B.C. Premier Eby, Conservative Leader Rustad spar over who might be next Speaker

B.C. NDP Premier David Eby announced that his MLAs will return to the legislature before Christmas; however, his government will not introduce any new legislation until the new year. This approach allows them to focus on fulfilling commitments made during this month’s contentious election campaign without facing confidence votes.

In his initial comments following the Lieutenant-Governor's request on Monday for his party to form its third consecutive government, a buoyant Eby stated that he would wait for the outcomes of a judicial recount in two close ridings—expected within two weeks—before appointing a cabinet. Following the final tally of all ballots, the current seat distribution stands at 47 for the NDP, 44 for the Conservatives, and two for the Greens, providing the NDP with a narrow majority.

Eby expressed gratitude to voters and mentioned that he would meet with the Green Party and its two MLAs later on Tuesday to discuss potential collaboration. He emphasized his campaign priorities, which include addressing the high cost of living, housing affordability, and healthcare improvements.

"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 non-negotiables for us—then we’re happy to work with you," he stated in Victoria.

Eby also indicated his willingness to collaborate with any BC Conservatives, including the possibility of one of them assuming the role of Speaker. Traditionally, the Speaker is elected from the government benches, and if the NDP were to relinquish one of its MLAs for this non-partisan role, it could lead to tied votes in the legislature. The non-partisan Speaker would be required to vote to break ties, which is typically viewed as a partisan action.

The NDP encountered a similar scenario in 2017 when it formed a minority government by partnering with three Green MLAs and convincing a BC Liberal MLA to serve as Speaker.

Despite the close races in the Kelowna Centre and Surrey-Guildford electoral districts triggering automatic judicial recounts, the existing seat counts are not anticipated to change. Recounts are conducted under the supervision of a British Columbia Supreme Court justice and usually occur within a week or two of the final results, depending on a judge's availability.

Later that day, BC Conservative Leader John Rustad told reporters in Victoria that he was proud his party came close to forming a government, having not elected a representative since 1976. With a smile, he acknowledged that Eby has been reaching out to his MLAs about the Speaker position but stated he wouldn't support nominating one of his members unless the New Democrats embraced many of his party's campaign proposals.

"If David Eby wanted to call me and say that he wants to move forward with significant parts of our agenda, maybe there’s something we could be talking about," Rustad remarked.

On election night, a defiant Rustad declared he would do whatever it takes to force another election as soon as possible. However, on Tuesday, he adopted a more conciliatory tone, expressing his willingness to support the NDP government on measures that align with his platform.

Nonetheless, he reiterated his threat to attempt to topple the government and compel an early election if the NDP introduces what he considers "destructive" policies.

Rustad expressed a desire to urge the NDP government to provide more support to the forestry sector, expand involuntary care for those struggling with addiction, and eliminate at least the consumer portion of B.C.’s carbon pricing.

When asked about the NDP’s proposed $1,000 grocery rebate, Rustad suggested it might be a measure his caucus would support.

“As a Conservative Party, anything that will help the average, everyday hard-working person in this province is something that we would certainly look at supporting,” he said. “Obviously that’s a discussion we would have to have at caucus, depending on whether that’s a piece of legislation that Dave Eby could bring forward this fall.”