For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas

Daniel Fontaine
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Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas are City Councillors in New Westminster. They regularly explore a range of topics of interest to urbanistas! They bring guests in studio from all sides of the political spectrum and aren't afraid to take on some of the most challenging issues facing our cities. Crumbling infrastructure, taxes, homelessness, traffic, urban sprawl - you name it - you'll hear about it on For the Record with Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas.

  1. An interview with NWP Mayoral candidate and City Councillor Daniel Fontaine on CONNECT FM 91.5

    2D AGO

    An interview with NWP Mayoral candidate and City Councillor Daniel Fontaine on CONNECT FM 91.5

    New Westminster city councillor and mayoral candidate Daniel Fontaine was invited in to the studios at CONNECT FM 91.5 to talk about vape shops and Metro Vancouver. Fontaine discusses the challenges that local municipalities have to restrict vape shops and whether the Province of BC should step in with provincial regulations. Popular host Vijay Saini also asks about Metro Vancouver and what more can be done to further control spending. Is an elected Board of Directors the answer - or not? Saini told his listening audience "...I find you [Fontaine] to be one of those councillors who focuses not just simply on your city in which you are a council member. Your ideas and your commentary has a wide-ranging impact on the region itself."

    14 min
  2. Episode 98: Pay, Perks and Pensions, Canada Post, Golden Grants, London St. Bike Lane & E-Scooter Pilot Project

    3D AGO

    Episode 98: Pay, Perks and Pensions, Canada Post, Golden Grants, London St. Bike Lane & E-Scooter Pilot Project

    🎙️ For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas This week’s episode dives into pay, perks, politics, and plenty of lively debate from inside and outside City Hall: ✅ Pay, Perks & Pensions – A new report recommends big increases to elected officials’ compensation — including raising the Mayor’s travel allowance from $200 to $850/month and doubling the Acting Mayor stipend. Daniel joins The Mike Smyth Show (AM 730) to discuss the issue and listener reactions. ✅ Metro Vancouver & Vape Shops – A segment from Daniel’s Connect FM radio interview dives into Metro governance and the growing push to limit vape stores in local communities. ✅ Canada Post at City Hall? – An emergency motion to debate national postal issues sparks questions — and laughs — about what’s actually municipal business. ✅ Woodward’s Sidewalk Redesign – Residents at 6th & 6th speak out against accessibility changes. Hear Woodward Building Strata President Liz Faber’s full presentation to Council. ✅ Grants Going Up – Civic grants are set to rise by 50% — just in time for an election year. Daniel and Paul unpack the political optics and one surprising twist affecting multi-year recipients. ✅ London Street Bike Lane – It’s official: the project is moving ahead after a divided vote, despite ongoing opposition from some residents. ✅ Police Board & Budget Pressures – With nearly 30% property tax hikes this term, Council debates underfunding, responsibility, and rising policing costs. ✅ Liquid Waste Management Plan – A split Council vote makes New Westminster one of the few municipalities opposing Metro Vancouver’s LWMP until an independent wastewater review is complete. ✅ E-Scooters – Thanks to an NWP motion, enforcement will now join education in cracking down on illegal scooter use. 🎟️ Upcoming Event – Don’t miss the NWP fundraiser at The Boathouse Restaurant on Oct 23. Details at nwprogress.ca or Eventbrite. 🎵 Plus — a perfect closer: Twisted Sister wraps up the episode in fitting fashion. 👉 Listen to For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform.

    1h 7m
  3. Episode 97: Compensation Conundrum, Lest We Forget, Rent Caps, Vape Limitations, London Bike Lane and more!

    OCT 4

    Episode 97: Compensation Conundrum, Lest We Forget, Rent Caps, Vape Limitations, London Bike Lane and more!

    🎙️ For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas This week’s episode dives into some of the most debated issues at New Westminster City Hall and beyond: ✅ Council Compensation Report – A proposal goes to Council Oct 6 to raise the Mayor’s car (aka transportation) allowance from $200 to $830/month, double the Acting Mayor stipend, and triple Councillor transportation allowances. Daniel’s amendments to the curbside management report — impose maximum free 2-hour parking at City Hall and ending automatic stipends — were voted down. ✅ Remembrance Day Crosswalks – Terry Leith, President of the No. 2 Royal Canadian Legion, urged Council to follow Richmond and Maple Ridge in honoring veterans with “Lest We Forget” crosswalks. ✅ Commercial Rent Caps – While a motion went to UBCM, Daniel and Paul highlight how steep property tax hikes in New West have already fueled rising commercial rents for small businesses. ✅ Vape Store Restrictions – A motion to limit the number and location of vape shops passed at UBCM and could soon influence provincial policy. ✅ London Street Bike Lane – Staff scaled back proposed parking cuts from 39% to 9% — a significant shift for residents. Fontaine and Minhas invite community feedback ahead of the Oct 6 report. ✅ Woodward’s Building Concerns – Seniors voiced frustration over lost loading zones and bus stop changes at a Strata Town Hall, raising questions about consultation and accessibility. ✅ Looking Ahead – NWP fundraiser Oct 23 will feature mayoral candidate Daniel Fontaine and the announcement of two new NWP council candidates. 👉 Listen to For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform.

    53 min
  4. Episode 96: Schools, Seniors & Scrapping Metro? – With Trustee Kathleen Carlsen

    SEP 27

    Episode 96: Schools, Seniors & Scrapping Metro? – With Trustee Kathleen Carlsen

    🎙️ For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas Special Co-Host: Kathleen Carlsen, NWP School Trustee This week’s episode brings school board insights, city debates, and provincial politics to the table: ✅ School Board Roundup – Trustee Kathleen Carlsen joins to discuss the five-block system at NWSS and the growing reliance on portables in the district, including a clip from NWP Trustee Danielle Connelly on her concerns. ✅ Woodward's Building Concerns – Seniors at 6th & 6th are losing both their loading zone and direct HandyDART access, raising serious accessibility questions. ✅ Metro Vancouver Under Fire – BC Conservative leader John Rustad told UBCM delegates that, if elected, his party would scrap Metro Vancouver and replace it with a utility. What could that look like? ✅ Heritage Commission Issues – A debate over heritage lamp standards in Massey Victory Heights, plus Daniel’s upcoming motion to expand the commission’s mandate. ✅ Candidate Spotlight – Kathleen turns interviewer, asking Daniel about his run for mayor under the NWP banner and the issues he plans to champion. ✅ Community Events – Highlights from the Massey Victory Heights Residents Association and the Quayside Residents’ Connect at the Quay gathering. 👉 Listen to For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform.

    57 min
  5. Episode 95: Fontaine for Mayor, Ferry Fare Hikes, Seniors Discounts & 7th St Bike Lane

    SEP 20

    Episode 95: Fontaine for Mayor, Ferry Fare Hikes, Seniors Discounts & 7th St Bike Lane

    For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas This week’s episode covers a wide range of hot topics coming out of New Westminster’s special Queensborough council meeting and beyond: ✅ Seniors’ Discount on Solid Waste & Recycling – How can more seniors access the 25% discount available on solid waste and recycling pickup fees? ✅ Budget 2026 – Staff presented scenarios of 4–5% tax hikes. Council unanimously supported a NWP motion to also model 0% and 2.5% increases. ✅ Q2Q Ferry Fare Hikes – Staff proposed raising some fares by up to 20%. Thanks to a NWP motion Council capped concession fares at inflation, but regular fares will still rise by 11% in 2026. ✅ Public Delegations – Brow of the Hill resident Terence Poirier raised concerns about the 7th Street bike lane, while Queensborough resident Amit Ajmera questioned a $275,000 digital sign project and highlighted community safety issues. ✅ Media Roundup – Featuring Daniel’s interviews on AM 730 with Mike Smyth (Metro Vancouver salaries & spending) and Simi Sara (campaign launch). ✅ Running for Mayor – Daniel reflects on the Sept 18th campaign launch, where 350 supporters turned out to kick off a 12-month race for change in New Westminster. 👉 Listen to For the Record with Daniel Fontaine & Paul Minhas now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform.

    1h 5m
  6. EPISODE 94: Eby Bows Out, NW Council Splits & Bellies Roll On

    SEP 13

    EPISODE 94: Eby Bows Out, NW Council Splits & Bellies Roll On

    🎧 For the Record – Episode 94 Vape Shops, Housing Debates & A Big Change at Metro Vancouver? This week on For the Record with Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas, they're covering everything from vape shop regulations to political shake-ups and lacrosse fever. Let’s dive in: 🚭 Vape Shop Limits: A Motion Goes Provincial They open with coverage from Global BC’s Grace Ke and CKNW’s Robin Gill, featuring a motion initially brought forward by Coun. Daniel Fontaine to limit the number and location of vape shops in New Westminster — especially near schools. Thanks to an amendment by Coun. Tasha Henderson, that local motion is now on its way to the Union of BC Municipalities for province-wide debate. 🚱 Eby Says No to Wastewater Review Premier David Eby quietly signaled—via letter—that the province will not review the $4 billion North Shore wastewater treatment plant debacle. They feature clips from Global’s Catherine Urquhart and News 1130, and ask: Why the lack of oversight? 🪶 Historic Moment at Council Daniel Fontaine reflects on his role as acting mayor and chair of this week’s council workshop — marking the first time someone of Indigenous heritage has chaired a New West council meeting. Coun. Paul Minhas shares his pride in being part of this milestone. 🏠 Aunt Leah’s Place: Setting the Record Straight Despite a recent misleading social media post, both Fontaine and Minhas have supported this important housing project for youth and moms — including most importantly when it came for 1st, 2nd and 3rd reading at Council. ☕ Councillor Cafés: Wrapping Up, Reimagining Ahead After hosting over 14 Councillor Cafés across the city, this community engagement format is wrapping up — but stay tuned for a new version, set to be unveiled at the NWP’s mayoral announcement on September 18. 🏗️ Housing Policy Split at Council The Community First slate showed a few cracks this week. While some members supported raising inclusionary housing targets to 10% in high-rises, Mayor Johnstone and Coun. Campbell opposed it. The final vote? 5–2 in favour, with Fontaine and Minhas siding with the more ambitious policy. 🎉 Recovery Day Success & Lacrosse Buzz More than 40,000 people attended Recovery Day in New West — and NWP was proud to be there. Meanwhile, the Salmonbellies are on fire as they chase the Mann Cup. The whole city is saying: Go Bellies Go! 🔥 Late-Breaking News: Metro Vancouver Shake-Up? Public, media, and political pressure may finally be paying off. Metro Vancouver’s board could soon shrink dramatically, if Premier Eby and the NDP act before the next civic election. FTR unpacks what this could mean. 🍔 North Fraser Métis BBQ & Property Tax Projections Fontaine, Minhas and the full NWP caucus attended this great community event. Plus, they touch on a new report suggesting a 5–6% property tax increase in the final year of this council’s term. 🎧 For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 💬 If you enjoy the podcast, share it with your friends, family, and colleagues — every share helps grow our local audience!

    58 min
  7. Episode 93: Heritage Lights, Speed Humps, Eby’s Silence & Go Bellies Go!

    SEP 6

    Episode 93: Heritage Lights, Speed Humps, Eby’s Silence & Go Bellies Go!

    🎧 For the Record – Episode 93Code of Conduct, Cheeseburgers & Crickets from Eby In this week’s episode of For the Record with Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas, we're digging into everything from political accountability to… free McDonald's burgers? 🍔 🧑‍⚖️ Should Civic Politicians Follow a Provincial Code of Conduct? Daniel Fontaine joined guest host Robin Gill on The Jas Johal Show (AM 730) to discuss how New Westminster’s mayor breached the city’s Code of Conduct Bylaw — and why not every city has one. Should the province step in and make it mandatory? 💬 Addiction, Homelessness & Hope We share a compelling excerpt from Episode 92, featuring Jeremy Cross, author of “Finding My Lost Life.” His personal story of addiction and recovery is both sobering and inspiring. 💡 Lighting Controversy in Massey Victory Heights What started as a simple plan to replace heritage lamp standards has sparked major pushback. Nearly 100 residents packed a city workshop — and things got heated. 🍟 Mayor McCheese? A Global News investigation reveals that Richmond’s Mayor Malcolm Brodie approved free McDonald’s cheeseburgers after staff had already attended an all-you-can-eat Christmas dinner. This story is part of a growing concern about overspending and poor oversight at City Hall. 🧍‍♂️ Where’s Premier Eby? It’s been more than 40 days since Metro Vancouver killed the independent review into the $4B wastewater treatment plant fiasco. Premier David Eby once promised to step in — but now? Silence. 📋 Council Recap: Speed Humps, Legacy Orgs & More The August 25th New West Council meeting was packed. We break down motions and debates, including: Reviewing the city’s speed hump policyDesignating legacy organizationsProposing a 50% increase to the community grants program📆 What’s Ahead: Recovery Day & Mayoral Announcement Sept 7: Join us at Recovery Day in downtown New WestSept 18: Get ready — NWP’s new mayoral candidate will be announced!Oh, and the Salmonbellies are packing Queen’s Park Arena — can they bring home the Mann Cup? (No predictions… just Go Bellies Go!)🎙️ For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 💬 If you enjoy the podcast, share it with friends and family — help us grow the conversation in New West and beyond!

    1h 3m
  8. EPISODE 92: Exclusive Interview - Drugs, Jail, Redemption - Jeremy’s Story

    SEP 4

    EPISODE 92: Exclusive Interview - Drugs, Jail, Redemption - Jeremy’s Story

    🎧 For the Record: A Conversation with Author Jeremy Cross – From Addiction to Recovery This week, For the Record features a powerful and deeply personal conversation with Jeremy Cross, author of the memoir “Finding My Lost Life: The Fall to Addiction, The Rise to Recovery.” Jeremy’s story is raw, real, and ultimately hopeful — a first-hand account of how drug addiction took hold of his life, and how he found the strength to reclaim it. He shares what led him down the path of substance use, the moment that changed everything, and how time behind bars became an unexpected turning point. The conversation also explores: Life in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside during his years of addictionHis reflections on New Westminster’s supervised injection siteAdvice for politicians who overlook the concerns of local residents and business owners affected by nearby drug use 🎤 This exclusive interview was recorded ahead of Recovery Day, taking place in New Westminster on Sunday, September 7 — an annual event that celebrates recovery and brings awareness to addiction issues. If this episode resonates with you, please share it with your friends and family. For the Record is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. To learn more about Jeremy Cross, visit 👉 www.jeremycross.ca His book is available now on Amazon.

    36 min
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About

Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas are City Councillors in New Westminster. They regularly explore a range of topics of interest to urbanistas! They bring guests in studio from all sides of the political spectrum and aren't afraid to take on some of the most challenging issues facing our cities. Crumbling infrastructure, taxes, homelessness, traffic, urban sprawl - you name it - you'll hear about it on For the Record with Daniel Fontaine and Paul Minhas.

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