Last night’s televised leaders’ debate, moderated by Shachi Kurl, featured NDP Leader David Eby, Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson, and BC Greens Leader Emily Lowan. The debate exchanges focused on the NDP’s record in government since 2017, the Conservatives’ credibility to govern amidst campaign scandals, and the Greens’ alternative approach to taxation and public services.
Snap election criticism
The very first question of the debate had Eby justifying his decision to call a snap election with two years remaining in his mandate. He argued that a narrow legislative majority impeded governing, with the NDP relying on remote votes from MLAs in hospital beds to pass votes. This marked a shift from his rationale during the campaign’s first two weeks, when he cited Donald Trump and the economic uncertainty created by his policies as justification for calling a snap election. Doerkson called the election opportunistic.
Campaign controversies
Eby was quick to go on the attack, pressing Doerkson over controversial posts from campaign director Katy Merrifield disparaging Islam. Doerkson condemned her past remarks but defended retaining her on the campaign team. He countered with allegations of antisemitism within the NDP Caucus and Party raised by former NDP Finance Minister Selina Robinson.
The exchange shifted the focus away from policy, where the NDP is defending its record, to questions of leadership and candidate standards. This underscored a weakness for the Conservatives, who had already dropped their candidate in Victoria-Beacon Hill and come under fire for comments from other candidates. Today, the Conservatives dropped a second candidate due to racist online comments.
The economy & government finances
On finances, Eby faced questions about the shift from a substantial surplus to a projected $13.8-billion deficit. He defended investment in services and rejected balancing the budget through service reductions. Doerkson emphasized economic growth and opposed higher taxes. In one of the standout moments for the Green Leader, Lowan argued for taxing wealth rather than employment income, pushing a populist and progressive taxation policy that will likely play a central role in the Greens’ digital campaigns for the remainder of the election. Eby’s proposed higher-income taxes and Lowan’s wealth-tax revenues were presented as competing means of paying for services.
A pre-debate release of the NDP platform and the absence of a costed Conservative platform gave Eby and Lowan an opening to question how Doerkson would finance his commitments while highlighting their own costed policy platforms. Doerkson promised that a Conservative platform was coming soon.
Health care
Eby accused the Conservatives of moving toward American-style privatized health care. When asked by the moderator whether he would keep the system completely public, Doerksen responded, “I want a fully-funded system in this province that everyone can access.” Lowan used the opportunity to highlight what she characterized as the NDP’s hypocrisy in criticizing privatization of health care while relying on private contractors within the health care system. She also pressed the NDP on the shortage of family doctors for British Columbians.
Indigenous relations
Doerkson reiterated his commitment to repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), while Eby argued that Indigenous partnerships are essential for advancing major projects. Lowan offered her full support for DRIPA and took the opportunity to call out Eby’s flip-flops on the issue. She also accused Doerkson and the Conservatives of spreading misinformation about how DRIPA relates to private property rights.
Affordability
Auto insurance produced a substantive disagreement: Eby defended a further ICBC rate freeze, while Doerkson advocated for (1) competition in the insurance sector, and (2) fixing the NDP’s no-fault insurance model, which prioritizes lower premiums over the rights of accident victims. Doerkson said he will keep his approach reasonable by capping the legal fees, with Eby swiftly questioning the implications on premiums.
On housing, Eby defended provincial requirements to increase supply while Doerkson favoured greater municipal control and faster approvals. Lowan promoted stronger renter protections and support for non-profit housing.
Interestingly, the general topic of the cost of living was touched upon a few times but never discussed as an overall debate topic, leading Eby to highlight in his closing remarks the strange absence of one of the most important issues to British Columbians.
Credibility stood out to us as the common thread throughout last night’s debate. Eby’s credibility to deliver was challenged by Lowan and Doerksen, who highlighted what they described as years of broken promises; Doerkson’s credibility to deliver on fiscal promises and deliver quality candidates was questioned by his opponents; and Lowan’s ability to deliver an alternative approach for progressive voters was also challenged.
It’s fair to say that all three leaders can be pleased with their performances but it’s unlikely that this debate moved the needle in any significant sense. Doerkson didn’t hit a home run, but he succeeded in not providing the NDP with any unforced errors to capitalize on. Eby, down in the polls, steadied the ship and introduced a better campaign narrative than how he began this election. Lowan, while shaky at points, was able to deliver some highly ‘clip-able’ zingers that will prove to be a valuable asset as the social media campaign ramps up in the final week of the election.