LOCAL
Pierre Poilievre Critiques Liberal Budget: Calls for Economic Reforms
By Chad Dashly, Current News Room| Published on November 14, 2025
Poilievre’s Economic Vision: Lowering Housing Costs and Government Spending
In a recent address, Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, launched a sharp critique of the Liberal government’s budget, emphasizing the urgent need for economic reforms to reduce housing costs and stimulate growth. Poilievre pointed to the excessively long approval processes for major projects, like mines and LNG plants, which take years to start, further hampering Canada’s economic growth.
Poilievre specifically highlighted the inflated cost of housing in Canada, attributing much of the $200,000 increase in housing prices to taxes, permits, and zoning regulations. He suggested that if these barriers were removed, home prices could drop significantly, giving more Canadians the chance to buy a home. “In Vancouver, 60% of the cost of a new house comes from government-imposed fees and taxes,” he stated. “Government needs to step aside and let builders build.”
Canada’s Potential for Economic Growth
Poilievre also discussed Canada’s vast natural resources and how the country should capitalize on them to become the cheapest place in the world to build, grow food, and produce energy. He argued that Canada, with its vast landmass and abundant resources, has the potential to be a global economic leader if it removes bureaucratic barriers to economic activity.
Despite the Conservative Party’s recent challenges, including a defection of one MP to the Liberals, Poilievre remains optimistic. He emphasized the growing support for the Conservative Party, citing that they received 2.95 million more votes in the last election compared to the previous one.
Focus on Youth and Property Rights
Poilievre also touched on the youth vote, noting that young Canadians are struggling with high costs of living and job insecurity. “They are working multiple jobs just to stay afloat, yet they can’t afford a home,” he said. He believes the Conservative message—focused on affordable housing, job creation, and financial independence—is resonating with younger voters.
Furthermore, Poilievre emphasized the importance of protecting property rights in Canada, arguing that the federal government must stand firm in defending fee simple property ownership rights in court. “The courts cannot undermine the basic rights of property holders,” he stressed.
Conservative Policy on Agriculture and Immigration
Addressing Canada’s agricultural industry, Poilievre reiterated his stance on limiting the temporary foreign worker program, arguing that Canadian jobs should go to young Canadians first. He stated that agriculture could benefit from access to skilled foreign workers, but the broader immigration program should focus on helping young Canadians find jobs and build a better future.
LOCAL
How West Kelowna Residents Can Explore Heartfulness Meditation and Community Peace
West Kelowna hosts the 4th Peace Ambassador Celebration on Sept. 20 at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Join local leaders for discussions and meditation.
Community Leaders Gather for Annual Peace Celebration
West Kelowna will play host to an afternoon focused on personal and collective harmony as the fourth annual Peace Ambassador Community Celebration convenes on Sunday, Sept. 20. The event, which runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., takes place in the Orchard Conference Centre at the DoubleTree by Hilton, located at 2569 Dobbin Road.
Presided over by West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom, the gathering features a panel discussion designed to highlight how peace functions within the local region. Featured speakers include Chaplain Don Richmond of West Kelowna Fire Rescue and the West Kelowna Warriors Hockey Club, Professor Manik Dhir of Okanagan College, shadow finance MLA Gavin Dew of Kelowna-Mission, Dr. Arvind Ravindran, who serves as Country Coordinator for Heartfulness Institute Canada, and Jen Zielinski, Bureau Chief for Black Press Media’s B.C. Interior Division and Yukon.
Invest in Peace Focuses on Individual Experience
Organizers stated in a press release that the central theme, “Invest in Peace,” emphasizes that peace can be cultivated individually and shared across the community. The initiative provides an inclusive space for participants from diverse backgrounds to connect and foster harmony across the Central Okanagan.
Beyond general discussions, attendees will participate in reflection and meditation techniques. The press release noted: “The program will move beyond conversation to personal experience, introducing participants to the heartfulness approach to inner peace, reflection and meditation, based on the belief that lasting community peace begins with the individual.”
Admission to the celebration is free, and attendees can reserve their seats in advance through Eventbrite.
COMMUNITY
Unveiling event offers residents a first look at Kelowna’s future waterfront swim venue
Kelowna residents are invited to City Park on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m. to view the unveiled design for the city’s future waterfront swim venue.
Waterfront design reveal scheduled for Sept. 20
Residents are invited to gather at the northwest corner of City Park on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m. for the unveiling of the design for Kelowna’s future swim venue.
According to a press release, the special gathering will mark a key milestone for the long-planned project, bringing together supporters, community partners, and local residents to view the initial design and learn about upcoming steps for the new waterfront destination.
Part of broader City Park upgrades
The planned swim venue is one component of the broader City Park Improvement Plan. The overall initiative encompasses several enhancements to the area, including upgraded lighting, enhanced water access, a new boardwalk, and a relocated dog beach.
LOCAL
Why a Downtown Kelowna Assault Investigation Closed Without Charges
Kelowna RCMP have closed an investigation into an Aug. 9 downtown Water Street fight after the victim, who suffered serious injuries, decided not to press charges.
RCMP Conclude Downtown Incident
An investigation into an August incident in downtown Kelowna has been closed after the injured party chose not to press charges. Kelowna RCMP officers have now concluded their file on the matter.
Late-Night Altercation on Water Street
The incident occurred around 2:05 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9, in the 1600-block of Water Street. Patrolling officers observed a group engaged in a heated argument. Before police could step in, the dispute turned physical when one man struck another, causing him to fall to the ground and sustain serious injuries.
Suspect Arrested and Police Investigation Completed
Paramedics treated the injured man at the scene before transferring him to the hospital for further medical care. Police arrested the suspect on site, subsequently releasing them with conditions and a scheduled court date. Although RCMP gathered video surveillance, witness statements, and documentation to prepare a report for Crown Counsel, the victim ultimately decided against pursuing charges. What caused the initial argument and physical fight remains unknown.
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