PRINCE GEORGE — All signs are pointing to a provincial election call this week or next.
College of New Caledonia Political Science instructor Chris Beach says it would be a gamble for the NDP but a worthwhile one considering the popularity of Premier John Horgan at the moment.
“They’ve (NDP) got high polling numbers and the premier right now is very popular on a personal level, much more than Andrew Wilkinson of the BC Liberal Party,” he says.
“In six months what is the economy going to look like? How high are the unemployment numbers going to be? Is B.C. going to be in shutdown mode again? With all these unknowns right now, it’s arguably in the premier and NDP government’s best interest to call an election.”
But he admits doing so would not come without risks.
“I think the main risk right now is the COVID-19 pandemic. There could be a backlash against the government. Having said that, often in times of crisis, the public, if they perceive the government to be doing a good job, they’re more likely to stick with the ship and captain that they know.”
When Prince George-Valemount Liberal MLA Shirley Bond first heard the rumours regarding a fall election, many thoughts came to mind.
“Well I have to say that it was a mixture of surprise but also disappointment. Everyday we hear more and more about the COVID situation in B.C., the impacts on families, on healthcare, the economy and I find it quite astounding that Premier Horgan is prepared to break his promise that he wouldn’t go to an election without that happening in the legislature. So, from my perspective, I’m disappointed that a premier would make a decision to potentially call an election in the middle of a pandemic.”
Prince George-Mackenzie Liberal MLA Mike Morris is also urging Premier Horgan to hold off.
“Pull your horns in John. This isn’t about you. This isn’t about the NDP, this is about the people of British Columbia and the welfare of the people of British Columbia. The economy is tanking. We want to hear what your plan is. COVID-19 is not going anywhere soon, it’s not in the rearview mirror yet. So do what’s best and hold on. You’ve got a scheduled election coming up next fall. Wait until then.”
If an election is called, Beach says it would likely be late next month or sometime in early November.
