PG Chamber executive says snap election an opportunistic call by Eby

“I would call it an opportunistic election call on the part of the premier.”

That’s the reaction from Prince George Chamber of Commerce executive director Neil Godbout after Premier David Eby called a snap election earlier today (Tuesday).

When asked if this is simply a case of Eby trying to get two more years in power and taking advantage of a perceived opposition on the ropes, Godbout said that narrative is active but something else will also come to the forefront.

“I think we are going to hear that criticism and I think we are also going to hear the rationale from the NDP that they need a mandate in terms of both building stronger into British Columbia and trade relations as well as continuing the fight against unfair tariffs.”

However, Godbout believes DRIPA should be the number one issue heading into next month’s snap election in B.C. ahead of American tariffs since there are many issues that remain unresolved with the Indigenous population.

“The uncertainty around land ownership that should be the number one question that should be discussed. Now of course, given the legal issues can that bet settled in an election or debate among party leaders? No, it can’t.”

“To have some direction from government on how they are going to pursue this and how they are going to find a path forward in terms of relationship with first nations would be really important here.”

In addition, provincial elections are costly ventures with 2026 not expected to be any different. Godbout also believes this will lead to a level of frustration among communities – especially those campaigning in local elections a week earlier (October 17th).

“Elections aren’t cheap, they cost quite a bit of money. The premier is certainly well within his authority to call an election but considering we have fixed election dates for our local government, it would be nice if the provincial government would also stick to a fixed election date.”

Lastly, the local chamber executive is of the opinion that even with the recent turmoil plaguing the BC Conservatives, which led to a leadership change and roughly a dozen MLA’s returning to the fold – a significant chunk of the voting public might not think that’s a big deal when heading to the ballot box.

“There will be a significant section of the electorate that I don’t think has paid attention to what has gone on with the Conservatives over the past number of months and will be going into the election with very fresh eyes,” added Godbout.

The provincial election date is set for October 24th.