CiTR

After headlines from Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, Democracy Watch unpacks the NDP's recently announced 2018 budget with senior economist from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Iglika Ivanova.

After that, we hear a story from last Friday's Wild Salmon Fundraiser & Educational evening at the Vancouver Unitarian Church. The evening featured world-renowned scientist, David Suzuki, as well as several Indigenous activists, including hereditary Chief Ernest Alfred from the 'Namgis, Tlowitsis and Mamalilikulla First Nations who spoke of the environmental hazard and infringement on First Nations' rights resulting from salmon farming off the coast of B.C.

We end the show with a piece on Tuesday’s national Day of Action on Drug Decriminalization held in Downtown Vancouver. This year’s action focused on the criminal justice system and its impact on drug users, including the practice of red-zoning. Democracy Watch spoke with event organizer Jordan Westfall; president of the Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs, PIVOT lawyer Caitlin Shane, members of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU) and rally-goers marching in honour of loved ones lost to this epidemic.