New minority Liberal government in BC expected to have short life

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VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – All 87 MLA’s elected on May 9th across British Columbia have now been sworn in.

The first minority government in 65 years starts sitting June 22nd in Victoria, but the name of the premier could be different a few days later.

NDP leader John Horgan says the 44-seat majority forged with the Green Party means the change voters demanded a month ago is coming.

“To address the concerns that people have with respect to our economy, social programs and most importantly, I believe, making sure we’re addressing the crises we have with respect to mental health and addictions.”

Premier Christy Clark, who now has 43-seats, admits she’s expecting to lose a confidence vote later this month, but, “I never cease to be surprised about what happens in BC politics (laughs) and I’ve learned a long time ago never to assume what’s going to happen in advance, so there’s a very strong likelihood the government will be defeated on a confidence motion.”

The last time BC had a minority government was 1952.

The Liberals are one seat short of the majority needed and Clark says she doesn’t want to send voters back to the polls anytime soon.

“Rather than focussing just on areas where we all disagree, let’s focus on some areas where we do agree. I’m trying to make –engineer– that change to the extent that I can with our caucus…. When there are things that we agree with, we will support them. You know when I look through the agreement with the Greens, for example, I see lots of areas of common interest where we can do things collaboratively.”

Horgan, who’s one of 41 New Democrats and three Greens now sworn in, is confident his title will change soon.

“We have a majority of support in the legislature. We want to test that as quickly as possible. We’re pretty excited and we want to get to work for British Columbians.”

Horgan also says the New Democrats and Greens are looking forward to working together.

“To bring forward good government policies to meet the needs and challenges of British Columbia in 2017. As for the Liberal team, I know that they’re trying to find their way and I wish them all well. I can’t wait to get working with them as well.”

Clark, who is now a self-described ‘caretaker’ premier, says she still hopes to provide stability in a time of uncertainty.

“Whatever job voters give me and the House gives me in this Parliament, I’m going to take it. At the moment, we’re going day by day though. These are uncharted waters.”

Both sides are still saying little about who we can expect to be the speaker of the house when the legislature is recalled June 22nd.

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