Doerkson leads the BC Conservatives to the threshold of power

One month ago, Lorne Doerkson was a backbench member of the British Columbia Legislature who had never served in a provincial Cabinet. He was first elected as a BC Liberal MLA in 2020, became the BC Conservative Party’s third MLA by crossing the floor from the rebranded BC United a few years later, and chose not to put his name forward for the party’s open leadership earlier this year. 

But less than a week from now, Doerkson could find himself as the premier-elect of Canada’s third-largest province. 

All of this is happening because Premier David Eby decided to call an election two years ahead of schedule, one he and his advisors were certain that he could win. The Conservatives were flailing under the leadership of former leader Kerry-Lynne Lindlay, with nearly a dozen MLAs departing caucus during the few months that she served as party leader. When she finally resigned, just days before Eby called the election, the party was in chaos, and it appeared as though it might permanently split into two factions.

Yet as soon as Doerkson’s name was put forward and he was later confirmed by caucus as the new interim leader, things began to turn. All but one MLA who had recently left the Conservative caucus came into the fold, the Conservatives hired an experienced campaign team, and Doerkson got to work selling himself to B.C. voters fatigued by nine years of NDP rule. 

Despite a lack of charisma or polished charm, Doerkson appears to be making headway with voters.

Polls that had showed the NDP up began to show the Conservatives in the lead. And, despite the fact that Doerkson had never found himself debating other party leaders on national television, he held his own in the provincial election’s only debate. Some candidates have had to be dropped for inexcusable things they have said in the past, but that seems to be par for the course during an election campaign, particularly when candidates must be selected for snap campaigns. 

Eby has tried and failed to fearmonger. He has tried to scare voters away from the BC Conservatives, claiming they’re radical and can’t be trusted by British Columbians. But the premier has only looked more and more desperate in his attacks. The man who supposedly called this election to take on U.S. President Donald Trump is finding that line of attack to be ineffective and has resorted to fear tactics he once derided. 

For his part, Doerkson has promised to deliver on relief after years of higher NDP taxes. The Conservatives are promising to raise the basic personal amount in B.C. to over $30,000, the highest in Canada, meaning that taxpayers earning minimum wage won’t have to pay provincial income taxes at all. And Doerkson has pledged to audit the province’s books after years of soaring NDP deficits, with no end in sight. He’s also promised to end rural hospital closures, repeal controversial Indigenous land claim legislation, and tackle the mental health and addictions critics that continues to plague urban and rural B.C. alike. 

Unfortunately, the Conservatives have not really said where they would reduce spending, meaning deficits will likely remain the norm for years even if the Tories come to power. Still, by pledging to be careful with every dollar spent, Doerkson’s approach would represent a sea change from the days of Eby’s NDP. 

The polls are still close and things could change. But, unless there’s a major surprise during the campaign’s last week, Eby’s time as premier of British Columbia appears to be nearing its end. Doerkson has promised strong leadership for serious times, and in less than a week B.C. voters might give him a chance to deliver exactly that.