Key quotes from the British Columbia leaders’ debate ahead of Oct. 24 election

VANCOUVER – Three of British Columbia’s provincial party leaders debated Wednesday on issues such as health care, seniors housing, public safety, Indigenous relations, housing and government financing. 

Here are some key quotes from Wednesday’s televised debate: 

NDP Leader David Eby, when asked why he called an election two years early:

“This was not a government that was able to deliver the big swings that you and your family need government to be taking for you. We need a government with representatives from every part of the province that are focused on your priorities, not on culture wars, not on repealing the human rights code, but on the real issues that matter to you and your family.” 

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Eby to Interim B.C. Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson on online posts about Islam by his campaign director, Katy Merrifield:

“Her Twitter feed at points reads like the worst corners of the dark web, and you stand here today, in the face of a call from national Muslim organizations and say, ‘hey, we need to feel safe in this province.’ And she’s gonna continue as your campaign director.”

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Doerkson, on Merrifield’s posts:

“I will always stand up against hate. I want to just refer to the woman that you’re referring to just for a moment, because this is a woman who survived sexual violence and she acted out in a moment of trauma. She removed the post and from there, I think she has been very apologetic.”

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Green Party Leader Emily Lowan:

“If the Greens held the balance of power, it would be my top priority to advocate for a better voting system. A voting system where we’re not caught between lesser evils, where we are choosing between broken promises or service cuts. And I think we can find that system in proportional representation.”

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Lowan, after an exchange between Eby and Doerkson on hateful comments by candidates:

“I have to say this feels like déjà vu of the 2024 race. Our politics haven’t advanced. We have a Conservative party that is yet again being divided, ripped up from the inside with candidates making abhorrent comments and an interim leader. And we see the same failing status quo, a managed decline under David Eby.” 

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Doerkson, on Eby’s record:

“The challenge that I think British Columbians have is that you continue to refer to a decade ago. The reality is Mr. Eby you’ve been running this province for a decade and nothing is better than it was years ago.” 

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Doerkson, on when he will provide his costed election platform: 

“I do not want to introduce a platform that I break promises on.” 

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Eby, when asked if he could work with the B.C. Conservatives in order to prevent another election: 

“I struggle to know what areas we have in common. I believe in being honest with the voters about how we’re going to pay for things, what we’re gonna pay for. When we make difficult decisions, look, I’m not perfect, but I will always act in the best interests of British Columbians, and that’s my commitment to you and your family. “

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Lowan on Eby’s LNG “gamble.”

“But you’re betting everything on fracked gas projects that are owned by American corporations, backed by equity firms and (U.S. President Donald) Trump’s inner circle. So, how can we expect British Columbians to believe you? And how dare you gamble our economy on LNG when we are looking at every forecast that B.C.’s projects could be sold at a loss.” 

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CentreBC leader Elenore Sturko, in video remarks:

“I’m not asking British Columbians to pretend that CentreBC will form government. I’m asking them a different question. Who will hold the next government accountable? CentreBC is a socially progressive, environmentally pragmatic, and fiscally responsible party. Divisiveness and extremes on the left and on the right aren’t helping British Columbian.”

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OneBC leader Dallas Brodie, in video remarks:

“We will push for a 25 per cent income tax cut for both individuals and corporations, and we will push a two per cent cut in the PST. As well, we will fight against these land back giveaways that are being done by the current government. We will read the treaties and let you know what is going on. We will stop the greed and corruption of the reconciliation industry in British Columbia, and put B.C. back in the hands of British Columbians.”

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2026.