Ex-MLA and Former Conservative Leader Step Back

Former Surrey South MLA Brent Chapman will not be on the ballot for the upcoming provincial election. Chapman, who was previously set to represent OneBC in South Surrey, was omitted from the official Elections BC candidate roster following the Oct. 3 filing deadline. His wife, former Conservative Party of BC leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, is also absent from the listings after resigning her leadership role on Sept. 20 amid an exodus of party MLAs.

Addressing his decision, Chapman stated he has “just had enough,” adding regarding Findlay’s departure, “Why would she be running? What would be the benefit of her running? I think, at some point, you stop.”

OneBC Responds to Candidate Exit

In a statement posted to social media, OneBC expressed complete support for Chapman’s decision to step down, noting that the pressure over recent months had been immense. The party stated that Chapman and Findlay faced “a torrent of threats and abuse” and claimed their conservative principles were rejected by Conservative Party of BC leadership.

Surrey South and Surrey-White Rock Slate Confirmed

With filings closed, five candidates are officially contesting the Surrey South riding. Denis R. Hurtubise is displayed as a OneBC contender on the party website, though Elections BC lists him as unaffiliated. The remaining candidates include CentreBC leader Elenore Sturko, Conservative Party candidate and outgoing White Rock mayor Megan Knight, BC NDP candidate Parik Tahlan, and BC Green Party candidate Bill McConnell. Knight withdrew from her municipal re-election campaign to join the provincial contest.

In the neighboring riding of Surrey-White Rock, six candidates are confirmed. Incumbent Conservative MLA Trevor Halford faces challenges from BC NDP candidate and former White Rock mayor Darryl Walker, BC Green Party candidate Christine Kinnie, CentreBC candidate Waqas Rana, OneBC candidate Amanda James, and independent candidate Kevin Diakiw.

Advance voting is scheduled for Oct. 16 to 21, ahead of final voting day on Saturday, Oct. 24. Local municipal elections take place one week prior, on Oct. 17.

Political Clashes Erupt Over Leaked Correspondence

A debate over the future of auto coverage in British Columbia has intensified after a Sept. 29 correspondence signed by B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson became public on Oct. 6. The document reveals party plans to move away from the current system managed by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) if elected on Oct. 24.

Addressing reporters during an Oct. 7 campaign stop in Surrey, Doerkson outlined intentions to replace the existing model with a hybrid approach similar to those operating in Alberta, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada. He stated that the proposed platform would impose caps on legal fees while restoring the right of victims with catastrophic injuries to seek court recovery.

Disagreement Over Costs and Coverage

B.C. NDP Leader David Eby challenged the proposal during a media appearance in Surrey, displaying the document and arguing that reverting from the current care-based model would direct driver funds back to legal battles and drive up premiums. The Crown insurer transitioned to its “Enhanced Care” no-fault framework on May 1, 2021, a move it reported saved $1.5 billion by reducing litigation expenses.

In response, Doerkson acknowledged that insurance must remain affordable but maintained that individuals who suffer life-altering injuries are not receiving adequate support under the present regulations. His letter, addressed to legal and insurance sector groups, also noted that opening the market to private competition and capping minor-injury claims remain options under consideration.

Affordability takes center stage in provincial campaign

With the provincial election set for Oct. 24, B.C. NDP Leader David Eby is emphasizing cost-of-living challenges over previous warnings about American trade policies. Speaking on Tuesday during a campaign event at the Victoria Curling Club, Eby noted that deciding which party can best assist families during difficult times remains the core issue for voters.

Acknowledging differing views on U.S. leadership

When Eby initiated the snap election on Sept. 22, he framed the campaign around building a “firebreak” to protect British Columbia from Donald Trump’s economic policies and political style. However, the NDP leader now acknowledges that his concerns regarding the U.S. president are not shared by everyone in the province.

“Whether you believe and accept that Trump is making it much worse, it doesn’t matter because you’re still understanding that the cost of living is significant, that we need a strong public health-care system if you and your family get sick,” Eby said.

Opposition calls for action over press releases

The stance comes alongside criticism from interim B.C. Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson, who described Trump at the start of the campaign as an “absolute bully.” Doerkson argued that confronting threats from the U.S. requires concrete action rather than issuing press releases.

Despite varying public anxieties, Eby maintains that U.S. actions continue to exert a real impact on British Columbians, even as his campaign shifts its primary focus back to household budgets and public services.