How the Liberal majority government win affects B.C.

Wondering what Monday’s victory for the federal Liberal Party means for B.C.? One expert says not much.

The federal Liberals won all three byelections being held Monday night in Ontario and Quebec, giving Prime Minister Mark Carney a majority government.

The University-Rosedale byelection was called early in the night for Liberal Danielle Martin, as was the Scarborough Southwest riding for Liberal Doly Begum.

However, it was a tighter race in Terrebonne. With 100 per cent of polls reporting, Elections Canada has Liberal Tatiana Auguste beating Bloc Québécois’ Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné by 731 votes.

Martin gave the Liberals their 172-seat majority in the federal government and the wins in Scarborough Southwest and Terrebonne give them the numbers to effectively govern at 174 seats.

UBC political scientist Stewart Prest says the wins indicate the country is increasingly leaning Liberal, but it will likely have little bearing on provincial politics.

“What voters at all levels are looking for right now is a measure of stability and predictability,” Prest explained.

“The governments that they are electing, the representatives they’re electing can match the gravity of the moment with a consistent message that they’re able to follow through on.”

By that measure, he says the BC NDP has some work to do to rebuild the public’s trust.

Meanwhile, Prest says the federal Liberals, whether in a majority or minority position, will likely continue to focus on issues that affect central Canada.

He pointed to the Alberta provincial government and the federal government signing a memorandum of understanding in November on steps that would happen if a private company is found to build a pipeline to the northwest coast — without the involvement of the B.C. government.

“That kind of thing is at risk of happening again if the Liberals are not careful to really listen to representatives from across the country and voices from across the country,” said Prest.

With increased support, Prest says he still expects all provincial leaders to maintain a high level of engagement with Carney.

“He carries that veneer of popularity and success that the premiers themselves are going to want to tap into.”

—With files from Jan Schuermann