B.C. Liberals say they won't have someone serve as Speaker in NDP government if they lose power

Another back and forth between British Columbia's political parties was sparked this week after the B.C. Liberals said it was not their job to provide any help for the NDP and Green alliance gaining power in the B.C. Legislature.  

"The government, current, is going to put forward a Speaker. Good. That Speaker should be in place as a non-partisan for the term of the parliament," said NDP Leader John Horgan in a joint press conference with Green Leader Andrew Weaver on Wednesday.

Christy Clark has indicated her party would put forward an MLA to run as Speaker next week when the legislature is brought back in session.

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But when asked about whether a Liberal Speaker would stay on following a potential lost confidence vote, Attorney General Andrew Wilkinson said it wasn't his party's job to help the opposition secure power.

"It's clear a stable government does not rely on floor crossers and rule changes and other parties for stability," said Wilkinson. 

"If the Greens and NDP say they can bring stable government, they have to do it from within their own resources."

Electing speaker first order of business

The first order of business for the legislature when it is recalled on June 22 will be to find a speaker.

Wilkinson would not say whether Liberals have been told not to stand for the job, but if the party does want to continue, governing convention is they will put forward a speaker.

But the Liberals have indicated that if they are defeated in a confidence motion the Speaker would resign — leaving it up to the NDP or Green MLAs to run for the position and thereby creating the possibility of regular 43-43 vote splits.   

"There are threats the Speaker may resign, again unheard of, because if you check the standing orders the Speaker of this house is to be elected for the term of the parliament," said Weaver.

"The only reason in this case would be partisan and the position is not supposed to be partisan ... the premier is afraid to let go and she is distracting and creating mischief." 

Weaver says the "mischief" Clark is creating extends to the legislature not reconvening until next week, and her desire that the Throne Speech be debated in full.

"What we are concerned is that the Liberals are making mischief with their delays and distractions rather than facing the people and having a change in government."

With files from The Canadian Press