Political Pulse with Ryan Painter

BC's Future: Iain Black's 100-Day Plan to Revive the Province

Ryan Painter — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:27:00 GMT

In this in-depth interview, BC leadership candidate Iain Black shares his extensive experience in business and politics and outlines his bold 100-day plan to revitalize British Columbia. He discusses key issues such as economic investment, regulatory reform, Indigenous relations, and the province's future, emphasizing principled leadership and practical solutions.

Avi Lewis Is About to Make Jew-Hate the NDP's Official Slogan

Ryan Painter — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 18:17:13 GMT

I spent 24 years as an NDP strategist, organizer, federal and provincial executive member, and proud fighter for working people under Jack Layton’s big-hearted vision. That party once tried to be for all Canadians. It dreamed of lifting everyone up.

In 2017, I first raised the alarm inside the party and publicly. I declared myself a Christian-Zionist: so…

Bill Tieleman Breaks Down the Federal NDP Leadership Contest

Ryan Painter — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 22:43:11 GMT

In this episode, Bill Tieleman provides an in-depth analysis of the federal NDP leadership race, the party’s current challenges, and the political landscape in Canada. He discusses the candidates, party dynamics, and the broader implications for Canadian politics.

Key Topics

NDP leadership candidates and their perspectives
Party challenges post-Jagmeet Singh era
Canadian political landscape and party dynamics

The Real Future of Reconciliation: Moving Beyond Legislation to Honest Community Engagement

Ryan Painter — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:30:28 GMT

In this conversation, Ryan Painter and Aaron Pete discuss the evolution of the Nuanced podcast, the importance of bridging divides in political discourse, and the changing media landscape. They delve into the role of journalism in politics, dissect political narratives, and explore the complexities of reconciliation and Indigenous issues in Canada, particularly in light of the DRIPA and Cowichan decision. The discussion emphasizes the need for economic reconciliation and community empowerment as pathways forward for Indigenous communities.

Live with Damian Penny

Ryan Painter — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 20:38:30 GMT

Available for iOS and Android

Embracing Conservative Values: A Youth Perspective with Giulia Di Lollo

Ryan Painter — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:21:38 GMT

In this episode, Giulia Di Lollo shares her journey from being on the political left to embracing conservatism, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives, free speech, and practical values for young Canadians. Her insights reveal how family, personal experiences, and a quest for truth shape her evolving worldview and her hopes for Canada's future.

Navigating the Challenges of Small Business in BC

Ryan Painter — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:16:11 GMT

In this conversation, Ryan Mitton, the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) in British Columbia, discusses the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in the province. He highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade wars, and economic uncertainties on business confidence. Mitton emphasizes the importance of tax competitiveness and regulatory reform to support small business growth and shares insights on the need for policy changes to foster a more favorable environment for entrepreneurs. The conversation also touches on the significance of shopping local and the role of CFIB in advocating for small businesses.

The Crisis of BC Ambulance Staffing

Ryan Painter — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 01:59:50 GMT

In this conversation, Ian Tait, Communications and Social Media Director for the Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia, discusses the ongoing contract negotiations and the challenges faced by paramedics in BC. He highlights the staffing crisis, burnout, and the impact of mental health on paramedics. The conversation also touches on the effects of decriminalization and the opioid crisis on paramedics, as well as the need for better working conditions and support systems to retain staff in a changing labour market.

PAINTER: Victoria's 'inclusion' facade: armed police guard Jews while council stays silent on antisemitism

Ryan Painter — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:08:46 GMT

The capital city of British Columbia, Victoria, likes to describe itself as a city of inclusion.

Our elected leaders repeat the language often. They issue statements. They cite values. They offer land acknowledgements. They choose their words carefully for every occasion.

What is missing is something far less performative and far more important: the willi…

Trading With China Is Inevitable. Trading Without Guardrails Is a Choice

Ryan Painter — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 18:53:48 GMT

Canada does not lack trading partners. What it lacks, increasingly, is clarity about leverage.

That matters, because trade is not just commerce. It is power, memory, and credibility. When governments treat it as a reset button instead of a ledger, they invite outcomes they later pretend were unforeseeable.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent visit to Chin…

Safety, Perception, and Institutional Trust

Ryan Painter — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 17:53:32 GMT

Canada is changing. For many, it no longer feels safe to walk alone after dark.

This perception has climbed sharply in recent years, and it reflects more than a momentary fear. It reflects a profound gap between how Canadians experience safety and how public institutions frame it.

A new survey from the Angus Reid Institute finds that 62 per cent of Canadi…

David Eby’s Refinery Talk Is a Deflection, Not a Plan

Ryan Painter — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 15:03:11 GMT

Premier David Eby floated an interesting idea this week: instead of backing a new pipeline to British Columbia’s coast, perhaps Canada should invest public money in refining Alberta’s oil into gasoline and diesel for domestic use.

On the surface, it sounds pragmatic. Refine more at home. Reduce reliance on the United States. Capture more value from our o…

BC Health Care Isn’t a Funding Mystery. It’s an Accountability Failure

Ryan Painter — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:55:40 GMT

British Columbians are told the same story about health care every year.

“The system is strained.”

“Demand is rising.”

“Costs are exploding.”

“If only there were more money, things would improve.”

These are common refrains, and governments love trotting them out because they’re comforting and absolve leadership of responsibility. They suggest the problem is …

ANNOUNCEMENT: Political Pulse is resuming

Ryan Painter — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 21:32:54 GMT

Political Pulse is resuming with a renewed focus and a clear publishing cadence.

The project will publish once a week and focus primarily on British Columbia politics and public policy, drawing on Canadian and international examples where they sharpen accountability, perspective, and outcomes.

The goal hasn’t changed.

Political Pulse exists to examine how…

I'll be seeing you...

Ryan Painter — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 19:29:13 GMT

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed exploring politics with my readers and subscribers since starting my podcast and newsletter two years ago.

It’s been a journey and a labour of love.

I value all my subscribers, and particularly those who invested their time and hard-earned money to engage, promote, and make my newsletter and podcast better.

You’ve inspired me all th…

When the Applause Is for a Killing

Ryan Painter — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:36:39 GMT

I’ve struggled to write this.

Not because there is nothing to say, but because there’s too much, and because the ugliest part of the past few weeks has not been the tragedy, but the celebration.

The memes, the jokes, the unguarded glee at a political enemy’s death have been harder to look at than the news alerts.

This isn't who we are supposed to be.

Wh…

Reflections on my first Canada Strong and Free Conference and the Danger of Conservative Purity Tests

Ryan Painter — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 16:26:58 GMT

This past week, I had the privilege of attending my very first Canada Strong and Free Conference (CSFN) in Calgary. I came away not only encouraged by the energy in the conservative movement, but also reminded of a critical challenge we must confront if we want to keep building momentum: the temptation of purity politics.

A Movement That’s Growing

From th…

The Immigration Pressure Cooker: Canada's Defining Future Fight

Ryan Painter — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 19:25:56 GMT

Immigration is no longer a background issue in Canada. It is the centerpiece of our national debate, overtaking crime and public safety, climate change, and job security, according to a recent poll by Abacus.

Latest poll from Abacus shows the top issues facing Canada. Immigration is in the top six

Politicians are choosing sides. Public trust is wavering…

PODCAST - Decoding the Battle River-Crowfoot By-Election with the National Post's Rahim Mohamed

Ryan Painter — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:38:51 GMT

In this episode, we welcome Rahim Mohamed, an insightful and impactful reporter and columnist with the National Post, to help us unravel the complexities of the Battle River Crowfoot by-election.

Together, we explore the shifting political landscape, voter trends, and the growing divide within the Canadian conservative movement. Join us for an insightful discussion that delves into the implications of the election results and their impact on the future of Canadian politics.

Don't miss this engaging conversation that sheds light on the forces shaping the nation's political scene.

National Post - Ryan Painter: How bureaucrats almost stopped B.C. from saving a child's life

Ryan Painter — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 15:01:40 GMT

The following was published as a Special to National Post on August 5, 2025.

Ten year-old Charleigh Pollock is the only child in B.C. with Batten Disease, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. Photo by Handout

In British Columbia, at least 10 members of the province’s expensive drugs for rare diseases (EDRD) committee have resigned, not because the governme…