British Columbia's election campaign saw competing pledges on Thursday, Oct. 15, as the B.C. Conservatives promised to scrap the NDP's Massey Tunnel replacement and build a 10-lane bridge linking Richmond and Delta, while the New Democrats focused on transit and the Greens released a labour plan.

What did the B.C. Conservatives promise on the Massey Tunnel?

The B.C. Conservatives announced they would replace the aging George Massey Tunnel with a new 10-lane bridge, according to a news release from interim Leader Lorne Doerkson. The party says the bridge would cut commutes by up to 30 minutes.

The proposal revives plans under the previous BC Liberal government for a bridge, which were switched to a tunnel under the New Democrats. The Conservatives called the NDP's tunnel a "boondoggle," noting its projected cost had more than doubled from an initial estimate of $4.15 billion. The party did not provide a cost estimate for the bridge.

NDP Leader David Eby called the proposal "lunacy," saying 200 workers were already at the site and that stopping work would jeopardize a $3-billion federal financing commitment. He said the Conservative plan would mean another year or two of delays.

The Conservatives also pledged to complete the new hospital in Surrey's Cloverdale neighbourhood and build another hospital for women and children.

What did the NDP and Greens announce?

Eby turned his campaign to transit, pledging free bus passes for 350,000 low-income seniors across the province. He said a re-elected NDP government would support an updated bus route to the new Cowichan-region hospital.

Eby also made two Surrey-specific announcements: $250 million to leverage federal funding and expand rapid bus service along King George Boulevard from Surrey to White Rock, and a municipal charter giving Surrey the same kind of authority Vancouver has.

BC Greens Leader Emily Lowan released a labour plan she said would strengthen and support the province's workers and unions. She said the NDP has used its brand to cover up an anti-labour agenda. The Greens say they would increase the minimum wage annually.

Other developments

  • The Conservatives removed a teenage candidate, Jordan McIntosh, after an accusation about remarks he made online about the Holocaust and Hitler. The party said he would not sit in caucus if elected.

FAQ

What would the Conservatives do with the Massey Tunnel?

The party says it would scrap the NDP's planned eight-lane tunnel replacement and build a new 10-lane bridge between Richmond and Delta.

What transit pledge did the NDP make?

David Eby pledged free bus passes for 350,000 low-income seniors and $250 million for rapid bus service along King George Boulevard from Surrey to White Rock.