Vaughn Palmer: NDP trots out vote-splitting warning, Green leader pushes back strongly

VICTORIA — The New Democrats launched a familiar last-minute campaign pitch on the weekend, warning the electorate not to vote Green, lest they split the progressive-left vote and elect B.C. Conservative MLAs by mistake.

“If you voted Green in the past, I’m inviting you to join us in this election,” NDP leader David Eby declared Sunday. “There is too much at stake. We can stop Conservative cuts and build B.C. strong — but only if we stand together.

“I know I’m not perfect and our government hasn’t been perfect,” said Eby, repeating the stab-at-humility that he attempted during the televised leader’s debate.

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“I know there are a lot of people out there who are really frustrated that there’s an election,” said Eby, further acknowledging how the early election call has worked against him and his party.

“You may still be frustrated,” he conceded. “But I think we can all agree that this election is about more than election timing.

“This election is about the future of the direction of our province and not with some of the small differences that we may have with people who are thinking about voting Green, but huge differences with the Conservatives.”

Eby’s attack drew a strong response from Green Leader Emily Lowan, demonstrating — as she did during the TV debate — that she is no pushover.

On the early election call: “David Eby called this snap election two years early. Now he’s trying to scare British Columbians into voting for him.”

On the “small” differences between the NDP and the Greens: “Tell that to the families waiting on the $10-a-day child care he froze, the seniors waiting on the seven long-term care homes he delayed, and the renters still waiting for housing they can actually afford. Tell it to the nurses I stood with on the picket line this summer, to the First Nations who watched him try to suspend parts of DRIPA, and to everyone still waiting for the climate action he ran away from.”

On Eby saying he and the NDP are not perfect: “British Columbians aren’t asking for perfect. They’re asking for a government that keeps its word, makes life affordable, and makes sure care is there when they need it.”