The B.C. election campaign will officially start on Saturday - when the writ drops - with the BC Conservatives and NDP in a tie, according to the most recent polls. The latest Leger poll echoes others showing statistical ties between the two parties but also finds British Columbians tend to approve of Premier David Eby more than Conservative leader John Rustad. 44 per cent plan to vote NDP, 42 per cent Conservative and 11 per cent Green. Polling does not reflect recent decisions by some former BC United candidates to run as independents.

A driver’s been hurt after being shot by a suspect with a BB gun. Vancouver Police say it happened while the driver of a car-share vehicle was near West 4th and Balaclava in the Kitsilano neighbourhood early Tuesday evening. The driver was treated at the scene and taken home by family members.

Metro Vancouver mayors are once again going ‘cap in hand’ to ask for more taxpayer money for TransLink. The Mayors’ Council is asking all political parties to outline their funding plans for the transit body as fears continue over potential service cuts. Part of the plea is asking people to send letters to their political leaders asking for details. Right now, TransLink is funded by taxpayers through income tax, property tax, Metro Vancouver parking levies, BC Hydro surcharges and bus fares.

The ball appears to be in Ottawa’s court after NDP leader David Eby made a campaign promise to bring in involuntary care for the most severe cases of drug addiction or mental illness. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and close to two dozen other local government leaders are asking the feds to pave the way to make Eby’s plan viable. That plan also has the backing of leaders from the Musqueam Band, Vancouver Fire, Vancouver Police and the Canadian Police Association. Politicians aside - some experts in drug addiction say forced care simply doesn’t work.

The B.C. government is poised to force the severely mentally ill or drug addicted into involuntary care. That surprise announcement was made by NDP leader David Eby. He says the escalating toxic drug crisis justifies such a move. BC Conservative leader John Rustad says he’s not surprised by the announcement as Eby continues to flip-flop on policy.

Premier David Eby promises B.C. will get rid of its carbon tax…but only if the feds remove their requirement. Eby now says the context has changed with many British Columbians struggling with affordability. BC Conservative leader John Rustad calls the new position - which came out of remarks in an unrelated news conference - a flip-flop on the part of the premier.

You will no longer be able to get free crack pipes or any narcotics supplies at government supported vending machines at B.C. hospitals. The provincial government is getting rid of the machines and reviewing its harm reduction approach following a huge public backlash...much of it played out on social media during this election campaign. The vending machines also contained naloxone kits which could be used to reverse the effects of some overdoses.

A record budget deficit and a quickly rising debt - those are two of the realities confirmed by the B.C. NDP government just over a month before voters go to the polls. Finance Minister Katrine Conroy has announced the province’s predicted deficit now stands at $8.9B - that’s up over $1.1B from last year’s deficit. In part, Conroy is blaming the expected increase on the cost of fighting B.C. wildfires. Conroy will not be seeking re-election Oct. 19.

A former Lower Mainland BC United candidate is throwing his support behind the NDP. Delta North candidate Amrit Pal Singh Dhot has suspended his campaign to endorse New Democrat incumbent Ravi Khalon. Dhot’s status, along with that of many other BC United candidates, has been in question after leader Kevin Falcon withdrew and offered his endorsement of BC Conservative leader John Rustad.

A woman is recovering in hospital after being found stabbed and bleeding in Surrey’s Whalley neighbourhood early Sunday morning. Police say the 40-year-old was found near King George and 104 Avenue shortly after 2 a.m. A possible suspect has been arrested - officers have been working to contact friends and family of the woman.