Election 2024: Campaign Roundup - Day 5

Welcome to Day 5 of our British Columbia 2024 Campaign Roundup!

With the 2024 BC election underway, we'll be bringing you daily updates on all the policy proclamations, platform promises, and political point-scoring from the campaign trail.

As always, our work is entirely funded by donations from British Columbians just like you, so if you appreciate the updates, please consider making a one-off donation or signing up as a supporter for just $10 a month - that's just 36 cents per email!

Campaign Roundup - Day 5:

• The BC NDP touted the diversity of their full slate of 93 candidates. They said that 60% of their candidates are women, 30 candidates are people of colour, and 7 candidates are Indigenous.
  
  
• The Conservative Party of BC said they want to unlock the potential of mining in the province. They suggested that the BC NDP have “choked” the industry with “red tape and neglect”. The Conservatives plan to invest in mining infrastructure, streamline permits, and slash red tape, while respecting the environment and First Nations.
  
  
• The United Steelworkers union praised the BC NDP's plan to boost critical mineral production. The plan includes launching a Critical Minerals Office, speeding up project permits, and investing in infrastructure to support the Northwest mining sector. Additionally, a union-led training program will help develop the skilled workforce needed for these initiatives.
  
  
• Dan Davies, incumbent MLA and now independent candidate for Peace River North, held his campaign launch and meet and greet. His platform includes upgrading the Fort Nelson rail line, replacing the Taylor Bridge, and parental choice in education, among other things.
  
  
• The Editor of the Summerland Review believes this upcoming election “will be unlike anything voters in this province have experienced in more than 120 years”. His recent column suggests that the makeup of Parliament could be reminiscent of the pre-party era over 120 years ago.
  
  
• NDP Leader David Eby announced the Opening Doors to Homeownership plan, which promises to assist first-time homebuyers by having the Province finance 40% of the home's cost for eligible families, with that amount being paid back (plus a share of appreciation!) if the property is sold, or after 25 years.
  
  
• BC Conservative Leader John Rustad promised improvements in care for seniors. He said his party would double the Home Renovation Tax Credit for seniors (and people with disabilities) to help them stay in their homes, expand the HandyDART service, seek maximum penalties for crimes against seniors, and boost tax credits for family caregivers, among many other things.
  
  
• Speaking of Rustad, he pointed out that the BC NDP will benefit from a taxpayer subsidy for this election that is 25 times larger than that received by the BC Conservatives. The NDP will receive $1.6 million compared to the Conservatives' $65,000. This funding disparity stems from an Election Act formula that provides $1.81 per vote earned in the last election, favouring established parties like the NDP and BC United over smaller parties.
  
  
• A vote-by-mail option is available for this election. Voters can request a mail-in ballot by phone, online, or in person until October 13th, with in-person requests available until election day. The vote-by-mail package includes detailed instructions, and unregistered voters will need to provide proof of identity and residency. All completed mail-in ballots must be received by Elections BC by 8:00 pm on October 19th.

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