What history says about B.C.'s early election call
B.C. early election stakes rise as David Eby calls voters to the polls Oct. 24 See how history rewards or punishes snap elections before B.C. decides.
B.C. NDP Leader David Eby has called an early provincial election for Oct. 24, arguing voters should have a say as the province faces major decisions and external pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The move has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who say it is a political calculation rather than a necessary step. But Canadian political history shows that early elections can go either way for governments.
In some cases, leaders have been rewarded for going to the polls early, including B.C. Premier John Horgan in 2020, Ontario Premier Doug Ford in 2025 and former Quebec premier Jean Charest in 2008. In other cases, the gamble has hurt governing parties, such as Ontario premier David Peterson in 1990 and Alberta premier Jim Prentice in 2015. The article also notes mixed results for federal leaders, including Justin Trudeau in 2021, Stephen Harper in 2008 and Jean Chrétien in 1997 and 2000.