Prof. Stewart Prest discusses the donation boxes for White Rock pier repair
Professor Stewart Prest said municipalities have to look for other sources of funding to restore public areas like the White Rock Pier that are nice to have but are not a compulsory service due to demands on government spending.
Prof. Gerald Baier comments on the “explosive momentum” of the B.C. Conservatives
Professor Gerald Baier explains that the defection of well-known B.C. United MLA Elenore Sturko to the Conservatives may help moderate accusations of extremism the Conservatives could face during the election and help attract centrist voters.
Prof. Gerald Baier discusses Mayor Brenda Locke’s attempts to keep the RCMP in Surrey
Professor Gerald Baier says the first-past-the-poll electoral system combined with low voter turnout can be problematic for politicians like Mayor Locke to take the high road over huge policy shifts because “you can make a claim of legitimacy, but can you make a democratic … mandate claim that this is something overwhelmingly wanted by people?”
Prof. Gerald Baier comments on the B.C. Conservatives recent popularity
Professor Gerald Baier says the trend of the B.C. Conservatives owning the centre right continues proving the trend is not just a blip.
Prof. Gerald Baier discusses the difficulties of a merger between B.C. United and B.C. Conservatives
Professor Gerald Baier says a merger between the B.C. United and the B.C. Conservatives would be difficult within the five months before the October election given the uncertainties of who would lead the new party and its name.
Prof. Gerald Baier discusses B.C. United’s campaign struggles
Professor Gerald Baier explains that B.C. United does not fully own the B.C. NDP opposition votes in this election. The division could be a “disaster” for several parties as the centre and centre-right vote typically only succeed when unified.
Prof. Stewart Prest discusses B.C. NDP’s push to become a ‘Big-tent’ party
Professor Stewart Prest explains that the B.C. NDP have shifted their focus to appeal to middle class voters and become a big tent party of the left and centre, but this could also alienate their traditional working class voters.
Prof. Stewart Prest says the B.C. Conservatives need more appeal to capture voters
The Conservative Party of B.C. recently dropped two candidates after misinformation accusations. Professor Stewart Prest says that the party must appeal to “middle of the road” voters to become the official opposition.
Prof. Stewart Prest warns against relying on a single poll
Professor Stewart Prest says the recent poll showing “broad dissatisfaction” with the B.C. NDP government in several policy areas is “bad news” for both the NDP and B.C. United. However, the opposition’s vote remains divided, limiting its impact.
“It’s goint to be a fascinating seat to watch” – Prof. Stewart Prest on the fate of West Vancouver-Sea to Sky in B.C.’s election
Professor Stewart Prest highlights the competition for the West Vancouver-Sea to Sky seat with the incumbent BC United MLA retiring. Prest believes the Liberal Party’s recent rebranding, a divided right and a strong NDP campaign could lead to NDP success.