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Party Leaders Make Economic, Budget Promises in Week 2 of B.C. Election Campaign
Doerkson vowed to double LNG output by 2032 while Eby promised to double critical mineral exports within five years.
On Monday, NDP Leader David Eby and Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson announced competing resource plans to address British Columbia's budget deficit, with Eby pledging to double critical-mineral exports within five years and Doerkson promising to double LNG production by 2032.
Facing a $13.8 billion deficit this year, both parties pivoted toward resource development; Doerkson emphasized a 'no new taxes' platform to balance the budget, while Eby argued economic growth is essential to trim the province's significant shortfall.
Political scientist Andy Hira questioned the economic assumptions of both plans, while Doerkson aims to triple LNG production by 2035; Eby claims fast-tracked permitting will increase prosperity despite current mining revenue of only $191 million.
NDP candidates attacked the Conservative platform as a 'ChatGPT plan,' while reports suggested the party board could bypass a membership vote to confirm Doerkson's permanent leadership, intensifying scrutiny of his governance during the campaign.
The BC Greens proposed universal free childcare by 2031, with Leader Emily Lowan criticizing both major parties for stalling on affordability as the October 24 election approaches with competing visions for budget management.