Polls today show the BC NDP and the BC Conservatives are in a dead heat, provincewide.
With the demise of B.C.’s longstanding centre-right in BC United/BC Liberals and the rise of a new populist party in the BC Conservatives, no one can credibly claim there is no difference between the two front-runner parties.
As the campaign platforms roll out, it is becoming apparent just how stark the options are going to be on housing, health care, transportation and climate.
And, because B.C. never does elections boring, a handful of incumbent BC United MLA, including West Vancouver-Capilano’s Karin Kirkpatrick are running as independents, creating a new X factor.
Every election produces some nail-biter races that remind us how every vote counts. Our own West Vancouver-Sea to Sky was decided by just 60 ballots in 2020.
It is entirely within the realm of possibility that a couple tight races on the North Shore may impact the direction of the entire province for the years to come.
In short, the stakes are high.
If you’re the type to read a newspaper’s editorial, you probably already are engaged in the election. You might know who the candidates are, how their values align with your own and you have Election Day marked on your calendar.
But in the last election, a paltry 53.8 per cent of British Columbians voted. That means almost certainly you have kids or grandkids, colleagues, golf buddies or yoga classmates who need a nudge. This year, we say your civic duty goes beyond getting informed and casting a ballot. Help get them engaged the way you are.
Regardless of who holds power after Oct. 19, the province will be better for it.
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