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

Voting is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT Saturday, Oct. 19

Image | EBY RUSTAD FURSTENAU COMPOSITE

Caption: Photo illustration featuring B.C. NDP Leader David Eby, left, B.C. Conservative Party Leader John Rustad, centre, and B.C. Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press, Ben Nelms/CBC)

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(external link).
Below is a list of highlights by topic.
WATCH | Breaking down the B.C. election:

Media Video | The National : B.C.’s close and controversial election explained

Caption: 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.

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

Media Audio | Front Burner : Conspiracies, controversies, and B.C’s election drama

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Platform comparisons

For a quick comparison of where the parties stand on key issues, you can visit our party platform comparison(external link):
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:
You can also watch profiles of party leaders:
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:

Media Audio | The Early Edition : B.C. leader interview: David Eby of the B.C. NDP

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

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Media Audio | The Early Edition : B.C. leader interview: Sonia Furstenau of the B.C. Green Party

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

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Media Audio | The Early Edition : For the record: John Rustad and the Conservative Party of B.C.

Caption: 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.

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Independents

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

Leaders' debate

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

Media Video | BC Leaders’ Debate 2024

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

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Economy, housing and affordability

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

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

Caption: 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.

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Education and child care

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

Media Video | SOGI 123 a key issue in B.C. election campaign

Caption: 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.

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Environment, climate change and natural resources

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

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

Caption: 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.

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Health care, mental health and addiction

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

Media Video | Residents rally in Prince George against involuntary care

Caption: 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.

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Indigenous relationships and reconciliation

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

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

Caption: 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.

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Public 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(external link). You can type your address in to figure out which riding you're in here(external link).

Get the results live

Image | B.C. Election Night

Caption: CBC News is providing full coverage of the B.C. provincial election. (CBC)

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(external link), CBC Gem(external link) and cbc.ca/bc(external link) as well as on TikTok(external link) and YouTube(external link).
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(external link).