BC Election Run Up
BC Election Run Up: In a major shakeup to the province’s political landscape, the once-dominant BC United’s (formerly BC Liberals) leader Kevin Falcon suspended its campaign at the end of August, leaving the BC Conservatives to represent the centre-right in a two-way race with the BC NDP in the upcoming provincial election.
In Recent News
“What became apparent to me as I criss-crossed the province and heard from literally tens of thousands of people is the No. 1 major concern that they have is that ‘if you guys don’t do the right thing and be the adults in the room and help bring together that free-enterprise centre-right common sense coalition, you are going to help elect an NDP government,’” Falcon said during a joint press conference with BC Conservative Leader John Rustad. “We cannot give the NDP one more day in power than they absolutely have to have, and that’s why I made the decision that I made as leader of B.C. United.”
BC United Leader Kevin Falcon’s deal with BC Conservative Leader John Rustad shocked the sitting BC United MLAs and nominated candidates. As leader Falcon is free to do as he chooses but only seven of his nearly 60 nominated candidates were picked to continue running with the BC Conservatives. Several jilted candidates are still figuring out their next move while most have abandoned their campaigns and resigned themselves to watching a battle between Rustad’s BC Conservatives and the governing BC NDP led by Premier David Eby. Several BC United candidates are planning to run as Independents, including current MLAs Dan Davies, Tom Shypitka and Mike Bernier.
Election Analysis
The BC Conservatives and BC NDP are currently tied in the polls at 44%[1]. Projections predict a slim NDP majority with election day five weeks away.
Although the parties have changed the top issues that British Columbians care about remain consistent. According to a survey commissioned by the B.C. Chamber of Commerce and conducted by Counsel Public Affairs, health care (57%), the cost of living (50%) and housing (45%) as the top three issues on voters’ minds.
According to the poll, more voters found the governing NDP best suited to handle the health care system, tackling the cost of living, addressing the housing crisis, and education issues. However, participants felt the BC Conservatives were best positioned to keep taxes low, balance the budget, address crime and public safety and encourage more business investment, the poll found.
As we approach the writ drop, it remains to be seen if the BC Conservatives can maintain their momentum during the election against the more established BC NDP. The BC Conservatives have had several candidates that have been publicly criticized for their controversial views. The BC Conservatives have ejected some of these candidates but have given their members more leeway than traditional parties to voice their personal opinions. Sometimes, publicly dealing with these issues during a campaign can sidetrack a party and impact their level of support. As the start of the election approaches, we can expect a competitive race the chance to govern British Columbia.
[1] 338Canada British Columbia | Poll Analysis & Electoral Projections