B.C. premier urges support for federal NDP after former leader Tom Mulcair calls party ‘an afterthought’

British Columbia’s New Democrat premier, David Eby, is calling on voters to support NDP candidates in the upcoming federal election. This plea comes at a challenging time for the party, as former federal NDP leader Tom Mulcair has criticized their current standing in the polls, referring to them as “an afterthought” in the election.

In an opinion piece published in BNN Bloomberg, Mulcair highlighted the importance of the election in light of the threats posed by U.S. President Donald Trump to Canada’s economy and sovereignty. He argued that the race primarily revolves around the ruling Liberals and the Opposition Conservatives, with little room for other parties. However, Eby countered this narrative in a message posted on Singh’s X account, emphasizing the positive impact of the federal NDP’s collaboration with the Liberals to introduce beneficial programs like dental care and pharmacare.

Despite the NDP’s struggles in the polls, the federal Liberals continue to lead in public opinion, with the Conservatives also making significant gains. CBC’s poll tracker projects that the NDP may only secure one seat in British Columbia, a stark contrast to the 13 seats they held after the 2021 election. The Conservatives are actively targeting NDP-held ridings in B.C., including those on Vancouver Island and Skeena-Bulkley Valley.

During a campaign stop in Nanaimo, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the NDP for aligning with the Liberals in the previous Parliament, warning voters that supporting the NDP would result in another decade of Liberal governance. Despite Eby’s endorsement of the federal NDP, he also expressed intentions to meet with Liberal Leader Mark Carney to address issues concerning British Columbia’s trade with the U.S.

Eby stressed the importance of the prime minister’s understanding of the unique challenges faced by British Columbia due to the actions of the U.S. president. He emphasized the need for a response that considers the impacts on Western Canada and British Columbia, highlighting the significance of supporting local workers and industries. As the election approaches, Eby’s message underscores the importance of advocating for British Columbia’s interests at the federal level.