Eby’s Logic in an “Existential Moment”

 

Looking for Eby’s Logic in an “Existential Moment”

Premier David Eby says British Columbia faces an “existential moment.” He points to Donald Trump’s attacks on Canadian workers and businesses and the threat to our sovereignty. Those are serious concerns. But if the moment is as urgent as Eby says, why call an election now?

Eby already had a majority government. He did not need another election to propose a forestry plan, respond to tariffs or explain how B.C. would reduce its dependence on the United States. What specific power was missing?

Instead, British Columbians face a campaign that began September 22 and ends with voting on October 24. Voting day will not bring the legislature back into session overnight. And Eby cannot assume he will win. If voters choose another government, his election call will have handed responsibility for this “existential moment” to someone else.

Meanwhile, families are dealing with the cost of food, housing and fuel. Forestry workers want to know where their jobs are headed. Voters also have local elections on October 17, just one week before the provincial vote.

An early election should answer a real question that the existing legislature cannot settle. Eby has yet to explain what he could do with a new mandate that he could not do with the majority he already held.

If this is truly an existential moment, why spend it campaigning instead of governing?

Sources: Eby’s election announcement; Elections BC provincial election dates; Elections BC local election date.