Vancouver, BC — The province of British Columbia is getting ready for a critical election on October 19, 2024, with a surprising turn of events that is reshaping the political landscape. In a historic deal, B.C. United has announced its withdrawal from the election race, striking an agreement with the B.C. Conservative Party.
The BC Liberals had changed their name to BC United in April 2023 to better reflect the party’s evolving identity and broaden its appeal across the political spectrum. The rebranding was aimed at unifying center-right voters and distancing the party from the federal Liberal Party, as it had no formal ties. But, the name change created confusion among voters who were familiar with the longstanding BC Liberal brand, leading to a loss of recognition and identity. Additionally, the re-branding failed to fully resonate with the party’s base, as it was seen by some as an attempt to distance the party from its traditional values without offering a compelling new vision.
The latest negotiations between the Conservatives and BC United, which began as low-level discussions, rapidly intensified over the past week. The talks culminated in a face-to-face meeting between Kevin Falcon, leader of B.C. United, and John Rustad, leader of the B.C. Conservative Party. The crucial meeting took place at 9 p.m. on Tuesday night, where the two leaders reached a consensus on the path forward.
With B.C. United stepping aside, John Rustad and the B.C. Conservatives have emerged as the leading right-of-center party in the province. Rustad’s campaign is now focused on presenting a unified front, advocating for fiscal responsibility, government transparency, and resource development. The Conservative Party’s platform aims to leverage BC’s natural resources while ensuring sustainable economic growth. ‘
Born in Prince George, Rustad is a lifelong resident of northern BC, and has lived with his wife Kim in Cluculz Lake since 2009. Cluculz Lake is a settlement in BC, located 40 km west of Prince George alongside the Yellowhead Highway. The word “Cluculz” is translated Big Whitefish and is based on a story told by local Carrier people of a group who paddled across the lake in their canoe and were tipped over by a giant Whitefish. Cluculz Lake is part of Electoral Area F (Vanderhoof Rural). According to the 2011 census, Electoral Area F had a total population of 3,702 people
Meanwhile, David Eby, the incumbent leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), remains in the race, seeking re-election with a platform centered on social justice, healthcare improvements, and climate action. Eby’s campaign is committed to continuing the NDP’s work in building a more inclusive and sustainable British Columbia. A member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Eby has represented the riding of Vancouver-Point Grey since 2013. From 2017 to 2022, he served in the John Horgan cabinet as attorney general.
After seven years in power, the NDP is heavily impacted by voter frustration on the affordability crisis, house prices, crime and social disorder that seems to be running out of control.
Just in case you want to see what real people are experiencing here, watch these reels located on the Instagram Page: Safe Streets Vancouver – https://www.instagram.com/stories/safestreetsvancouver/
The withdrawal of B.C. United and the subsequent alignment with the B.C. Conservatives has added a new dimension to the election, with significant implications for voters and the province’s future. British Columbians are now faced with a clear choice between the Conservative vision for economic development and the NDP’s focus on social equity and environmental stewardship.
Example of a Conservative platform: British Columbia is a resource superpower. Encourage and promote the development of these resources in a way that is sustainable, and that delivers maximum value to the taxpayers of our province. Zero tolerance for violent and repeat offenders. End the revolving door justice system by directing prosecutors to pursue maximum sentencing for those convicted of serious crimes.
Example of an NDP platform: To tackle the housing crisis, Premier David Eby and his BC NDP team have brought in tough new rules regulating short-term rentals to turn them into homes for people, along with updating zoning rules province-wide to allow for more townhouses, duplexes and triplexes. He’s also introduced new initiatives to help renters, improve health care by hiring more doctors and nurses, and passed new laws to help keep communities and people safe.
As the election date approaches, all eyes are on the remaining candidates, with debates, rallies, and community events scheduled across the province. Voters are encouraged to engage with the candidates and their platforms to make an informed decision on October 19.
About the Election: The British Columbia provincial election is scheduled for October 19, 2024. Eligible voters are encouraged to check their registration status and participate in this important democratic process. Polls will be open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM across the province, with early voting options available.
For more information on the candidates, voting locations, and the election process, please visit the official Elections BC website at www.elections.bc.ca.
IMPORTANT DATES:
As the 2024 British Columbia election approaches, voters should be aware of several key dates to ensure their participation. The pre-campaign period began on July 23, 2024, setting the stage for the official campaign, which starts on September 21, 2024, when the election is formally called. Voters have until October 7, 2024, to register online or by telephone. Advance voting is available from October 10-13 and October 15-16, with a pause on Thanksgiving Day, October 14. The last day to request a vote-by-mail package is October 13, 2024. Final Voting Day is October 19, 2024, with results expected between October 26 and 28. Voters should also note that candidate nominations close on September 28, 2024, and election financing reports are due by January 17, 2025. Mark these dates to ensure your voice is heard in this important election.
Who is Running? There are many electoral districts, so I am just going to focus on anyone who is running in Vancouver-Point Grey or anyone who is Austrian, German or Swiss, or anyone who attended the same high school.
- 1. Paul Ratchford – Conservative Party Candidate for Vancouver-Point Grey
- 2. David Eby – NDP for Point-Grey
- 3. Sonia Furstenau – Green Party Candidate for Victoria-Beacon Hill
- 4. Korky Neufeld – Conservative Candidate for the Abbotsford West Riding
- 5. Lorne Doerkson – Conservative Candidate for Cariboo Chilcotin
- 6. Dennis Giesbrecht – Conservative Party for Kamloops Centre
- 7. Kristina Loewen – Conservative Candidate for Kelowna Centre
- 8. Larry Neufeld – Conservative Candidate for Peace River South
- 9. Tim Thielmann – Conservative Candidate for Victoria Beacon Hill
- 10. Spencer Chandra Herbert – NDP Candidate for the Vancouver – West End (he attended the same high school I did – Prince of Wales Secondary School)
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