BC
Provincial Election October 2026
Out
of the BC election gate, the following is the NDP pitch to its members. Note
the lack of mention of the Premiers name, as Eby is not too popular right now,
even among the NDP Party ranks. At least four BC NDP Cabinet Ministers have
announced they will not run again in the BC October 24 snap election. Minister
of Health Ravi Kahlon, Jobs Minister Brenda Bailey, Emergency Management
Climate Readiness Minister Kelly Greene, and Minister of Agriculture and Food
Lana Popham will not seek another term. Social media rumours indicate that a
few more NDP incumbents may announce they are not seeking re-election.
The
NDP Party email to Members said in part:
“In
case you missed it, the provincial election was just called. BC votes on
October 24. Do we want a party that would bring in US-style privatized
healthcare, or a premier who is opening new hospitals and connecting more
people to healthcare workers than ever before? Do we want a party that would
hand the housing market to speculators, or a premier who is building more
affordable homes for people every day? Do we want a party that would undermine
our fundamental human rights, or a premier who’s more focused on building a
strong economy for everyone than a toxic culture war? That’s the choice people
have on October 24.”
Previously,
on Tuesday, Sep 22, Premier Eby said in part to the Party Members, “Trump is
coming after us. He’s going after our jobs and pushing up the cost of
everything we buy. He’s made it clear he wants Canada, and BC, to be an
extension of America. That’s a threat to our ability to make our own decisions,
in our own country, for our own people. This is a defining moment for BC and
for Canada. And British Columbians deserve a say in how we chart our future. So
today I called an election for October 24.”
In
contrast, the BC Conservatives sent out the following:
This
cynical snap election is not what British Columbians asked for. While David Eby
and the NDP try to distract from their track record of chaos, our team has come
together, strong and unified, to offer a viable alternative, and build British
Columbia into the province you deserve. Under Eby and the NDP, British
Columbians have seen:
Chaos
and High Costs: Tax increases, a blown budget surplus, and record-breaking
deficits.
Street
Crime & Disorder: Rampant crime, drugs, and disorder on our streets
alongside a worsening cost-of-living crisis.
Vulnerability
and Squandered Opportunities: Failure to grow and diversify trade, leaving B.C.
exposed and more reliant on the US.
We
are a party of progressive ideas and conservative values. We believe in lower
taxes, growing the economy while protecting the environment, compassion with
real results, safe streets, effective treatment, schools focused on core
learning, and a government that respects your hard-earned tax dollars.”
*
* *
I
observe that most Electoral District Associations will have to appoint
Candidates, as there is no time for the grass roots electoral process to
function. It is especially hard for
Conservatives, as their Membership strongly prefers a local vote and contested
nomination races. The NDP not so much,
as they have a strong internal controller system.
So
far, the media has focused on “why now Premier Eby?” The Premier has not given a satisfactory
answer. The evidence is that his risky move is a craven power grab, expecting
to catch the BC Conservatives the other non-NDP Partys such as the BC Green
Party, One BC, and Centre BC, not having financing and electoral organizations
on the ground to reasonably conduct a campaign. Eby is also copying Prime
Minister Carney’s political misdirection by trying to create anti Trump
sentiment for political gain.
The
NDP claimed that the BC Conservatives only have an “interim leader” as
Conservative internal Party rules say that an interim leader cannot become full
leader. The remark was to cast doubt on BC Conservative stability.
Conservatives quickly confirmed that if they win and are asked to form
government by the Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Wendy Cocchia, that MLA
Lorne Doerkson will be Premier, making clear what the electorate will be voting
for.
Angus
Reid released BC poll numbers: BC Conservative 43%, NDP 35%, and 65% say Eby is
putting staying in power over the province's interests. Other polls have the
NDP slightly ahead.
The
BC Legislature has 93 seats. The NDP government has so far advertised 46
candidates. Conservatives have
advertised 64 candidates. It is expected
these Parties will each put forward 93 candidates.
There
are other Parties that range on a philosophical spectrum which may become vote
splitter spoilers for the leading Parties. The Greens may give concern for some
NDP seats. One BC and Centre BC may become hurtful spoilers for a few
Conservatives.
BC
is in a political mess. All political promises are subject to the reality to
pay for them. The NDP has taken a $5.7
billion surplus into a $13.8 billion deficit.
BC is financially broke.
The
streets will soon be a confusion of political signs, Municipal and
Provincial. Voters are angry and
exasperated.
Province
wide municipal elections are under way, with voting day October 17, 2026. The Provincial election voting day is October
24, 2026.
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