Straight Talk

Christy Clark's B.C. Liberal government voted down in a nonconfidence motion

by Charlie Smith on June 29th, 2017 at 5:30 PM
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      As expected, 41 NDP MLAs and three B.C. Green MLAs have voted nonconfidence in the throne speech from the B.C. Liberal government.

      Immediately after the vote as legislature speaker Steve Thomson said "this house stands adjourned until further notice," New Democrats erupted with applause.

      Now, British Columbians must wait to find out if Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon will ask NDP Leader John Horgan to form a government supported by the B.C. Greens.

      The vote came after a lengthy speech by Premier Christy Clark, in which she claimed to have learned lessons from the May 9 provincial election.

      Clark also accused the New Democrats of "grasping for power" and claimed that they were "vowing to twist the rules of our legislature".

      She also took potshots at B.C. Green Leader Andrew Weaver, claiming that he wouldn't even hear an offer from the B.C. Liberals.

      In this regard, Clark claimed that Weaver "behaved exactly like those he's criticized all those years".

      Clark also sprinkled her speech with comments about the B.C. Liberal government's record of job creation and its support for the Site C dam.

      "For the past six years, we have worked hard to build Canada's number one economy," Clark said.

      Weaver issued a statement following the vote:

      “During the election, we ran on a promise to bring British Columbians change they can count on,” Weaver said. “A confidence motion is fundamentally a question of trust—can we count on the B.C. Liberal government to deliver this change? Our B.C. Green caucus has determined that we cannot.

      “With no party receiving a majority in our recent election, we conducted extensive negotiations with both parties, and ultimately came to an agreement to support the B.C. NDP in supply and confidence matters. Under this agreement, an NDP government has the confidence of a majority of members in the House. We have everything we need to work together to advance good public policy that will make a difference in the lives of British Columbians.

      “We are encouraged that the B.C. Liberals have indicated their support for many of the policy priorities outlined in our agreement with the B.C. NDP. This is an historic opportunity for all 87 MLAs to work together to address the most pressing issues facing our province. Our caucus looks forward to working with our colleagues on both sides of the house in a productive and collaborative new government.”

      In the hallway outside the chamber, a smiling Horgan said he was feeling "really good".

      "It's an exciting time," he added. "I'm hopeful that we'll be hearing something later on tonight and I can't wait to get started." 

      Meanwhile, the B.C. Federation of Labour has issued a statement "respectfully" urging Guichon to invite Horgan to form a government. 

      B.C. Fed president Irene Lanzinger has written a letter to her pointing out that 1.2 million B.C. residents "voted for change" in May.

      "We believe that the agreement signed by both parties represents a stable, viable and long-term partnership that provides an historic opportunity for lasting and profound change in our province," Lansinger stated. "And profound change is what working people urgently need."

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