Geoff Russ: This election is for the B.C. Conservatives’ taking

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNP Comment Geoff Russ: This election is for the B.C. Conservatives' taking David Eby's botched snap election puts even more spotlight on his poor record Author of the article: By Geoff Russ Published Sep 24, 2026 Last updated 1 hour ago 4 minute read Join the conversation Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson at CRAB Park in Vancouver, B.C., September 22, 2026. PHOTO BY ARLEN REDEKOP /PNG Article content Does it really matter if voters are unhappy about the upcoming snap election in British Columbia? Article content Yes, it certainly will not help Premier David Eby, who triggered an early contest on Sunday. But irritated voters will not be enough for the BC Conservatives to form government. Article content RECOMMENDED VIDEOS Article content Eby is bringing voters to the polls early on Oct. 24, well before the fixed election date in 2028. His reasoning is that the province needs a strong majority government to deal with President Donald Trump. If early reactions are any indicator, few are buying it. People can see right through this rice-paper-thin cover for an opportunistic contest. Article content Article content However, recent snap elections that were equally opportunistic did not end in disaster for the incumbents. People may dislike being swept up in an unnecessary early campaign, but that is different from deciding which party will govern. 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 In February 2025, Ontario Premier Doug Ford used Trump’s “51st state” rhetoric and threats of economic warfare to call an early election, more than a year before the scheduled 44th general election. Article content According to Angus Reid at the time, 78 per cent of respondents thought that the early election served Ford’s interests, rather than Ontario’s, including 58 per cent of those who planned to vote for his Progressive Conservative government. Ford went on to secure another majority mandate. Evidently, Ontario voters could hold their noses and look past a dirty trick. Article content By contrast, when Justin Trudeau called an early federal election…