Democracy stands at a crossroads in British Columbia as Michael Mulligan delivers a powerful analysis of the NDP's proposed Tariff Response Act (Bill C-7). Drawing on historical parallels that send shivers down the spine, Mulligan unpacks how this legislation bears troubling similarities to Nazi Germany's 1933 Enabling Act—legislation that effectively rendered their legislature irrelevant and set the stage for catastrophe.

The bill's provisions would allow the government to make retroactive amendments to laws, shield officials from judicial review for procurement decisions, and potentially criminalize non-compliance with up to two years imprisonment. Most alarming is how the exclusion of the Offense Act creates a backdoor to criminal prosecution under Section 127 of the Criminal Code—potentially criminalizing actions that weren't illegal when performed. "The response to right-wing populism and erratic behaviour ought not to be a populist, left-wing, arbitrary response," Mulligan warns, as he urges Green Party MLAs who hold the balance of power to consider the weight of history before supporting such a transfer of power.

In the second segment, Mulligan discusses a recent Victoria case with significant implications for homeowners and contractors. The court ruled that consumers can cancel construction contracts lacking specific completion dates within 12 months under the BC Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act. When a sunroom company demanded an additional $17,310 and dumped materials "the size of a small car" in a homeowner's driveway after cancellation, the judge ordered a full refund plus damages for trespass. Take note whether you're planning renovations or providing services—completion dates aren't just good business practice; they're legally required. Have you checked your contracts lately?

Follow this link for a transcript of the show and links to the cases discussed.