Eby calls provincial election, puts focus on economy and U.S. trade threats

VICTORIA — British Columbians will head to the polls on October 24 after Premier David Eby officially launched a provincial election campaign Tuesday, framing the vote as a choice about how the province responds to economic uncertainty and ongoing trade tensions with the United States.

Speaking after visiting the Lieutenant Governor, Eby said the election comes at what he described as an “existential moment” for both British Columbia and Canada. He pointed to threats posed by U.S. President Donald Trump, including concerns over tariffs, trade disputes and rising costs for consumers and businesses.

Eby said British Columbians deserve the opportunity to decide how the province should respond.

The BC NDP campaign will centre on measures aimed at making the province less dependent on the United States while protecting jobs and strengthening public services. Among the priorities outlined by Eby are expanding access to health care, recruiting more health-care workers, lowering costs for families and supporting workers and businesses affected by tariffs.