B.C. party leaders to face off in only debate of snap provincial election

B.C.'s three main political leaders debated on October 15 ahead of the Oct. 24 provincial election, covering issues such as health care, seniors housing, and Indigenous rights. NDP Leader David Eby called the snap election to secure a strong mandate for addressing challenges like tariff threats from the U.S., arguing that his government needed to deliver "big swings" for families. Conservative interim leader Lorne Doerkson defended his tax cut plan, which he claimed would inject $2 billion into the provincial economy and benefit those with the lowest incomes, while also pledging to pay down a forecasted deficit of $13.8 billion without raising taxes. Green Party Leader Emily Lowan participated but did not emerge as a frontrunner in this debate. Eby faced criticism for his handling of street disorder and the addictions crisis during the debate, with opponents highlighting the expansion of "harm reduction" policies under his government's leadership since 2017. The debate was seen as testy at times, reflecting the competitive nature of the upcoming election.