PETERS: Only the NDP government wants an election. That’s why you can bet on it happening

He has a one-seat majority, sure.

A by-election call and victory in Vancouver-Strathcona, where Joan Philip’s death vacated one of the safest NDP seats in the province, would give Eby a two-seat majority.

Even in the unlikely event the government faces a confidence vote, he could likely strike a deal with the two Green MLAs or even one or two independents to keep his government afloat.

He can still put forward whatever trade-war-related measures he wants and be confident they will pass.

The partisans, though, are frothing at the mouth seeing the infighting, backstabbing and pure chaos within their opponents’ ranks.

The official opposition Conservatives are fracturing – and may fracture even further with allegations this week a private investigator was hired to look into people within and outside the party.

Peter Milobar’s party is still in its incubation stages, gaining MLAs but trying to find its grassroots base.

As weak as Eby’s footing is, it still appears much more stable than anyone trying to challenge him.

We’re in the middle of a civic election cycle right now already, and stacking a provincial election cycle on top of that would be totally unfair to the hundreds of candidates who have put their names on ballots all across the province.

No one wants this, except those whose team colour is orange. Calling an election right now would be absolutely the most cynical thing the government could do.

And that’s why we should expect that’s exactly what will happen.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by James Peters

PETERS: Only the NDP government wants an election. That’s why you can bet on it happening

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