Karin Kirkpatrick: “We need a true centrist option in BC elections”

Last night, both John Rustad and David Eby squandered an opportunity to articulate a clear vision for the province’s future. Instead, voters were given a front-row seat to what they’ve already come to expect from BC politics: an endless stream of schoolyard bickering while the real issues were left on the sideline.

At no point in time did John Rustad provide an answer to why he had chosen to retain his deeply problematic slate of candidates. We still have no sense of why he’s chosen to stand by individuals who have held extreme views supported by thoroughly debunked conspiracy theories.

David Eby was every bit as evasive on his record, refusing to provide clear answers on healthcare, public safety, and the economy. Despite being allowed to address his government’s shortcomings, we were treated to non-answers on the underperformance of the NDP’s time in office.

British Columbians deserve better than this – last night’s debate highlighted the need for a true centrist option on the debate stage. We need new investments in healthcare, transportation, and housing-enabling infrastructure. We need stable and adequate long-term funding models for transit, public safety, and senior care.

We need approaches on housing and climate change that are rooted in shifting outcomes rather than feel-good goals and targets. And perhaps most importantly, we need a Premier and Government who are focused on evidence-based decision making instead of short-term politics.

While that centrist option won’t be available for all voters in British Columbia this time around, certain ridings will have the opportunity to vote for proven, capable independents — moderate voices with experience in community leadership and elected office. As we move forward past the debate, I encourage all voters in those ridings to look at the choices available and consider voting for a qualified, centrist independent to be their next MLA.

Former MLA Karin Kirkpatrick is running as an independent candidate for West Vancouver-Capilano