Banana Smoothie Republic | Nickname | A cynical moniker for the Province of British Columbia. It was spun from the political science term “Banana Republic” (typically defined as a weak agricultural state wholly dependent on foreign capital) by local writer/activist Derrick O’Keefe in the wake of the June 2015 Om The Bridge fiasco, which saw then Premier Christy Clark announcing (and later withdrawing) a major yoga event peripherally promoting a major financial supporter (Lululemon founder Chip Wilson). Especially apt when BC politicians try to sell the “feel good” interests of their corporate supporters, specifically those that appear – however superficially – to benefit the public.

Usage:

Vancouver: a banana smoothie republic. Condo salesman leads housing policy; yoga billionaire calls in bike lanes & bridge closures #vanpoli

— Derrick O’Keefe (@derrickokeefe) June 6, 2015