B.C.’s economy, taxation and healthcare dominated the discussion as the province’s three main party leaders squared off in Wednesday evening’s broadcast debate. All three stuck to their party platforms with no major surprises in what many describe as a civil debate. Early voting in the provincial general election starts on Friday while Oct. 24 is election day.

The Washington state suspect, charged in connection with the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, has been denied bail. A judge in Seattle has ruled the risks could not be reasonably addressed by setting release conditions for James Cody Bryant. The Bellingham resident is charged with conspiracy to murder people in a foreign country. Jesse Van Rootselaar died by suicide after killing eight people - including six at Tumbler Ridge Secondary - on February 10, 2026.

NDP leader David Eby is under attack by opponents for benefiting from B.C.’s now-paused $10 per day daycare. Eby, who is married to a physician, confirmed his children are in a subsidized daycare facility. The BC Conservatives responded to the comments, made at a Sunday campaign stop, by saying David Eby looks after David Eby first while struggling parents deserve a premier who looks for a solution for affordable daycare. The NDP has responded by saying childcare fees in B.C. have declined by 50 per cent since 2017.

There’s an early start to B.C.’s cold and flu season as health officials ramp up vaccines. For the first time, an enhanced flu shot is being offered as well as am RSV immunization for seniors. Two mRNA vaccines will be available for those wanting to avoid COVID-19. While cases are on the rise earlier than usual, they are remaining at a moderate level…so far.

The MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill has been kicked out of the BC Conservative caucus over social media posts that promote violence toward pro-Palestinian protestors. Joachim Agou has been removed by leader Lorne Doerkson who says there’s no excuse and the actions will not be tolerated. Agou’s name has been removed from the Conservative’s website - he will likely still appear on the BC election ballot next to his former party affiliation.

NDP leader David Eby promises to freeze ICBC rates for three years, claiming his government has already held the costs for the previous ten years. The campaign promise comes as the NDP and Conservatives announce two different approaches to ICBC. Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson is calling for an end to no-fault insurance. The NDP is also accusing the Conservatives of sending a ‘private’ letter to trial lawyers promising changes to the system - that letter was widely distributed to thousands of lawyers and reported on by the media two years ago.

The main accused in the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting apparently had a coconspirator from Washington state. Members of the FBI and RCMP have told a Seattle news conference James Cody Bryant, 30, of Bellingham, assisted Jesse Van Rootselaar by providing advice, money and technical assistance. Bryant has now been arrested and charged in one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings. Eight people, including six children, were shot at a home and school in Tumbler Ridge back on Feb. 10.

NDP leader David Eby continues to defend his campaign promise of additional taxes for those who earn over $190,000 per year and a new provincial tax bracket for those who make more than $1M. Eby says he cheers those who make more money but also notes it’s all right to ask them to pay more in income tax. The BC Conservatives call the move a doctor tax and say Eby’s plan will deter physicians from coming to the province. Meanwhile, the Conservatives are promising a $50M emergency fund to help fight those temporary ER closures - especially those in the BC Interior.

NDP leader David Eby promises a crackdown on the rich if re-elected premier. Eby says a new NDP government would make sure those earning more than $190,000 would pay additional taxes. A new tax bracket would also be made for those earning over $1M a year. During a Sunday campaign stop in Comox, Eby also said that means over 96 per cent of British Columbians would see no new provincial tax increases. BC’s election day is Oct. 24.