British Columbia.

• Author: Schofield, Josie
• Position: Legislative Reports

The Legislative Assembly was adjourned throughout the reporting period. Outside the House, leadership races in both the major provincial parties have dominated the political scene and led to changes in party standings. Currently the BC Liberal Party has 47 seats, the BC NDP 34 and Independents now total four.

BC Liberal Party Leadership Race

As reported in the previous issue, Gordon Campbell has announced his intention to resign as Premier once the BC Liberal Party has elected a new leader. The party executive set February 26, 2011 as the date for a leadership vote, following a separate convention on leadership voting rules on February 12.

One outspoken critic of the Premier's leadership style, Bill Bennett, was removed from cabinet (November 17) and from the BC Liberal Party caucus (November 19). His ministerial Energy portfolio was transferred to the Minister of Natural Resource Operations, Steve Thomson.

Four candidates in the Liberal leadership race resigned as cabinet ministers: Moira Stilwell, George Abbott, Kevin Falcon and Mike de Jong. Their portfolios were assumed by Executive Council members. Another contender, Christy Clark, served in the cabinet during the 37th parliament (2001-05) before becoming a radio talk-show host.

The province-wide leadership vote took place on February 26, 2011 with the results announced at the election-night headquarters in Vancouver. For the first time, party members used on-line or phone voting to cast a preferential ballot where candidates were ranked in order of preference. Ballots were weighted equally in each of the province's 85 electoral districts and translated into 100 points per riding. On the third count, Ms Clark won a majority (52%) of the available points across British Columbia, defeating Mr. Falcon in the run-off. It is anticipated that the premier-designate will appoint a new cabinet by mid-March.

BC NDP Leadership Race

On December 6, 2010, Carole James announced that she would be stepping down as Leader of the Official Opposition, in the...