BC Greens pledge support for NDP government

The BC Green Party have pledged to support an NDP minority government.

Standing outside the gates of the B.C. Legislature in Victoria on Monday, BC Green leader Andrew Weaver and BC New Democrat leader John Horgan announced they had reached a historic agreement making a New Democrat government one step closer, with the support of the three BC Green MLAs.

“We can have a stable minority government for four years with the support of BC Green MLAs on confidence and supply matters,” said Weaver. “After taking the time to engage in good faith discussions with both parties, our caucus has concluded that it is in the best interests of British Columbians for new ideas and new approaches to be brought to the BC Legislature.”

I am thrilled to be working with John Horgan and the @bcndp so that BC can have a stable minority government for four years. #bcpoli https://t.co/GhQjKxtUkw

— Andrew Weaver (@AJWVictoriaBC) May 29, 2017

“This is an incredible opportunity to work together to fix our broken political system. The BC Green Caucus' top priority will continue to be to collaborate across party lines with both other parties to advance good public policy that puts the people of British Columbia first.”

“People voted overwhelmingly for change, and we are ready to give them that,” said Horgan. “A New Democrat government will deliver what people voted for on May 9: making life more affordable, fixing the services people count on, and building a sustainable economy that works for everyone.”

A few mins ago, I joined @AJWVictoriaBC to announce an agreement between our parties. Thank you to all the voters who made this possible. pic.twitter.com/ifQ4Qk8IJf

— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) May 29, 2017

"We can have a legislature where all MLAs can put forward good ideas that help people, and come together to support them. That’s the opportunity voters presented us with when they made their decision. We couldn’t be more excited to work together to get closer to making the changes we both committed to in our campaigns – and get good things done for the people of BC.”

Weaver and Horgan announced they have reached a four-year Confidence and Supply Agreement that provides a path to forming a new government.

The agreement will be ratified by both the Green and New Democrat caucuses tomorrow before being released in full.

In response, Premier Christy Clark has issued the following statement:

"In recent days, we have made every effort to reach a governing agreement, while standing firm on our core beliefs," said Clark. "It's vitally important that British Columbians see the specific details of the agreement announced today by the BC NDP and Green Party leaders, which could have far-reaching consequences for our province's future."

"As the incumbent government, and the party with the most seats in the legislature, we have a responsibility to carefully consider our next steps. I will consult on those steps with the newly elected BC Liberal caucus, and have more to say tomorrow."