Stephen Smart

Communicator/issues guy. Head of Communications at YVR. Proud Canadian, West Coaster. Likes politics. Recovering journalist. Opinions expressed are my own, etc.

[LNG Canada @lngcanada]

LNG Canada today announced that its Joint Venture Participants have taken a Final Investment Decision (FID) on the LNG Canada Phase 2 expansion project in Kitimat, BC, in the traditional territory of the Haisla Nation https://t.co/69UQgW80ci

[Rob Shaw @RobShaw_BC]

The two major #bcelxn announcements today:
• @bcndp pledge to double critical mineral exports, cut mine approval timelines.
• @Conservative_BC pledge to double LNG production by 2032 and triple by 2035, cutting red tape, faster approvals, and competitive royalty framework.

[The Vancouver Sun @VancouverSun]

Gateway to one of Condé Nast's top-rated Mexican cities now a direct flight from YVR https://t.co/yMlAY4kdR3

[Jarryd Jäger @JarrydJaeger]

BREAKING: Findlay resigns as leader of BC Conservatives

https://t.co/PKhoZhVngB

[YVR @yvrairport]

YVR's annual full-scale emergency exercise is happening tomorrow from 8:00am-3:00pm. With 400 participants from 25 agencies, travellers and employees may notice activity and signage around Sea Island. Airport operations will not be impacted. Learn more: https://t.co/0pz4CFLIhf

[YVR @yvrairport]

Find what you’re looking for at YVR with our interactive airport map tool. Search for where you need to go and get directions—including an option to select a wheelchair accessible route. Visit https://t.co/ABreAnLx2i to try it the next time you're at YVR.

[Stephen Smart @smartyvr]

@CherylZiola @simisara730CKNW @jarmstrongbc @DailyHive Yikes!!!

[Stephen Smart @smartyvr]

@JanetBrown980 Love this, Janet. Good on you for putting your name forward like this. Wishing you the best of luck!

[YVR @yvrairport]

As YVR continues to hit record passenger and cargo volumes, the commitment to our climate goals remains. Learn more from @Skift and our Director of Environment Wendy Avis about how we're reaching Net-Zero by 2030: https://t.co/3V8IioGwgn

[Jas Johal @JasJohalBC]

BREAKING - New provincial party to be formed with 5 former B.C. Conservative MLA’s. They include Milobar (interim leader), Paton, Bird, Banman and Warbus. Internal leadership vote to be held before leg returns. New party will sit with official 3rd party status. #bcpoli #cdnpoli

[YVR @yvrairport]

From Hillcrest Park to the Little League World Series. ⚾

After an incredible run in Williamsport, @LMBaseball touched down at YVR this afternoon to a big welcome. Congratulations and thank you for representing Canada on the world stage!

[Vancouver Is Awesome @VIAwesome]

'Best airport ever': Traveller delighted as YVR staff deliver Tim Hortons order across airport https://t.co/4sedWeEIU2

[Charmaine de Silva @char_des]

Without a doubt, @yvrairport is the best!

[Teresa Wat @Teresa_Wat]

I’ve made the decision today that I can no longer serve as a member of the BC Conservative Caucus under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay and I will sit as an Independent Member of the Legislative Assembly.

On July 29, it was reported in the media that during the BC Conservative leadership campaign, Ms. Findlay was alleged to have made serious and unfounded accusations about me, including remarks that called my allegiance to Canada into question. These remarks were distasteful, hurtful and made me question my place in the BC Conservatives under her leadership. At the time though, I was travelling with family and I attempted to put the matter behind me. I had a brief conversation thereafter with the leader who did not apologize and wanted to focus on what’s ahead of us. I decided to try to move on.

When I recently returned home, I understood the full extent and reach of Ms. Findlay’s comments. I had many friends and individuals from the community reach out to me to say they do not believe these false allegations and were shocked no apology was issued. I realized that these allegations had caused real damage to my reputation and had created serious concern within the community.

Following an exchange with Ms. Findlay and her Chief of Staff earlier this week, I was told an apology and clarification would be issued. To date, no statement has been issued.

I cannot continue to sit in a caucus led by someone who has questioned my loyalty without evidence and, when given the opportunity to correct the record, has failed to do so.

I make my decision with a heavy heart, proud of what we have achieved since I joined the BC Conservatives. Unfortunately, I believe all that progress is now at risk. I firmly believe we need an alternative to the NDP that is trying to grow and not one trying to divide. That is not the direction of the BC Conservatives under Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

I want to thank my BC Conservative colleagues who have been steadfast with me. I consider you my friends and I wish you well.

As a four-term MLA, I know politics can be cut throat and a blood sport. I’ve never liked that about it. I’ve never subscribed to it. At its core, politics is about people. Those we stand up for in our communities, the teammates who inspire us, and the voices that drive change. I will continue to serve the people of Richmond-Bridgeport with those values at my core. #Richmondbc
#bcpoli

[Ben O'Hara-Byrne @Ben_oharabyrne]

Delta South MLA Ian Paton joined by former. BC Conservative MLA Peter Milobar to announce he’s also leaving the BC Conservatives to sit as an independent, but they intend to form a new party. Milobar will be the interim leader of this new party.

[YVR @yvrairport]

Latest information regarding impact at YVR from overnight thunderstorms: https://t.co/kCum4EzB5D

[Brad604 @Brad604]

YVR officially recorded Thunderstorms for 6 hours straight between 9pm and 2am.

For those wondering, the July 25th, 2009 marathon Thunderstorm outbreak officially lasted for 5 hours, and recorded 1,100 Lightning flashes throughout the Lower Mainland. That was a once in 10-15 year event. That should give some context to how extreme this was. #bcstorm

[Mark Carney @MarkJCarney]

Ma déclaration sur les négociations commerciales en cours entre le Canada et les États-Unis :

[Jas Johal @JasJohalBC]

Heartbreaking news about the passing of John McKeachie. For more than 25 years John brought Canucks hockey into our homes at CKNW and BCTV, alongside Jim Robson and Tom Larscheid. He was a voice this city trusted, and a great colleague. Deepest condolences to his wife and girls.

[YVR @yvrairport]

From spot prawns to fresh oysters, seafood exports are just one example of the economic impact being enabled by flights from YVR across the Pacific. Learn more about their success and what's driving trade in the region from @bcbusiness: https://t.co/joieQVcr0P