Bridging BC’s urban/rural divide a high priority for Eby in second term as Premier

“It’s a province where we only succeed together.”

Those are the words of Premier David Eby after the NDP secured its thin majority government on Monday due in large part to the Surrey Guildford riding switching from blue to orange, clinching a razor-thin majority of 47 seats.

While addressing the media in Victoria today (Tuesday), Eby stated he will have an open- door policy with any elected MLA who has a desire to better the province, provided they meet certain conditions.

“My commitment to every MLA that was elected is if you share our values around making sure this is a welcoming province for everyone where we fight hate and racism and these are non-negotiables for us then we are happy to work with you to make sure the legislature behind me works for British Columbians.”

However, one major concern Eby would like to address is the urban/rural divide during this upcoming term.

“I did see that in the election results and it’s very concerning to me. We need to govern for the entire province and we need to keep in mind that we represent the entire province and that is what we are going to do. We are going to make sure that we find ways to engage rural communities and make sure they are part of the legislature as well.”

“It is a province where we only succeed together. If one part of the province is not successful then the whole province is going to struggle. We need to work together as British Columbians and that was a big message during the campaign and one that we saw in the results that we will have to do better on,” added Eby.

Despite losing, several ministers who were either unseated or decided to not run again during the 2024 BC Election – Eby is confident in the most current version of the NDP.

“The electeds that we are bringing to Victoria following yesterday’s results are one of the more diverse and qualified groups of MLA’s that this legislature has ever seen – I am incredibly proud of them and for the first time ever, the NDP has been picked three times in a row to represent BC. We take that very seriously.”

While taking questions from reporters, Eby doubled down on his party’s promise to eliminate the province’s consumer carbon tax and provide involuntary care to those struggling with overlapping addictions, mental illness and, brain injury concerns.

Eby was not able to give a firm date as to when work will resume in the Legislature as the Surrey-Guildford and Kelowna Centre ridings will be under a judicial recount.

A Speaker of the House as well as naming cabinet ministers will also need to take place.