B.C. election campaign: Parties talk jobs, data centres, royalties

In the early days of the B.C. provincial election campaign, political parties focused on job creation, data centre regulations, and royalty reforms. The New Democratic Party (NDP) proposed a "locals-first" ferry reservation pilot, reserving 10% of advance booking spaces for local residents up to four days before sailing and an additional 2% until 24 hours before sailing. This pilot would initially apply to the Horseshoe Bay – Langdale and Westview – Little River routes.

Meanwhile, CentreBC leader Elenore Sturko promised to balance the budget by 2034/35 and cut the deficit every year after the first budget. Sturko's platform included tax cuts, faster home construction, and a family doctor or care team for everyone who needs one.

The Green Party candidate withdrew from the Burnaby-New Westminster race, but the party had previously proposed a windfall profits tax on extraordinary corporate profits, including in the fossil-fuel sector. They also aimed to end subsidies and tax preferences for oil and gas production, requiring the sector to reduce emissions in line with provincial climate targets.

The Conservative Party unveiled a "first job tax credit" for businesses hiring young British Columbians, acknowledging that nearly 14,000 of the 20,000 jobs lost in the province last month were held by young people. The exact amount of the tax credit remained unspecified.