The British Columbia Conservatives’ leader asserts that the province’s political landscape has undergone a permanent transformation, despite the absence of a distinct victor in the BC elections that took place on Saturday.

Premier David Eby’s NDP was in the position to form a minority government if he could secure the support of the Greens, who secured two seats, as neither party was able to secure a majority. Vote tabulation was scheduled to continue on Sunday.

Ballot recounts may delay the determination of the victor of the BC election until the following week.

However, the evening belonged to the Conservative Leader, John Rustad, who assured his supporters in Vancouver that he would “exploit every opportunity from the outset” to bring the NDP to its knees and force a new election, even if they were to retain power.

Rustad, whose party garnered less than two percent of the vote four years ago, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “This is what happens when you stand on values.”

The Conservatives have concluded their period of political wilderness, regardless of the ultimate result.

The Conservatives were elected or leading in 45 seats, while the NDP was in 46 seats, after an election day that was characterized by torrential rain throughout much of the province. As a result, both parties fell short of the 47-seat majority threshold. The count concluded at approximately 1 a.m. on Sunday.

BC Election ballots still being counted

Ballots cast by voters outside their district were still being tabulated, according to the BC election commission. Additionally, “election official availability and weather-related disruptions” were causing some preliminary results to be delayed.

Nine of the 93 ridings were undecided, and in two of them, the Conservative and NDP candidates were separated by fewer than 100 ballots.

Districts in which the margin was 100 votes or less following the initial count would undergo recounts, according to Elections BC. Oct. 26 to 28 would be the dates for the recounts.

Rustad stated that his party had “not given up this fight” to establish a government.

“I am optimistic that people in this province are hungry for that change.”

In a subdued address to his supporters in Vancouver, Eby said that he “absolutely” recognized that Rustad “spoke to the frustrations of a lot of British Columbians” and committed to “doing better” if his party becomes the next government.

He stated that progressive values had received a “clear majority” of ballots, despite the uncertainty of the outcome. “However, we must improve,” stated Eby.

He declared his dedication to collaborating with Green Leader Sonia Furstenau, whose party has the potential to maintain the balance of power.

Furstenau stated that her party was on the brink of assuming a “critical role” in the legislature.

 

Green Party take two seats

Rob Botterell received the Green victory in Saanich North and the Islands, while Jeremy Valeriote won in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky.

After relocating to Victoria-Beacon Hill, Furstenau succumbed to the NDP’s Grace Lore. However, she expressed her enthusiasm for her two colleagues’ victories, describing them as “incredible.”

She informed her supporters in Victoria, “This is a passing of the torch, and I will be present to mentor, guide, and lead in any capacity that I am capable of.”

The opportunity to serve his constituents was a “honor” for Botterell, a retired lawyer, and he described it as a “exciting day.”

“Tonight’s a night for celebration,” he indicated. “There will be lots of discussion over the upcoming weeks, but I am totally supportive of Sonia and I’m going do everything I can to support her and the path forward that she chooses to take because that’s her decision.”

According to David Black, a professor at Royal Roads University, the Greens’ retention of official party status following their acquisition of two seats could provide them with “substantial bargaining power” in a legislature that is expected to be extremely competitive.

In an interview on election night, he stated, “The Greens are going to be the kingmakers here, whatever happens, if the race is as close as it is right now between two larger parties.”

Election extremely close

Aisha Estey, the president of the B.C. Conservatives, referred to her party’s performance as “the ultimate underdog story” and expressed her satisfaction with the “historic campaign.”

“We are not going anywhere, regardless of whether it is government or official opposition tonight.” She stated, “Finally, there is a Conservative Party in British Columbia.” “We’re back.”

After being expelled from the Opposition, which was then known as the BC Liberals, Rustad joined the Conservatives as leader and guided them to a level of prominence that resulted in the collapse of his former party, now known as BC United. This occurred in a mere two years.

George Heyman, the former NDP MLA who declined to seek re-election, predicted that the election would be “extremely close.”

Heyman compared the current situation to the 2017 election in British Columbia, in which no party achieved a majority. “The message is unambiguous; individuals have encountered difficulties.” They are experiencing difficulty.

The B.C. Conservatives who are expected to join the legislature include Brent Chapman in Surrey South. Chapman was subjected to significant criticism during the campaign for a previous social media post in which he referred to Palestinian children as “inbred” and “time bombs.”

Electronic vote tabulation

The Conservatives defeated Karin Kirkpatrick, Dan Davies, Coralee Oakes, and Tom Shypitka, a group of former BC United MLAs who were competing as Independents.

The majority of results were received promptly on Saturday evening, as BC Elections had previously indicated. This was the inaugural use of electronic vote tabulation throughout the province. However, the race’s proximity defied the expectation of a swift decision.

Prior to the election on Saturday, there had been a significant turnout, with over one million advance ballots cast, surpassing the previous record for early polling and representing over 28% of valid voters.

Many electors endured torrential downpours and high winds brought on by an atmospheric river weather system on election day, which was characterized by heavy rainfall.

According to Elections BC, power cuts necessitated the closure of two voting sites in the B.C. Interior’s Cariboo-Chilcotin region and one in the Lower Mainland’s Maple Ridge. Additionally, several sites in Kamloops, Langley, and Port Moody, as well as on Hornby, Denman, and Mayne islands, were temporarily closed but reopened by mid-afternoon.

Source: Canadian Press

Trending News:

India Accuses Trudeau of Harboring Pro-Khalistan Criminals in Canada

India Accuses Trudeau of Harboring Pro-Khalistan Criminals in Canada

(VOR News) – Three Kamala Harris campaign executives and three White House officials said Vice President Kamala Harris will not campaign with President Joe Biden in the final two weeks of the 2024 campaign.

Insiders say Biden will host formal White House events this week to highlight his administration’s achievements and exploit his longstanding political contacts, notably with labor leaders. They acknowledged that they had not determined his itinerary for the week before the election.

A White House source said Kamala Harris addressed Biden’s office because “the most critical role he can fulfill is fulfilling his duties as president.”

This Kamala Harris official, like others in this piece, spoke anonymously.

“Voters are inclined to favor change,” says an analyst. She campaigns while he is president. Kamala Harris campaign staff called Biden’s post-campaign participation “tailored”.

In 2024, a president who led the Democratic ticket until months ago is in an unbelievable situation. Kamala Harris wants voters to believe she wants change, not a second term for Biden, in the last days of the campaign. This happens. Harris’s supporters worry that campaign images with the president may damage the message.

A veteran Democratic strategist said, “Harris must establish herself as a change agent, and it is challenging to do so with a sitting president by her side.” Harris has tried to distinguish herself from Biden in recent days, despite challenges.

Harris told Fox News Wednesday, “I want to be absolutely clear: My presidency will not be a continuation of Joe Biden’s presidency.” Harris told NBC News Friday, “There is no doubt that I bring my own experiences and my own life experiences,” promising “a new generation of thinking.”

The Trump team has linked Kamala Harris to Biden and the downsides of office to present itself as the candidate for change, particularly on immigration and economics, which people care about most.

Trump contrasted Harris to Biden at the September debate, saying “They have no idea what a good economy is.” “And never forget that she is Biden.”

Insiders say Biden’s unpopularity contributed to his campaign absence. News found that 25% of respondents said Joe Biden’s presidency has helped them and their families, while 45% said it has hurt them. However, 43% of voters said Trump’s presidency has helped them and their families, while 31% disagreed.

Two campaign sources and two White House officials said Biden advisers have complained to the Kamala Harris campaign about the president’s accomplishments, such as a strong stock market, fewer border crossings, and lower inflation. Officials said the president’s aides said helping Harris would do this.

Kamala Harris’ aggressive campaign requires a separation with Biden, even on the campaign trail.

A Harris campaign official said internal data showed the president’s appeal to voters on Biden’s promises before his resignation in July failed. The insider said the campaign does not want the vice president at rallies or appearances with Biden.

Harris will campaign with former President Barack Obama in Georgia on Thursday and Michelle Obama in Michigan on Saturday, while Biden will hold solo White House events in New Hampshire to tackle prescription medication costs. A White House official said the president will work with labor leaders in competitive states to boost get-out-the-vote initiatives this week.

According to insiders, Biden may attend political gatherings like the one he presided over at a Sheet Metal Workers hall with Philadelphia Democrats on Tuesday, which may focus on elders, within two weeks. He will likely claim Kamala Harris will not re-elect him, referencing his own life. During the Philadelphia debacle, Biden recommended Kamala Harris “forge her own path.”

Harris’ campaign officials said the president can help her by running the government efficiently. They mentioned recent hurricane responses in Florida and North Carolina, a dockworkers’ strike’s potential economic destruction, and preventing Israel-Hamas violence from growing.

The Democratic strategist said, “The White House is astute in allowing him to fulfill his duties.”

More than seven weeks previously, Biden and Kamala Harris attended a Labor Day campaign rally. Unlike Barack Obama, who has addressed Harris campaign rallies, and Bill Clinton, who is running for vice president, Harris and first lady Jill Biden, who has keynoted Harris events, will campaign in Nevada on Wednesday.

White House and campaign insiders said the president knows the strategy behind his reduced campaign involvement, despite his dissatisfaction.

The slogan “I’ll campaign for you or against you, whatever helps most,” represents Biden’s 2024 campaign. After a brief holiday overseas last week, Biden will stay in the US until the election.

SOURCE: NBC

SEE ALSO:

Liberal MP Says Hindu’s in Canada Fear for Their Safety as Trudeau Backs Sikh Separatist

Usher And Lizzo; Kamala Harris And Trump Court Early Voters; On The Campaign Trail

FOLSOM, Pennsylvania – Elon Musk attended his first solo rally in support of Donald Trump for president on Thursday, encouraging voters in the Philadelphia suburbs to register and vote early, despite some attendance asking, “Why?”

The America PAC event at Ridley High School’s auditorium in Folsom included the world’s wealthiest man speaking onstage in front of a giant American flag for about 15 minutes before fielding questions from the audience, many of whom wore “Make America Great Again” hats.

The event was advertised as a rallying cry to vote early in Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state where Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris are competing furiously for the presidency. Some in the audience questioned Musk’s appeals to vote early, implying that Republicans are still persuading their supporters to favor early voting after Trump spent years condemning the practice.

Elon Musk Holds His First Solo Event In Support Of Trump In The Philadelphia Suburbs

When Musk, the wealthy inventor of Tesla and Space X and owner of the social media network X, went onstage, the audience stood up and snapped cellphone videos. They remained standing during his remarks and clapped loudly when he claimed the United States Constitution must be protected.

“These are the underlying ideals that have made America what it is today. And anyone who opposes those things is inherently anti-American, so heck with them,” declared Musk, who was born in South Africa. The crowd erupted.

He urged the audience to ensure that they, their friends, and family were registered to vote and to “pester” those who were not. Toward the end of the question time, which included over a dozen from the audience, he was asked to explain if Pennsylvanians should vote early. Musk was briefly sidetracked by a spectator waving a hat that he appeared to autograph, followed by a toddler whom he brought onstage for a photo.

Redirected to the question, he stated that people should vote promptly.

Some in the audience clasped their hands and exclaimed, “Why?” He did not respond. A representative indicated after the event that he had no further comment.

For years, Trump has cast doubt on postal and early voting, alleging that it is rife with fraud, despite the fact that voter fraud is rare in the United States. This year, Republicans are making a renewed drive to persuade their supporters to vote early and lock in their ballots, despite acknowledging mistrust from those conditioned by Trump’s misleading statements.

A couple who attended the event, John and Linda Bird, expressed worries about the integrity of the voting mechanism and about voting early.

John Bird indicated he intended to vote on Election Day. Linda pointed to a banner distributed at the event that stated Trump advocated for early voting and expressed concern about not being able to vote on November 5.

Even so, she stated that she would vote on Election Day as well.

“Anything can happen, you know, you wake up that morning, some catastrophe happens or whatever,” she told me. “But, you know, we’re planning on voting on Nov. 5.”

One of the questioners brought up electoral fraud, which Trump has erroneously claimed cost him the 2020 presidential race. An Associated Press analysis of every potential example of voter fraud in the six key states contested by Trump discovered less than 475, a figure that would have made no difference in the outcome.

Musk remarked sarcastically that it must be a coincidence that Dominion voting machines, which had been the subject of conspiracy rumors in the 2020 election, were utilized in Philadelphia and Maricopa County, Arizona, two battleground states won by Democrat Joe Biden. In 2023, Fox News agreed to pay Dominion Voting Systems $787 million to avoid a trial in a defamation case filed by the voting equipment company against the network for false statements about their company moving ballots.

In an emailed comment issued Thursday, Dominion stated that its equipment is not used in Philadelphia, as Musk claimed. The statement also stated that its systems rely on “verified paper ballots.”

“These aren’t just opinions. These are verifiable facts. Dominion said.

Musk has become a vocal supporter of Trump this campaign season. On Thursday evening, he described the election in frightening terms.

“I’ve never been politically involved before. “I’m politically active now because I believe the future of America and civilization is at stake,” he explained.

Elon Musk Holds His First Solo Event In Support Of Trump In The Philadelphia Suburbs

People lined up to attend before 3 p.m. when school let out. When it became evident that not everyone who had lined up to pose a question would be able to do so, a few people left early.

The event was livestreamed on X, formerly Twitter, and was occasionally glitchy and difficult to follow, despite attracting hundreds of thousands of spectators.

Musk is leading much of Trump’s voter turnout efforts through his America PAC, a super PAC with limitless fundraising and spending power. He has pledged over $70 million to the super PAC to help Trump and other Republicans win in November.

Trump and the Republican National Committee he controls chose an unusual tactic of dividing canvassing tasks in crucial regions with groups such as Musk’s. They’ve also focused their efforts on Trump supporters who don’t generally vote, rather than independent or moderate voters.

In September, Republican volunteers in battleground states reported little action from the PAC’s voter turnout efforts.

SOURCE | AP