Early days of B.C. campaign sees NDP, Conservatives trade barbs over housing, drugs

Drug policy and housing shortages are emerging as the top issues early in British Columbia's election campaign.

New Democrat Leader David Eby and B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad spent much of the campaign's first weekend traversing Metro Vancouver, from Richmond to North Vancouver to Surrey to Langley, signaling the importance of winning ridings in urban areas.

We're focused on building more homes you can afford, lowering your costs, and strengthening your health care.

We are taking action on the issues that matter to you. pic.twitter.com/q6e9JtDtHi

— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) September 23, 2024

Rustad launched his campaign in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside CRAB park, an area associated with homeless encampments and people with addiction and mental health issues.

He turned up his focus on the drug issue on Sunday, releasing a statement saying the B.C. Conservatives commit to shutting down injection sites in Richmond and calling them drug dens.

Here’s some things I’m going to cut:

- Housing costs
- Carbon Tax
- ER room wait times
- Killer not-so “safe” supply drugs
- Eby’s crackpipe vending machines
- NDP drug dens

Here’s some things I’m not going to cut:

- Healthcare
- Education
- Policing
- Everything else#bcpoli https://t.co/saOW03MAoZ

— John Rustad (@JohnRustad4BC) September 21, 2024

John Rustad Announces Bold “Rustad Rebate” Plan to Provide Real Relief for BC Renters and Homeowners. #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/zlcqK5oIf7

— Conservative Party of BC (@Conservative_BC) September 23, 2024

Eby and Green Leader Sonia Furstenau denounced the statement, saying Rustad had voiced support for safe drug injection sites earlier this month.

Furstenau says Rustad was a cabinet minister in the former B.C. Liberal government that funded safe injection sites.