B.C. ELECTION – Voters sort out strengths, weaknesses of leaders
David Eby (left) and Lorner Doerkson.
Equal numbers have something they “like” about each, but more have negative view of Eby
By ANGUS REID INSTITUTE
October 8, 2026 – As British Columbians move deeper into a provincial election campaign, the two men vying to become premier face distinctly different challenges in defining themselves to voters.
New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds BC NDP leader David Eby contending with a firmly established – and often negative – public impression. More than three-quarters (78%) of British Columbians offer something they dislike about the incumbent premier, with perceptions that he is dishonest or has broken promises (24%) and that he is a weak or ineffective leader (20%) topping the list. By comparison, fewer than half offer something positive about Eby, with his personal character (13%), leadership and competence (13%), and policies or NDP values (12%) most commonly cited.
For BC Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson, the problem – and perhaps the opportunity – is that many voters are still figuring out what they think of him. Three-in-10 (31%) say they don’t know enough about Doerkson to name something they like, while a similar number (29%) are unable to identify something they dislike. Among uncertain voters, more than half (55%) cannot name a positive attribute and half (50%) cannot offer a criticism.
Where impressions have formed, Doerkson receives praise in roughly equal measure for his conservative values, representing a change or fresh start, and perceived honesty (14% each). His critics, meanwhile, are most likely to point to his conservative ideology (18%), his inexperience (10%) or concerns about social issues and more extreme elements within his party (10%).
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