Despite The NDP-Green Deal Being Done, Christy Clark To Continue To Cling To Power Until Voted Down!

The BC Liberals won the most seats, but were unable to persuade the Green party to back them in a minority government. And Clark is expected to ask the Governor General that she be allowed to first form the government with her 43 MLAs despite the agreement that basically means that she will be voted down at the Throne Speech by the NDP-Green alliance. For a moment, it looked like Clark could continue as Premier as a deal to keep the BC Liberals in power was in reach. But it was the power of the people – aka voters – that ultimately forced the Greens to choose NDP over BC Liberals because they had voted to change government and not continue with the same old, same old.

By R. Paul Dhillon – DESIBUZZCanada / DESIBUZZbc Editor-Founder

VICTORIA – Despite Premier Christy Clark's shenanigans of trying to cling to power for another few weeks – perhaps to try to give it a last minute brush to wash or tidy up some of the dirty laundry of her outgoing administration – BC will have a new government with NDP in power backed by the Greens with both parties having cut a deal last Sunday before jointly announcing it on Monday afternoon.

All 44 elected MLAs from the B.C. New Democrat and B.C. Green caucuses have also ratified an agreement pledging to work together to support a stable New Democrat government that works for people.

"The people of B.C. spoke loud and clear on election day – they want a government that works for them, not just those at the top. With the signing of this historic agreement, we are showing that we are ready to roll up our sleeves and work together to make lives better for British Columbians," said John Horgan, leader of the B.C. New Democrats.

"The results of the election clearly demonstrated that voters wanted to put an end to the bitter, divisive and cynical politics of the past, and get on with productive governance. Today, I am very proud to stand with John Horgan and our respective caucuses to demonstrate how two distinct parties can work together for the good of all," said Andrew Weaver, leader of the B.C. Greens.

The B.C. New Democrat Government has agreed to advance several legislative and policy initiatives identified as a condition of support by the B.C. Green Caucus, including:

•         Reforming our electoral system, getting the influence of big money out of politics, and reforming lobbying rules;

•         Recognizing that education is about lifelong learning and fast-tracking enhancement to K-12 education funding;

•         Protecting and promoting public health care, creating a proposal for an essential drugs program, and giving families the security of quality, affordable child care;

•         Getting people moving with better transit;

•         Giving the opioid crisis the attention it deserves;

•         Establishing an Emerging Economy Task Force and an Innovation Commission;

•         Eliminating Medical Services Premiums;

•         Implementing a basic income pilot project;

•         Fighting climate change while creating good jobs and introducing rebate cheques that will mean most people pay less while increasing the carbon tax beginning in 2018;

•         Sending the Site C project immediately to an independent review;

•         Opposing the Kinder Morgan pipeline expansion project.

"This agreement establishes a relationship of 'good faith and no surprises' between the B.C. Green caucus and a B.C. New Democrat government. It is our hope that it becomes a model for future B.C. governments, where working across party lines is quite ordinary. I have always believed we are better off when diverse views can be represented at the table. This is a new era for politics in B.C. – one where British Columbians are truly the winners," said Weaver.

"British Columbians have been waiting 16 long years for solutions to so many problems, and we want to help. A New Democrat government, with the support of Green MLAs, will make life more affordable, fix the services people count on, and build a sustainable economy that works for people. This agreement means we have the opportunity to make those changes that are so important. I'm optimistic and excited for the future," said Horgan.

Horgan said after 16 years in Opposition, he is excited about the prospect of forming the next government.

The BC Liberals won the most seats, but were unable to persuade the Green party to back them in a minority government. And Clark is expected to ask the Governor General that she be allowed to first form the government with her 43 MLAs despite the agreement that basically means that she will be voted down at the Throne Speech by the NDP-Green alliance.

Following the NDP-Green deal, Clark put out a press release that said she will basically try to cling on to power.

"In recent days, we have made every effort to reach a governing agreement, while standing firm on our core beliefs. It's vitally important that British Columbians see the specific details of the agreement announced today by the BC NDP and Green Party leaders, which could have far-reaching consequences for our province's future," Clarks said.

"As the incumbent government, and the party with the most seats in the legislature, we have a responsibility to carefully consider our next steps. I will consult on those steps with the newly elected BC Liberal caucus."

For a moment, it looked like Clark could continue as Premier as a deal to keep the BC Liberals in power was in reach. But it was the power of the people – aka voters – that ultimately forced the Greens to choose NDP over BC Liberals because they had voted to change government and not continue with the same old, same old.

"..Heading into last weekend, the province’s three Green MLAs – two of them brand new – were bombarded with outside pressure to reject a Liberal pact. The pressure came from environmental and First Nations groups that increased pressure publicly and through direct calls and e-mails from supporters who did not want them to prop up the Liberal government for another four years," reported Globe and Mail newspaper.

"It was only then that Mr. Weaver and his two colleagues, Sonia Furstenau and Adam Olsen, realized they could not cross the chasm of environmental policy between their party and the Liberals."