B.C. Premier David Eby said on Tuesday his government would keep its commitment to eliminate the province’s consumer carbon tax and provide involuntary care to those struggling with overlapping addictions, mental illness and brain injury concerns.
At his first press conference following the news on Monday that the BC NDP had formed a slim majority in the province, Eby said that “the commitment we made to British Columbians was we weren’t going to force them to choose between a government that took climate change seriously and would take action on climate change and then being able to cover their grocery costs and cover their rent.
“We know that people are struggling with affordability. So, yes, we will keep our commitment to British Columbians if the federal government moves away from the backstop, we will get rid of the carbon tax. And we remain committed to addressing the struggles that people are having on our streets with mental health and addiction.”
In September, Eby promised to build secure facilities for individuals who pose a risk to themselves or others to ensure they receive treatment in a safe environment.
Eby started his press conference saying he was glad to be back in the legislature but he heard the message from British Columbians loud and clear that people “expect us to do better on a number of key files.
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“I am very grateful, and honoured, by the opportunity presented by British Columbians to be able to do just that with the team that we’re bringing to the legislature,” he said.
” The electeds that we’re bringing to Victoria following yesterday’s results are one of the most diverse and qualified groups of MLAs that this legislature has ever seen. I’m incredibly proud of them.”
Eby did not rule out working with the 44 Conservative MLAs and the two Green Party MLAs but said his government is committed to working with any MLA in the legislature who “wants to make sure that this place works for British Columbians, on those priorities that I laid out cost of living, housing, health care.”
Eby will need a dozen new cabinet ministers after many did not run in the election or were not elected in their riding.
He said the goal is to get the cabinet sworn in and then have a fall sitting of the legislature.
“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 gonna fight hate and racism, these are non-negotiable goals for us — then we’re happy to work with you.”
On Monday the NDP reached the minimum 47 seats needed to form a majority government once Elections BC finished the final vote count.
The riding of Surrey-Guildford flipped back to the NDP after all the absentee and mail-in ballots were counted.
BC Conservative Leader John Rustad, whose party holds 44 seats in the legislature, is also set to speak on Tuesday at 2 p.m.
In a statement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Eby and the BC NDP on their re-election.
“For the first time in the province, women will hold the majority of seats in the legislature,” Trudeau said.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Premier Eby to deliver on the issues that matter most to British Columbians and all Canadians. Whether it’s building more homes, improving access to health care, advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, growing our economies, or creating good middle-class jobs – we will remain focused on building stronger communities and a more prosperous province for all.”
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