Horgan lays out plan for NDP majority, but says it’s too early to celebrate

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – A day after a historic election for the NDP, leader John Horgan was all smiles at his Sunday morning press conference but admitted there are still many votes to count before he can legislate.

Horgan took questions for the first time since the party’s victory and already outlined what he wants to do with his majority.

“There’s a number of issues coming from the campaign,” he said. “We have to see how long it will take to finalize the count, and then install a new government and then get the legislature back together.”

He says one of his main priorities will be getting through the pandemic and ensuring there are services in place to keep all British Columbians safe.

“We have a lot ahead of us. We need to continue to work on our climate action plan to continue to lead the continents in protecting our natural environment for future generations. We need to continue to work with Indigenous peoples to make sure the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples makes some sense in every corner of British Columbia,” he said.

When it comes to the pandemic, Horgan says as a majority govt more can be done to help British Columbians with a focus on businesses and small communities, tourism sector @NEWS1130

— Tarnjit Parmar (@Tarnjitkparmar) October 25, 2020

“The pandemic is our highest priority. British Columbians understand that we need a government focused on their needs.”

Horgan added that now the party is a majority government, more can be done to help British Columbians with a focus on businesses, small communities and the tourism sector.

“I hope British Columbians understand that we are not unique here in British Columbia. The rest of the world is grappling with the same challenges we are. I believe the best way forward is to make sure that government is there focused on the needs of individuals, businesses and communities. And we’re going to be able to do that coming into the fall and into next spring as we prepare a budget which will be again one of the most extraordinary budgets ever tabled in British Columbia.”

RELATED: 

• BC NDP heads for majority win in provincial election

• BC NDP gain popularity in Surrey, sweep 7 of 9 ridings

• Langley, Chilliwack elect first-ever NDP MLAs

When Horgan was asked about NDP gaining seats in Langley and Chilliwack, he said his campaign reached every corner of the province.

“I’ll continue to work hard to build better relationships and better understandings of the challenges in rural British Columbia.”

Asked about NDP gaining seats in Langley/Chilliwack – Horgan says his campaign reached every corner of the province, adding he wants to see better results in rural British Columbia. Says success is linked to his candidates who make connections in communities @NEWS1130

— Tarnjit Kaur Parmar (@Tarnjitkparmar) October 25, 2020

On Saturday, three NDP MLAs were elected to Langley and Chilliwack ridings for the first time. And Horgan says success is linked to his candidates who make connections in communities.

“In Langley, as we were talking about things that matter to those families, seniors care, childcare, education, health care, transportation, those were the issues that were important to those. Those are British Columbians. And that’s why they voted for our team.”

The NDP platform was largely built on the party’s record and promises to continue what it started, including expanding $10-a-day childcare and implementing a rent freeze until the end of next year.

Meanwhile, there are several hundred thousand mail-in votes that still have to be counted.

The NDP won 53 seats, the Liberals won 27 seats and the Greens won three. An additional four ridings were too close to call.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau congratulated Horgan saying he is looking forward to working with the premier on the response to the pandemic.