The 2024 British Columbia election is on Oct. 19 — and if you’re still trying to catch up on the issues that matter the most to you, read on.
From forestry to climate change to housing and affordability, CBC News has been covering the three main parties’ campaign promises and pledges on issues that matter most to British Columbians.
You can find all of our election stories here.
Below is a list of highlights by topic.
With B.C.’s governing NDP and the insurgent Conservatives running neck and neck ahead of the provincial election, Lyndsay Duncombe breaks down how a party with just eight seats is within striking distance of winning — and why Greens and Independents could make all the difference.
Front Burner24:19Conspiracies, controversies, and B.C’s election drama
Platform comparisons
For a quick comparison of where the parties stand on key issues, you can visit our party platform comparison:
For a more in-depth look at each party’s platform, you can read our stories on the B.C. Green Party, B.C. NDP and Conservative Party of B.C. from the day their platforms were released:
You can also watch profiles of party leaders:
Each of the party leaders was invited to an interview with CBC’s The Early Edition in the final week of the campaign. You can listen to those segments below:
The Early Edition16:15B.C. leader interview: David Eby of the B.C. NDP
B.C. NDP Leader David Eby makes his case for his party ahead of the provincial election.
The Early Edition15:50B.C. leader interview: Sonia Furstenau of the B.C. Green Party
B.C. Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau makes her case for her party ahead of the provincial election.
The Early Edition5:05For the record: John Rustad and the Conservative Party of B.C.
The Conservative Party of B.C. did not respond to requests for an interview with Leader John Rustad ahead of election day but he has shared his stance on key issues throughout the campaign.
Independents
There are also a record number of Independent candidates running in this election. Learn more about how that could shape the election:
Leaders’ debate
The leaders of the three main parties debate on key issues that matter to British Columbians.
Economy, housing and affordability
Affordability and the cost of living are major election topics as the three main political parties compete for votes. BC Today callers shared which party they think will best address the issue with host Michelle Eliot.
Education and child care
The B.C. Conservative Party is promising to change the way sexuality and diversity are taught in schools if elected. SOGI 123 teaching materials have been the subject of controversy since they were provided to classrooms in 2016. And as Chad Pawson explains, the educational resources are proving to be a key issue in this campaign.
Environment, climate change and natural resources
In 2020, the province vowed to change the way trees are logged and biodiversity is protected. Those close to the issue say B.C. voters should pay close attention to which parties are committed to following through on that work. Chad Pawson reports.
Health care, mental health and addiction
Several dozen rallied in Prince George against involuntary treatment on Friday. Both the B.C. NDP and the B.C. Conservatives want to expand involuntary care for people struggling with brain injuries, mental illness, and severe addictions who are apprehended under the Mental Health Act. But as Hanna Peterson reports, opponents say putting more resources into voluntary help is the answer.
Indigenous relationships and reconciliation
Indigenous leaders in B.C. are hoping the pace of reconciliation will continue following the provincial election, with the province having made progress on 60 of the 89 actions under its Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act so far. But there is concern the outcome of the election could stall or reverse the province’s path to reconciliation.
Public safety
How to vote
Advance voting smashed previous records, with over a million ballots cast by Oct. 16, representing more than 28 per cent of all registered electors and putting the province on track for a big overall turnout.
Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT on Saturday.
Anyone who wants to vote on election day can choose the most convenient voting station on this list. You can type your address in to figure out which riding you’re in here.
Get the results live
On election night, Oct. 19, join CBC hosts from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. to watch and listen to BC Votes 2024: a special evening of election programming featuring guest interviews and in-depth expert analysis on all CBC B.C. platforms.
Online: Stream on CBC News BC, CBC Gem and cbc.ca/bc as well as on TikTok and YouTube.
TV: Live on CBC Television (check your TV service provider for channel).
Listen: Starting at 8 p.m. on CBC Radio One or listen online.