No fall legislature in BC as the Speaker returns

There will not be a session of the British Columbia Legislature this fall as originally planned.

The Prime Minister’s Office issued a brief statement on Friday saying Raj Chouhan has been confirmed as Speaker of the Legislature, so there is no need to hold a meeting.

Prime Minister David Eby previously said a short meeting would take place to choose a chairman before the end of the year.

But the new statement says the legislature will instead return in February, starting with an address from the throne.

Eby’s government was elected with 47 seats, giving it a one-seat majority, while BC’s Conservatives won 44.

The Prime Minister has said he would work with the two Green members of the legislature or other members of the opposition on the government’s priority issues of living costs, housing and healthcare.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2024.