1. It's your second term as BC Premier. What message did you receive from British Columbians during the campaign?
In times of extraordinary change and uncertainty, British Columbians have asked us to work together to get things done that make a real difference in their daily lives. They expect us to focus on core challenges they worry about at the kitchen table—especially around the cost of living. Our government is committed to listening and learning from British Columbians from all walks of life and backgrounds. Our mandate over the next four years is to have people’s backs when things are challenging and build toward a brighter future—where everyone belongs, everyone can get ahead, and no one gets left behind.
2. You won with a narrow victory. Did you expect the race to be this close?
British Columbia is fortunate to have a healthy democracy, and our elections are almost always close and hard-fought. This one was no different. As British Columbians, we all want the same basic things. A good job with a paycheck that helps us save for the future. A home we can afford in a safe neighborhood. Access to a family doctor and quality health care when and where we need it. Our government will focus on these essentials so everyone—no matter where they come from or what part of B.C. they live in—can build a good life in this province.
3. What will be your priorities in your second term?
To deliver to British Columbians the things that matter most to them. Specifically, we will work hard daily to bring down costs for families, strengthen health care, make our communities safer, and grow a stronger economy that works for everyone. And we’re ready to work with anyone serious about solving these significant challenges. In a province as diverse as B.C., we won’t always agree, but we must recognize that we share a common future in one of the most extraordinary places in the world.
4. The overdose crisis has made headlines over and over. How do you hope to target the roots of addiction?
The devastating effects of the toxic drug crisis have impacted a large part of B.C. We’re committed to continuing action on all fronts to save lives and get people treatment so they can recover. At the same time, people deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods. We will work with police to fight drug trafficking, seize proceeds of crime, and put criminals behind bars. We’re going to respond to those with severe addictions and brain injuries who can’t make decisions about their care and intervene to get them the support they need.
5.By proposing to cut the carbon tax if the federal backstop is removed, aren’t you supporting the fossil fuel industry and overlooking its impact on climate change?
In B.C., we see the impacts of climate change in the billions of dollars we’ve spent battling forest fires, in the hundreds of lives lost to extreme heat, and in the unique places changed forever. But the cost of inaction on climate change isn’t just environmental; it’s also economic. The transition from fossil fuels to clean energy is a generational opportunity we must seize. That's why our government remains deeply committed to fighting climate change in a way that grows our economy, keeps costs down for families, and makes sure big industrial polluters pay their fair share.
6. How will you collaborate with BC Conservative MLAs in caucus despite your party's differing views on many issues?
British Columbians have sent a clear message that they expect us to work together. While we may sometimes disagree on how to get there, we all agree there’s a lot more to do to bring down costs for families, deliver homes people can afford, and make sure health care is available when needed. I’m eager to work with anyone in the legislature serious about delivering results on these kitchen table issues. I’m confident we will find common ground across party lines to get things done for British Columbians.
7. With the healthcare crisis South of the Fraser, will Surrey get the second hospital promised during former Premier John Horgan’s term?
There’s no question that we’re facing big challenges in health care. These pressures are not unique to B.C., but how we respond is. In the last year alone, we’ve attracted 800 new family doctors and attached more than 250,000 people to a primary caregiver. We’ve hired over 45,000 healthcare workers in the last four years, with a plan to hire thousands more. In Surrey, construction is underway on a new hospital after we broke ground last year. We’re also building a new acute care tower at Surrey Memorial Hospital and a new medical school at SFU’s Surrey campus to train the next generation of family doctors. And we know there’s a lot more to do.
8. With party leader Sonia Furstenau out of the legislature, what role will the BC Greens play in the caucus, given their key support in helping the BC NDP form government in 2017?
Our BC NDP team and the Green Party share many common values. We built our continent-leading climate action plan together, and I look forward to building on that solid foundation. Sonia also spoke passionately about the need to change our healthcare system to ensure it is focused on delivering for patients and front-line workers. As I am with all MLAs, I am eager to work with the Green Party caucus to deliver tangible results.
9. BC NDP MLA Garry Begg is credited with securing your narrow majority. He describes himself as a bridge builder in his diverse community. How significant was his win, and how do you plan to build these connections?
Garry Begg is an integral part of our team, and I’m grateful to the people of Surrey-Guilford for sending him back to the legislature. Garry spent 40 years as a senior RCMP officer, working to build safer communities in Surrey and B.C. That perspective is more important now than ever as we work to fight gang and gun violence. Garry also brings people of different backgrounds together, an ability incredibly valuable to our team. You can expect him to play a significant role in our government moving forward.
10. What's your message to the South Asian community?
The many contributions of the South Asian community have been critical to building British Columbia, and you will play a huge role in our province’s future. Everywhere I go, I see innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship that makes us stronger. At the same time, I know you’re facing tough challenges. Working to solve your big problems is what drives me. It’s what gets me out of bed in the morning. Over the next four years, our team will work hard every day to bring people together, listen to you, and deliver results that make your life better. That’s my commitment to you.
