BC Election Update: Key Platforms and Policies

As we approach the provincial election on October 19, all major political parties are outlining their platforms, focusing on key issues like housing, health care, public safety, and more. These policies will have a lasting impact on gender equality and the well-being of women, victim-survivors, and marginalized communities. This election is a pivotal moment to ensure that the voices of those most affected by inequality are heard.

For many British Columbians, this election is a crucial opportunity to participate in shaping the future. While voter registration has increased, voter turnout has steadily declined, falling from 71.5% in 1996 to just 53.86% in 2020, according to Elections BC. This decline underscores the importance of engaging with the political process, particularly for those whose rights and needs are often overlooked.

For victim-survivors of intimate partner violence, the barriers to voting can be profound. Coercion, isolation, and fear are often used by abusive partners to silence victim-survivors and prevent them from exercising their democratic rights. Voting, for many victim-survivors, is more than a civic duty—it’s an act of reclaiming their voice and asserting their independence in the face of ongoing control. This election presents a vital opportunity for policies that will support victim-survivors’ safety, empowerment, and access to resources.

At BWSS, we are committed to ensuring that the voices of victim-survivors and all marginalized individuals are heard during this critical election. We encourage you to stay informed about the platforms of all political parties and to engage with your local representatives about the issues that matter most—housing security, health care access, safety, and support for victim-survivors of violence. By using your voice and casting your vote, you can help create a future where women’s rights and safety are prioritized.

Below is a summary of the key announcements relevant to BWSS’s work. Additionally, BWSS will be sharing further information to support you in participating in this crucial election. Stay tuned for our upcoming voter information resources, which will help guide you through the registration process and provide the tools you need to make an informed decision at the polls.

BC Green Party Platform

The Greens are focused on expanding access to health care and mental health services, including the establishment of 93 community health centers and coverage for six mental health visits per year under the provincial medical plan. They’ve committed to making all vaccines free for British Columbians and emphasized climate action by increasing the carbon tax for high-pollution companies and phasing out gas production.

Notably, their platform includes a special task force to investigate missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit individuals. Additionally, they would require supervised consumption sites in all public hospitals, aiming to tackle the toxic drug poisoning crisis.

Housing is a key focus, with $650 million annually for municipal infrastructure to support new developments, along with $250 million for child care expansion. The platform also proposes an 18% tax on corporate profits over $1 billion to address wealth disparity.

BC NDP Platform

New Democrat leader David Eby’s “An Action Plan For You” outlines $2.9 billion in new investments by 2027, prioritizing families, youth, and seniors. Key pledges include expanding transition housing and a plan to protect the jobs of women fleeing intimate partner violence. There were also promises to restrict firearm access to offenders who had a history of stalking or domestic violence. Other proposals included a $1,000 grocery rebate per household, building 300,000 affordable homes, and ensuring access to a family doctor for all British Columbians.

The NDP aims to enhance community safety by increasing police powers to fight gang activity and pledges to provide mental health counselors in every public school. Eby has also committed to ending “no-pet” clauses in purpose-built rental units, supporting tenants’ rights.

BC Conservative Platform

While the BC Conservatives have not yet released their full platform, leader John Rustad has made several key statements, hinting at the party’s direction. Rustad has emphasized economic reforms, including ending ICBC’s monopoly on vehicle insurance to introduce competition. He has also committed to eliminating the province’s $9 billion deficit within two terms and requiring voter approval for new taxes.

Rustad has criticized ICBC’s no-fault model for accident victims, pledging to allow individuals with severe injuries to sue for damages. His party also plans to reduce bureaucratic obstacles by introducing a minister responsible for “red tape reduction.”

We expect more detailed policy announcements soon and will keep you updated as the Conservative platform develops.

What’s Next?

With the election approaching on October 19, we’ll continue to track key announcements from all parties, particularly on issues tied to housing, health care, and safety. Stay tuned for further updates, and look out for BWSS’s voter information resources to help guide you through the registration process.

Remember, advance voting will be available from October 10-13 and October 15-16, or you can vote on Final Voting Day, Saturday, October 19, 2024.