By Chris Beach

Northern View

The Northern View #48: And We’re Off!

Sep 25, 2024 | 12:21 PM

The wait is over and the BC election has begun.

Unlike the last election, the BC Liberals/United have all but disappeared and for the first time in 70 years, the BC Conservatives have risen from the depths of political oblivion like a phoenix, getting only 2% of the vote four years ago, to now reaching the lofty heights of a virtual tie in polling with the governing NDP.

So, we’ve got ourselves a real horse race that could come down to the wire to decide who governs the province until 2028.

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Several key questions loom over this campaign. And make no mistake, campaigns matter, as we’ve seen throughout the history of BC politics. Will Premier Eby’s recent 180-degree shift to duplicate core BC Conservative policies pay off, from scrapping the consumer carbon tax to implementing involuntary treatment for those with severe mental illness and addiction? Will Tory leader John Rustad, from our own backyard here in the North, rise to the occasion and convince enough undecided voters in the Lower Mainland – just 3 or 4 seats more than they are currently predicted to win – to give the Conservatives their first Premier since the early 1930s.

Will the BC Green Leader, Sonia Furstenau, wrestle the stronghold riding of Victoria-Beacon Hill from the NDP? If she loses it will likely be the end of her political career and a new leader, or leadership contest, will follow for the Greens.

And here in Prince George, will we see Conservatives take all three ridings that have long been held by BC Liberals/United, or will the NDP or strong independent candidates sneak through the middle on vote-splits and win some of these ridings?

The same could happen in other places across the province costing both the Tories or the NDP some expected seats. Whatever happens, it’s going to be interesting and every vote – your vote – could be key in deciding who wins.

As the old saying goes, those who show up get to make the decisions… so you better make sure you get out and vote by October 19.

I’m Chris Beach and this is the Northern View.

Editors note: The views expressed in this column do not necessarily represent the views of Pattison Media.