Premier David Eby set dates for 2 BC byelections

Premier David Eby has set the dates for two byelections on Saturday morning.

Residents in the electoral districts of Vancouver-Mount Pleasant and Langford-Juan de Fuca will hit the polls next month.

The Langford riding has been vacant since former BC premier John Horgan announced his retirement earlier this year when he stepped down as MLA after indicating last year he would not be running in the next provincial election.

Horgan, 63, who has twice battled cancer, announced last June health reasons were forcing him to retire after five years as premier, eight years as New Democratic Party leader and five terms as a member of the legislature, representing his Victoria−area riding.

When he announced he was stepping away from politics, after a 30-year career, he cited wanting to spend more time with family and on his personal life.

The Mount Pleasant seat was previously held by Melanie Mark, former minister for tourism, arts, culture and sport, resigned from her position in September, citing unspecified health reasons.

About five months later, in February 2023, she announced she was formally stepping away from politics.

Advance voting for residents in these two electoral districts will take place from June 16 to June 21 with the final voting day being June 24.