B.C. Premier David Eby, 46 NDP MLAs sworn-in at Legislature

Premier David Eby and his 46 New Democrat MLAs were sworn-in Wednesday at B.C.’s Legislature in Victoria.

Eby says he could feel former premier John Horgan’s presence and hear his message at the ceremony.

“John’s words certainly resonate for me today, and they continue to be a priority. We need to be a government for the entire province of British Columbia, and the priorities of people that live in rural communities need to have the same weight and have the same influence here in the chamber and in our government as they deserve,” he said.

The premier says he is eager to carry out the agenda he set out during his pre-election campaign period.

He says housing affordability, building a strong and safe community and health care will be the focus of the people in his cabinet and government.

Eby says he wants to work with all the MLAs who share his goals.

“We want to work to make sure that this legislature works for the people of British Columbia and one of the ways this place works for the people of British Columbia is recognizing that our province is stronger when we all work together, when we fight hate, racism, and discrimination, and when we stay focused on the priorities that people sent us to work on.”

Tributes to Former B.C. premier John Horgan as NDP members swore-in

Former British Columbia premier John Horgan loomed large over the swearing-in ceremony for NDP members, a day after his death.

Before the ceremony, Songhees Nation Elder Butch Dick sang a prayer and offered words of sympathy for the family of Horgan, who died Tuesday at the age of 65 after a third battle with cancer.

Dick says Horgan was a “friend of the people,” while Legislature Clerk Kate Ryan-Lloyd paid tribute to Horgan for his service to the people of B.C.

Langford-Highlands MLA Ravi Parmar wore a Victoria Shamrocks lacrosse jersey to honour his longtime friend and mentor who was a lacrosse player and faithful follower of the Shamrocks.

Garry Begg, whose 21-vote victory in Surrey-Guildford gave the NDP a one-seat majority government, was given a standing ovation by friends and colleagues.

The NDP majority in the 93-seat legislature was only confirmed after recounts that took place weeks after the Oct. 19 election.

The B.C. Conservatives won 44 seats, and the Greens two.