Lorne Doerkson said his party would not introduce new taxes if elected provincially, while also responding to questions about his interim leadership status ahead of the Oct. 24 vote.
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B.C. Conservative Party interim leader Lorne Doerkson made a campaign promise in South Surrey on Sunday that, if his party forms government after the provincial election, it would not introduce new taxes.
Doerkson’s pledge was contrasted with comments from B.C. NDP leader David Eby, who has said he would impose a new tax on unsold condominiums and raise the existing speculation and vacancy tax if the NDP returns to power.
Healthcare was a major focus of Doerkson’s remarks. He questioned how provincial governments have managed hospital capacity and closures, noting: “We are living in a time where we can put men and women on the moon, but we can’t keep a hospital open in Merritt?” He added, “Something in our system is wrong. We see this week after week.”
Doerkson also addressed divisive social policy topics during his stop. On abortion, he said: “I feel it’s a woman’s choice.” He also raised SOGI 123, stating: “With respect to SOGI, that needs to be repealed.”
SOGI 123 is a program developed by the Arc Foundation that, according to Doerkson’s remarks, offers resources to educators to create inclusive learning environments for students of all sexual orientations.
Doerkson said he supports student safety while arguing SOGI has created political conflict, telling the audience: “We have to provide a safe space for students, but SOGI has become a lightning rod of division in this province.” He said: “Most people I have talked to are frustrated, but we all agree our students should be safe.”
Following the press conference, the B.C. NDP issued a statement questioning how Doerkson would address his party’s leadership rules. The NDP pointed to the constitution, which Doerkson described as preventing an interim leader from becoming the permanent leader.
The NDP statement asked voters, “Why should British Columbians gamble on this chaotic party?” and challenged the Conservatives’ ability to navigate the interim leadership limitation.
Doerkson directly addressed the question during his speech by pointing to a proposed internal party process, saying: “There will be a resolution passed to make me leader the second I become premier, which I am betting on.”
With the Oct. 24 provincial election approaching, Doerkson’s stop in South Surrey placed the Conservatives’ tax position and healthcare priorities into the early public campaign contrast with the NDP, while also bringing the party’s internal leadership pathway into the foreground.
The election date was reiterated in the context of the campaign remarks: the vote is scheduled for Oct. 24.
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