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In an unexpected upset that defied virtually every poll, pundit and oracle in British Columbia, the B.C. Liberals have secured a fourth consecutive majority in one of the most stunning electoral victories in provincial history.

“Tonight, we have received a mandate from the people of British Columbia,” said B.C. Liberal leader Christy Clark in a victory speech she kicked off with the phrase “well, that was easy.”

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Acknowledging the electoral showings of both the NDP and the Greens, she promised to work to share the province’s wealth in a way that balanced environmental sustainability.

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She also renewed a frequent campaign refrain to capture the “once in a lifetime opportunity” of the province’s natural gas reserves.

“It’s a growing economy that allows us to build schools and build hospitals and build roads,” she said.

Early results show that Ms. Clark, a one-time cabinet minister who was working as a Vancouver-area radio host less than three years ago, retains her status as B.C.’s 35th premier and gains a new title as the first woman to lead a B.C. political party to victory.