New Contender in Kamloops-North Thompson

Voters in Kamloops-North Thompson will see a seasoned campaigner on the ballot as John Kidder seeks to represent the BC Green Party in the upcoming provincial election. The party recently circulated Kidder’s nomination form to members via email to collect the required signatures for Elections BC confirmation.

Kidder, who resides in Ashcroft, brings a long history of political involvement to the race. Though he has never held public office, he has previously campaigned in several provincial and federal elections under the Green banner, and also ran as a federal Liberal candidate in 2011. He is married to Elizabeth May, the leader of the federal Green Party.

The Provincial Race Takes Shape

Once his candidacy is formally confirmed by election authorities, Kidder will enter a competitive field. He is set to challenge BC Conservative incumbent Ward Stamer in the riding.

The ballot will also feature Kory Clark, a 24-year-old health-care worker running for the BC NDP, according to reports.

Interim Leader Proposes Cooperation Amid Overlapping Candidates

OneBC interim leader Dallas Brodie has expressed readiness to negotiate an election arrangement with the B.C. Conservatives, despite her former party putting forward a rival candidate in her Vancouver-Quilchena riding. Former Canadian Taxpayers Federation provincial director Carson Binda was announced on Sept. 29 as the Conservative candidate facing Brodie, who currently serves as the riding’s incumbent legislator.

Brodie questioned the Conservatives’ decision to compete against her, noting that OneBC had previously signaled goodwill by deciding not to field candidates in select ridings containing “true” Conservatives. Although earlier discussions occurred with B.C. Conservative interim leader Lorne Doerkson, OneBC has since revealed plans for candidates in two of those contested districts. Among them is Kelowna-Centre, a seat won by NDP margin of just 40 votes last election by Kristina Loewen. Brodie argued that her party represents the authentic conservative choice there and suggested Conservatives risk losing the seat to the NDP.

Tensions and History Between Conservative Factions

Offering to pull OneBC’s unannounced Kelowna-Centre candidate if the Conservatives enter discussions, Brodie criticized the opposing party’s reluctance to negotiate. She stated that her party has taken concrete steps toward making deals while accused the Conservatives of ignoring her party. Brodie remarked that the Conservatives “created me” in many ways, referencing her expulsion from the party caucus last year by then-leader John Rustad after she mocked residential school survivor testimony.

Addressing the prospect of electoral collaboration, Doerkson acknowledged that dialogue had occurred between the parties, though no formal agreement was reached. He affirmed that the party intends to bring conservative values to British Columbians following the election. OneBC originally formed as a breakaway Conservative faction in 2025, though it lacked official recognized party status in the legislature when the election campaign commenced.

B.C. Election Campaign Focuses on Natural Gas Goals

Interim B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson has announced a new platform initiative focused on expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) output. Speaking in Vancouver, Doerkson committed to doubling provincial LNG production by the year 2032 and tripling production levels by 2035 under what he termed a “superpower plan.” He emphasized that beneficial projects would receive swift approval from a Conservative government.

NDP Responds as Campaign Shift Moves to Affordability

The incumbent New Democratic Party pushed back against the pledge. NDP candidate and Forests Minister Ravi Parmar dismissed the announcement as a “ChatGPT plan,” arguing the current administration is already positioned to surpass those targets on its existing trajectory. Parmar stated that the provincial government’s current outline aims to exceed a tripling of LNG output by 2035.

The debate signals a broader transition in campaign topics, moving toward resource development and cost-of-living concerns. While Doerkson framed his approach around reducing regulatory delays and avoiding tax increases, NDP Leader David Eby was in Prince Rupert making his party’s case for the resource sector. The NDP also targeted Conservative fiscal plans, raising past comments from Conservative MLA Tony Luck regarding potential spending reductions to major budget items like healthcare. Doerkson firmly rejected those claims, stating he has no intention of cutting health funding.

Leadership Debates and Strategic Shifts

As economic issues take center stage, political observers note changes in party positioning. Former chief of staff Geoff Meggs pointed to recent policy proposals, including measures aimed at vacant developer housing, as evidence of the NDP establishing its footing on affordability issues.

Simultaneously, political friction has emerged over party governance. The NDP highlighted comments from Doerkson regarding party bylaws and leadership procedures following the election. Doerkson countered that internal governance matter has been resolved, expressing confidence in his bid to lead the province for a full four-year term.