Rob Shaw: B.C. NDP’s path to majority runs through these 14 key ridings

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Vancouver-False Creek: Once a Liberal safe haven, the NDP made big gains in 2017 and have put this riding into play. Liberal incumbent and former Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan has watched his grip on this seat slide sharply. The NDP feel a concerted effort could flip this orange.

Richmond-Queensborough: Liberal Jas Johal only won this new riding by 300 votes in 2017, despite his high profile as a former Global B.C. reporter. Now, the NDP is throwing everything it has to knock him off — not just because the race is close but also because Johal has proven to be one of the Opposition’s most effective critics. A diverse riding first created in 2017, it contains everything from farms to suburbs.

Other neighbouring ridings to keep an eye on are Richmond South Centre, where incumbent Linda Reid is retiring, and Richmond-Steveston, where incumbent John Yap has departed and where the NDP’s popularity grew sharply in 2017.

TO HOLD IN METRO:

Maple Ridge-Mission: The NDP won here by fewer than 400 votes in 2017, but incumbent Bob D’Eith will have to wear his party’s decision in government to impose housing for the homeless in an unpopular location, which sparked protests and a war of words with Maple Ridge’s mayor. D’Eith is under a lot of pressure to hold this seat, because a loss here would seriously undermine the NDP’s march to a majority. Expect to see Horgan campaigning here often.

Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows: The stronger of the two Maple Ridge ridings for the NDP, incumbent cabinet minister Lisa Beare has slightly better odds of holding off the Liberals, who last won the seat in 2013. But it’s another must-keep riding for the NDP.