National

Here's what the party leaders said after British Columbia's tight election

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 21 Oct, 2024 09:58 AM

The outcome of British Columbia's election was unclear after a close race between the NDP and the B.C. Conservatives, with the Greens poised to play a role in a potential minority government.

Here's what the party leaders said on Saturday's election night.

"We don't know what the final count is going to be in the province, but what we do know is that there was a clear majority for the progressive values. And I take a lot of comfort from that … There is also another message in this narrowest of margins, that we've got to do better, and that was our commitment to British Columbians. We've got to do better, and we will do better."

— NDP Leader David Eby

To the volunteers, the candidates, and the people of British Columbia — thank you for everything. We wouldn't have gotten this far without you —and the work has just begun. I'm laser-focused on delivering for people.
— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) October 20, 2024

"People are counting on the hope, on the opportunity, on the vision of what can be (a) prosperous British Columbia, not one, quite frankly, that is in a welfare state that it is today … And I can tell you something else, if we're in that situation of the NDP forming a minority government, we will look at every single opportunity from day one to bring them down at the very first opportunity and get back to the polls."

— B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad

In 2022, I was kicked out of the BC Liberal Party on my birthday.

I considered taking an early retirement, but my wife Kim convinced me to keep fighting for BC — so young people could have the opportunity to build a beautiful life here in BC, just like Kim and I did.

I called… pic.twitter.com/d6Y34a66X5
— John Rustad (@JohnRustad4BC) October 21, 2024

"It does appear that the Greens are still going to play a pretty pivotal role in the B.C. legislature. It's a strange time in politics when, during an atmospheric river, people came out and voted for a party that's denying the reality of climate change. But hey, this is where we're at. But I am so excited for (Green winners) Jeremy Valeriote and Rob Botterell. This is incredible. This is a passing of the torch and I am going to be there to mentor and guide and lead in any way that I can."

— BC Green Leader Sonia Furstenau

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Homeland Security takes steps to tighten asylum rules at Canadian border

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says people seeking asylum at the northern border with Canada will have less time to consult a lawyer before making their case. The department says it reviewed the Safe Third Country Agreement with Canada and concluded that it could streamline the process.

Homeland Security takes steps to tighten asylum rules at Canadian border

Transportation Safety Board issues safety reminders after fatal B.C. plane crash

A report from the Transportation Safety Board says an investigation couldn't determine a specific cause of a fatal small plane crash in southeastern B.C. last year, but it has prompted some reminders for operators. A witness near the community of Brisco, B.C., called 911 on Nov. 24, 2023, to say they had watched the Piper Cherokee nose dive into the ground, but it took searchers another 17 hours before they found the wreck and the dead pilot inside.

Transportation Safety Board issues safety reminders after fatal B.C. plane crash

Lightning-caused wildfires expected to persist in B.C.: Wildfire Service

The BC Wildfire Service says hot and dry weather paired with 29 consecutive days of lightning has led to the more than 400 active wildfires burning across the province. Though seasonable temperatures are forecast to return this week, the service says new lightning-caused fires are expected to persist.

Lightning-caused wildfires expected to persist in B.C.: Wildfire Service

BC United promises huge provincial income tax cut, raising exemption to $50,000

The leader of British Columbia's Opposition says he would introduce the largest provincial income tax cut in provincial history if his party is elected to form government this fall. Kevin Falcon says BC United would eliminate the tax on the first $50,000 earned by every person in B.C., allowing taxpayers to keep an additional $2,050 on average.

BC United promises huge provincial income tax cut, raising exemption to $50,000

Parliamentary committee to probe how Toronto terror suspect was admitted to Canada

A House of Commons committee will investigate how a man who is now facing terror charges was admitted to Canada and obtained citizenship. Members of Parliament on the public safety and national security committee voted unanimously on Tuesday to launch a study on the terror suspects arrested in the Toronto area last month.

Parliamentary committee to probe how Toronto terror suspect was admitted to Canada

Canada's foreign worker program 'breeding ground' for modern slavery: report

A recently released international report says Canada's temporary foreign worker program is a "breeding ground" for contemporary slavery. The final report by a United Nations special rapporteur who visited Canada last year says a power imbalance prevents workers from exercising their rights.