Five Specialists Step Down Following Regional On-Call Mandate

Five neurologists have resigned from their positions with Interior Health after being required to expand their on-call coverage across the entire health authority region via internet and telephone services. According to Doctors of B.C. president Adam Thompson, the mandate served as a tipping point after physicians expressed that the arrangement was not viable, citing concerns over workload levels.

Pattern of Physician Departures Across Regional Facilities

The decision marks another instance of staff departures within the health authority. Previous incidents include the resignation of all obstetricians and gynecologists at Kamloops’ Royal Inland Hospital last October due to workload, alongside four psychiatrists leaving Vernon Jubilee Hospital that same month. Furthermore, seven pediatricians resigned from Kelowna General Hospital between 2023 and 2025, which led to an internal report highlighting a decline in trust between physicians and administration.

Calls for Collaboration and Health Authority Response

Thompson stressed that health authority administrators must listen to and collaborate with frontline physicians to address ongoing service issues across provincial specialties. In response, Dr. Kirstie McLelland, executive medical director of clinical operations for Interior Health South, stated that election-period communication rules limited detailed comment, but affirmed that the authority remains committed to working with neurologists to meet staff rules and bylaws while delivering required care. She added that members of the public should not hesitate to seek neurology services if needed.

NDP Candidate Addresses Majority Dynamics in Okanagan Interview

Remarks from an NDP candidate have brought renewed focus to Premier David Eby’s decision to call an election, according to statements released by the Conservative Party of BC.

During a conversation with a local media outlet in the Okanagan, NDP candidate Roly Russell reflected on discussions with former colleagues regarding the government’s previous slim majority. In a Castanet News interview published on YouTube on Oct. 22, 2026, Russell said: “But after the election was called and I had some conversations with some previous colleagues that I really trust a lot and you know, one of those people mentioned to me that you know, with a with a caucus with only a one seat majority, everybody around the table had a veto. Anything that somebody really wanted to oppose, it became very very difficult to actually move forward with legislation.”

Conservative Opposition Responds to Remarks

The comments came a day after Eby addressed reporters in Surrey, noting that the primary question he encounters from voters on the campaign trail is why he decided to send British Columbians to the polls.

Gavin Dew, the Conservative Party candidate for Kelowna-Mission, criticized Eby’s decision as self-interested and argued that Russell’s statements revealed internal party challenges. Dew stated: “David Eby called a cynical snap election, and since then he’s been working overtime to spin a story to explain his plainly self-interested decision. Sounds like the real answers are starting to come out – David Eby’s own caucus wanted to veto his decisions.”

Dew added: “It’s clear that Eby called this election because he saw an opportunity for himself, but he’s also given British Columbians the opportunity for change. On Saturday, it’s time to deliver Eby a message that British Columbia is done with his chaotic and reckless agenda.”

Liquefied Natural Gas Debate Highlighted

The Conservatives also pointed to comments made by Randene Neill, an NDP Cabinet minister and candidate for Powell River-Sunshine Coast. Speaking to voters two days earlier, Neill expressed opposition to expanding natural gas projects, stating she would be a strong voice in caucus against LNG and adding: “ We don’t need any more LNG projects in this province at all.”

Polling Trends Show Shifts Ahead of Vote

With only 24 hours remaining before citizens cast their ballots on Saturday, political parties across British Columbia are delivering their final messages to the electorate. Recent polling figures from Leger Marketing indicate that the Conservative Party of BC has built momentum, climbing to 44 per cent support. Executive vice-president Steve Mossop noted that the BC NDP has held at 39 per cent, mirroring its standing at the start of the race.

Potential Impacts for Vancouver Island

The latest polling also points to gains by the BC Green Party, which has grown its support from eight to 13 per cent under leader Emily Lowan. According to David Black, an associate professor at Royal Roads University, this surge in Green support combined with Conservative strength could put several Vancouver Island NDP ridings at risk. Black highlighted Cowichan Valley, Juan de Fuca-Malahat, Nanaimo-Lantzville, Mid Island-Pacific Rim, and Ladysmith-Oceanside as areas facing potential shifts.

Party Leaders Rally Supporters

In Surrey, Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson addressed a packed auditorium alongside former premier Christy Clark, telling attendees, “There has never been a more important election than right now you guys.” Meanwhile, BC NDP Leader David Eby initiated his final day of campaigning in Surrey, addressing potential vote splitting by making a direct request to the electorate. “For those folks who are undecided or thinking about voting Green, that every vote is going to matter,” Eby stated, as voters prepare to make the final determination on Saturday.