BC Legislature elects Kelowna MLA Steve Thomson as Speaker

The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia elected a new Speaker on Thursday and it’s a name that most Okanagan residents should recognize.

Kelowna-Mission MLA, Steve Thomson, was named Speaker of the 41st parliament, ahead of this afternoon throne speech.

#BREAKING: The Honourable Steve Thomson, MLA for Kelowna—Mission, was acclaimed Speaker of the 41st Parliament #BCLeg #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/qqOzYKkJFF

— BC Legislature (@BCLegislature) June 22, 2017

Thomson takes over from Liberal Linda Reid, who was in the role from 2013 until 2017, and the reactions were all positive on Thursday morning.

“Congrats to Steve Thomson on his election to Speaker of the B.C. legislature,” tweeted Kelowna-Lake Country MLA, Norm Letnick.

NDP leader John Horgan tweeted as well, saying “my congratulations and gratitude to MLA Steve Thomson for taking on the important role of Speaker.”

Green Party leader Andrew Weaver released a statement about the appointment on Thursday as well.

"I would like to congratulate Mr. Thompson on his acclamation as speaker for the 41st parliament and to thank him for taking on this role to serve the legislature and his fellow MLAs," Weaver said. "I could not think of a more exceptional choice to guide the business of the legislature. Mr. Thompson has the respect of all the MLAs in the legislature and brings experience, dignity and honour to his new position."

Hon. Steve Thomson, #BCLeg Speaker, has assumed the appropriate attire and returned to the Chamber to preside over proceedings #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/38xGqQJOAP

— BC Legislature (@BCLegislature) June 22, 2017

With Thomson’s new appointment, Liberal MLA John Rustad will take over as the Minister of Forests.

The Liberal government’s 43-seat minority government is expected to be defeated soon in a confidence vote by the NDP and Green alliance.

If that happens, there’s a good chance the NDP or Greens would appoint their own Speaker.