BC Premier Open to Collaborating with Any Party that Embraces the Value of a ‘Welcoming Province’
After narrowly winning a renewed mandate, B.C. Premier David Eby said he’s heard the call from British Columbians for parties to work together on problems like public safety.
Speaking at an Oct. 29 news conference in Victoria, Eby said he and his New Democrat government are willing to work with any MLA who shares his party’s values on making the province a welcoming place that opposes “hate and racism.”
The NDP won 47 of the 93 seats in the legislature, while the Conservative Party of B.C. won 44 seats. Several ridings were so tightly contested that recounts were required.
Eby said his party would be meeting with the Green Party, but he did not indicate if meetings with the Conservatives were planned.
“We’re going to continue to have those conversations with them and the invitation is open to all MLAs. If you’re committed to these things as well as committed to ensuring that this province remains a place welcoming to everybody, where we fight racism and hatred, then I’m happy to work with you.”
Eby said he has worked with former Liberal and BC United MPs now elected under the Conservative banner. “I haven’t had the opportunity to work with all the people who were elected as Conservatives in the recent election, but my commitment to every MLA that was elected is, if you share our values around making sure this is a welcoming province for everyone, that we’re going to fight hate and racism, these are nonnegotiable for us, and we’re happy to work with you.”
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Eby also said he is open to the possibility of a legislative speaker from another party.
“I’m sure the Greens would be able to put forward a good speaker. Maybe the Conservatives. We’re not ruling anything out.”
The next step is to decide on a cabinet and then pick a speaker, said Eby, who hopes to have a fall sitting start soon.
“It’s not my intention to introduce legislation in the fall, but it is my intent, if we can, to have a sitting, get the speaker elected, and get the legislature working for people,” he said.
