BC Election Debate Heats Up, Eby Faces Criticism Over Economy and Healthcare

The leaders of British Columbia’s three major political parties, Lorne Doerkson, David Eby and Emily Lowan, faced off in a live debate on Wednesday night ahead of the October 24 provincial election. Opposition leaders launched sharp attacks on Eby’s BC NDP government, criticizing its record on the economy, healthcare and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA).

Eby acknowledged that his government had not been perfect on every issue but defended his decision to call a snap election. He said his government’s one-seat majority had led the opposition to make 13 attempts to bring it down, arguing that a stronger mandate was needed to deal with tariff threats from the United States.

Addressing the province’s record $14-billion deficit, Eby argued that previous BC Liberal governments had achieved what they called balanced budgets by selling school properties. He said his government was focused on growing the economy and curbing wasteful spending.

Meanwhile, Doerkson argued that nothing had improved under the NDP government and accused Eby of calling the election because he saw a political opportunity.