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- calendar_today November 9, 2026
B.C. Conservatives Extend Majority After Final Vote Count
The final count from the October provincial election in British Columbia has granted the B.C. Conservatives another seat, as their candidate David Xie overtook NDP incumbent Paul Choi in Burnaby South-Metrotown. The updated results further solidify the Conservatives' lead in the legislature.
Burnaby South-Metrotown: Conservative Win Overturns NDP Lead
David Xie emerged victorious after a close race in Burnaby South-Metrotown. Heading into the final count, NDP’s Paul Choi held a slim lead of 66 votes. However, after the inclusion of remaining mail-in, phone, and absentee ballots, Xie surpassed Choi to win by 64 votes, marking a significant shift in the riding’s representation.
Breakdown of Final Provincial Election Results
The conclusion of the count across 93 ridings included approximately 150,000 ballots cast by mail, phone, or absentee vote. This comprehensive process was crucial in races with particularly narrow margins, such as Burnaby South-Metrotown, which required an official recount to ensure the accuracy of the result.
Following the final tally, the British Columbia legislature will now seat 64 Conservative members, 27 from the NDP, and 2 representing the Greens. The Conservatives captured 47.4% of the popular vote, ahead of the NDP's 37.6% and the Greens' 11.2%.
Recount Results in Ladysmith-Oceanside
Another notable recount occurred in Ladysmith-Oceanside, the only other riding where the margin was fewer than 100 votes before the last count. In this close contest, NDP incumbent Stephanie Higginson maintained her seat, expanding her narrow 13-vote lead to defeat Conservative challenger Kris McNichol by 50 votes after the final tally.
Significance of Mail-in Ballots and Recount Procedures
The inclusion of about 150,000 non-traditional ballots in the provincial election ensured accurate, up-to-date results in competitive ridings. The process highlighted the importance of rigorous procedures during recounts, especially when margins of victory are exceptionally slim, as seen in both Burnaby South-Metrotown and Ladysmith-Oceanside.
Summary of Current Provincial Standing
- Conservatives: 64 seats
- NDP: 27 seats
- Greens: 2 seats
- Conservatives' popular vote: 47.4%
- NDP popular vote: 37.6%
- Greens' popular vote: 11.2%
Source: cbc.ca.
