No winners or losers in BC leadership debate

Oct 9, 2024 | 3:45 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – BC Conservative Leader John Rustad, BC NDP Leader David Eby and BC Green Leader Sonia Furstenau took to the podiums for a much-anticipated leadership debate.

“First of all, it was foreigners and then it was speculators. And then it was vacant properties and then it was Airbnbs. Instead of pointing at the real problem, which is government,” noted BC Conservative Leader John Rustad.

“I believe that one of the foundational requirements for a decent life in our province is a good place to live. And that is actually a core responsibility of anybody who wants to be premier,” said BC NDP Leader David Eby.

Political Science Instructor with CNC Chris Beach says, after watching the debate, there were no winners or losers with the mainstream leaders.

“I think they held their own. They performed quite well, but they did not deliver a knockout blow or punch to their respective opponents. So no big surprises there,” says Chris Beach. “I think they both did quite well, but they might not have had the performance that both their parties were looking for.”

“The way we differentiate ourselves is that we focus on a future that BC could have,’ said Furstenau. “We focus on recognizing what’s gotten us here, understanding that the complex problems we face, the serious problems we face with affordability, with climate change, with lack of health care. And then we propose solutions that are actually going to get us out of these crises.”

“If there was anybody that kind of exceeded expectations, I think that would have to be Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau. “She performed extremely well. If anybody was called a winner in last night’s debate, I think it might be her. I think she surprised a lot of people. She was focused. She communicated well,” noted Beach.

There is ten days before the general election and British Columbians can expect a final push before election day.

“Each leader has opportunities to make press releases new policies that they’re coming out with. They do have if smaller chances, you know, to make a connection with the public and grab their attention.”

Early voting starts this week and the pressure on in what is seen as a very tight election race.

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