Early Call Triggers Provincial Vote and Cancels Byelection

British Columbia voters are heading to the polls on Oct. 24 for a provincial snap election. The decision automatically cancels the Abbotsford-Mission byelection scheduled for this Saturday, which was opened when Reann Gasper stepped aside to offer former B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay a seat to contest.

Disarray in Opposition Ranks

The election call follows weeks of turbulence, caucus defections, and internal calls for leadership change that led to Findlay resigning as B.C. Conservative leader on Sunday. While some former Conservative MLAs rejoined the party—which recently named Lorne Doerkson as interim leader—eight others joined the Centre BC party prior to her departure. Unification discussions are underway, but having both parties on the ballot threatens to divide the right-of-centre vote.

Premier Cites Mandate; Local Leaders Raise Concerns

Premier David Eby framed the early election as a required step to secure his mandate regarding ongoing trade disputes with the United States. Observers, however, view the move as a strategic effort to capitalize on opposition internal conflicts. Eby is less than two years into a four-year term following the last election on Oct. 19, 2024.

The scheduled provincial vote takes place one week after municipal elections set for Oct. 17. Local officials, including former Union of B.C. Municipalities president Cori Ramsay, expressed concern that a snap campaign will overshadow municipal races, warning that only the “loudest voices” will be heard, and local issues will fall by the wayside. Some municipal candidates contemplating provincial campaigns have already withdrawn from local contests.

Unsolved Gang Slaying Reaches Ninth Anniversary

Nine years after Konaam Shirzad was gunned down outside his Hudson’s Bay Trail residence in Guerin Creek, police have reported no new updates in the fatal shooting. Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Dana Napier confirmed that the homicide investigation into the Sept. 21, 2017 ambush remains open and ongoing.

Authorities believe the killing of the 34-year-old North Kamloops gym owner created a power vacuum within the local criminal underworld, triggering a subsequent wave of gang violence. Shirzad was a founding member of the Red Scorpions, a gang connected to the 2007 Surrey Six killings in the Lower Mainland.

Details of the 2017 Incident

The fatal shooting occurred around 7:20 p.m. as Shirzad walked near his home. Surveillance footage captured two men walking toward the residence shortly before gunshots broke out. Witnesses recalled hearing multiple shots followed by a man repeatedly screaming “No.”

Shirzad was accompanied by fellow Red Scorpion associate Ibrahim Amjad Ibrahim, who was uninjured in the attack, while another associate suffered a gunshot wound to the ankle. Less than three weeks after the incident, Ibrahim was shot and killed in Richmond.

Police Investigation and Suspects

Following the shooting, investigators determined the attackers fled south along Summit Drive toward Sahali, abandoning and setting fire to their vehicle on Oden Court. In late 2018, a judge was informed that while law enforcement possessed “viable suspects,” there was insufficient evidence to lay charges.

Shirzad had a extensive criminal record, including sentences for attempted murder, weapons violations, and a 2005 prison term of over two years for ordering a hit while incarcerated. Although police raided his gym eight months prior to his death, Shirzad had previously stated during a court proceeding that he had left gang life. Anyone with information regarding the case is urged to contact Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Accidental Email Invites Opposition to Virtual Meeting

An emergency virtual strategy meeting held by the B.C. NDP on Sunday evening accidentally included outside politicians after a caucus staff member mistakenly distributed the invitation beyond the party.

The electronic mailing contained a Microsoft Teams link for a 7 p.m. gathering meant to address potential snap election preparations. Among those who received the notification was B.C. Conservative MLA Misty Van Popta, representing Langley-Walnut Grove, who successfully accessed the video call.

“People were just starting to log in, and then it got really quiet,” Van Popta said. “Because you can see people’s names pop up.”

Van Popta reported seeing a limited number of attendees before choosing to leave the call on her own, including NDP staffer Matt Hannah. She expressed criticism over the incident, stating it demonstrated disorganization and political maneuvering by the ruling party.

“They’re clearly showing that they’re not overly organized if they’re sending out invitations to the opposition caucus to join their strategy meetings,” Van Popta said, adding, “It just shows that they’re being sneaky; they’re having meetings, obviously, to get election-ready for a sneaky election to capitalize on what British Columbians don’t want right now.”

Election Rumors Grow Amid Opposition Leadership Vacancy

The invitation asked caucus members to attend a briefing with “Cheryl and her team,” in an apparent reference to Cheryl Oates. Oates, who previously served as Premier David Eby’s chief of staff, has been hired to lead the NDP’s upcoming campaign. Premier Eby has recently hinted at calling an early election, while Elections BC confirmed active preparations for a potential vote.

The timing comes as the B.C. Conservatives face internal disruption following the Sunday afternoon resignation of leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, which occurred after weeks of party defections and internal pushback. Lorne Doerkson has stepped in as interim leader while the party prepares for a permanent leadership race.

Conservative representatives criticized the prospect of a drop-of-the-hat writ drop while their party lacks a permanent leader. B.C. Conservative MLA Gavin Dew expressed strong opposition to an early call.

“If he calls a cynical snap election, he s doing it for himself, not for British Columbians,” Dew said. “We will defeat him, undo the damage he has done, and restore hope.”

Despite the current friction, Van Popta expressed optimism about her party’s future, noting she hopes a new leader can “bring the band back together” and unify B.C.’s right-of-centre opposition.

Inquiries sent to both the premier’s office and the B.C. NDP caucus regarding the mistakenly sent email invite have not yet received a response.