Two newly elected members of British Columbia’s Green Party will officially take their seats in the legislature following the first of three swearing-in ceremonies following last month’s provincial election.
The two Greens, lawyer Rob Botterell, representing Saanich North and the Islands, and geological engineer Jeremy Valeriote, of West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, who were elected on October 19 in a close race, could play key roles in the legislature where the NDP has a slim one-seat majority.
John Rustad’s British Columbia Conservatives, who won 44 seats in last month’s election, will be sworn in Tuesday night in a second ceremony at the legislature.
Judicial recounts in two British Columbia ridings last week confirmed Premier David Eby’s slim majority, giving the NDP 47 seats in the 93-seat legislature.
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Eby and his New Democrat MLAs will be sworn in Wednesday at the legislature.
Eby, who will announce his new Cabinet next week, is expected to convene the legislature in the coming days for a brief fall session to elect a speaker.
Botterell says the Greens and NDP continue to work on plans to cooperate in the legislature, but did not provide details.
“We’re in talks with the NDP and right now we’re putting together our plan for the next four years,” he said after his swearing-in. “I really can’t give you any clues yet.”
BC Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau lost her bid for re-election in Victoria, but will remain leader for now.
He attended the ceremony alongside federal Green leader Elizabeth May.
“It is a very encouraging day. It means a lot,” May said. “Seeing Jeremy Valeriote be our anchor for the first time, picking Green for the first time in BC who wasn’t from Vancouver Island, and on my own journey with Robert Botterell in Saanich North and the Islands, I feel extremely satisfied “.
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