CP NewsAlert: B.C. NDP government, Greens reach ‘shared priorities’ agreement

The British Columbia New Democrats have negotiated a deal with the two Green Party members of the legislature that will help stabilize the New Democrats’ slim majority government, Premier David Eby says.

The premier said in a statement Friday that while the two parties are distinct and won’t always agree, they have “many shared values.”

Eby’s party won a bare majority with 47 seats in the October provincial election, while two Greens were elected and the B.C. Conservatives have 44 seats. 

He said the deal sets out specific areas of action they’ll work together to achieve, which includes health care, affordable housing, creating livable communities and growing a strong, sustainable economy.

“This agreement will strengthen the stability of government and help deliver on the priorities of British Columbians. We will continue to work with all MLAs who want to make the legislature work for people,” Eby said.

The stability of the NDP government got even shakier earlier this month when New Democrat Grace Lore announced she had cancer and was stepping away from her role as children’s minister.

B.C. Conservative Party Leader John Rustad has said he would work to bring the NDP government down if it continues with its “destructive policies.” 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024.