The BC Election is well underway and past its mid-way point. At the moment, the BC Conservatives led by Lorne Doerkson hold a significant edge in support over the incumbent BC NDP led by David Eby.
This week, the parties will be making the last of their significant policy announcements with advanced polls opening two days after the televised Leaders’ Debate. Parties will then move from the persuasion portion of their campaigns to getting out their vote.
With time running out, the only televised Leaders’ Debate of the election campaign has increased importance. Counsel Public Affairs tees you up on the debate and what is at stake for all three leaders.
The Leaders’ Debate and the Final Stretch
The Leaders’ Debate is scheduled for tomorrow (October 14, from 6:15pm to 8:00pm Pacific Time. It features Eby, Doerkson and Green Party Leader Emily Lowan and will be moderated by Angus Reid President Shachi Kurl. This debate will be broadcast on Global BC, CBC, CTV, CITY TV and CHEK.
It will also be livestreamed on YouTube.
With voters heading to the polls on October 24 and with advanced polls opening on Friday, it arrives just as many British Columbians who have followed the campaign casually begin to settle on who they want to govern the province.
A Pivotal Moment
With no second debate to follow, there is very little opportunity for any leader to recover from a poor night, and every campaign knows it. For new Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson, the debate provides an opportunity to introduce himself to a province-wide audience. Eby will be answering for the government’s record. Lowan will be working to hold and grow the Green vote.
Several ridings are close enough that a modest shift in momentum, or a single memorable exchange could change the outcome, and the impressions formed on Wednesday will shape the advertising, canvassing and coverage of the final 10 days.
We encourage clients to tune in and to listen closely for how each leader speaks about the economy, housing, health care, the resource sector, and for the commitments that signal what a new government would prioritize in its first few months.