David Eby calls October 24 B.C. election, puts U.S. trade tensions at centre of campaign

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 23, 2026

Photo courtesy: CBC News

VICTORIA, B.C. — BC NDP Leader David Eby has launched his party’s campaign for an early provincial election on October 24, framing the vote around British Columbia’s response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies and the province’s economic dependence on the United States.

Elections BC confirmed that writs were issued on September 22 for British Columbia’s 44th provincial general election, officially beginning the campaign period. Voters will elect 93 members of the Legislative Assembly, with final voting day set for October 24.

The election is being held about two years ahead of the previously scheduled October 2028 provincial vote.

Eby announced the campaign after visiting the lieutenant governor, saying British Columbians should have a say in how the province responds to economic pressure from the United States.

“For B.C. and for Canada, this is an existential moment. Trump is threatening our jobs and driving up costs. British Columbians deserve a say in how B.C. responds,” Eby said in a BC NDP statement.

The BC NDP said its campaign will focus on reducing the province’s reliance on the U.S. economy, supporting workers and businesses affected by tariffs, lowering household costs and strengthening health care and other public services.

Among the measures outlined by the party is maintaining restrictions on U.S. alcohol in B.C. stores until what Eby described as a fair agreement for forestry workers is reached. The party also said it would support Canadian countermeasures against U.S. trade actions and encourage the purchase of Canadian-made goods.

Eby had reiterated days before the election call that U.S. alcohol would remain off provincial liquor store shelves until conditions facing British Columbia’s forest sector improved.

The BC NDP also said it plans to work with the federal government to open new export markets, expand infrastructure and housing construction, grow industries within the province and train more British Columbians for skilled trades jobs.

The party said further details of its trade and economic platform would be released during the campaign.

“Our plan is making a difference, driving down housing costs and creating good new jobs. But the job is far from done, and we need to keep going,” Eby said in the party release.

The early election call has drawn criticism from opposition parties. The B.C. Conservatives described the decision as “cynical,” while B.C. Green Leader Emily Lowan said the election “isn’t wanted” and questioned holding a provincial campaign while communities are already preparing for municipal elections.

British Columbia’s general local elections are scheduled for October 17, one week before the provincial vote.

Advance voting for the provincial election will run from October 16 to 21, according to Elections BC.