Connect Newsroom

Host Vijay Saini on Connect FM analyzes the first meeting of Surrey’s newly elected City Council, where members adopted 16 priorities and directed staff to take immediate action. The episode examines the council’s agenda, including its plans for public services, housing, public safety, infrastructure, and Surrey’s future growth. Vijay also discusses what the early decisions signal about the new co...

Host Vijay Saini on Connect FM analyzes the fatal collision in Vancouver involving a 19-year-old woman riding an e-scooter and a transit bus. The episode examines the circumstances surrounding the crash, road safety concerns, and the growing risks associated with e-scooters in busy urban areas. Vijay also discusses what the incident could mean for e-scooter regulations, rider safety, transit safet...

Host Vijay Saini on Connect FM examines Canada’s foreign buyer restrictions and the exemption that allows non-Canadians to purchase newly constructed homes. The episode explores whether the policy could attract international investment, support new-home construction, and help revive Canada’s real estate market. Vijay also discusses the potential impact on housing demand, home prices, and affordabi...

Host Vijay Saini on Connect FM examines whether recent election developments could force President Donald Trump to change his leadership style and political strategy. The episode looks at Trump’s controversial policies, political challenges, and the pressure facing his administration following the midterm results. Vijay also explores what the outcome means for the Republican Party, the US economy,...

Host Vijay Saini on Connect FM analyzes the results of the US midterm elections, where Democrats delivered a landslide victory. The episode examines the key races, voter turnout, and the issues that shaped the outcome, including the economy, healthcare, immigration, and public trust in government. Vijay also explores what the results mean for President Donald Trump, the Republican Party, and the b...

Host Vijay Saini on Connect FM analyzes Mayor Doug McCallum and Surrey City Council’s official inauguration for the 2026–2030 term. At the ceremony at City Hall, McCallum announced that Council will bring forward motions on all 15 commitments from its election platform at its first regular meeting. The episode examines the key priorities, including a zero per cent property-tax freeze for the four-...

Host Vijay Saini on Connect FM analyzes Surrey’s newly elected Mayor and Council as they take their Oaths of Office at an inauguration ceremony at City Hall on Monday, November 2. The episode looks at what the new council’s priorities could mean for the city, including local governance, public services, housing, public safety, and Surrey’s future development. Vijay also examines the expectations f...

Host Vijay Saini on Connect FM examines major revelations about gaps in Canada’s fight against money laundering. The episode explores weaknesses in anti-money laundering enforcement, financial crime investigations, suspicious transaction reporting, and the movement of illicit money through Canada’s economy. Vijay discusses why dirty money can be difficult to detect and stop, and what the issue mea...

Host Vijay Saini on Connect FM analyzes questions surrounding the BC NDP’s next leader, potential contenders, and the challenges facing the party. The discussion explores voter expectations, David Eby’s political legacy, and what a leadership change could mean for British Columbia politics. Vijay also examines claims about whether MLA pension eligibility influenced the timing of the October 24 ele...

Host Vijay Saini on Connect FM examines speculation about Venezuela’s relationship with the United States, including provocative talk of it becoming America’s “51st state.” The episode explores U.S. strategic interest in Venezuela’s oil reserves and the potential implications for Canada’s oil industry. Could closer U.S.–Venezuela ties change the competitive landscape for Canadian energy? Tune in f...

Host Vijay Saini on Connect FM discusses reports of potential AI-related job reductions at Microsoft and within the Netherlands government. The episode explores automation, the future of work, and concerns about whether artificial intelligence could replace workers. The discussion also examines the B.C. Conservatives’ push to repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA),...

Host Vijay Saini on Connect 91.5 FM analyzes reports of a sweeping Conservative victory in the 2026 B.C. election and a major setback for the NDP. The episode examines voter sentiment, campaign strategies, David Eby’s political future, and the issues that shaped the reported outcome. What drove voters’ choices, and what could a change in government mean for British Columbia? Tune in for a closer l...

Host Vijay Saini and News Director Pervez Sandhu discuss the latest provincial election updates, including Surrey Mayor Doug McCallum’s endorsement of the BC NDP. The episode examines the endorsement’s political significance, the battle for voter support in Surrey, and the campaign messages shaping the final stretch. Tune in to Connect FM for analysis of party strategies, voter priorities, and wha...

Host Vijay Saini on Connect FM analyzes the latest provincial election updates, focusing on signs of Conservative support among Punjabi- and Chinese-speaking voters. The episode explores voter priorities, community perspectives, and what this support could mean for closely contested ridings. The discussion examines the diversity of views within these communities and how parties are competing for t...

Host Vijay Saini on Connect FM previews the federal budget scheduled for November 5 and examines questions about the government’s distinction between operating and capital budgets. The episode focuses on concerns over how spending is classified, how clearly the government communicates its fiscal plans, and what taxpayers should watch for in the upcoming budget. Tune in for a discussion on spending...

Host Vijay Saini on Connect FM discusses Alberta’s referendum result, with voters rejecting separatism and choosing to remain part of Canada. The episode examines the message from voters, the debate over provincial sovereignty, and what the outcome could mean for Canadian unity and Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa. Tune in for a closer look at the political implications and the future of the sep...

Host Vijay Saini and co-host Vasu Saini on Connect FM discuss the recent municipal election results, with Doug McCallum’s return as Surrey mayor taking centre stage. The episode examines the outcome, the message from voters, and what the change in leadership could mean for Surrey’s future. Tune in for analysis of local politics, campaign promises, community priorities, and the challenges facing th...

Host Vijay Saini on Connect FM explores the prospect of Waymo robotaxis in Toronto and what driverless transportation could mean for Canada. The episode discusses autonomous driving technology, passenger safety, government regulations, and the potential impact on taxi drivers, ride-hailing services, and commuters. Could self-driving taxis reshape urban travel? Vijay examines the opportunities, con...

Host Vijay Saini discusses the NDP’s newly released costed platform and its plans for additional spending. The episode examines the party’s funding commitments, spending priorities, and the questions surrounding affordability, public services, and fiscal responsibility. Tune in to Connect FM as Vijay Saini explores how the proposals could affect taxpayers and the debate over government spending.

Host Vijay Saini discusses David Eby’s address to business leaders at a Vancouver Board of Trade event, where he argued that British Columbia cannot afford a Conservative government. The episode examines Eby’s political message, the debate over economic leadership, and the competing visions for B.C.’s future. Tune in for a discussion on business priorities, economic policy, voter concerns, and the...

Hosts Vijay Saini and Vasu Kumar on Connect FM discuss provincial and municipal elections, the issues driving political debate, and the battle for voter support. The episode explores campaign promises, affordability, housing, public safety, infrastructure, and the priorities shaping local communities. Tune in as they examine candidates’ commitments, political accountability, and what voters expect...

Hosts Vijay Saini and Vasu Kumar discuss Canada’s sharp employment decline after the economy lost 68,000 jobs in September—the second consecutive month of job losses. The national unemployment rate rose to 6.5%, while losses affected both full-time and part-time workers. The episode examines the growing pressure on Canadian workers, job seekers, families, and businesses amid economic uncertainty a...

Hosts Vijay Saini and Vasu Kumar discuss Elon Musk’s controversial comments supporting the separation of Quebec, Alberta, and Saskatchewan from Canada. Musk said the provinces would be “better off” outside Canada, reigniting debate over Canadian unity, regional sovereignty, foreign influence, and the role of powerful tech billionaires in politics. The episode examines the facts behind the controve...

Hosts Vijay Saini and Vasu Kumar discuss the B.C. Conservatives’ proposal to replace ICBC’s no-fault insurance system with a hybrid model that could restore the right of seriously injured accident victims to seek compensation in court. The episode examines injury claims, access to justice, insurance premiums, compensation, private competition, and the potential impact on B.C. drivers. Supporters s...

Hosts Vijay Saini and Vasu Kumar discuss the Parti Québécois victory in Quebec and its return to power as a minority government. Led by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon, the sovereigntist party has revived the debate over Quebec independence and promised another referendum, although it fell short of the 64 seats required for a majority. The episode examines what the result means for Quebec sovereignty, Pr...