Chilliwack North MLA Heather Maahs. (Image Credit: Chilliwack North MLA Heather Maahs.)
Provincial election

Amid mill closures and long waits for healthcare procedures, Maahs says Eby’s snap election is ill-advised

Sep 24, 2026 | 4:07 PM

CHILLIWACK – Amid endless mills being shuttered, ER closures, and extended wait times for healthcare procedures across B.C., Chilliwack North MLA Heather Maahs says Premier David Eby’s decision to call a snap election that could cost upwards of $90 million is misguided and ill-advised.

In a statement sent to Fraser Valley Today, Maahs says the governing NDP doesn’t have a stellar record upon which to campaign.

“The New Democratic Party has put this province in a precarious position in every imaginable way,” said Maahs, who was elected in October 2024 in a regularly-scheduled election with over 55 per cent of the vote. “Everywhere you look there is a crisis. In forestry, over 30 mills shut down! Our health care system is in crisis with patients waiting years for services and surgeries essential to their well-being. We need to address the problems of homelessness, addiction and ‘safe” supply’ – a heart-breaking challenge facing our community.”

She says the expected election cost of approximately $90 million is money that could have been better spent on healthcare, addressing homelessness, and funding people with disabilities. For reference, the 2024 provincial election cost $82.4 million.

“It is appalling that David Eby and the NDP saw fit to call an election at this time which is costing tax payers another $90-plus million,” she said. “This money could have gone toward improving healthcare, addressing homelessness and addiction, supporting vulnerable seniors, and funding people with disabilities. The list goes on and on.”

She added, “We need to get our province back on track and develop our resources for the good of all. There is so much for us to gain! And so much to lose if we don’t. British Columbia is resource rich, yet we’re not utilizing these sectors.”

Maahs says each member of the B.C. Conservative Party stands ready to fight for a better future for the province.

“Our Conservative team is ready, willing and able to take the reins, and get the province back in business, inspire confidence and give us hope for a brighter future,” Maahs said. “We are at a crossroads in this province! We cannot withstand another four years of this NDP government operating without accountability and transparency. I am putting my name forward once again to represent the constituents of Chilliwack North in the BC Legislative Assembly. It has been a pleasure to serve my community, both in Victoria as well as through my constituency office here. It would be an honour to serve you once again.”