For years, we’ve been saying it. We’ve written the articles, we’ve laid out the facts, and we’ve practically drawn these people a roadmap to common sense.
And yet, here we are. Feb 1, the United States imposed a 25 percent tariff on Canadian imports, and the federal government, with all its resources, is suddenly scrambling. The message is clear: Canada is weak, unprepared, and has been coasting on borrowed time.
If this is how a national government reacts to a little pressure from its closest ally, what do you think is happening at the small, local level? If Canada—a country of 40 million people with entire industries behind it—is sweating because the U.S. raised trade barriers, then what does that say about the governance of North Cowichan?
Here in our tiny municipality, we’re being led by a group of people who still believe they are on the frontlines of the global climate battle, as if their resolutions and traffic redesigns are what’s keeping the oceans from rising. Meanwhile, reality has come knocking, and our community is on the same trajectory as the federal government—which is to say, straight into the ground.
The Disconnect is Astounding
North Cowichan’s financial situation has already been called “dire” by the CAO. This year alone, residents are being told to brace for at least an 8.4 percent tax hike—a number that doesn’t even include utilities, which are also rising. But wait, that’s not all! Some council members think 15 to 20 percent is more “realistic.” Meanwhile, our roads crumble, our services weaken, and our infrastructure backlog grows.
Yet, somehow, the only priorities that seem to matter to our local elected officials are sustainability plans, park expansions, and “green” road projects that make traffic even worse. No one is saying that environmental considerations shouldn’t exist—but should they be the main focus when people can’t afford to live here?
While residents struggle to pay their bills, our council is busy patting themselves on the back for their “climate lens” policies. They are spending your tax dollars as if they’re running a charity for progressive causes rather than governing a municipality.
And what’s the best response we’ve ever gotten from them? “Vote differently next time.” What a joke.
Told You So—But Now What?
For two years, we at The Westward Independent have been saying this would happen. Not because we have some crystal ball, but because it was obvious to anyone with common sense. We’re a group of professionals—tech entrepreneurs, business owners, natural health experts, tradespeople—normal people who actually think ahead. And yet, somehow, we saw the writing on the wall before our “elected experts” did.
The reality is, we don’t need another council full of liberal arts degree holders who think governance is an extension of their activism. We need people who understand finance, business, infrastructure—people who actually know how to run something other than a social media campaign.
And now, there’s a chance to change that. With Debra Toporowski stepping down from council, a by-election is coming. It’s a rare opportunity to shift the balance and bring some actual economic sense back to the table. If voters make the same mistake again, North Cowichan will continue its slow-motion decline. If they get it right, there’s a chance to put a stop to this performative nonsense before it’s too late.
A Serious Reset is Needed
The U.S. just sent Canada a reality check, and North Cowichan should take the hint. This municipality is bleeding money on performative policies while ignoring the fundamentals. Our leaders are making the same mistakes locally that the Liberals and NDP have made federally. The difference? We don’t have a federal budget to absorb the consequences.
If this town is going to survive, we need a leadership overhaul. We need actual experts and innovators, not career politicians looking for their next ideological pet project.
The time for warnings is over. There’s an election coming. You have a choice. Don’t screw it up.
