B.C. campaign trails on quiet Saturday ahead of October election

The B.C. election campaign moved at a measured pace Saturday, roughly one month before voting on October 24, with the NDP announcing candidates and teasing an economy announcement, while the opposition and smaller parties refined their platforms.

David Eby, the NDP leader, made a campaign appearance at the UBC farmers market Saturday with his family but did not take questions from reporters. He alluded to an announcement coming soon regarding the economy. The NDP announced nine candidates Saturday, mostly running in ridings throughout the lower mainland.

The B.C. NDP criticized what it called OneBC's plan to raise the province's already record-high deficit. OneBC's spokesperson defended the party's proposed cuts by pointing to legislation passed under former Premier Gordon Campbell in 2001, saying they were similar tax cuts that "got the province 'back to a surplus' during Campbell's tenure."

Lorne Doerkson leads the B.C. Conservatives, the official opposition, which remained quiet on the campaign trail Saturday. Doerkson is expected to make a campaign announcement Sunday.

Elenore Sturko, leader of CentreBC, said the party is "putting the final touches" on its platform and remains a credible alternative for those without a political home. Sturko emphasized affordability and fiscal responsibility as the party's main focus, saying "the exciting path is that we get to talk about solutions" rather than dwelling on the previous government's failures.

Emily Lowan continues to lead the B.C. Greens, which continued campaign stops on Vancouver Island Saturday with a stop in Sidney.

The week has been described as chaotic in B.C. politics, with seven MLAs having defected from and then rejoined the B.C. Conservatives.