The British Columbia election campaign is about to reach a critical juncture with the three main party leaders set to square off in a television debate Tuesday.
It’s the only televised debate of the campaign ahead of voting day on Oct. 19.
Supporters of the leaders, New Democrat David Eby, B.C. Conservative John Rustad and Sonia Furstenau of the Greens, see the debate as an opportunity for their candidates to get messages to voters under the glare of the TV lights.
Speaking in Maple Ridge Monday morning, Eby said he will offer a "straight-forward message" for British Columbians concerned about affordability. "We've got immediate relief for you through a tax cut, average $1,000 per household," he said. "If you are concerned about health care, we have got a demonstrated plan to hire the doctors and nurses we need, finally making progress on family doctors." He added that his party is also talking about safe communities in pointing to what he called a "clear plan" to make sure people struggling with mental health and addiction receive the support which they need."
Eby said more needs to be done. "We are going to do it on the side of those British Columbians...who are working hard, following the rules, and who want to end up the day ahead, not just getting by. "
Speaking in Vancouver, Rustad predicted a "very interesting debate" with Rustad "expecting more of the same" from Eby. "He can't defend what he is doing," Rustad said. "All they can do is go after, attack as as individuals, as opposed to policy issues. We are going to continue to be strong on our issues, the things we are going to stand for, so that people can see very clearly who we are as the Conservative Party of British Columbia. What we will do is try to bring back hope to British Columbia."
The campaign up to now has seen Eby and Rustad trading insults about supporting conspiracy theories and weak leadership.
Both Eby and Rustad were in B.C.’s Okanagan over the weekend, with Eby promising to entice more doctors, nurses and health professionals to rural communities with a loan forgiveness program and Rustad in Kelowna pledging to bring an end to tent encampments.
As election day approaches, advance voting will be available Oct. 10 to 13 and Oct. 15 to 16, with the final voting day on Oct. 19.
Also, connected to the election are photos on social media Sunday showing acts of vandalism at Vancouver billionaire Chip Wilson’s property and the sign he posted saying the NDP is “communist.”
-with files from Wolf Depner
