Plain answers
Straight, sourced answers about BC elections and technology. They’re useful whether or not you ever vote for us.
When is the next election in BC?
British Columbia’s next general local elections, for mayors and councils, are on October 19, 2030. The next provincial general election is also due in 2030, but cabinet will set its exact date because it would otherwise overlap with the local elections.
How to run for mayor in BC
To run for mayor in BC, you must be at least 18 on general voting day, a Canadian citizen, a BC resident for at least six months and not disqualified by law. You also need nominators from your community, and you must file your nomination documents and a financial disclosure statement with the local government.
How to run for MLA in BC
To be a provincial candidate in BC, you must be 18 or older, a Canadian citizen and a BC resident for the past six months, and not disqualified by the Election Act or another law. Your nomination application needs signatures from at least 75 nominators.
BC’s power limits on AI data centres, explained
For the two years starting February 1, 2026, BC Hydro can offer 300 megawatts of new capacity to AI data centres and 100 megawatts to conventional ones, through a competitive process. Projects of 10 megawatts or more must compete for a share.
BC’s tech sector by the numbers
According to the BC Tech Association, BC’s technology sector employs 271,000 people, or 9.2% of the workforce, and accounts for 9.6% of provincial GDP. Over the past five years it has grown at three times the rate of the rest of BC’s economy.
BC political donation rules
In 2026, the limit is $1,513.29 for provincial political contributions and $1,429.70 per campaign for local elections. Only BC residents who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents can give, and organizations cannot.