The Green Party has thrown its support behind the BC NDP, setting the stage for a new government in the province.
NDP leader John Horgan and Green Party leader Andrew Weaver made the announcement in Victoria this afternoon. The two posted the news of the agreement on Twitter.
A few mins ago, I joined @AJWVictoriaBC to announce an agreement between our parties. Thank you to all the voters who made this possible. pic.twitter.com/ifQ4Qk8IJf
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) May 29, 2017
I am thrilled to be working with John Horgan and the @bcndp so that BC can have a stable minority government for four years. #bcpoli https://t.co/GhQjKxtUkw
— Andrew Weaver (@AJWVictoriaBC) May 29, 2017
The two parties control 44 seats in the legislature one more than the Liberals’ 43. The two parties are suggesting they will provide a stable minority government for four years with Green MLAs supporting the NDP on confidence and supply matters.
“This is an incredible opportunity to work together to fix our broken political system,” said Weaver, in a joint statement with the NDP. “The B.C. Green Caucus’ top priority will continue to be to collaborate across party lines with both other parties to advance good public policy that puts the people of British Columbia first.”
The agreement will be ratified by both the Green and New Democrat caucuses tomorrow before being released in full.
“People voted overwhelmingly for change, and we are ready to give them that,” said Horgan. “A New Democrat government will deliver what people voted for on May 9: making life more affordable, fixing the services people count on, and building a sustainable economy that works for everyone. We can have a legislature where all MLAs can put forward good ideas that help people, and come together to support them. That’s the opportunity voters presented us with when they made their decision. We couldn’t be more excited to work together to get closer to making the changes we both committed to in our campaigns – and get good things done for the people of B.C.”
B.C. Liberal Leader Christy Clark, however, is still premier. Her options are to ask Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon for the chance to try and govern, resign, or request Guichon dissolve the legislature and hold a new election. Clark will announce her intentions tomorrow.
“In recent days, we have made every effort to reach a governing agreement, while standing firm on our core beliefs,” she said in a press release. “It’s vitally important that British Columbians see the specific details of the agreement announced today by the BC NDP and Green Party leaders, which could have far-reaching consequences for our province’s future. As the incumbent government, and the party with the most seats in the legislature, we have a responsibility to carefully consider our next steps. I will consult on those steps with the newly elected BC Liberal caucus, and have more to say tomorrow.”
The agreement between the Greens and the NDP is apparently a four-year deal.