British Columbia premier calls snap election for Oct. 24

British Columbia Premier David Eby has called a snap provincial election for Oct. 24, two years ahead of the scheduled 2028 vote, after dissolving the legislature outside Government House in Victoria on Tuesday. Eby, leader of the New Democratic Party, framed the campaign around the province's economy and trade tensions with the United States. The NDP platform rests on three pillars tied to the Canada-U.S. trade war, including reducing British Columbia's dependence on the United States, protecting jobs, and strengthening public services. Priorities outlined by Eby include expanding access to health care, recruiting more health-care workers, lowering costs for families, and supporting workers and businesses affected by tariffs. Eby said British Columbians deserve the opportunity to decide how the province should respond to what he described as an existential moment for both British Columbia and Canada, pointing to tariffs, trade disputes, and rising costs for consumers and businesses. The election call comes amid a fractured opposition. B.C.