VICTORIA — The political scene in British Columbia underwent its first significant transition after last month’s provincial election as the legislature welcomed two newly elected members from the B.C. Green Party during the first of three swearing-in ceremonies.
Entering the house were lawyer Rob Botterell, who will represent Saanich North and the Islands, and geological engineer Jeremy Valeriote, hailing from West Vancouver-Sea to Sky. Their recent victories, secured on October 19, took place during tightly contested elections. These new roles could be pivotal, especially since the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Premier David Eby, holds only a slim one-seat majority.
After judicial recounts confirmed the NDP's standing with 47 out of the 93 seats, the legislative assembly is bracing for the swearing-in of the New Democrat MLAs set for Wednesday. The NDP is scheduled to announce its cabinet next week, with plans to recall during the upcoming days for a short sitting aimed at electing a Speaker.
“I can feel the excitement among my colleagues,” remarked John Rustad, leader of the B.C. Conservatives, whose party won 44 seats last month. Earlier today, Rustad noted the dedication among party members, stating, “Everybody is eager to get at it and start the work.” At this time, the B.C. Conservatives were preparing for their own swearing-in ceremony.
Highlighting the diversity achieved within his caucus, Rustad mentioned some key figures, including Reann Gasper, the first Black woman elected to the B.C. legislature since Rosemary Brown's historic ascent back in 1972, and A'aliya Warbus, recognized as the first MLA from the Sto:lo Nation. Rustad proudly claimed, “We have the largest percentage of women elected as Conservatives across Canada, and it's something to be proud of.”
For the Green Party, the path forward is still being mapped out. Following the swearing-in, Botterell confirmed discussions continued between the Greens and the NDP concerning future cooperation, though he remained tight-lipped about specific plans. "We're currently putting together our plan for the next four years," he shared, adding, "I can't really give you any hints yet."
Despite not securing her re-election bid for Victoria, Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau remains at the helm of the party for now. She was present during the ceremony alongside Elizabeth May, the federal Green Leader. May expressed her gratitude, stating, "It's extremely gratifying to see Jeremy Valeriote as our foothold as the first elected Green from outside Vancouver Island, alongside Robert Botterell representing my own riding."
The swearing-in ceremonies not only signify the start of the new parliamentary year but also mark the opening of negotiations and cooperative efforts among the various parties as they seek effective governance amid closely contested partisan dynamics.
Looking to the upcoming term, various political leaders are gearing up to tackle pressing issues facing B.C. and its citizens. How well they coordinate across party lines may be key to stable governance moving forward.
