Why People Support David Eby in the 2026 BC Snap Election

Oct. 6, 2026 — With British Columbia heading to the polls on Oct. 24, 2026, many voters are asking the same question: why would anyone vote for Premier David Eby's BC NDP in this snap election? Public posts on Reddit, X and YouTube point to one reason far above the rest, and it isn't enthusiasm for Eby himself.

BC election 2026: key dates

• Election day: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
• Advance voting: Oct. 16–21
• Called: Sept. 22, 2026, about two years early

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The short answer: "the Conservatives would be worse"

By a wide margin, the most common reason people give for backing Eby is to keep the BC Conservatives out. Supporters describe the Conservatives as chaotic or too close to the federal right, and worry about cuts or privatization in health care, changes to ICBC, and rollbacks of renter and housing rules. Many say so while openly disliking Eby, with the phrase "hold my nose" turning up again and again.

Plenty of these voters also say they are angry about the snap election call. One common version: they will vote NDP, but did not want to be asked to this early.

Housing: zoning, Airbnb limits and vacancy taxes

The strongest argument for Eby's own record is housing. Supporters credit his government with province-wide zoning changes that allow fourplexes and multiplexes, limits on short-term rentals such as Airbnb, speculation and vacancy taxes, and rent caps tied to inflation. Several commenters call him the first premier in decades to actually take on housing costs, and fear a Conservative government would undo those rules.

Younger voters and renters are over-represented in this group. Some say the zoning changes are the first thing that gave them or their kids a realistic chance at a home.

Health care: more family doctors, hospitals and a new med school

Supporters point to government figures: the province says more than 600,000 people have been connected to a family doctor or nurse practitioner since 2023 and that about 77% of British Columbians now have a primary care provider. They also cite new and expanded hospitals. Some describe their own experience: getting a family doctor after months on a waitlist. Others, including people caring for a family member in treatment, say they fear funding cuts under a Conservative government.

Not everyone agrees. Even some supporters note that specialist access is still slow, and critics (see below) say the system still feels broken.

Cost of living: no MSP premiums, ICBC rates and renter help

Posts in this group often take the form of a list: no MSP premiums, ICBC rate reductions and rebates, a renter's credit, an expanded BC Family Benefit, minimum wage indexed to inflation, school meals, paid sick days and interest-free student loans. For supporters, the point is stability: they say these programs add up and would be at risk under a change of government.

A solid, competent government, with a deficit seen as investment

Some supporters argue the NDP is simply running a competent government. They accept that Eby is a weak communicator and has changed course on some decisions, but see that as a government correcting mistakes. On the deficit, they say borrowing is funding hospitals, hiring and infrastructure, and that the province is better off than when he started. The numbers behind that argument are contested: the 2026/27 deficit is projected at roughly $13–14 billion, and Moody's lowered B.C.'s credit rating in March, citing large structural deficits.

Standing up to Trump

On X and YouTube more than Reddit, supporters back Eby's framing of this election around the Canada–U.S. trade fight, citing his pushback on U.S. tariffs and support for the forestry sector. Many Reddit supporters actually dislike that framing and want him to campaign on his record instead.

Labour and public-sector workers

Some union and trades workers say the NDP is the only party that has stood by unions, and that austerity would hit jobs tied to public investment. This view is contested: many public-sector workers are angry about recent bargaining and say they are leaving.

Who these supporters appear to be

Based on what posters say about themselves: progressive and Green-leaning voters voting strategically in close ridings, renters and young families, union and trades workers, patients and caregivers worried about health-care cuts, LGBTQ and minority voters concerned about the Conservatives' social agenda, and older voters who remember the BC Liberal years.

The caveats supporters raise themselves

• Anger at the snap election. Nearly universal, even among supporters.
• Party over leader. Many say they like the NDP more than Eby, and some miss John Horgan.
• Tax backlash. The NDP's proposal to raise income tax rates above about $190,000 drew a wave of "this lost my vote" replies, though a few higher earners said they would still vote NDP.
• Left-wing complaints that the party drifted right on drugs, resource projects and tenancy rules.

Frequently asked questions

Why do people support David Eby?

The most common reason is to prevent a Conservative government. Others credit his housing reforms, health-care hiring, cost-of-living programs and his stand against U.S. trade pressure.

Is David Eby popular in BC?

Online sentiment is mixed. Reddit commenters often dislike Eby personally while still voting NDP. YouTube and X comment sections lean more strongly against him. An Angus Reid poll after the election call had the Conservatives at 43%, the NDP at 35% and the Greens at 12%, and 65% of respondents said Eby was putting staying in power over the province's interests.

When is the BC election?

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. Advance voting runs Oct. 16–21.

What is David Eby's housing record?

Supporters point to multiplex zoning, limits on short-term rentals, vacancy and speculation taxes, and rent caps. Critics say housing remains unaffordable.

Have your say

Choseno is like Google Reviews for politicians. Vote in the polls above, then rate and review David Eby on his Choseno wall and see where your neighbors stand.

More BC election 2026 coverage

• BC snap election 2026: why an informed vote matters
• BC election 2026: where each party stands
• Why people support David Eby
• Why people don't support David Eby
• Why people support Lorne Doerkson
• Why people don't support Lorne Doerkson

Sources

• Choseno — BC election 2026: where each party stands
• Elections BC
• CTV News: What's next in B.C. politics after the Conservative leader's resignation
• Global News: Angus Reid poll after the snap election call
• B.C. Government: primary care update
• Fraser Institute: B.C. 2026 budget
• CTV News: Eby defends budget after credit drop
• Daily Hive: Eby's NDP proposes higher taxes on top incomes