BC premier-designate Doerkson says province ‘chose change’ in election

B.C. Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson expressed his gratitude for his party's victory in the recent provincial election, stating that British Columbians had chosen "change" and that their trust must be earned every day. The BC Conservatives secured a majority government with 64 seats, surpassing the previous record since 2001. Doerkson, previously an unknown MLA, took on interim leadership of the party prior to the election after Kerry-Lynne Findlay resigned amid numerous departures.

The premier-designate acknowledged that he was a supporter of British Columbia and pledged to protect the province against external attacks, even when discussing Trump's reposting about the Conservatives' win on social media. Doerkson focused on revitalizing the economy and pledged to form a government ready to "hit the ground running" once sworn in.

On day one, the new government will launch an independent review of the province's finances to provide a full picture of the current financial situation before the budget is presented. Doerkson proposed raising the basic personal exemption to $32,000, which would amount to approximately $1,000 per year in additional income for working British Columbians. The BC Conservatives achieved this victory despite the lowest voter turnout in decades, with only 48% of eligible voters participating in the election.