Adam Pankratz: David Eby’s opportunistic election comes at B.C.’s expense

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNP Comment Adam Pankratz: David Eby's opportunistic election comes at B.C.'s expense The NDP doesn't deserve to be returned to power Author of the article: By Adam Pankratz Published Sep 22, 2026 Last updated 28 minutes ago 5 minute read Join the conversation B.C. Premier David Eby addresses the annual convention of the Union of B.C. Municipalities in Vancouver on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. PHOTO BY SCOTT MCALPINE /UBCM Article content VANCOUVER — B.C. Premier David Eby called an unnecessary election on Tuesday afternoon, not even two years into his existing mandate. The premier already has a majority government and legislation dictates the next vote wasn’t to be held until October 2028. Article content Given the state of the province, an early election to put the current government back in power is the last thing British Columbia needs. Eby, however, could not resist the opportunity currently presented to him: the cover U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war provides and, more importantly, a fiercely divided Conservative party led by an interim leader. Article content RECOMMENDED VIDEOS Article content Article content Despite leading in the polls, the gamble may not pay off for Eby, as the threat of annihilation is focusing the minds of B.C. Conservatives, encouraging MLAs who left or were kicked out to return to caucus. Negotiations reportedly started Monday night to merge with the Centre B.C. party, which is now being led by Pete Milobar, one of the MLAs who left the Conservative caucus over the summer. It is possible that Eby’s naked opportunism will result in a stronger mandate, but it could very well toss him out of office two years ahead of schedule. Article content Channel Israel Columnist Jesse Kline keeps you up to date with what’s happening in Israel and the effects of antisemitism on life here in Canada. Friday mornings. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content B.C. is in a sorry state following years of NDP mismanagement under Eby. B.C.’s projected deficit is now $13.8 billion, according to a fiscal update last week. That’s $500 million more than projected back in February. This projection comes on the heels of record deficits for the past three years: $5.9 billion in 2023, $7.3 billion in 2024 and $9.6…