Keep up with the campaigns, policies of the the major players of the upcoming provincial election.
Livia Pica (any pronouns) // News Editor
The last time British Columbians voted, it was October 2020. There were no vaccines in sight yet, and another winter in the pandemic was approaching. The British Columbia New Democratic Party decision to call a snap election paid off: the NDP won a 55 seats majority government, the largest victory in the party’s history.
Four years later, British Columbians are returning to the polls. Currently, the parties running are three: David Eby’s aforementioned NDP, the The Conservative Party of British Columbia led by John Rustad, and the British Columbia Green Party represented by Sonia Furstenau.
Just a couple of months ago there was a fourth player, now conspicuously absent: the British Columbia United, formerly British Columbia Liberals, dropped out of the race on August 28. Kevin Falcon, the leader of the party, encouraged “all BC United supporters to unite behind John Rustad and the Conservative Party of BC to prevent another four years of disastrous NDP government.” Quite ironic, since only two years ago, Falcon ousted Rustad from the party for statements questioning climate change.
The collapse of the B.C. United made the election a two way race. British Columbians are less enthusiastic about an NDP government than four years ago. According to polling carried out the week of September 16, the NDP (44%) held only a slight lead over the British Columbia Conservatives (42%), while the Green Party trails behind with an 11%. New polling, published on October 2nd, found the trend inverted: the BC conservatives are leading with 46%, while the NDP remains at 43%. The same report revealed that 42% of the Conservatives supporters are women, and 47% young people between 18 and 34. This makes the election far from decided: the distance is small. It’s important not to forget, David Eby is still perceived as the most qualified option for premier: he leads with 45% against John Rustad 35%.
The NDP did not forget to capitalize on relative dislike for John Rustad. On October 3, the NDP dropped their platform which featured boxes titled “What’s the John Rustad risk?” in a big, creepy lettering, underneath a black and white photo of the conservative candidate. And, more importantly, it described its main policy proposals, which revolve around five fundamental promises: the reduction of the cost of living, making housing more affordable, improving health care, the creation of jobs and expansion of environmental regulation.
All Canadian citizens that will have turned 18 before October 19, 2024 and have been residents of British Columbia since April 18, 2024, are eligible to vote. The Capilano Courier will follow the election closely, and we’re moderating the all-candidates forum for the North Vancouver–Seymour provincial election candidates hosted by the CSU. The event will be on October 9th from 5:30-7:30pm. The Capilano Students Union has also organized to provide students a convenient place to cast their ballot. The election booth will be in the Birch Building Upper Food Court #2, on October 15th between 10:30 am and 3:30 pm.