B.C.'s premier-designate officially invited to form government
David Eby met with the B.C. Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin Wednesday afternoon, bringing him one step closer to assuming the role of premier.
A date for his swearing-in has not been set, but he reiterated that his hope is to take over the job before the end of the legislative session and that he has accepted Austin's invitation for him to form government.
"I can't wait to get to work," Eby said.
"Usually a government would adjourn the legislative session for transition to take place. That's not what we've done. We have this session happening right now while the transition is also happening. So my goal and my hope is to be sworn in as premier and be able to sit in the legislature during this session to be accountable in that way. But also, I'm hopeful to be able to deliver on some key priority areas even in the short time that remains in the session."
Outgoing Premier John Horgan has tendered his official resignation, which Austin said in a statement that she has accepted.
Eby has already been assembling his core team, including a new chief of staff and a new head of the public service. The team guiding him as he takes on the province's top job includes former finance minister Carole James.
Eby, who was the former attorney general and housing minister, was declared the head of the governing NDP last week following the abrupt end of the party’s leadership race.
On Friday, the premier-designate said his focus in his first 100 days will be launching initiatives to expand affordable housing, shift fossil fuel subsidies to clean energy, and improve the province’s struggling health-care system.
"When that that 100 days starts and I'm sworn in, the work will begin," Eby said Wednesday.
"The issues of housing, health care and public safety are issues that we need to address in a really aggressive and urgent way."
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Houston braces for flooding to worsen in wake of storms
High waters flooded neighborhoods around Houston on Saturday following heavy rains that have already resulted in crews rescuing hundreds of people from homes, rooftops and roads engulfed in murky water.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Canadian Auger-Aliassime reaches first Masters final in Madrid with another walkover
Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime has advanced to his first ATP Masters final, and he hasn't had to play all that much tennis to do it.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.