Still deciding? Catch up on key issues shaping B.C.'s election campaign

The 2024 British Columbia election is on Oct. 19 — and if you're still trying to catch up on the issues that matter the most to you, read on.

From forestry to climate change to housing and affordability, CBC News has been covering the three main parties' campaign promises and pledges on issues that matter most to British Columbians.

You can find all of our election stories here.

Below is a list of highlights by topic.

WATCH | Breaking down the B.C. election: 

B.C.’s close and controversial election explained

1 month ago

Duration 5:44

With B.C.’s governing NDP and the insurgent Conservatives running neck and neck ahead of the provincial election, CBC's Lyndsay Duncombe breaks down how a party with just eight seats is within striking distance of winning — and why Greens and Independents could make all the difference.

LISTEN | The B.C. election campaign so far: 

Front Burner24:19Conspiracies, controversies, and B.C’s election drama

Platform comparisons

For a quick comparison of where the parties stand on key issues, you can visit our party platform comparison:

• How B.C.'s 3 main parties compare on top election issues

For a more in-depth look at each party's platform, you can read our stories on the B.C. Green Party, B.C. NDP and Conservative Party of B.C. from the day their platforms were released:

• Free vaccines, MMIWG taskforce lead B.C. Greens election platform
• NDP platform vows investments in schools, housing, mental health
• B.C. Conservative platform prioritizes affordability and safety

You can also watch profiles of party leaders: 

• David Eby
• John Rustad
• Sonia Furstenau

Each of the party leaders was invited to an interview with CBC's The Early Edition in the final week of the campaign. You can listen to those segments below:

The Early Edition16:15B.C. leader interview: David Eby of the B.C. NDP

B.C. NDP Leader David Eby makes his case for his party ahead of the provincial election.

The Early Edition15:50B.C. leader interview: Sonia Furstenau of the B.C. Green Party

B.C. Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau makes her case for her party ahead of the provincial election.

The Early Edition5:05For the record: John Rustad and the Conservative Party of B.C.

The Conservative Party of B.C. did not respond to requests for an interview with Leader John Rustad ahead of election day but he has shared his stance on key issues throughout the campaign.

Independents

There are also a record number of Independent candidates running in this election. Learn more about how that could shape the election:

• With a record 40 Independents on B.C. ballot, will any get in?
• B.C. primed to elect Independent, says ex-MLA who forged own path

Leaders' debate

WATCH | The only televised leaders' debate of the campaign: 

BC Leaders’ Debate 2024

2 months ago

Duration 1:29:50

The leaders of the three main parties debate on key issues that matter to British Columbians.

• B.C. leaders debate health care, vaccines — and paper straws
• Key moments from the B.C. party leaders' debate

Economy, housing and affordability

WATCH | Affordability a key issue determining voters' election picks: 

How are B.C. voters factoring in the issue of affordability this election?

2 months ago

Duration 1:33

Affordability and the cost of living are major election topics as the three main political parties compete for votes. BC Today callers shared which party they think will best address the issue with host Michelle Eliot.

• 'Teslas 'n tent cities': Victoria man blasts inequality after 3-year housing, mental health support search
• B.C. political parties feeling the pressure around rising prices
• To spend or to cut? How finances factor into the B.C. election
• Are record numbers of people leaving B.C., as John Rustad claims? 
• What are B.C. parties' policies for easing the housing crisis?
• Eby promotes prefab homes, Rustad focuses on approval process
• B.C. Conservatives promise major rebate to address housing costs
• B.C. NDP vows to help middle-income homebuyers with 40% financing
• How B.C. NDP housing policies could hurt its election chances
• NDP promises to double speculation and vacancy tax
• More trains, bridges and buses promised in B.C. election pledges
• ICBC's insurance model targeted in B.C. election pledges

Education and child care

WATCH | Party leaders take opposing stances on having SOGI materials in schools: 

SOGI 123 a key issue in B.C. election campaign

2 months ago

Duration 4:11

The B.C. Conservative Party is promising to change the way sexuality and diversity are taught in schools if elected. SOGI 123 teaching materials have been the subject of controversy since they were provided to classrooms in 2016. And as Chad Pawson explains, the educational resources are proving to be a key issue in this campaign.

• Parents issue plea to end the use of portables at B.C. schools
• How turfing SOGI and banning books became part of B.C.'s election
• B.C. Conservatives' education platform includes ending SOGI 123
• NDP platform vows investments in schools, housing, mental health

Environment, climate change and natural resources

WATCH | Experts ask voters to turn their focus to the future of forestry: 

Future of forestry in B.C. should be a central election question, experts say

2 months ago

Duration 4:10

In 2020, the province vowed to change the way trees are logged and biodiversity is protected. Those close to the issue say B.C. voters should pay close attention to which parties are committed to following through on that work. Chad Pawson reports.

• Why the future of B.C.'s forests has become a huge election issue
• How forestry could shape B.C. election's outcome in the north
• B.C. will scrap consumer carbon tax if Ottawa drops requirement
• B.C. Greens would keep carbon tax but increase rebate: Furstenau
• Rustad tells cities taxes won't change weather ahead of B.C. election

Health care, mental health and addiction

WATCH | Some B.C. residents oppose NDP and Conservatives' promise to up involuntary care: 

Residents rally in Prince George against involuntary care

2 months ago

Duration 2:31

Several dozen rallied in Prince George against involuntary treatment on Friday. Both the B.C. NDP and the B.C. Conservatives want to expand involuntary care for people struggling with brain injuries, mental illness, and severe addictions who are apprehended under the Mental Health Act. But as Hanna Peterson reports, opponents say putting more resources into voluntary help is the answer.

• This B.C. election comes at a pivotal moment for health care, workers in the sector say
• How the parties are proposing to fix B.C.'s health-care system
• Leaders spar over health care as advance voters set new record
• B.C. families call for improved long-term care, assisted living
• Rally held against expansion of forced treatment in B.C.
• B.C. Conservatives vow to shut down safe-consumption sites
• Greens vow to expand safer supply of drugs in B.C.
• Eby pledges $75M in loan forgiveness to boost rural health care
• B.C. political parties debate solutions for seniors' care

Indigenous relationships and reconciliation

WATCH | Here's where the parties stand on reconciliation efforts: 

How the election could change B.C.'s course on reconciliation

2 months ago

Duration 4:20

Indigenous leaders in B.C. are hoping the pace of reconciliation will continue following the provincial election, with the province having made progress on 60 of the 89 actions under its Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act so far. But there is concern the outcome of the election could stall or reverse the province’s path to reconciliation.

• How the election could change B.C.'s course on reconciliation
• Grand chief slams Rustad's stance on Indigenous rights and title
• Free vaccines, MMIWG taskforce lead B.C. Greens election platform

Public safety

• Concerns that B.C. court delays are creating 'injustice system'
• Eby tells B.C. cities and towns he's listening ahead of election
• B.C. Conservative platform prioritizes affordability and safety
   

How to vote

Advance voting smashed previous records, with over a million ballots cast by Oct. 16, representing more than 28 per cent of all registered electors and putting the province on track for a big overall turnout.

Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT on Saturday.

Anyone who wants to vote on election day can choose the most convenient voting station on this list. You can type your address in to figure out which riding you're in here. 

Get the results live

On election night, Oct. 19, join CBC hosts from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. to watch and listen to BC Votes 2024: a special evening of election programming featuring guest interviews and in-depth expert analysis on all CBC B.C. platforms.

Online: Stream on CBC News BC, CBC Gem and cbc.ca/bc as well as on TikTok and YouTube.
TV: Live on CBC Television (check your TV service provider for channel).
Listen: Starting at 8 p.m. on CBC Radio One or listen online.