B.C. Election Results: Conservative wave sweeps through B.C. as David Eby’s snap election call backfires

“I was amazed and just so happy to see how quick everyone came together after a leadership race that had occurred four or five months ago, and so it was at breakneck speed. This all happened, and we would not have won tonight if it didn’t happen,” said Francis of the process that led to the Conservative victory.

Elliott told Postmedia News that she hasn’t begun thinking of a possible cabinet portfolio yet, saying her two priorities right now are to represent the people of West Vancouver-Capilano and support Doerkson in any way he sees fit.

She praised the premier designate as a unifier and someone who even his opponents acknowledged is a “nice guy.”

“He’s someone who no one has a bad word to say about, that’s so rare in politics,” said Elliott.

Carson Binda, newly elected Conservative MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena, said he had to delay wedding plans to run in the snap provincial election.

He said that the big day is now planned for August, with a honeymoon in Italy to follow. His fiancée said the whole experience has been overwhelming but that she is proud of Binda.

“I am absolutely ready to hit the ground running to deliver the results that British Columbians voted for tonight. We have a plan to supercharge our economy. We have a plan to cut taxes, bring back safe streets and invest in those front-line services,” said Binda.

A subdued Eby told supporters he had spoken with Doerkson and “acknowledged his success in electing a majority government tonight.”

“I wished him the best,” he said.

“The people of British Columbia have asked us to be the official Opposition, which is obviously not the result any of us wanted. A number of my colleagues … were not elected tonight. It breaks my heart and I accept full responsibility for that outcome.“

After highlighting some of the projects that had been built or were started under the NDP government — including the new St. Paul’s Hospital, the Sen̓áḵw rental housing development, and the Broadway subway line — Eby said it had been “the honour of my life” to serve as premier.

He said it was with a “heavy heart” that he would be offering his resignation as leader of the B.C. NDP.

“It is time for new leadership within our party,” Eby said.

The NDP will have to go about the difficult task of rebuilding under a new leader after falling from 47 seats to 27, with cabinet ministers Anne Kang of Burnaby Centre, Jessie Sunner of Surrey-Newton, Jodie Wickens of Coquitlam-Burke Mountain, and Jagrup Brar of Surrey-Fleetwood going down to defeat.

Paul Finch, the president of the B.C. General Employees Union, said it was clear that none of the parties, including the NDP, were ready for a provincial election and that it would likely drive lower voter turnout. Early figures showed the turnout could be less than 50 per cent.

“I don’t think I’m speaking anything controversially saying that, and I think what we’re going to see is potentially a lower voter turnout as a result,” said Finch, before the release of the results.

The Greens, meanwhile, stood pat, with party Leader Emily Lowan getting elected in Saanich North and the Islands, previously held by Rob Botterell of the Greens, and Jeremy Valeriote returning for a second term in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky.

Lowan struck a dark tone during her speech.

“I’m gonna be honest. I’m scared for what’s to come,” she told supporters.

Lowan said she feared the Conservatives’ agenda would lead to cuts to programs “we rely on most,” including health care and child care.

“The B.C. Greens and the movement we have built will stand with marginalized people, with workers and with everyone who depends on strong public services,” she said.

Lowan added: “Over the next four years our job is to be a voice for the many people who will be harmed by their policies and that is going to require some serious movement-building.”

Lowan said she looked forward to working with Valeriote.

“For two years, you’ve shown what two Green MLAs can do. You got regional transit back on the table for the Sea to Sky. You stood up for safer roads on Highway 99 and you never stopped fighting for the people of your community. And now we get to do it together.”

alazenby@postmedia.com