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The idea will be contentious among the business community, and was roundly criticized by the B.C. Liberals for not being in the NDP platform. Horgan said he’s spoken publicly about it in the past.

“We’ve seen this playbook before — it’s exactly what the BC NDP did in the 1990s. It’s costly to the economy and will cost thousands of jobs,” said Liberal candidate Andrew Wilkinson.

“Most disturbing is that John Horgan tried to hide this from voters — it’s not in the B.C. NDP platform — and this secret scheme only came to light under questioning from journalists.”

The Independent Contractors and Business Association of B.C. also criticized the idea.

“There is nothing more fundamental to democracy than the secret ballot,” said president Chris Gardner.

“It ensures the process is fair, free from intimidation from either the employer or the union. Over the past 15 years, we have enjoyed relative labour peace in B.C., and construction workers have benefited. John Horgan wants to drag us back to the instability and economic deterioration of the 1990s. His plan will cost B.C. jobs. ”

Horgan said he’d also like to see other unspecified labour law reforms, by striking a review group to discuss changes with employees, employers and the province.

“I think we’ve had 16 years of the B.C. Liberals having their way,” he said. “I certainly know the labour relations board needs to be retooled, I believe the labour code will be revamped and we have a plan to do that.”

Horgan also said he’d hold a referendum within the first two years of his government on changing B.C.’s electoral system from the current first past the post method to another option, which government will present after consultation. To pass, the referendum will require a vote of 51 per cent.