B.C. Premier David Eby, Opposition Leader John Rustad make first public appearances since election results

B.C. Premier David Eby made his first public appearance Tuesday since his election was confirmed Monday.

Speaking in the Legislature building in Victoria, Eby repeated his feeling of being humbled, which he shared last week while the results of the 2024 provincial election were still unconfirmed.

“I think this was a message that was sent, certainly to me, to our government, from British Columbia — that they expect us to do better on a number of key files. But equally, it was the opportunity for us to do better, and I am very grateful and honoured by the opportunity presented by British Columbians to be able to do just that with the team that we’re bringing to the legislature.”

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He noted that the BC NDP had been elected to government three times consecutively for the first time in history, adding that he was proud to lead “one of the most diverse and qualified groups of MLAs that this legislature has ever seen.”

Eby says his goal is to open the Legislature, swear in a cabinet, and elect a speaker of the house as soon as possible, but admitted that the timeline is in the hands of Elections BC while judicial recounts are ongoing. He said introducing any new legislation this fall is unlikely.

Eby says he isn’t ruling out any possibility of electing a BC Green Party or BC Conservatives MLA as speaker, so long as that person shares the values of making B.C. a “welcoming province” for everyone.

“We’re going to fight hate and racism. These are non-negotiables for us, then we’re happy to work with you to make sure that the legislature behind me works for British Columbians on those priorities that we all share.”

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad also made a public appearance in the Legislature Tuesday, accepting the results of the election and applauding his party’s historic rise since 2023.

“I come out of this election disappointed we didn’t form government, but optimistic in terms of the work that we have to do, and very much actually looking forward to getting at it — holding this government account,” said Rustad.

He noted that the election marked the first time that any Conservative Party member had been elected since 1978.

Rustad claimed, “The NDP have been calling around our members, asking and looking for somebody to become the speaker [of the house] for them.”

He says he won’t consider the offer unless Eby agrees to move forward with parts of the Conservatives’ agenda first.

Rustad says he did get in contact with Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau to talk about what their two parties “could potentially work on together” last week. He added that he had not spoken to her since the results became official.

Eby commended the Greens and Conservatives Tuesday on their candidates’ ability to “speak to British Columbians” on issues of concern.

“And so for us, when you have a close election like this, where the vote was often split between us and the Greens and the Conservatives very tightly … I think the message for us is to hear that and to both be appreciative of the opportunity British Columbians are presenting us to deliver on that message that they sent to us, but also recognize that we’re going to need to work across the aisle on different initiatives to make sure we’re responding to the message that we heard.”

He says the Conservatives proved that issues of public drug use, and people struggling with health issues and severe addiction, is a priority for British Columbians but the Greens proved that those issues must not be addressed at the expense of people’s human rights and dignity.

“That’s a core value that I share as well,” said Eby.

He also noted the apparent split between urban and rural election results, saying his priority is to govern for “the entire province.”

“We’re going to make sure that we’re finding ways to reach out to and engage rural communities and make sure that they’re seeing themselves in the Legislature as well. It’s a province where we only succeed together,” said Eby.

On election night, Rustad said his party was committed to opposing a BC NDP government as often as possible.

“We are going to make it as difficult as possible for this NDP to do any more destruction of this province,” said Rustad.

Eby said Tuesday that he “fundamentally” disagreed with Rustad’s idea that the two parties cannot find common ground on critical issues.

“I’m open to that, as long as we all respect that bright line of making sure this province rejects hate, and division, and conspiracy and focuses on delivering for people directly,” said Eby.

Speaking Tuesday, Rustad softened his language slightly, making it clear that opposition is “frustrating,” but promising he will “bring down” policies and approaches to government that he sees destructive to B.C.

Eby also says his government remains committed to its promise of removing the provincial carbon tax; will combat misinformation shared during the election about SOGI 123; and is dedicated to improving relationships and addressing the concerns of Indigenous communities.

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