John Rustad and the BC Conservatives are gaining ground on Premier David Eby’s NDP as the October provincial election approaches, as per recent Leger polling.
Rusad’s BC Conservatives have surged to 39% support, closing the gap with the NDP at 42%.
According to the poll, “The BC NDP’s lead has been all but erased due to rising Conservative support over the past four months.” Rustad’s rising popularity is evident, with his approval increasing “significantly across all age groups and genders.”
Key issues like homelessness, the opioid crisis, and housing affordability are fueling this shift, with more than half of British Columbians believing the province is on the wrong track. The poll notes that BC United’s collapse, now at just 10% support, has pushed former supporters toward the Conservatives.
Housing affordability remains the top concern for voters, but dissatisfaction with the NDP extends to their handling of crime and public safety.
In terms of leader popularity, though, Premier David Eby has the highest approval rating at 44% (-2% from March). The Conservative’s Rustad sits at 35% approval, which is up 8% since March.
Rustad interview
In an exclusive interview with The Counter Signal, Rustad said he’d fire BC Health Minister Bonnie Henry over her unreconcilable commitment to decriminalizing hard drugs.
When asked if he could work with Bonnie Henry—who just returned from asking Ottawa for more funds for drugs and so-called safe injection sites—Rustad gave a straight answer.
“No,” he said. “I’m sorry, but when you look at it, that philosophy, British Columbia now has what is thought to be the highest number of addicts per capita anywhere in North America.”
“The policies in place of decriminalization and safe supply have been an absolute disaster,” he said.
