Key quotes from the British Columbia leaders' debate ahead of Oct. 24 election
Three of British Columbia's provincial party leaders debated Wednesday on issues such as health care, seniors housing, public safety, Indigenous relations, housing and government financing.
Here are some key quotes from Wednesday's televised debate:
NDP Leader David Eby, when asked why he called an election two years early:
"This was not a government that was able to deliver the big swings that you and your family need government to be taking for you. We need a government with representatives from every part of the province that are focused on your priorities, not on culture wars, not on repealing the human rights code, but on the real issues that matter to you and your family."
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Eby to Interim B.C. Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson on online posts about Islam by his campaign director, Katy Merrifield:
"Her Twitter feed at points reads like the worst corners of the dark web, and you stand here today, in the face of a call from national Muslim organizations and say, 'hey, we need to feel safe in this province.' And she's gonna continue as your campaign director."
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Doerkson, on Merrifield's posts:
"I will always stand up against hate. I want to just refer to the woman that you're referring to just for a moment, because this is a woman who survived sexual violence and she acted out in a moment of trauma. She removed the post and from there, I think she has been very apologetic."
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Green Party Leader Emily Lowan:
"If the Greens held the balance of power, it would be my top priority to advocate for a better voting system. A voting system where we're not caught between lesser evils, where we are choosing between broken promises or service cuts. And I think we can find that system in proportional representation."
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Lowan, after an exchange between Eby and Doerkson on hateful comments by candidates:
"I have to say this feels like déjà vu of the 2024 race. Our politics haven't advanced. We have a Conservative party that is yet again being divided, ripped up from the inside with candidates making abhorrent comments and an interim leader. And we see the same failing status quo, a managed decline under David Eby."
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Doerkson, on Eby's record:
"The challenge that I think British Columbians have is that you continue to refer to a decade ago. The reality is Mr. Eby you've been running this province for a decade and nothing is better than it was years ago."
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Doerkson, on when he will provide his costed election platform:
"I do not want to introduce a platform that I break promises on."
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CentreBC leader Elenore Sturko, in video remarks:
"I'm not asking British Columbians to pretend that CentreBC will form government. I'm asking them a different question. Who will hold the next government accountable? CentreBC is a socially progressive, environmentally pragmatic, and fiscally responsible party. Divisiveness and extremes on the left and on the right aren't helping British Columbian."
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OneBC leader Dallas Brodie, in video remarks:
"We will push for a 25 per cent income tax cut for both individuals and corporations, and we will push a two per cent cut in the PST. As well, we will fight against these land back giveaways that are being done by the current government. We will read the treaties and let you know what is going on. We will stop the greed and corruption of the reconciliation industry in British Columbia, and put B.C. back in the hands of British Columbians."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
B.C. restaurant Baan Lao wins best in North America award for 2026
A Richmond, B.C., restaurant has been named the best in North America by a global hospitality and culinary industries group, in a first for a Canadian establishment.
Baan Lao Fine Thai Cuisine has been named North America's Best Restaurant by the World Culinary Awards, topping a group of 22 Canadian nominees and 18 in the United States.
The restaurant was also named the top Canadian restaurant for the third straight year.
The awards were established in 2020, with winners determined by weighted voting among the public and registered members of the culinary industry.
Baan Lao opened in 2021 and serves "Royal Thai tasting menus with individually plated courses."
The previous six winners of the North American award have all been from the United States, including two wins each by Le Bernardin in New York and The French Laundry in California.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Ottawa to extend $1.2B in funding for home care, mental health services
The federal government says it plans to extend funding to provinces and territories for mental health, addictions and home care by one year.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel says in a social media post that the announced extension represents $1.2 billion in funding.
Michel’s post comes after provincial health ministers expressed worry about "profound and negative" effects on patients and health care jobs if the federal funding agreements aren't renewed in this year's budget.
Provinces and territories also raised concerns earlier this month about the future of the Canada Health Transfer.
The federal budget will be tabled later this fall.
Provincial and territorial health ministers are set to meet Thursday in Winnipeg, while Michel is to co-chair Friday's meeting.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 14, 2026.
Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.