After Liberals lose confidence vote, BC waits for new government or snap election

UPDATE: NDP Leader John Horgan has reportedly been called to Government House.

The Liberal government was defeated today as an alliance of NDP and Green MLAs passed a non-confidence motion in the legislature. The vote passed 44-42 with Speaker and Liberal MLA Steve Thomson not participating. Thomson has since resigned his post, having held the position of Speaker of the House for only one week.

The motion came more than 50 days after the provincial election that saw the BC Liberals lose their majority in the house.

It’s a historic moment – the first time in more than 60 years that a BC government has lost a confidence vote.

NDP-leader, and presumed future Premier, John Horgan issued this statement shortly after the vote.

“Today’s vote is a step toward a new government that puts regular British Columbians first.

Working together, we have the opportunity to lower costs for families who have been left behind for too long.

We can shorten health care wait times and invest in better schools for our kids. We can build a sustainable economy and create good-paying jobs for people in communities across B.C.

British Columbians are closer than ever to getting the new leadership they voted for. And we’re ready to form a strong, stable government that works every single day to make life better for people.”

Following the vote, Clark made her way to Government House to meet with the Lieutenant Governor. After about 90 minutes, Clark emerged and said that Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon had retired to make her decision about what to do next. Clark offered no further details and said she would wait to offer any comment until Guichon decides.

Guichon has the option of calling an election or asking NDP leader John Horgan to serve as Premier.