British Columbia Minute: Election Underway, Vote Tabulators, and Grain Workers Strike

British Columbia Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of British Columbia politics.

This Week In British Columbia:

• Elections BC will use electronic vote tabulators for the first time in a general election on October 19th, aiming to provide faster results compared to past elections. Officials expect initial results within 15 minutes of polls closing, with half of the preliminary count reported within 30 minutes and most results completed within an hour. Voters will still cast paper ballots, which will be scanned by the new tabulators. The system was tested in prior byelections.
  
  
• BC Ferries plans to add five new vessels to its fleet by 2031, but local shipbuilder Seaspan will not bid for their construction, citing cost concerns. Seaspan stated that Canadian shipyards face a competitive disadvantage due to higher wages and stricter safety and environmental standards compared to international competitors. Seaspan expressed disappointment, pointing to Quebec’s government support for its shipyards and urging BC to adopt similar measures. BC Ferries aims to have the first of the new vessels operational by 2029.
  
  
• After a mid-January cold snap wiped out much of the grape harvest, the British Columbia Winegrowers Association is now reporting extensive vineyard replanting will take years to yield a viable crop. Supply shortages are likely to impact the local wine market by mid-2025. As a result, restaurants may increasingly turn to wines from California or other regions, leading to fewer Okanagan bottles on menus. The anticipated reduction in local wine availability is prompting restaurants to adapt their beverage programs.

Last Week In British Columbia:

• Since the NDP came to power in British Columbia in 2017, the cost of living has risen significantly. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in B.C. increased by 21% overall, with notable hikes in key areas like food, housing, and transportation. Food prices surged by 28.6%, and both rented and owned homes saw increases of over 23%. Energy costs, including natural gas and gasoline, experienced sharp rises, with fuel oil prices climbing by 61.8%. These changes have made affordability a central issue in the upcoming provincial election.
  
  
• Speaking of the provincial election, a flurry of promises have already been made by the parties. BC NDP Leader David Eby announced a plan to boost home ownership by having the Province cover 40% of the sale price on select developments through a 25-year loan. The program, valued at $6.45 billion over five years, aims to create 25,000 homes for middle-income households. Some experts warn the plan may raise housing prices. BC Conservative Leader John Rustad promised a “Rustad Rebate”, a plan to exempt $3,000 per month in housing costs from BC income tax. The party says it will be the largest tax cut for renters and homeowners in the province’s history.
  
  
• A 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck near the Haro Strait, between Vancouver Island and San Juan Island, early Thursday morning. The quake, recorded at a depth of 52 kilometers, caused no reported damage and did not trigger a tsunami alert. Residents in Greater Victoria and Vancouver, as well as parts of Washington state, felt the tremor, with many sharing their experiences on social media.