westminster to allow:
Townhouse development
Six-storey residential buildings
The changes would apply primarily to the West End, Sapperton, and Glenbrook North, allowing development to proceed without public hearings.
The podcast features an excerpt from Councillor Paul Minhas’s remarks in council, raising concerns about neighbourhood impacts and the loss of local input. He also speaks to the lack of public amenities in our city and how a massive upzoning - without a plan for a new school or other critical infrastructure will prove challenging.
🏙️ Downtown Density & Political Irony
The discussion then turns to the downtown density public hearing, mandated by the Province of British Columbia. Armstrong highlights what he describes as political irony - noting that Mayor Patrick Johnstone, once critical of density targets being dictated from Victoria, is now not only supporting the downtown plan but also backing extensive townhouse upzoning city-wide.
Listeners hear a clip from Coun. Daniel Fontaine’s remarks in council, responding to both the provincial mandate and the city’s decision to go further than required. Fontaine asks Council why they simply don't just vote no and force Premier David Eby to implement his density plan from Victoria instead.
🏛️ Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter Gains Attention
Minhas rejoins Armstrong as the conversation shifts to the launch of the Metro Vancouver Accountability Charter, spearheaded by Councillor Daniel Fontaine and Richmond Councillor Kash Heed.
The charter, available at www.metroaccountability.ca, calls for stronger transparency, accountability, and governance reform at Metro Vancouver.
The hosts share coverage from Global News reporter Catherine Urquhart, followed by analysis of Fontaine and Heed’s appearance on The Simi Sara Show, where the initiative drew strong interest from both the host and listeners.
🎙️ Regional Pushback & Some Political Theatre
The podcast also reacts to Township of Langley Mayor Eric Woodward’s appearance on The Simi Sara Show, where he declined to sign the charter and appeared to take a jab at both Fontaine and host Simi Sara.
The moment sparked some on-air humour, including a memorable reference to a “word salad”, prompting lighthearted commentary from Armstrong and Minhas. Remarks from Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West are also touched on as part of the broader regional debate.
Minhas confirms that Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and Surrey mayoral candidate Linda Annis both signed the Charter this week.
🍔 Fundraisers, Forums & Campaign Momentum
In the final segment, Armstrong and Minhas highlight several upcoming NWP events, including:
A Burger & Beer fundraiser at the Judge Begbie Tavern on Columbia Street
The 4th Annual Spring Fundraiser at Taverna Greka, also on Columbia
Ticket sales for both events are reportedly strong, with expectations they will sell out.
They also promote the next NW City Matters community forum, taking place February 12 at the Queensborough Community Centre, beginning after 6:00 p.m. The open forum is part of the NWP’s listening tour and policy development process, with residents encouraged to attend and register in advance via the NWP website or Eventbrite.
The episode wraps with reflections on the start of door knocking for the campaign and the positive response being heard from residents across the city.
🎧 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 — local conversations matter.

🎙️ For the Record – Election Year Conversations Continue
Metro Governance, the Pier That Never Returned & New Voices for 2026
This 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. Skepticism
The 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 Plan
Attention 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 Forum
Fontaine 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 Hall
The 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 Candidates
The 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.

🎙️ For the Record – Election Year Edition (Welcome to 2026)
Housing, Arts, Taxes & a Major Exclusive Interview
The first For the Record episode of 2026 sets the tone for an election year in New Westminster, with a packed program covering housing, affordability, culture, and the politics already shaping the campaign ahead.
🗳️ Welcome to 2026: Karima Budhwani Joins as Co-Host
The episode opens with a welcome to 2026, marking the start of a pivotal election year. Former NWP president and council candidate Karima Budhwani joins Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas as a guest co-host, offering her perspective on the issues that will dominate the months ahead.
🏠 Shelter Housing Project: 24/7 Funding & Heated Council Debate
The conversation begins with the latest debate over 24/7 funding for a shelter housing project, including a short clip from the council chamber. The discussion unpacks what was said, what wasn’t, and how housing policy could well become a key election issue.
🎭 Royal City Musical Theatre: Culture Meets Council
Listeners hear from New West resident Kat Palmer who appeared before council to speak about the RCMT's role in the community. The segment includes an excerpt from her presentation, followed by reaction and context. Massey Theatre reps welcomed to provide a counterpoint!
🏘️ Lookout Housing and Health Society: Presentation & Reaction
An excerpt from Lookout Housing Society’s five-minute council presentation is played, followed by analysis and commentary from the hosts. The hosts discuss the pivotal role former mayoral candidate and city councillor Chuck Puchmayr has played.
🙌 NWP Volunteer Appreciation & Candidate Announcements
Attention then turns to the NWP's Volunteer Appreciation event, taking place Sunday, where new trustee candidate announcements will also be made. The segment highlights the growing campaign momentum and the importance of volunteers as the election year begins in earnest.
💸 Mayor Brad West Calls Out New West Taxes on AM 730
A major regional moment is featured next, with a four-minute clip from the Mike Smyth Show, where Port Coquitlam Mayor Brad West publicly shames New Westminster’s tax levels.
The discussion zooms out to the broader issue of affordability and the reality that New Westminster is dealing with a 30%+ property tax increase over one council term - a key ballot question heading into 2026.
🎙️ Exclusive Interview: Mike McDonald
The centrepiece of the episode is an exclusive, in-depth interview with Mike McDonald, recorded separately. McDonald joins the show to share his views on the city, the election year ahead, and how a provincial election might unravel the best laid plans of civic politicians.
🎧 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 matter more than ever.

🔟🎙️ It’s Back! The Top 10 New West Stories of 2025
The 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 debates
High-profile bike lane and traffic controversies
How many petitions were needed for change
Neighbourhood issues that wouldn’t go away
Political moments that signaled change heading into 2026

Some 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:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
YouTube
All 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.