New B.C. Liberal Leader Kevin Falcon to run in Vancouver-Quilchena as former leader steps down

Two days after assuming the helm of the B.C. Liberal Party, Kevin Falcon says former leader Andrew Wilkinson will give up his seat in Vancouver-Quilchena, so Falcon can run there in a byelection.

"I'm excited about that opportunity," said the 59-year-old Monday in a virtual news conference from Victoria.

On Saturday, Falcon won 52 per cent of the vote to become the the third leader of the party since 2017. The Liberals have lost two consecutive elections after holding power for 16 years.

Under Wilkinson, the B.C. Liberals were reduced to 28 seats.

Falcon said it would be up to Premier John Horgan to decide when the byelection would be held. The NDP government has six months to announce a date.

Also on Monday, Falcon appointed rivals from the leadership race to key critic positions.

Skeena MLA Ellis Ross, who came second to Falcon, was appointed as energy critic.

"I can't think of anybody in our caucus that has more respect," said Falcon.

He named Vancouver-Langara MLA Michael Lee critic for Indigenous relations and Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Merrifield, the only female leadership candidate, critic for environment and climate change.

'The unanimity'

Falcon said he was inspired by the cohesiveness of the party in his first caucus meeting.

"One of the things that makes me so happy today is is the unanimity that was shown as we had our first caucus meeting," he said.

Falcon said Shirley Bond would continue as the Official Opposition leader in the legislature so he can focus on travelling the province to meet with voters and rebuild the party.

Todd Stone will be the new house leader, while Peter Milobar takes over the role of finance critic from Mike Bernier.

Standing on record

Falcon responded to questions Monday asking whether he truly represents a new direction for the Liberals when he held key cabinet positions under former premiers Gordon Campbell and Christy Clark.

His former portfolios included transportation, health, finance and deputy premier.

Falcon said he would rebuild the party by highlighting the successes of the former Liberal governments.

"Bring it on," he said. "I will put up our record in government up against the NDP any day of the week ...  They can talk about baggage, but I can tell you I'm quite happy to talk about our record."

B.C.'s next election is set for October 2024 and the NDP have already begun antagonizing the new Liberal leader.

Economic Recovery Minister Ravi Kahlon said the government is looking forward to debates with Falcon.

"You know, I think it's important to remind British Columbians that he just left a little while ago, and he has a record, a history,'' said Kahlon. "In fact, he was the architect of some very deep cuts to the province that we're still paying for today.''

Falcon said he will be watching the NDP's throne speech Tuesday when the legislature resumes for action on child care, housing and the opioid crisis.

Falcon said the NDP government stands in the way of building a strong economy.

"I don't want to have to clean up a big mess from the NDP again,'' Falcon said. "That's why it's important to get in there and cut them off at the pass before they can do too much damage to the economy and the finances of the province of B.C.''

Diversity, tolerance

Falcon held a seat in Surrey for three terms beginning in 2001 before deciding not to run in the 2013 election. He said he left politics to spend more time with his young family. He has been working in the private sector with a Vancouver investment and property development firm.

The leadership race was defined by the party's need to rebuild, become more diverse and find a way to win more seats in urban ridings.

Falcon said he will be a strong advocate for a free-enterprise economy, but he also wants to ensure diversity and tolerance for people of all races, genders, faiths and backgrounds are hallmarks of a renewed B.C. Liberal party.

"I mean this sincerely,'' he said. "I would rather not win unless the party is prepared to be rock solid behind me in the change of direction I want to take this party.''