Voters in the province may head to the polls multiple times before the year ends, with a potential snap election looming on the horizon.
Premier David Eby has raised the possibility of a snap election if the crucial northern power line bill fails to pass. In addition, an election could also be triggered in the east if the Liberal Party struggles to secure a majority for their budget in Ottawa.
The NDP government has hinted at the consideration of an early election should Bill 31, which aims to fast-track the construction of the North Coast Transmission Line, face hurdles in the legislature.
Describing the passage of Bill 31 as “non-negotiable,” Eby emphasized his party’s readiness for any necessary action.
Political science professor Stewart Prest from UBC suggests that the NDP is looking to solidify its one-seat majority, taking advantage of internal turmoil within the B.C. Conservative caucus.
B.C. Conservative leader John Rustad has faced calls for resignation from within his party, compounded by the departure or dismissal of two prominent conservative MLAs in recent months.
Prest believes that the NDP’s move to capitalize on the opposition’s disarray might inadvertently bolster Rustad’s position, potentially backfiring on them.
As the minority Liberal Party government in the east prepares to present its first budget, uncertainties loom. The federal budget will test the government’s support, with doubts raised about their ability to secure enough votes to remain in power.
Despite the Carney government’s slight majority from the April election, Prime Minister Carney faces the challenge of convincing potential floor-crossers for the crucial budget vote.
UBC professor Prest views another federal election this year as unlikely but not entirely ruled out.