B.C. premier-designate Lorne Doerkson sets fast-track schedule for new Conservative government

Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson said the new British Columbia Conservative members of the legislative assembly will be sworn in on Nov. 19, with his cabinet to be announced on Nov. 20. The expedited timetable, he said, will leave time for a short fall session of the legislature to consider a few bills, set committee mandates and hold a question period.

Doerkson told caucus members gathered in a downtown Victoria hotel that the campaign is over and governing is now the priority. > "The campaign is over, governing is our focus now," he said. "As of today, you represent every single person in the province, and in your riding. The people who voted for us, and against us, and the people who didn’t vote at all."

He also praised opposition leader Jennifer Whiteside, noting that a strong opposition improves government performance. > "A good Opposition makes for a better government, and I expect her to hold us to account while we get to work delivering what we promised British Columbians."

Doerkson reiterated campaign promises, including a stronger economy, improvements to health-care, safer streets, repeal of the Digital Rights-in-the-Public-Interest Act, promotion of LNG projects, greater respect for the forestry sector and keeping hospital emergency rooms open.

He announced his first senior appointment, naming pollster and political strategist Dimitri Pantazopoulos as chief of staff. Pantazopoulos, an Ottawa native, has previously worked for former B.C. Liberal premier Christy Clark, former federal Conservative leaders and other right-of-centre politicians.