A former president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) is criticizing British Columbia Premier David Eby’s decision to call a snap provincial election, arguing that the vote could have been delayed to avoid overlapping with municipal elections.
Cori Ramsay, who is also running for council in Prince George, described the early provincial election call as a “party foul” because it is already creating staffing and volunteer challenges for municipalities preparing for their own elections.
B.C.’s provincial election is scheduled for Oct. 24, while municipal elections are set for Oct. 17. Ramsay says the overlap is putting pressure on local election organizers, who are competing with the provincial vote for election workers and volunteers.
According to Ramsay, some workers hired by municipalities have withdrawn from their contracts after receiving offers to work in the provincial election, where pay is reportedly higher. She warned that municipalities could be left scrambling to recruit and train replacement staff.
Ramsay also raised concerns about the impact on voters and volunteers. With the two election campaigns taking place almost simultaneously, she said municipalities could face staffing shortages, longer lines and additional logistical challenges on municipal voting day.
The criticism follows an emergency resolution passed by the UBCM earlier this month calling on provincial party leaders to respect separate campaign periods for municipal and provincial elections. Ramsay had publicly urged Eby to wait before calling the provincial vote.
Eby acknowledged concerns about overlapping elections during his appearance at the UBCM convention but ultimately proceeded with the early election call. The premier has said the province needs to seek a mandate from voters amid what he described as significant challenges, including pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
Other municipal leaders, including Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, have also criticized the timing of the provincial election.
The dispute highlights the logistical and political complications created by holding provincial and municipal elections so close together, with local officials concerned that municipal issues could receive less attention during an already crowded campaign period.
Swiferadio.com
