Conservative candidate Paul Ratchford is hoping to beat BC NDP incumbent and Premier David Eby on a platform based on revitalizing the economy and fixing the affordability crisis.
In a statement to The Ubyssey, Ratchford, who has a background in economics, wrote “British Columbia is in a state of mismanagement … [I] now feel ready to give back to the community through public service.”
Ratchford said affordability would be at the top of his priorities if elected.
The Conservative party’s platform aims to fix the cost of living by scrapping the carbon tax, attracting foreign investment and championing free trade.
On housing, the platform centres a BC rent and mortgage rebate, which would allow both renters and homeowners to reduce their housing costs subject to provincial income tax, up to $3,000 a month.
“[BC] need[s] a government that can effectively deliver housing to meet demand, which has been fueled by elevated immigration levels,” he wrote.
The rebate program, planned to begin in 2026, is aimed at the middle-class tax brackets and is not specifically for students.
Other than affordability, Ratchford said he wants to prioritize environmental issues.
“As Vancouver continues to grow, we must protect our green spaces, build the necessary infrastructure to keep our waters clean, and address unnecessary noise pollution,” he wrote.
The Conservatives also plan to make “BC a mining superpower” by reversing the BC NDP’s prohibition of mining in some areas and by expediting mining permits. The party’s platform also includes rebuilding BC’s forestry sector by expediting forestry permits and re-introducing controlled burns for prevention and containment.
Ratchford also wrote about health care in his statement to The Ubyssey and said the healthcare system needs to be “fixed so that the nearly one million people without a family doctor get the care they deserve.”
A February Vancouver Sun article reported that around one in five people in BC don’t have a family doctor.
He also wrote “we must invest in treatment and recovery programs to address the ongoing drug and addiction crisis.”
In a September 22 media release, BC Conservative leader John Rustad announced plans to shut down some government-approved drug injection sites and reverse the NDP’s decriminalization policies.
BC decriminalized the possession of small amounts of hard drugs in certain locations, with adults permitted to legally possess up to 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA for personal use in specific locations under a Health Canada exemption that began in January 2023.
Ratchford said the provincial deficit has soared, meaning that more tax dollars will be spent on interest payment.
The deficit forecast for 2024/25 is projected to be $8.9 billion, according to CBC reporting.
“The province’s credit rating has already been downgraded multiple times, meaning we now waste more money on interest payments that could be funding valuable services,” he wrote.
BC’s credit rating dropped to AA- in April, which is the third downgrade in three years due to increased borrowing. The rating by S&P Global Ratings is still the fourth highest ranking the group gives.
When asked how he will stay competitive against Eby, Ratchford pointed toward his upbringing in Kitsilano.
“Vancouver-Point Grey is my home,” wrote Ratchford. “I love this community. Unlike the incumbent, I spend my time in the riding, talking to residents.”
“I want to see British Columbia thrive.”
This article is part of The Ubyssey's 2024 provincial elections coverage.
Share this article
First online
Submit a complaint Report a correction
