Furstenau declines call from Rustad, says BC Greens won’t support BC NDP until election results are final

Sonia Furstenau says she’ll wait for the final results of the provincial election, but says John Rustad and the BC Conservatives would have to make certain changes before earning the support of the two BC Green Party MLAs.

The Greens announced Tuesday that Furstenau is staying on as leader despite losing her seat in the legislature, saying she was “instrumental” in B.C.’s 2017 minority government and her guidance of the party’s new caucus will be “critical.”

The Greens say their two elected members, Jeremy Valeriote and Rob Botterell, support Furstenau’s leadership as they “navigate the prospect of having the balance of power in the legislature.”

Speaking in Victoria Wednesday, Furstenau says she’s prioritizing Valeriote and Botterell until election results are in.

“My focus right now is on supporting our team MLAs and engaging in meaningful conversations about how the people of B.C. can be best served until the final vote count is in,” said Furstenau.

She says she spoke with BC NDP Leader David Eby Wednesday morning but did not take a call from B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad.

“I didn’t recognize the phone number,” Furstenau quipped, adding she has significant concerns about statements Rustad’s candidates have made and positions his party has taken on many issues, including climate change. 

“There have been statements made by Conservative candidates that are truly disturbing, racist, dehumanizing, homophobic, and conspiratorial. Some of these candidates have been elected, and I have yet to see a satisfactory response from John Rustad around this,” said Furstenau. 

“Elected representatives have a serious burden and responsibility to hold themselves to a high standard and to see themselves as representatives for everyone in their communities. It’s John’s responsibility now to ensure that his caucus understands the seriousness of the burden of being an elected representative.”

Eby said Tuesday that the Greens have told his party that it’s too early to begin talks on a minority government agreement. Furstenau corroborated that statement Wednesday, declining to say what she and Eby spoke about.

By current count, the BC NDP is elected or leading in 46 ridings and the BC Conservatives in 45, both short of the 47 ridings required for a majority.

Green MLAs ready to make impact

While the BC Greens are poised to play a key role in shaping the next government, the party’s two rookie MLAs are ready to make an impact.

Botterell and Valeriote are entering the Legislature unaccompanied by their leader. However, Furstenau will be by their side negotiating a confidence-and-supply agreement if either front-runner ends up needing the support of the Greens to form government.

Botterell, who was elected in North Saanich and the Islands, says it’s comforting to know Furstenau has the experience of the deal struck in 2017 under her belt.

He explains he’s ready for the challenge.

“My shoulders aren’t sinking yet. I’m really looking forward to this, and I feel very comfortable with where we’re at,” he explained.

It’s a really huge benefit to have Sonia as our leader, staying and mentoring us and leading us as we work through applying the framework,” Botterell added.

Valeriote, who made history for the Greens by winning West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, says he understands the gravity of the situation.

“Both of us have been thinking about this for some time, and we’re ready to do the work and get the solutions for British Columbians that are needed and go forward. It’s a lot, but [we’re] ready to get started,” he said.

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–With files from Michael Williams.