Independent candidates could hold balance of power after B.C. election

The B.C. general election has seen an unprecedented rise of 54 independent and unaffiliated candidates, as an old party with a new brand faltered.

Two incumbent and former BC United MLAs, turned independent, say a handful of these candidates could hold the balance of power in the legislature after Oct. 19.

Karin Kirkpatrick, MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano is one of them. She says a lot of candidates were disenfranchised with the demise of BC United.

With two ideologically different parties remaining, somebody needed to fill the center. She adds this could be a close but possibly divisive race and as the political landscape shifts people need a moderate choice.

“Which I think is where most British Columbians are — they’re fiscally responsible, they want to make sure our budgets are balanced but they’re also socially committed to making sure that we’re supporting British Columbian’s most vulnerable,” she told 1130 NewsRadio.

Across the province, Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South, says this is a big moment in provincial history with the high number of incumbents and former cabinet ministers running.

“People are frustrated and disappointed with the polarization that we’re seeing in the province and politics between the NDP and now the BC Conservatives. It seems like the race to the edges,” he explained.

He adds that just like the BC Greens did in 2017, this time, independents could make the difference in the legislature.