Early election for B.C.? Nope, says Eby, despite poll suggesting residents expect one this year
Premier David Eby is shutting down election speculation even as a new survey suggests many British Columbians think we may be heading to the polls this year.
The Research Co. poll shows 53 per cent of those surveyed think it's very or moderately likely we may be headed for a provincial election this year. Most people asked thought an NDP majority was likely. Roughly 20 percent of respondents were undecided.
Research Co. conducted the online study from Feb. 4 to 6 among 800 adults in British Columbia. The margin of error — or the variability — is +/- 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
This comes as the B.C. Liberals – soon to be B.C. United – are catching up to the NDP in terms of political contributions and fundraising. From Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022, Elections BC reported the Liberals raised $1,182,262.14 compared to the NDP's $1,298,837.30. That's a closer margin than has been seen for years.
Liberal leader Kevin Falcon told CTV News "the phones have been ringing off the hook," ever since Eby took office. He said he didn't think a snap election was likely.
"David Eby has been very definitive this time around that if he was to break his word it would really come down to a question of trust and integrity," said Falcon, setting the stage for an attack if an early election were to be called.
Yet governments do have a history of calling elections when it's in their best political interests, despite a fixed election law in B.C.
Former premier John Horgan denied for months he was going to call an election during the pandemic, and then he did.
On Wednesday, Eby once again denied he was looking to call an election, citing issues like housing, affordability, and health care as more pressing issues for voters.
"They want our government to take action, they've not said to me they want an election. We'll continue to work on those priorities for British Columbians and we have a fixed election where they'll have an opportunity to weigh in on what we've done," said Eby.
If the NDP thinks the Liberals are gaining ground, that may build the case for an early election. So far, polls don't seem to be suggesting that, but as those in politics like to say, the only poll that matters is the one on election day. The next provincial general election is scheduled for the fall of 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Full parole granted to man convicted in notorious 'McDonald's murders' in Cape Breton
The Parole Board of Canada has granted full parole to one of three men convicted in the brutal murders of three McDonald's restaurant workers in Cape Breton more than 30 years ago.
Incident on Calgary's Reconciliation Bridge comes to safe resolution
Nearly 20 hours after a man climbed and remained perched on top of the Reconciliation Bridge in downtown Calgary, the situation came to a peaceful resolution.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.