The next British Columbia provincial election is a little less than six months away, but polling results can lead to some speculation about the structure of the next legislature.
According to the results of a recent Leger poll, the provincial New Democrats have support of 43 per cent of decided voters, while the Conservative Party has 26 per cent, followed by B.C. United at 18 per cent and the B.C. Greens at 11 per cent.
The rise in popularity of the Conservative Party and the decline of BC United show some changes in attitudes among voters.
However, in the end, the number of seats won by each party will be far less important than the actions taken by the next provincial government.
At present, there are some huge issues facing British Columbia.
The province’s toxic drug crisis, which was declared a public health emergency in April 2016, has not subsided.
In the past eight years, more than 14,000 people in this province have died as a result of toxic drug use, most of them from fentanyl.
British Columbia is also facing significant problems surrounding housing supply and housing affordability.
While the provincial government is taking measures to address housing issues, people around the province are affected by the high costs of shelter and the supply of housing they can afford.
In recent years, British Columbia has faced the worst wildfire seasons on record. In 2023, the number of hectares burned was more than double the amount burned in the second-worst year recorded.
This year, while we are early in the fire season, low snow levels provincewide are resulting in concerns about drought conditions.
Ongoing issues with the province’s health system also need to be addressed, especially the ongoing closures of emergency rooms in B.C. hospitals.
While the present provincial government has been addressing health funding, maintaining a good health system remains a challenge.
None of these are partisan. Workable solutions will depend on careful examination of the issues and thoughtful discussion.
While the date of the election is still several months away, this is the time to consider which candidates are best able to address the issues facing this province.
Party labels are far less important than electing a competent, effective government.
— Black Press