Eby is prepared to test drive the campaign bus

B.C. NDP Leader David Eby is preparing to launch his campaign bus as the province heads into an election campaign, with Conservative Leader John Rustad and Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau addressing municipal leaders.

Eby recently spoke to local politicians at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention, where issues like homelessness, the overdose crisis, and funding were raised.

His speech highlighted his plan to introduce involuntary care for people with severe mental health and addiction issues, noting that several cities are on board with establishing "secure sites" for treatment.

Decriminalization of small amounts of hard drugs and public drug use are expected to be key topics in the upcoming election.

Meanwhile, Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives held onto a seat in a byelection in the Bay of Quinte riding, though the margin was tighter than in previous elections.

Tyler Allsopp, a Belleville municipal councillor, won the race, replacing Todd Smith, who had held the seat for four terms.

In Toronto, tenants at two buildings in North York celebrated a major win after the Landlord and Tenant Board issued an interim order compelling their corporate landlord to complete long-overdue repairs.

This decision followed a 10-month rent strike, part of a wider wave of rent strikes across Toronto since May 2023.

In Nova Scotia, a woman named Jennifer Brady has applied for medically assisted death (MAID) due to extreme pain caused by lymphedema, though her request was denied.

Brady believes that with additional out-of-country surgery, her condition could improve, but she struggles to afford the treatment.

Finally, a memorial for children’s TV star Ron “Buck Shot” Barge will be held in Calgary on Friday.

Barge, known for his show "Buck Shot" which ran for 30 years, passed away last month at the age of 87.