The FIFA World Cup vibes are still strong in Vancouver, but the new B.C. Conservatives think they could be stronger.
A release sent out by the Conservative Caucus of British Columbia, quoting new leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, suggests that bars and restaurants should be allowed to serve alcohol earlier than usual.
Trevor Halford, Interim Leader of the Opposition, said, “It makes sense to allow bars and restaurants to serve alcohol earlier than usual.”
“Canada’s next game is in the morning, and businesses should be able to apply for a temporary licence that would allow them to serve prior to game time,” he said.
Halford said that there are similar exemptions for hockey games at the Olympics and World Juniors.
Liquor rules have already been changed during FIFA, primarily through extending service hours at bars and restaurants.
“This is a chance for Canadians to come together to cheer our team on, and an economic opportunity for B.C. bars and restaurants,” Halford added.
Meanwhile, Findlay said that she hopes the temporary rule change will allow British Columbians to keep celebrating “this terrific occasion.”
New leadership team
@KerryLynneFindl/X
The B.C. Conservative Party recently unveiled its new leadership team, with some familiar if not controversial names.
Findlay’s leadership team includes the likes of Ian Paton, who was a Delta councillor and is now serving his third term in the legislature. It also includes Lawrence Mok, Steven Kooner, Sheldon Clare, and Heather Maahs. Clare took a run at being the Conservative Party leader.
The new team also includes Brent Chapman, who is perhaps the most controversial choice for the leadership team.
Chapman has been the centre of several controversies dating back to 2015, some of which he has publicly apologized for. Chapman was posting pro-Trump content on his social media and also made comments about mass shootings being faked. In 2024, he compared harm reduction policies to the Holocaust.
Former leader of the B.C. Conservatives, John Rustad, refused to remove Chapman as a candidate and accepted his public apology.
Now, Chapman will be serving under Findlay to look after stakeholder relations.
Chapman also happens to be Findlay’s husband.
The BC NDP had some comments on the new leadership team, including Maahs, who is the Official Opposition Leader. The NDP points out that Maahs was one of the five MLAs who voted against denouncing the Trump tariffs.
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