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.

BC Conservative Leader Pledges Major Permit Streamlining and Harvest Expansion

During an Oct. 19 campaign visit to Waldun Forest Products in Maple Ridge, BC Conservative Party Leader Lorne Doerkson outlined his party’s vision to revitalize the provincial forest industry. Joined by incumbent candidate Lawrence Mok in Maple Ridge East, Doerkson pledged to speed up approvals, lower operational expenses, and provide timber processors with more predictable access to raw materials.

Doerkson proposed a centralized, major-project-style framework for forestry approvals designed to reduce wait times from years to months. Criticizing the current administration, he stated that the provincial harvest has consistently missed the allowable annual target of 44,372,144 cubic metres. If elected, he aims to establish a minimum annual cut of 45 million cubic metres while keeping environmental safeguards in place.

Debate over Industry Shutdowns and Funding Platform

Addressing mill closures across British Columbia, Doerkson alleged that red tape and added regulatory expenses under the NDP administration led to the permanent or temporary shutdown of at least 21 lumber facilities since 2023, along with the loss of approximately 15,000 sector jobs over four years. To counter these losses, he promised competitive tax adjustments, increased support for value-added wood processors, and investments in Indigenous skills training to ensure First Nations benefit from federal sector funding.

In response, Hudson Campbell, the BC NDP candidate for Maple Ridge East, countered that the Conservative forestry commitment offers only $17 million in funding over two years and lacks a designated budget for its Indigenous training promises. Campbell pointed to the NDP platform, which earmarks $270 million for the sector, including $120 million for a Forestry Jobs Protection Fund and a doubling of the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to support workers, mill operations, and local economies.

Surrey Man Dies in Coquihalla Collision

A 24-year-old man from Surrey died Saturday following a head-on collision on Highway 5 near Merritt. The fatal crash took place around 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 17, just south of the Helmer exit.

Multiple Injuries Reported

Emergency responders arrived at the scene after receiving several reports regarding a southbound vehicle traveling in the northbound lanes. They found a black Toyota Tacoma and a white Toyota Rav 4 heavily damaged. The 24-year-old victim was a passenger in the Rav 4 and was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other men from Surrey inside the Rav 4, including the driver, suffered serious injuries and were transported to a hospital. The injured passengers and driver are between 24 and 38 years old.

Police Investigate Suspected Impairment

The sole occupant of the Toyota Tacoma, a 22-year-old man from Coldwater, sustained minor injuries. Authorities detained him under suspicion of impaired driving.

Appeal for Video and Witnesses

BC Highway Patrol is seeking assistance from anyone who observed the Tacoma prior to the crash. “We need more video and witnesses who can tell us what the driver of the black Toyota Tacoma was doing before he started driving,” said BC Highway Patrol spokesperson Michael McLaughlin. “Some witnesses say the black Toyota Tacoma entered Highway 5 near Lac Le Jeune. If you saw what the driver was doing before he started driving, we need to talk to you.”

Individuals who witnessed the events leading up to the crash or have dash-camera footage are urged to contact BC Highway Patrol in Kamloops at 250-828-3111, referencing file (2100) 2026-2997.