Ten days after British Columbians finished casting their ballots the latest provincial election, David Eby and the NDP are headed back to Victoria with a majority government.
The New Democrats were able to hit the 47 seat threshold, after final vote counting Monday night determined that two-term NDP incumbent Gary Begg had taken the Surrey-Guilford riding by just 27 votes.
The narrow result does mean an automatic judicial recall will be held in that riding, as well as Kelowna Centre, where the margin of victory for the BC Conservative candidate is just 38.
Despite the recount, David Eby has already started the process of forming the next government.
“I met with Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin,” said Eby in a statement through his party’s communication’s division. “She has asked me to form the next government. We will, and we will work hard every day to earn the trust you have placed in us.”
“Pending judicial recounts, British Columbians have asked our BC NDP team to lead our province for a third time,” continued Eby. “It is an incredible honour and a huge responsibility. We are listening to the message voters sent with this close election, and will be getting to work on today’s tough challenges right away.”
The outcome gives the NDP a 47 seat majority, with the BC Conservatives set to take up 45 seats in the Legislature.
The BC Green Party, which was poised to hold the balance of power before the final vote count began, will represent two ridings in Victoria.
“With these results, we are saying goodbye to talented colleagues whose voices will be missed in the Legislature,” said Eby. “We are also welcoming skilled new electeds with fresh ideas. Each elected BC NDP MLA is committed to deliver results for people. Together, we can make sure BC is a place where people can get ahead and everyone can build a good life. We won’t stop until the job is done,” said Eby.
BC Conservatives to sit as official opposition
Despite the historically close race, it appears the BC Conservative Party is prepared to take up a role as the opposition.
“I accept the results of this election,” said BC Conservative leader John Rustad in a statement on X Monday evening. “I thank our Elections BC workers for their hard and dedicated work.”
“I am ready to begin the important work of leading BC’s Official Opposition,” continued Rustad. “BC’s Conservative Caucus is committed to holding government accountable and advocating for policies that reflect the best interests of all British Columbians. Together, we will work tirelessly to ensure that your voices are heard and that we build a stronger future for all of BC.”
Rustad also took time in his statement to reflect on the unprecedented gains his Party has made.
“We have made history in BC. Just 18 months ago, the Conservative Party of BC was at 2% in the polls, had no members, no money, no team. But what we did have was grit, determination and a massive grassroots movement that would make the impossible happen,” said Rustad.
“We still have work ahead of us,” continued Rustad. “I want to express my gratitude to every British Columbian who participated in this election and voted. Your engagement in our democratic process is invaluable.”
Meanwhile, the leader of the BC Green Party contends that collaboration will still be needed, despite the NDP being able to push forward legislation in the House without the support of BC Green or Conservative votes.
“Pending a judicial recount, it appears as though MLAs from different parties will have to work together for the Legislature to function effectively,” argued Sonia Furstenau in a statement issued late Monday evening.
“This outcome follows a very negative, polarizing election. It’s clear that British Columbians are demanding better outcomes from their government,” continued Furstenau. “Government works best when MLAs collaborate and prioritize their constituents over party interests to deliver those outcomes.”
Her statement goes on to suggest members of the BC Conservative caucus, many of whom come in as rookies, shouldn’t be afraid to make a stand.
“John Rustad has promised to allow free votes among his Caucus,” contends Furstenau. “I hope that the new Conservative MLAs will take the opportunity to vote in alignment with their constituents’ best interests.”
