By Harinder Mahil

Premier Horgan has been rewarded by the people of British Columbia for running a clean and competent government. Although not all ballots have been counted as I write this piece, Horgan is likely to have 55 NDP MLA’s in the next Legislative Assembly. With 45 per cent of the popular vote, the NDP claimed strong Liberal seats in Richmond, Chilliwack, Langley and the North Shore.

By comparison, the previous NDP governments saw many resignations by premiers and cabinet ministers. There were no such scandals under premier Horgan.  The cabinet stayed virtually the same over the last three years.

The opposition and the media often criticized the previous NDP governments for their management of the economy. There could be no valid criticism this time as the Horgan government oversaw the fastest growing economy in the country. 

Most importantly, the Horgan government delivered what it promised. A media analysis showed that the NDP completed 79 per cent of its promises from the 2017 campaign, from raising welfare rates, eliminating toll on the Port Mann bridge, increasing disability rates to putting in speculation and vacancy taxes.

Numerous polls over the last three years indicated that Horgan has been the most popular premier in the country. He has been popular because of his leadership as well as taking care of British Columbians through the coronavirus pandemic. His approach to COVID-19 has been to let Dr. Bonnie Henry, Chief Medical Officer and Adrian Dix, Minister of Health take the spotlight and respond to media inquiries. 

Many in British Columbia questioned the need to have an election in the middle of a pandemic. Horgan’s response was to let British columbines have a say in the kind of government they want. The results speak for themselves. People have responded by electing a solid NDP majority government.

There was also the effect of election finance laws the NDP government passed banning corporate and union donations. Those laws meant the Liberals' multi-million-dollar advantage in previous elections did not happen. 

The Horgan government also benefited from a minority Parliament. It forced them to be careful, cautious and responsive to public opinion. 

The NDP emphasized those issues that matter British Columbians: health care, seniors care, child care, and education.

The Premier has stated that his goal is to run an inclusive legislature where good ideas will be welcomed from any person, party or voter. He has stated that his government's priorities will be to respond to the pandemic, economic recovery, reconciliation with First Nations and climate change.

I congratulate premier Horgan and his team and hope they will continue to provide a competent government to the people of British Columbia and emphasize those issues that matter to ordinary British Columbians.

Harinder Mahil is a former commissioner of the British Columbia Human Rights Commission and is presently a director of the Dr. Hari Sharman Foundation.