B.C. Premier David Eby calls snap provincial election for Oct. 24

B.C. Premier David Eby has called a snap provincial election for Oct. 24, placing the vote one week after municipal elections scheduled across the province for Oct. 17. Some residents and regional leaders have objected to holding two elections in the same month. Eby had previously said at last week’s Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention that he had no election announcement to make.

Eby described the moment as existential and said his plan rests on three pillars: stand up, protect and build. He cited threats to Canadian sovereignty from U.S. President Donald Trump, and promised to lower costs, strengthen health care and support workers and businesses facing tariffs. He said his government had helped bring down housing costs and create jobs, while acknowledging more work remained. He pointed to housing prices falling for 26 consecutive months.

Asked about the province’s $13.8-billion deficit, Eby cited $100 billion in major projects, including an upcoming LNG project that he said could bring in billions without further taxpayer funding. He criticized the Conservatives for seeking cuts and urged British Columbians to stand up for B.C. and Canada.

The Conservative Party of BC cancelled a planned news conference because of the possibility of a snap election. In a statement, the party criticized Eby’s record, citing the $13.8-billion deficit, 6.5 per cent unemployment, declining home sales and low housing starts. It said at least 21 B.C. lumber mills have closed since 2023 and roughly 15,000 forestry jobs have been lost since 2022. The party also said the election would overlap with more than 3,500 municipal campaigns across B.C.

The party has recently undergone caucus upheaval following the departure of former leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay. Fourteen MLAs left the party, including 10 over one month, though several have since joined or rejoined, including former leader John Rustad. Lorne Doerkson is the interim leader. Reports say CentreBC, led by MLA Peter Milobar and made up of other Conservative candidates, has been in talks with the Conservatives about a possible unification before next month’s election.

BC Green Party leader Emily Lowan said the snap election would be costly and unwanted, and argued that it served Eby’s interests rather than those of British Columbians. Lowan said the Greens would prioritize thousands of affordable homes, fund Community Health Centres in every community, and seek greater contributions from ultra-wealthy people and major corporations to support green jobs and public programs.