BC Party Leaders Prepare for Final Election Debate
BC NDP Leader David Eby faces criticism over childcare subsidies ahead of a televised provincial election debate scheduled for October 14.
Leaders of British Columbia's three major political parties are preparing for the provincial election campaign's only live debate on October 14. The event will feature David Eby of the BC NDP, interim BC Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson, and BC Green Party Leader Emily Lowan. Moderated by Shachi Kurl, the debate will air from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m. via the BC Broadcast Consortium before advance voting begins on October 16.
Ahead of the debate, David Eby faced criticism on October 13 regarding his family's use of the province's $10-a-day childcare program. Eby stated that he and his wife, Cailey Lynch, donated the cost difference back to the childcare facility because they did not need the benefit, though he declined to reveal the specific donation amount. He rejected calls for means testing the program, arguing that expanding affordable childcare is an economic strategy.
BC Conservative candidate Margareta Dovgal accused Eby of hypocrisy and claimed he is in damage control. In addition to the upcoming televised debate, Eby, Doerkson, and Lowan are scheduled to present their provincial visions to business leaders at a Greater Vancouver Board of Trade event. The final voting day for the provincial election is October 24.
