Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: 2024 could be B.C.’s version of the Cold War

Jul 24, 2022 | 9:03 AM

ASSUMING THINGS PROGRESS as expected, two strong political leaders will face off in the 2024 provincial election. David Eby is set to take over as NDP leader, and Premier of the province, at least until the 2024 election.

David Eby is no John Horgan. He does not have the personal touch that allowed Horgan to capitalize on the non-personality of Andrew Wilkinson and vault to power. Eby has a strong success rate and has tackled some very tough issues as Horgan’s “go to” ally.

But Eby has a reputation of being a “one-man band”, and not a team player. Although Eby has such a stranglehold on caucus numbers that his leadership is assured, not being a team player will not help win an election.

Eby has a reputation of being ruthless, as evidenced by his ouster of the BC Housing Board. Eby has been a thorn in the side of the Liberals since his surprise victory over Christy Clark in 2013. He is different than Horgan in that he has always been a big-city boy, whereas Horgan had a touch of the rural life.

Right now the NDP does not have a strong group of potential ministers in caucus, and while Eby himself has a track record of getting things done, he has a lot of cultivating to do to win in 2024. No team, no appeal, no win.

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Kevin Falcon has also had his accomplishments. Falcon is a Liberal in name but is a little more conservative than some others, and one of his goals is to change the name of the party. In a party that came together from a mishmash of political ideals, that will be a challenge.

While Falcon is a little more personable than Eby he still has some fence-mending to do before he can win an election. Few will forget, as Gordon Campbell’s Minister of Deregulation, asking ministries to slash red tape by a third.

He has proven flexible and adaptable. And I believe he has more string cabinet-ready ministers than Eby.

But a lot can happen in two years, and who knows what gaffes or accomplishments will occur? Who will emerge from the woodwork as strong candidates for both parties? Most importantly, who can cultivate the image of trust needed to bring the public on board?

Two tough-minded men. Who will win the Cold War?

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.