Brief

BC election voting starts as Conservatives delay costed platform

Interim leader Lorne Doerkson says the Conservative costed platform will be released before election day on Oct. 24.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 17 Oct 2026 14:54:24 GMT

British Columbians began voting on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, even though the provincial Conservative Party has not yet released a costed platform, interim leader Lorne Doerkson told reporters it will be announced "imminently."

What happened

Advance polls opened on Oct. 16 and will remain open through the following Wednesday, ahead of the provincial election scheduled for Oct. 24. The New Democratic Party and Green Party released their costed platforms earlier in the week, but the Conservatives have not provided a comparable document.

What the reports add

The Canadian Press notes that Doerkson said he has seen the platform but wants to ensure the party does not promise measures it cannot deliver. He reiterated plans to build a women’s and children’s hospital in Surrey, replace the Massey Tunnel project with a bridge, and cut income taxes by up to $1,000 for most working British Columbians.

What was said

Doerkson told reporters in Port Moody that the party will present a "fulsome plan" before voters head to the polls. NDP leader David Eby, speaking in Coquitlam, criticized the lack of a costed platform, saying the Conservatives “don’t want to share their plans for cuts” and will pay for promises by cutting services.

How it came about

Doerkson assumed the interim leadership after Kerry‑Lynne Findlay’s resignation, a transition reported in Felo’s earlier coverage of his appearance at a BC Lions game on Sep. 26. The election was called on Sep. 20, prompting both parties to rush platform releases.

Key facts

Voting began on Oct. 16, 2026, with advance polls open through the following Wednesday. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The BC Conservatives have not released a costed platform, but interim leader Lorne Doerkson says it will be announced imminently. (winnipegfreepress.com)
NDP leader David Eby criticized the Conservatives for not sharing a costed platform. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Doerkson cited plans for a Surrey women’s and children’s hospital, a bridge replacing the Massey Tunnel, and up to $1,000 income‑tax cuts. (winnipegfreepress.com)