Eby says NDP needs to do better as BC election remains on a knife edge

BC NDP leader David Eby is prepared for whatever comes the party’s way as he awaits the final results of the province’s election, which is still yet to be decided.

Currently, the New Democrats sit with 46 seats, one shy of the needed 47 for a majority government while the Conservatives have 45 and the BC Greens with two – however, a pair of recounts in Juan du Fuca-Malahat and Surrey City Centre will begin on Saturday with 49 thousand mail-in or absentee ballots to be counted.

Regardless of what happens, Eby told the media in Vancouver yesterday (Tuesday) the NDP is willing to work with everyone to make sure the needs of British Columbians are met.

“The Greens have advised us they are not ready yet to have those conversations but we are prepared for what we hope is the likelihood of the outcome of the counting and not taking anything for granted. We are making sure we are ready to go, having a team in place on how we will move forward on this.”

While it’s clear the Greens aren’t ready to have talks that would form a potential agreement, Eby noted his party needs to do better after losing 16 incumbents including five ministers.

“My commitment to British Columbians is that I take those lessons very seriously. Currently, we are working and preparing without taking anything for granted that if the counts come back for a minority government or an NDP majority we will put those lessons into practice right away working for British Columbians.”

“It’s pretty clear that British Columbians sent us and sent me a strong message that we need to do better on issues of affordability, the challenges that families are facing and, on issues of public safety in our communities.”

Elections BC has scheduled the final count from Saturday until Monday (October 26th to 28th).

On Tuesday, the BC Greens announced Sonia Fursteneau will remain as party leader. A media conference is set for today (Wednesday) in Victoria.