B.C. Conservative candidate Pete Davis said fiscal responsibility, health care, education, jobs and affordability will be among his priorities as he campaigns for re-election in Kootenay-Rockies.
Davis, who represented the riding in the legislature following his election in 2024, is seeking another term in B.C.’s early provincial election on Oct. 24.
“I’m just so excited to be doing this 2 years early. Its great.”
The election was called Sept. 22, about two years ahead of the previously scheduled 2028 provincial election.
Davis said the timing came as a surprise, but argued the province’s financial situation makes an election timely.
“We’re all surprised that this happened so early, but you know what, it can’t be a bad thing. I mean, our province is in some fiscal problems and we’ve got some issues going on.”
“We’re going to make Eby regret that he called this election.”
The provincial government is forecasting a $13.8-billion deficit for the 2026-27 fiscal year, up $450 million from its February budget projection. The province has said global trade uncertainty and U.S. tariffs are among the challenges affecting its fiscal outlook.
Davis said his campaign will focus on the economy and public services, as well as issues affecting industries in Kootenay-Rockies.
“We need to focus on fiscal responsibility, healthcare education, jobs, getting our natural resource sector going, which is a huge part of my riding. Housing affordability. It’s tough all around, and this government, in the last 10 years, is taking this province from worse to worse.” he said.
“We’re going to focus on getting back on track for British Columbians.”
Davis also framed the campaign as a choice between the governing NDP and Conservatives.
“It is time to boot the NDP. It is time to take our province back. It is time to get back on track. It’s time for people to start feeling comfortable in their homes.” said Davis.
“We don’t want our kids leaving this province anymore. We want people to see that there is hope, and there could be a lot of great things happening in British Columbia, and I’m so excited to be able to bring that to British Columbians.”
Davis won Kootenay-Rockies for the Conservative Party in the 2024 provincial election. Elections BC records show 19,241 valid ballots were cast in the riding, with Davis elected.
As the 2026 campaign gets underway, Davis is also calling on centre-right voters to unite behind the Conservatives.
“Let’s band together. We need everybody if you are centre-right. You are part of the conservative party. We need to band together to take up this government, and division is not a choice. It’s not an option. We need to unite.”
Final voting day in B.C.’s provincial election is Oct. 24, with advance voting scheduled for Oct. 16 to 21.
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