A historic moment in Canadian politics took place Thursday, June 29th as Judith Guichon, B.C.’s Lieutenant-Governor, rejected Liberal leader Christy Clark’s request for a new election. The Lieutenant-Governor chose to call on the leader of the NDP John Horgan to form a new government following a vote of non-confidence.
For Doug Clovechok, Liberal MLA for the Columbia River-Revelstoke riding, this places him in a position of opposition. Clovechok said it was a thrill and honour to be a participant in something so historic.
“It was just something to behold, it truly was, to see how our parliamentary system can possibly take a bronze medal and a silver medal and make it into a gold medal,” said Clovechok.
For Clovechok being in opposition doesn’t feel any different to him, stating, “I got elected to represent the people of the Columbia River-Revelstoke.”
“I’ve made it very clear right from the onset whether you voted for me or you didn’t vote for me didn’t matter, I was still going to represent you so that hasn’t changed, my work ethic hasn’t changed, my ability to accomplish things hasn’t changed. It’s going to be the same thing going forward,” said Clovechok.
With an NDP- Green Party coalition government, Horgan will now pick a cabinet before tabling a throne speech, which will then be presented and debated by all members of the legislative assembly.
“Had it not been for this new bromance between Horgan and Weaver this wouldn’t be happening, we would be governing right now,” said Clovechok.
Clovechok, who has been working with ministers on files regarding the deer situation in Kimberley and conservation in Revelstoke, will continue to work on these issues but comments it’s difficult while the transition happens.
“Right now we’re in transition so it’s very difficult to change anything. But until government changes, the ministers themselves remain ministers. It’s like during an election. So ministers still remain ministers because someone has to take care of business if business occurs,” said Clovechok.
According to Clovechok, Horgan stated he wants to work across party lines, something which Clovechok himself said throughout his own campaign.
“I’m going to be banging on people’s doors and I’m going to hold them accountable to their promises so if the people I represent here in Columbia River-Revelstoke need help I’m going to make sure they get it,” said Clovechok.
For the next few weeks, the British Columbia government will remain in a state of transition until the BC NDP present their throne speech, which is expected to happen in August.