British Columbia Premier David Eby is scheduled to address local politicians at their annual convention today, as speculation continues over whether his government could call a provincial election that would disrupt the province’s upcoming municipal campaigns.
Eby’s annual address to delegates at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention comes only days after the premier said he had told Elections BC and his caucus to remain “election ready” as the province deals with disruptions linked to the U.S. trade war.
A provincial vote only two years into the NDP government’s mandate could overlap with the municipal election campaign, which is scheduled to run from Sept. 19 to Oct. 17. UBCM president Cori Ramsay, a Prince George city councillor, said such a situation would be a disservice to citizens.
Ramsay said provincial leaders should maintain separate periods for local and provincial election campaigns. That, she argued, would allow residents to properly consider the issues as they make their choices among approximately 3,500 candidates competing in local races.
The premier’s appearance at the convention follows developments within the Opposition. One day earlier, B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay told delegates that she was not going anywhere after two members of her caucus called for her resignation.
The B.C. Conservative caucus has experienced nine defections in recent weeks, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the province’s political landscape.
Findlay has described the possibility of a snap provincial election as a “cynical move,” arguing that Eby knew she would win the Sept. 26 byelection in Abbotsford-Mission. The byelection was called after the riding became vacant, with voting day set for Sept. 26.
The prospect of a provincial campaign unfolding at the same time as municipal elections has therefore become a central issue as Eby prepares to address B.C.’s local political leaders.
