BC Election: who’s running, who isn’t, and what else you need to know

You’re not alone if this is the first time you’re hearing about British Columbia’s rapidly approaching provincial election on October 19, 2024.

We’ve broken down the major players, their priorities, and, most importantly, how you can cast your vote.

BC NDP

As the current Premier, David Eby leads the BC NDP into this election with a focus on housing affordability, healthcare expansion, and environmental reform. The NDP plans to build 300,000 homes and cap rent increases. 

On healthcare, the party promises to streamline licensing for foreign-trained doctors and empower pharmacists to prescribe medications. 

Eby, who succeeded John Horgan in 2022, is positioning his leadership as one of stability and progress. We’ll call him the defending champion.

BCCP

The BC Conservatives, led by John Rustad, have gained prominence after the collapse of BC United (more on that below). Rustad’s platform emphasizes economic growth, public safety, and housing rebates.

His proposal includes a $1,500 housing rebate for both renters and homeowners​. 

Rustad has also promised to reverse the NDP’s drug decriminalization policies and boost law enforcement funding, appealing to voters concerned about crime and public safety​.

BC Greens

The BC Greens, under Sonia Furstenau, continue to push for strong environmental policies and social housing.

Their platform includes building 26,000 affordable rental units annually and introducing vacancy control to prevent landlords from raising rents between tenants. 

The Greens are also focusing on mental health reforms and expanding community healthcare services.

While the party is fielding candidates in most ridings, they are 24 candidates short of running a full slate.

Independents

BC United, once the province's main opposition party, is largely absent from this year’s election. Internal turmoil led Kevin Falcon, leader of BC United, to suspend most of the party’s campaign, urging supporters to back the BC Conservatives instead. This has led to a clearer choice between the NDP, Conservatives, and Greens - or Independents​.

This year’s election also has an unusual number of independent candidates—almost 30, the highest on record. Many are former BC United members disillusioned by the party's collapse​.

Check out which independents are running in your riding through the Elections BC website.

The Key Issues: Housing, Healthcare, and Safety

Housing dominates this election. The NDP’s solution is to build more homes and control rents, while the Conservatives favour housing rebates and reducing red tape. The Greens are focused on social housing and stricter rent controls​.

Healthcare and public safety are also key issues. The NDP and Greens are both focused on expanding services, while the Conservatives are pushing for stronger law enforcement and reversing drug decriminalization​.

Advance voting is open from October 10–13 and October 15–16, with mail-in ballots available until October 13. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on October 19. You can find your polling location and additional information on the Elections BC website​.

To vote, you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years old by October 19, and a B.C. resident since April 18, 2024.

While we’ll leave it to you to decide who’s best to represent you in Victoria, we encourage you to make your voice heard by voting on October 19.

Source: Global News

Pictured: BC NDP Leader David Eby, who has been Premier of B.C. since 2022