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This is becoming a regular pattern. The Liberals did it again last week on the housing-affordability file, crediting Weaver for pushing reforms to crack down on “shadow flipping” of homes.

The Liberals scoffed when NDP leader John Horgan introduced two bills on the issue, reminding the New Democrats that Weaver beat them to the punch.

“The members opposite should thank the member for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, because your two private member’s bills are basically what he has done already,” said Housing Minister Rich Coleman.

The member for Oak Bay is Weaver, of course, who also won plaudits from Clark for his principled opposition against her agenda to develop a liquefied natural gas industry.

Clark points out that the NDP appears conflicted on LNG — the New Democrats say they support the industry but oppose the biggest project proposed so far — while Weaver has been unwavering in his opposition.

“The Green Party and the NDP are both in there fighting tooth and nail against the government,” Clark said. “But only one of them is making arguments based on principle. Only one of them is consistent in their views.”

Why would Clark give credit to an enemy politician for opposing her top priority item?

Because Clark doesn’t see the Greens as an enemy at all.

The Liberals clearly hope Weaver gets just enough momentum to steal more votes away from the NDP, clearing the way for them to win another term in power in next year’s election.

The Green Party received only eight per cent of the popular vote in the 2013 election, but that was with the low-profile Jane Sterk as leader.

Weaver is a different story. The new Green leader not only has a seat in the legislature but he’s also smart, media savvy and a strong debater, with a rumpled, likable personality.

In other words, he could easily upstage the hard-edged Horgan in a televised leaders’ debate, splitting the left-wing vote — to Christy Clark’s great delight.

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