VICTORIA, British Columbia — The B.C. Conservatives have won a majority government in British Columbia, making Lorne Doerkson the province’s next premier and ending NDP rule, CBC News projected on Saturday night.
As of 11 p.m. PT, the Conservatives were elected or leading in 64 of the legislature’s 93 ridings. It is the first majority won under a Conservative banner in B.C. since 1928.
“We voted for a better British Columbia,” Doerkson told supporters, adding that “the map maybe stopped at Hope, but tonight the whole map counts.” He promised: “We will cut red tape like it’s never been cut before,” as quoted by CBC News.
Outgoing premier David Eby announced he was stepping down as NDP leader, saying the loss “breaks my heart, and I accept full responsibility.”
The snap vote came two years early. Doerkson took over the party after former leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned five weeks ago amid a caucus revolt. Turnout was about 45.5 per cent, a record low compared with 53.86 per cent in 2020.
The Conservative platform pledged a tax cut and freeze, a doubling of natural gas production by 2032, repeal of the province’s DRIPA Indigenous-rights law, an end to the SOGI 123 school resource, a 10-lane bridge to replace the George Massey Tunnel, SkyTrain to Newton and a new Surrey hospital.
CBC projected that six former NDP cabinet ministers lost their seats, including Jagrup Brar, Jessie Sunner, Rick Glumac, Jodie Wickens, Anne Kang and Terry Yung, while 15 held on.
Sources: CBC News, CBC News (cabinet seats)
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