The B.C. Liberals are fighting back against the NDP and Greens.
Liberal leader Christy Clark announced Tuesday she will not resign as premier and will call the Legislature back in June and present a throne speech.
“British Columbians largely voted for a Liberal government and we won the most seats in the province,” said Greg Kyllo, Shuswap MLA.
“If there’s going to be a change in power, it should happen in the people’s House.”
The Liberals have 43 seats, one short of a majority, while the NDP have 41 and the Greens have three.
The Greens have pledged support to the NDP, and if both parties vote against the throne speech, the Liberals will lose their hold on power. Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon could then ask NDP leader John Horgan to form a government.
“If I were a betting man, I’d say the chances (of the throne speech being approved) are not good but if a change in government needs to occur, it needs to occur in the House and not two people making an agreement in a backroom,” said Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA, of Horgan and Green leader Andrew Weaver.
While the politics are sorted out, Kyllo admits the business of running the province could suffer.
“Uncertainty is never good in terms of the investment climate. The outlook of an NDP/Green coalition government is not in the best interest of the province. A lot of items in their platform are not good for the economy,” he said.
On Tuesday, the NDP and Greens released the terms of their agreement to work together.
It includes eliminating Medical Service Plan premiums, implementing a basic income pilot project, sending the Site C hydro project to an independent review and opposing the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion project.
“This agreement establishes a relationship of good faith and no surprises between the B.C. Green caucus and a B.C. New Democrat government,” said Weaver.
“British Columbians have been waiting 16 long years for solutions to so many problems, and we want to help. This agreement means we have the opportunity to make those changes that are so important. I’m optimistic and excited for the future,” added Horgan.
Foster isn’t surprised by the agreement but wonders how the Site C project could be stalled.
“There are 2,000 people working up there. That would be a large blow to the economy,” he said.