“The starting place is our platform.”: BC Greens lay out blueprint to potential deal

BC Greens leader Sonia Furstenau had some choice words for Conservative Leader John Rustad as well as the changes their party needs to make before they earn the support of their two elected MLA’s.

During a media event in Victoria yesterday (Wednesday), Furstenau says the philosophies of the provincial Tories have rightfully come under scrutiny and that it’s up to Rustad to right the ship and tell his members certain behaviours are frowned upon in the legislature.

“There have been statements made by Conservative candidates that are truly disturbing, racist, dehumanizing, homophobic and conspiratorial. Some of these candidates have been elected and I have not seen a satisfactory response around this.”

“It is John Rustad’s ability now to ensure that his caucus understands the seriousness of having the burden of being an elected representitive

Furstenau mentioned her party’s platform is the starting block to supporting whichever party forms power in Victoria. She confirmed she has spoken with NDP Leader David Eby but isn’t leaning in any direction as of yet with a pair of crucial recounts on the horizon.

“I am not going to talk about anything specific until the vote tallies are in and the conversations that we have will be focused on ensuring we are getting meaningful and important outcomes for British Columbians.”

Furstenau, who served as the MLA for Cowichan Valley from 2017 to 2024 lost her bid for re-election last weekend after deciding to run in Victoria-Beacon Hill, where she was defeated by Grace Lore of the NDP.

Undeterred by the setback, Furstenau is as determined as ever for the Greens to have a majority impact inside the provincial legislature.

“I bring seven years of experience to the legislature of working across party lines and across jurisdictions and that experience is earned and that is what I will be bringing to the work ahead of us.”

By current count, the BC NDP is elected or leading in 46 ridings and the BC Conservatives in 45, both short of the 47 required for a majority.

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.