The 2024 British Columbia provincial election has made history with a record 2,107,152 voters participating, achieving a 58.3% turnout – a significant increase from 53.9% in 2020 (Elections BC, 2024). This remarkable civic engagement demonstrates the strength of our democratic process and the importance of every voice in shaping our province’s future.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those candidates who not only participated in the democratic process but demonstrated genuine commitment to benefiting the people of BC through their platforms and actions. Special appreciation goes to candidates who actively support solidarity in standing with Ukraine while working to make life more affordable, adequate, and accessible for all British Columbians. These candidates understand that following best practices in social policy and upholding social work values for all BC residents is crucial for building a stronger, more inclusive province.
Their recognition that standing with Ukraine and other countries suffering from aggression is vital for global democratic solidarity shows true leadership. These candidates grasp that democratic processes must be defended not just locally but globally to prevent the advance of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes worldwide.
Equal appreciation goes to every British Columbian who exercised their democratic right to vote, contributing to this historic moment and showing that engaged citizenship is the foundation of a strong democracy.
Election Results and Formation of Government
According to Elections BC’s final count, the results stand at:
- BC NDP: 47 seats
- Conservative Party: 44 seats
- BC Green Party: 2 seats
The BC NDP has secured a razor-thin majority, though two ridings (Kelowna Centre and Surrey-Guildford) are heading to automatic judicial recounts due to extremely close margins (Elections BC, 2024).
Key Promises from the NDP Platform
Affordability
- $1,000 annual tax cut for households ($500 for individuals)
- Expansion of $10-a-day childcare with $500 million investment
- Free menopause hormone replacement treatment
- Elimination of doctor’s notes requirement for short-term illnesses (BC NDP, 2024)
Housing
- Support for first-time homebuyers with up to 40% of purchase price
- Ending no-pet clauses in purpose-built rentals
- Expansion of housing for Indigenous communities both on and off reserve (BC NDP, 2024)
Healthcare
- Commitment to expand Urgent and Primary Care Centres
- New mental health treatment facilities
- Enhanced addiction recovery support
- $324 million investment in senior care services (Dickson, 2024)
Environment and Climate Action
- Protection of 30% of BC’s land and water by 2030
- Planting 300 million trees annually
- Doubling EV charging stations by 2030
- Phasing out RoundUp pesticides (BC NDP, 2024)
Democratic Solidarity and Standing with Ukraine
Local Action and Global Impact
In Kamloops and across BC, community members gather every Saturday to show solidarity with Ukraine, demonstrating how local actions contribute to global democratic resistance. While some elected officials, including Peter Milobar in Kamloops Centre, may not yet have participated in these gatherings, our community maintains an open invitation to all political representatives, regardless of party affiliation. Only through unified support for democratic principles can we effectively counter the advancement of authoritarian and totalitarian regimes globally.
Regional Leadership and Collaboration
- Ward Stamer (Conservative) in Kamloops North-Thompson has demonstrated understanding of the importance of standing with Ukraine
- BC Green Party candidates, including Randy Suderman, have shown strong support for Ukraine-related initiatives
- The BC NDP government has consistently backed Ukraine solidarity efforts (BC NDP, 2024)
Building Stronger Democratic Communities
The path forward requires:
- United opposition to global authoritarianism
- Cross-party collaboration on humanitarian issues
- Active participation in solidarity movements
- Recognition that local democratic engagement has global implications
Looking Forward
The close election results demonstrate not only the vitality of our democratic process but also the responsibility we bear in defending democratic values. British Columbians have shown they want a government that:
- Delivers on promised domestic reforms
- Works across party lines
- Maintains fiscal responsibility while advancing social programs
- Shows strong international solidarity, particularly with nations defending themselves against aggression
- Actively opposes the spread of authoritarian influence globally
Our democratic success depends on:
- Ongoing civic engagement
- Respectful dialogue across political differences
- Holding elected officials accountable
- Active participation in solidarity movements
- Recognition that defending democracy requires both local action and global awareness
The strength of our democracy lies not just in election results but in our collective commitment to democratic principles and our willingness to stand together against authoritarianism in all its forms. Whether through local gatherings, policy initiatives, or international solidarity, every action in support of democratic values helps build resistance against totalitarian influences.
Thank you, British Columbia, for participating in this crucial democratic process. Every vote truly counted in this historic election.
References
BC NDP. (2024). An Action Plan for You | David Eby’s BC NDP Platform. https://www.bcndp.ca/actionplan
Dickson, C. (2024, October 29). What to expect from a new B.C. NDP government. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-ndp-government-accountability-1.7357437
Elections BC. (2024, October 28). Final Count Complete. https://elections.bc.ca/news/2024-final-count-complete/
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