Northern Conservatives dismiss Eby’s election rationale, insist party is united

“I actually don’t think he has a justification,” Bird said, adding she believes concerns about deficits and the government’s record are a more likely reason for the election call.

Bird also criticized the timing of the campaign, noting it overlaps with municipal elections taking place across the province.

“The other piece of calling an early election, it is incredibly disrespectful to folks that are running municipally,” she said.

Bird pointed to the unusually high number of candidates seeking municipal office in communities across B.C., arguing the provincial campaign could distract from local issues and candidates trying to reach voters.

Prince George-North Cariboo Conservative candidate Sheldon Clare said he had expected an election this fall but questioned why Eby chose to trigger one before the scheduled legislative session.

Clare argued the government still has outstanding issues to address, including housing affordability, health care, treaty negotiations and economic challenges.

“I think he wasn’t ready to go forward with the fall sitting,” Clare said.

He also suggested internal pressures within the NDP caucus may have contributed to the timing of the election call, although he offered no evidence for the claim.

While both candidates were quick to attack the NDP government, the election also comes after a difficult period for the Conservatives themselves.

Former leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay was forced to resign after just 113 days as leader, following months of internal divisions that became increasingly public.

The leadership turmoil affected Bird and Clare differently.

Bird left the party during Findlay’s leadership and briefly aligned herself with Centre BC before returning to the Conservatives after interim leader Lauren Doerkson took over.

She said she had become frustrated with the direction the party was taking under Findlay.

“I don’t believe the electorate is wanting a far-right government any more than they want a far-left government,” Bird said.

Bird argued voters are more concerned about affordability, housing, education and health care than ideological debates.

Clare, meanwhile, remained a vocal supporter of Findlay and said he was disappointed by how her tenure ended.

“I was very unhappy with how Kerry-Lynne Findlay was treated,” he said. “I think she deserved far better than she got.”

Despite their differing views on Findlay’s leadership, both candidates say the party is now united behind Doerkson.

Bird called the interim leader “a phenomenal leader” and someone who could become premier.

Clare echoed that sentiment, describing Doerkson as “the right guy in the right place at the right time.”

Both incumbents say Conservatives are entering the campaign focused on presenting themselves as an alternative government and are confident voters will look beyond the party’s recent leadership struggles.

by Greg Fry

Northern Conservatives dismiss Eby’s election rationale, insist party is united

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