World

Conservatives Secure Majority in British Columbia, Promising Major LNG Expansion

By TOI World Desk

British Columbia’s October 24 provincial election resulted in a Conservative majority, ending nine years of New Democratic Party (NDP) rule. The Conservatives won 64 of 93 seats, well above the 47 needed for a majority, while the NDP secured 27 seats and the Green Party two. This marks the first Conservative provincial victory since 1928. Premier David Eby conceded defeat and said he would step down as party leader.

Preliminary results show the Conservatives received about 48% of the popular vote, compared with roughly 37% for the NDP and 11% for the Greens. The party gained 21 seats from the NDP across the province.

Energy policy will dominate the new government’s agenda. The Conservatives have pledged to double British Columbia’s natural gas production by 2032 and more than triple it by 2035, along with faster approvals for major projects and reduced regulatory hurdles for resource companies. The platform also calls for changes to emissions limits and the province’s carbon tax framework, and it plans to re‑engage major LNG companies such as ExxonMobil, Chevron and Woodside.

The election occurred amid trade tensions with the United States, where tariff threats have created uncertainty for Canadian businesses. The Conservatives campaigned on resource development, business investment and regulatory reform, while the NDP sought a renewed mandate to address the trade dispute.

The new administration faces expectations beyond energy policy, including cost‑of‑living relief and healthcare improvements. It will inherit a challenging fiscal position, with a projected 2026‑27 deficit of C$13.3 billion and further shortfalls expected in the next two years. The Conservatives have proposed tax relief, spending restraint and a review of government operations to support their economic programme, but success will depend on whether accelerated project development and stronger economic activity generate sufficient revenue.

The election marks a turning point in British Columbia’s political direction, and the Conservatives’ ability to deliver on their promises will shape the province’s next chapter.