B.C. NDP, Greens, to announce details of minority deal
Christy Clark has already announced plans to stay on while conceding the Liberals will likely lose power
British Columbians will find out more today about the agreement that will likely see B.C.'s New Democratic Party MLAs work with their three B.C. Green Party colleagues in the province's first minority government in more than half a century.
NDP Leader John Horgan and Green Leader Andrew Weaver announced the pact yesterday, saying it will create a stable minority government capable of surviving until the next scheduled election in four years.
Weaver said the other two Green MLAs have already approved the agreement and the New Democrat caucus votes on it today.
Details of the arrangement will be announced after the vote at 2 p.m. PT, and will be live streamed here.
The NDP/Green coalition has 44 seats in the legislature, while the Liberals have 43.
Prior to the vote, Horgan appeared buoyant and was all smiles as he addressed the media and NDP caucus.
"I'm optimistic and I'm excited," said Horgan. "Today, our caucus of 41 New Democrats will vote to ratify the agreement to bring stability to the legislature ... and deliver what we campaigned on.
"I say to those British Columbians who have been waiting to have access to government without having to write a cheque, help is on the way."
Clark not ready to concede?
Meanwhile, Liberal Leader Christy Clark is not immediately conceding defeat.
At an afternoon press conference Clark announced she will stay on a premier, although she did admit her party would likely lose a non-confidence vote in the legislature.
With just a single seat separating the NDP and Greens from the Liberals, analysts say it would take just one New Democrat or Green to miss a ferry or be unexpectedly delayed and Clark's Liberals could survive a confidence vote.