UBCM warns against snap provincial election overlapping with local campaigns

The Union of B.C. Municipalities is pushing back against speculation of an imminent provincial snap election, warning that overlapping campaigns would damage local civic races set to begin across the province.

With 188 communities preparing to hold local elections and over 3,500 candidates competing for municipal office, UBCM President Cori Ramsay said distinct election periods are a foundational principle for the province. "The campaign period for local elections is about to begin in 188 communities across the province," Ramsay said in an email to media. "With over 3,500 candidates competing and with a wide range of issues facing B.C.'s communities, residents cannot afford to be distracted from local campaigns by a snap provincial election call."

Premier David Eby has not ruled out calling a snap election, saying during a press conference in Surrey on Wednesday that he had no "immediate" election announcements but instructing his caucus to be "election-ready." Eby is set to deliver closing remarks at the UBCM conference Friday just after 11 a.m.

Ramsay warned that even if a snap election were called for October 24 or later, advance voting dates would still overlap with the local election period. "At a time when B.C. is facing considerable economic and social uncertainty, overlapping elections would be a disservice to our citizens," she said. "One hopes that provincial parties would temper election rhetoric as local campaigns are set to begin, but the spiral of speculation continues."

Eby's approval rating has improved in the latest Angus Reid Institute poll compared to June. The B.C. Conservative Party, meanwhile, has lost nine MLAs in less than a month. Party Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, who has faced pressure to step down, announced at the UBCM conference that she is staying on.