Photo credit: globalnews.ca
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh Intensifies Campaign in British Columbia Ahead of Federal Election
With just a week remaining until the federal election, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is vigorously campaigning across British Columbia, emphasizing the significance of this province for his party’s future.
Singh has dedicated three consecutive days to campaigning in the region, including two days on Vancouver Island, where political analysts believe key outcomes for the NDP may unfold. At the time of Parliament’s dissolution, the NDP held 25 seats, with over half located in British Columbia. This includes six of the seven seats available on Vancouver Island.
“For the NDP nationally, this is a pivotal province,” stated Michael Prince, a political scientist at the University of Victoria. He highlighted that the party’s success in British Columbia could play a crucial role in determining whether they secure official party status with at least 12 seats in the new House of Commons.
Singh focused his message on expanding pharmacare to cover all essential medications during his campaign stops in Comox and Nanaimo, arguing that the Liberal Party cannot be trusted to enhance social programs without the NDP’s influence. He dismissed suggestions that he was merely on the defense to protect votes in a potentially competitive area.
“Visiting the island is important for me in every election. We’ve consistently engaged with the Lower Mainland, and it remains a significant area for our party,” Singh told the press.
National Landscape and Local Dynamics
As national polls indicate a competitive race primarily between the Liberals and Conservatives, Singh is ardent in portraying the situation on Vancouver Island as an outright contest between the NDP and Conservatives.
“If you are on the island and concerned about how to halt the Conservatives, support the New Democrats. We consistently defeat them,” Singh asserted. Prince noted that, with a few exceptions in the Victoria area, Vancouver Island typically votes for either the NDP or Conservatives rather than the Liberals, with recent victories by the Green Party also noted.
“Voters here are more inclined to choose sides, either left or right, leaving little room in the middle,” Prince explained, indicating that Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has actively engaged with the region, visiting several times during the campaign and emphasizing issues of public safety and crime that resonate with local constituents.
During a campaign appearance in Nanaimo, Poilievre highlighted rising fears about crime in British Columbia. “Many residents are worried about their safety and fear becoming victims of theft or being confronted by individuals struggling with addiction,” he commented, reflecting concerns prevalent in the area.
Shifting Poll Numbers on Vancouver Island
Recent polling trends suggest that several ridings, particularly on the North Island, are competitive. A Research Co. survey indicates that 45% of voters in the North Island-Powell River riding favor Conservative candidate Aaron Gunn, with only 23% supporting the NDP’s Tanille Johnston. Similarly, in Nanaimo-Ladysmith, the NDP’s Lisa Marie Barron narrowly won her seat in 2021 and will again compete against Conservative candidate Tamara Kronis.
With the election just days away and a number of close races emerging, Prince believes there remains ample time for shifts in voter sentiment. He stressed that the outcomes in British Columbia will significantly impact the future of both Singh and the NDP in the next Parliament.
“This province will ultimately shape the trajectory of both their leader and party as we move forward,” Prince concluded.
Source
globalnews.ca