B.C. premier-designate Lorne Doerkson says he will keep the campaign promises he made leading into the province’s election victory and outlined early priorities including tax relief and an independent financial review panel.
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B.C. premier-designate Lorne Doerkson says he is committed to keeping every campaign promise he made leading up to the provincial election victory for his party.
In a one-on-one interview, Doerkson said, “We’re really committed to everything that I promised,” adding that some elements were not included in the platform because, during the campaign, he felt they “couldn’t actually do.”
He said he remains committed to what is contained in the platform and noted, “we’ve already had conversations about some of that legislation already.”
Doerkson identified tax relief as one of the most immediate legislative priorities, describing it as “Definitely tax relief, definitely the PST exemption for businesses and definitely, I want to make sure that the PST expansion does not happen,” while also referencing potential impacts on businesses, seniors and “the conversation around property tax deferral.”
He also said another early priority will be understanding the province’s finances, including “digging into the province’s books and getting a sense of the deficit,” and said he wants to appoint an independent financial review panel.
Doerkson said he still has to choose a cabinet, while recognizing that only one MLA—Theresa Watt—has previously held a government position.
The premier-designate also said he is vowing to repeal B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, after comments from Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, who called the measure “a declaration of war.”
Doerkson said, “I appreciate the comments that Mr. Phillips made. I look forward to meeting with him, frankly,” and added, “I think he’ll find that… I’m committed to First Nations in this province and committed to building better relationships.”
He also said he wants to grow B.C.’s economy through major resource projects and support for a new oil pipeline to the B.C. coast, while indicating that moving forward will require First Nations buy-in and participation.
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