Premier David Eby has called an early provincial election, less than two years after British Columbians last went to the polls.
Final voting day is Oct. 24
Eby said in Victoria Tuesday that conditions have changed since 2024, with “existential” threats from the Trump administration and U.S. tariffs.
“British Columbians need a say, they deserve a say in what happens next. You deserve a say in the kind of province we’re going to build — a province that stands up for itself, or the kind of province that folds to Donald Trump,” said Eby.
The election call comes after weeks of turmoil among the Opposition B.C. Conservatives, including an exodus of 10 MLAs and the resignation of leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay less than four months into her tenure.
Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson has been tapped as interim leader of the Conservatives.
Local government officials with the Union of B.C. Municipalities have criticized Eby for calling an election while municipal elections are underway, saying local issues will be overshadowed.
General voting day for local elections is Oct. 17.
More coming.
