Lorne Doerkson shares his top priorities as incoming B.C. premier

Priorities as Incoming B.C. Premier

Lorne Doerkson outlined his priorities as B.C.’s incoming premier. He said his team would begin work after the election results were official and the new members and cabinet had been sworn in. He also said he would seek a forensic review of the province’s finances as soon as possible.

Key Points from the Interview

• Budget and health care: Doerkson said his plan included reducing the public service through a 2% attrition rate. He maintained that health care would be fully funded and remain a priority.
• Public-sector work arrangements: He favoured bringing government employees back to offices, while allowing that some hybrid work would continue. He said remote-work needs would require discussion.
• Election timing: He said separating provincial and municipal elections would be among the government’s first bills. He favoured keeping four-year terms but creating a gap between the elections; the exact timing had not been decided.
• Housing and local government: Doerkson criticized the province’s approach under Bill 44, arguing that municipalities should have more say in how housing is built. He said potential changes to short-term-rental rules should also be discussed with communities.
• Supportive and social housing: He favoured a combination of government and non-profit involvement, but said housing projects must address safety and provide appropriate settings for residents with differing needs.
• Economy and energy: Doerkson said he discussed economic growth with Prime Minister Mark Carney and supported opportunities involving LNG, a pipeline partnership with Alberta and Indigenous peoples, and the forestry sector. He criticized the federal tanker ban on the North Coast as unfair to Canadian companies, while saying the issue belonged in federal debate.
• ICBC: He said more research was needed and proposed a legislative committee to hear from affected people. He argued for affordable premiums alongside adequate coverage and compensation after serious crashes.
• DRIPA: Doerkson reiterated his intention to repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, despite opposition from Indigenous leaders. He said he would seek respectful discussions and wanted to build relationships with Indigenous peoples.

Presenters and Contributors

• Katie DeRosa, CBC interviewer
• Lorne Doerkson, incoming B.C. premier