Still deciding? Catch up on key issues shaping B.C.’s election campaign
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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.
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.
LISTEN | The B.C. election campaign so far:
Front Burner24:19Conspiracies, controversies, and B.C’s election drama
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
WATCH | The only televised leaders’ debate of the campaign:
BC Leaders’ Debate 2024
10 days ago
Duration 1:29:50
The leaders of the three main parties debate on key issues that matter to British Columbians.
Economy, housing and affordability
WATCH | Affordability a key issue determining voters’ election picks:
How are B.C. voters factoring in the issue of affordability this election?
15 days ago
Duration 1:33
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
WATCH | Party leaders take opposing stances on having SOGI materials in schools:
SOGI 123 a key issue in B.C. election campaign
22 days ago
Duration 4:11
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
WATCH | Experts ask voters to turn their focus to the future of forestry:
Future of forestry in B.C. should be a central election question, experts say
7 days ago
Duration 4:10
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
WATCH | Some B.C. residents oppose NDP and Conservatives’ promise to up involuntary care:
Residents rally in Prince George against involuntary care
7 days ago
Duration 2:31
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
WATCH | Here’s where the parties stand on reconciliation efforts:
How the election could change B.C.’s course on reconciliation
18 days ago
Duration 4:20
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.
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