WATCH: B.C. leaders’ debate 2020

The leaders of B.C.’s three largest political parties took part in a televised election debate on Tuesday night.

The 90-minute debate featured BC NDP Leader John Horgan, BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson and BC Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau.

The discussion centred around COVID-19 recovery and which leader is best suited to guide the province through the ongoing pandemic.

2:08 B.C. Leaders face-off in televised debate

• B.C. Leaders face-off in televised debate
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• B.C. Leaders debate 2020: How will the NDP recognize and protect the old-growth forests?
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• B.C. Leaders debate 2020: Is Andrew Wilkinson setting the right tone?
• B.C. Leaders debate 2020: Is John Horgan doing enough to end systemic racism in the province?
• B.C. Leaders debate 2020: Why has Sonia Furstenau become personally involved in cases of First Nations youth?
• B.C. Leaders debate 2020: What have the NDP done about housing affordability?
• B.C. Leaders debate 2020: Is the Site C Dam project the NDP’s dumpster fire?
• B.C. Leaders debate 2020: Closing statement from party leaders

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Wilkinson likened the pandemic to a “wartime economy” and said governments around the world will be dealing with deficits as he defended his promise to eliminate the PST for a year.

Asked why he called an election during the pandemic, Horgan said people’s worlds “have been turned upside down” and he thought the province wanted to put the election behind it.

Green Leader Sonia Furstenau responded to a question about her opposition to two major pipeline projects by promising jobs across the province with a switch to clean energy.

53:27 2020 B.C. Leaders post-debate special

A poll released Tuesday suggested the NDP holds a comfortable lead over the Liberals and Greens.

Conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Global News, the poll suggests 52 per cent of decided voters will vote for the New Democrats, compared to 34 per cent for the Liberals and 11 per cent for the Greens.

The debate did not take place in front of a live audience because of the pandemic.

— With files from The Canadian Press

— With files from Richard Zussman