Newly elected Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Doug Clovechok says the likely toppling of his BC Liberal Party as ruling party of British Columbia following the May 29 agreement between the BC NDP and BC Green Party simply means business as usual.

“The agreement between the second and third place parties would indicate that NDP orange has become the new green. No matter the outcome, when the Legislature meets, I was elected to serve the people of Columbia River-Revelstoke as best I can, and that is exactly what I will continue doing,” Clovechok stated.

Yesterday, NDP leader John Horgan and Green Party leader Andrew Weaver agreed to form a voting bloc that inches them past Premier Christy Clark’s BC Liberals by a single seat/vote.

Clark’s Liberals captured 43 seats in the legislature during the May 12 election, compared to 41 NDP and three Green.

Clark announced this afternoon that she is not ready to walk away from office, stating she will recall the legislature in June to seek support to continue governing.

Horgan awaits the outcome, with non-confidence of the house likely when Clark delivers her Throne Speech and budget.

That outcome would mean Horgan would become the 36^th premier of B.C. by the slimmest of margins, making Weaver the most powerful leader in B.C. politics as he will hold the hammer on every vote.

“The people of B.C. spoke loud and clear on election day – they want a government that works for them, not just those at the top. With the signing of this historic agreement, we are showing that we are ready to roll up our sleeves and work together to make lives better for British Columbians,” Horgan stated.

“The results of the election clearly demonstrated that voters wanted to put an end to the bitter, divisive and cynical politics of the past, and get on with productive governance. Today, I am very proud to stand with John Horgan and our respective caucuses to demonstrate how two distinct parties can work together for the good of all,” added Weaver.

Clovechok said he supports Clark in her bid to keep fighting.

“As the party that won the most seats in this election, the BC Liberals have a responsibility to face the Legislature as government – so B.C.’s future can be determined in the people’s house, not behind closed doors,” he said.

Kootenay East MLA elect Tom Shypitka said last night, prior to a City of Cranbrook council meeting, that he is still mulling over the situation in Victoria.

“It will make for an interesting government,” he shrugged.

– Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

Article Share