Leonard Krog says parties have been working and negotiating since May 9 vote

Leonard Krog makes an acceptance speech at his campaign office after winning re-election as MLA for Nanaimo earlier this month. (GREG SAKAKI/The News Bulletin)

Nanaimo’s MLA, like any other British Columbian, is anxious to find out what the next government is going to look like.

Leonard Krog, re-elected as MLA for the Nanaimo riding earlier this month, said it’s been the longest two weeks of his life as the province awaits the makeup of its first minority government in more than 60 years.

Elections B.C. announced yesterday that the results of the May 9 vote had been confirmed, leaving the B.C. Liberals with 43 seats, the NDP with 41 and the Green Party with three. Krog said it’s the outcome he was expecting.

“Simply because there was enthusiasm for change and I assumed that would be reflected in the advance polls and absentee ballots and it was,” he said.

Provincial politicians haven’t been waiting idly for the final election results to come in.

“There are teams in place from all three parties working and negotiating vigorously to try to secure power,” Krog said. “I’m optimistic, but taking nothing for granted.”

He said the question at hand is what Green Party leader Andrew Weaver will choose to do “in terms of bringing political stability to the province.” Krog doesn’t think the process will be drawn out much longer, as the election writ will be returned Wednesday (May 31).

“It’s at that point that the lieutenant-governor’s going to be anxiously waiting for somebody to come forward and say who intends to try and govern the province,” Krog said.

He said Premier Christy Clark, Liberal leader, “could in theory” have the first chance to try to form government, but said he expects the lieutenant-governor would instead give the opportunity to the NDP and Greens “if there was a formal agreement” in place.

“Sixty per cent of British Columbians want a government other than the B.C. Liberals. You can’t ignore that fact,” Krog said.

Michelle Stilwell, Liberal MLA for Parksville-Qualicum, wasn’t available for comment due to health reasons.

Clark released a statement yesterday, saying that “with 43 B.C. Liberal candidates elected as MLAs, and a plurality in the legislature, we have a responsibility to move forward and form a government.”

greg.sakaki@nanaimobulletin.com