BC NDP clash with Greens over potential partnerships with Conservatives

The BC NDP have issued an accusation against the BC Green Party and its leader Emily Lowan over the potential of partnering with the Conservative Party of BC.

Since the accusation has been made, Lowan and the Greens have fired back at the NDP. 

During an interview with The Tyee earlier this week, Lowan was reportedly asked whether she could support the Conservatives in a minority government. 

“I don’t think we can rule anything out at this point,” Lowan responded during the interview.

However, this statement was prefaced by Lowan noting that she would have serious concerns with the prospect of partnering with the BC Conservatives. 

In a media release, the BC NDP also stated that Lowan leans towards the New Democrats in terms of potential partnerships in the legislature, but simultaneously accost her for not ruling out a partnership with the Conservatives. 

“I can respect the vision that Emily Lowan has, but I found these comments pretty shocking,” said Tamara Davidson, BC NDP candidate for the North Coast electoral district.

“The damage caused by a Conservative government would be catastrophic. For progressives, the only appropriate response to this question is to rule out putting the Conservatives in power.”

Related:

• Provincial election guide: All candidates running in the Greater Victoria area
• Here are all voting places in Greater Victoria for this Saturday’s provincial election
• BC Green leader fires back after Eby urges her supporters to back NDP

After the media release containing these remarks on the BC Greens and their potential partnerships, Lowan issued a statement in response. 

“Let me be clear: a Conservative government would be disastrous for this province,” said Lowan. 

“The Conservatives’ promises mean two things: debt that keeps on climbing, and cuts to healthcare, childcare, and services everyday people depend on.”

Lowan pointed to “reprehensible statements” from some BC Conservative candidates, saying they have no place in BC. 

According to the BC Greens, everyone in the province should feel like they belong, no matter their background, identity or faith. 

“If the Conservatives form government, the BC Greens will fight an austerity and culture war agenda every step of the way,” said Lowan. 

“We will keep putting forward real solutions to build a province where working people can afford to live and ensure they get care when they need it.”

She concluded her statement by saying that if anything helped the BC Conservatives, it was David Eby’s decision to call the election.

The BC Conservatives have stayed quiet on this matter, but have issued their own accusations against the BC NDP, alleging that the reason for the election being called was due to inner turmoil amongst Eby’s own caucus. 

Conservatives point to a recent interview of a BC NDP candidate running in the Okanagan riding, Roly Russell, and an interview he did with Castenet. 

In the interview Russell says that because the BC NDP only technically have one more seat than the rest of the Opposition and other parties, if any one MLA disagrees with the premier, they can effectively veto legislation single-handedly. 

According to the BC Conservatives, this is the reason why Eby has been speaking about securing a stronger mandate so frequently on the campaign trail. 

The final voting day for this provincial election will be on Saturday, October 24th. Polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Click here to find the polling station nearest you.