David Eby says B.C. NDP must be election-ready but gives no voting date

British Columbia Premier David Eby says he has told NDP legislators they need to be “election ready” amid disruption from the trade war with the United States. He said Cheryl Oates, his former acting chief of staff, will manage the party’s campaign for the next election whenever it is called, but he has no announcement about when a vote will take place.

Speaking at an unrelated news conference, Eby said he had told both Elections BC and the NDP caucus to prepare. His comments come as the Opposition B.C. Conservative Party faces disarray after nine members left the party, while leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay is running in a byelection later this month for a seat in the legislature.

Eby said his government holds a one-seat majority following the death of New Democrat Joan Phillip and while two NDP legislators have cancer. He said the government remains focused on the threat posed by U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war with Canada, and that it is important for British Columbians to have their say on the “incredible disruption.”