Voters in British Columbia's provincial election are focused on affordability and healthcare.

British Columbia, Canada's most western province, is preparing to elect its provincial government on October 19. Polls indicate that the incumbent New Democratic Party holds a narrow lead over the main rival Conservative Party.

The provincial elections will be closely watched for clues as to how Canadians might vote at the federal election that is due to occur within the next 12 months, where Justin Trudeau’s Liberals are expected to suffer a heavy defeat to the federal Conservatives.

British Columbia is a large mountainous province rich in natural resources, including forestry and gas. The top issues for voters are housing, healthcare and rising living costs. This echoes the concerns of Americans at a national scale.

The federal and provincial Conservatives are not affiliated in British Columbia. However, John Rustad’s right-leaning party gained ground rapidly over the past year. In August, it merged with B.C. center-right. United Party was formerly known as B.C. Liberals.

Analysts said that the left-leaning NDP led by Premier David Eby appears to be ahead of Rustad’s Conservatives according to the latest polls. However, many voters remain unimpressed by the record of the provincial government on matters such as the cost of living, safety of the public and the controversial attempt to allow the open use of certain illegal drugs.

Shachi Kurl said, "The NDP advantage is not predicated on strong enthusiasm for a party that has been at power seven years," in a press release issued this week.

"Fully a half of New Democrat supporter say they back the party because they really dislike the other options they have available."

Analysts said that Rustad was the worst of all leaders in a recent debate. He has also been criticized over past comments about regretting being vaccinated for COVID-19, and questioning climate science.

A recent Angus Reid survey showed that 45% of voters plan to vote for NDP versus 40% Conservatives. A small minority of voters intend to vote B.C. Green Party.

The result of the election will have a significant impact on British Columbia’s climate policies. Rustad has promised to abolish the province’s carbon tax, which preceded the federal carbon tax, as well as the clean fuel standard. He also promises to expand the nascent industry for liquefied gas.

The Shell-led LNG Canada Project, Canada's first LNG export terminal, will begin operating in the north of British Columbia next year.

Kathryn Harrison is a professor of political science at the University of British Columbia. She said that climate change has not been as prominent in this year's election campaign.

Harrison stated that "the cost of living crisis has diverted attention from other issues, and we still see shortages in medical staff post-pandemic and emergency rooms in rural areas are regularly closed." These issues are top-of-mind for voters." Nia Williams reported from British Columbia.

(source: Reuters)