British Columbia.

• Date: 22 March 2021
• Author: Beaton, Natalie

General Election

A provincial general election was held in British Columbia on October 24, 2020, a year earlier than the anticipated October 2021 fixed election date as provided by the provincial Constitution Act. Overall voter turn-out was 52.4 per cent, with over 1.9 million British Columbians voting, including a record 724,279 requests for vote-by-mail packages compared to 11,268 requests received during the 2017 provincial general election. Party standings at dissolution of the 41st Parliament were: 41 BC New Democratic Party (BC NDP), 41 BC Liberal Party, 2 BC Green Party, 2 Independent Members, and 1 seat vacant. Party standings following the provincial general election were: 57 BC NDP, 28 BC Liberal Party, and 2 BC Green Party. The BC NDP received the largest vote share ever for the party, at 47.7 per cent along with the highest number of seats ever won by the party.

Member Orientation

The 2020 provincial general election resulted in the election of 28 new Members. The publicly accessible Members' Guide to Policy and Resources website was updated to provide information for new, returning and non-returning Members on topics ranging from the role and responsibilities of a Member, transition provisions, legislative and constituency office operations, Assembly services, administration, financial policies, travel guidelines, and remuneration and benefits.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic health and travel restrictions, the usual oath ceremonies were adapted. The two Vancouver Island-based Members of the BC Green Party Caucus were sworn in on November 23 in a small in-person ceremony, while virtual ceremonies were held for Members of the BC NDP Caucus on November 24, and on November 27 for Members of the BC Liberal Party Caucus.

The Legislative Assembly is also offering a series of virtual orientation sessions for Members. Initial sessions covered remuneration and benefits for Members; constituency assistant recruitment, hiring and onboarding; constituency office leases and setup; constituency office management and financial operations; travel provisions; information technology; records and information management; Assembly services and supports for Members; and House business and procedure, including information on hybrid House proceedings.

New Cabinet

On November 26, Her Honour the Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor, presided over the virtual swearing-in ceremony for the Executive Council. The new Cabinet includes 20 Ministers and...