Azim Jiwani

After bonding over The BC War Room podcast on @sitkamedia, Michael Gardiner and I have come to the surprising realization that we don’t entirely hate each other…

So, I’m excited to share that I’m joining Micheal’s company, Current Public Affairs, as a Senior Partner!

I’m also continuing on as VP of AP Group & Principal of Public Opinion Canada Research — so busy days ahead!

Find out more about current here: currentpublic.ca

Several years later, I wanted to offer a public mea-culpa on cultural issues. Those who know me personally know my views have always been nuanced, but my thinking has shifted considerably over the past 4 to 5 years.

Before my involvement in CPBC, I used to think cultural issues were political losers. Today, I think they MUST be part of any serious conversation about fixing BC & Canada.

Lorne Doerkson stood on podiums across BC and promised, in no uncertain terms, to repeal DRIPA, SOGI, & safe-supply. These have been among the most contentious issues in Canadian politics, yet he managed to do it without being branded as ‘scary’ or ‘risky’.

Conservatives don’t necessarily need to water-down policies. We need to become better at messaging, making ourselves relatable & relevant, & persuading people who don’t already agree with us.

It’s not just about winning elections. It’s also about getting the public consensus necessary to make lasting changes to the direction of our province & country.

I don’t want to live in a place where generational mobility doesn’t exist, the dream of homeownership is only for the richest, & kids expect to be poorer than their parents.

Changing that trajectory in BC & Canada requires serious policy, & also requires persuading enough people to support our ideas. We gotta sell, sell, sell, & we HAVE TO sound normal & relatable.

Allie Blades is one of the smartest and most capable people in BC politics — full stop.

She is highly organized, brings deep professionalism to everything she does and was pivotal to getting the Conservative Party into government.

This is great news for Premier Doerkson and BC.

Not long ago, Angelo was derided by establishment conservatives who were concerned with appeasing the left rather than advancing conservatism.

Through it all, Angelo never wavered in his principles — and, in the end, he proved them all wrong.

Proud to call him a friend, and thrilled our province will benefit from his leadership in this important role.

@VesnaSertic is a rockstar — she and @JarrydJaeger should be applauded for bringing together voices from across BC’s political spectrum for unedited, genuine, and frank debates.

When Micheal and I first came up with ‘BC War Room’, Sitka was our first call, because we trusted them to produce a truly non-partisan show without editorializing or forcing us to adopt a particular bent.

I’m proud that our guests included NDPers: @KahlonRav, @BradWestPoCo, BC Cons/BC Libs: @christyclarkbc, @Margare7a, Greens: @PtFry & Adam Olsen, & many more from all sides!