Strategic Energy Co-operation

A Canadian proposal to provide Candu nuclear reactors for two planned energy facilities in Turkey now has “good chances” of succeeding, according to Prime Minister Mark Carney. Speaking to Turkish business executives in Istanbul, Carney noted that he would not have made the same assessment a year ago.

Expanding Business Ties

The announcement follows a newly established strategic partnership between Canada and Turkey designed to enhance collaboration across multiple sectors, with energy serving as a primary focus. The bid, put forward by AtkinsRealis, involves potential partnerships with Turkish construction firms alongside Canadian nuclear technology.

While final procurement choices remain business-to-business decisions, Carney explained that his objective in Istanbul is to demonstrate how the Canadian market has shifted to become more welcoming to foreign investors and companies.

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.

Conservatives Hold Edge in Recent Surveys

Surveys conducted by the Angus Reid Institute and Mainstreet Research show the B.C. Conservatives holding a lead of three to six percentage points over the B.C. NDP. With a three-point margin of error in the Angus Reid survey, Conservative support is estimated between 43 and 49 per cent, while the NDP stands between 40 and 46 per cent.

Crucial Regional Battlegrounds

According to 338Canada founder Philippe Fournier, key battlegrounds will dictate the final outcome. Areas such as Surrey and the outer margins of Metro Vancouver are essential territories for the NDP if they hope to secure another term. Party leaders have focused their efforts heavily on Surrey in recent days to rally support.

Snap Election Strategy and Leadership Shift

The NDP called a snap election a month ago with two years remaining on their mandate. Fournier suggested the decision may have been influenced by earlier polling against former Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, who resigned Sept. 20 before being succeeded by interim leader Lorne Doerkson. Meanwhile, support for the B.C. Greens has ranged between eight and 15 per cent in recent surveys, slightly under expectations as disgruntled voters have yet to shift significantly to the party.