Difficult and unpopular decisions ahead, B.C. premier-designate Lorne Doerkson says

VICTORIA — The British Columbia Conservative caucus of 63 newly elected legislators is united to lead the province premier-designate Lorne Doerkson said on Monday but he warned there will be difficult and unpopular decisions ahead.

Doerkson made the comments as Conservative legislators gathered for their first caucus meeting in Victoria, where he said their job now is to govern on behalf of all constituents, no matter which party people voted for in the Oct. 24 election.

He said Conservatives owe every British Columbian the same effort and respect.

“That is the responsibility, of course, that comes from winning, but it makes making difficult decisions somewhat, maybe unpopular.”

He said that B.C. residents don’t expect perfection, but they do want honesty, effort and integrity from their government, and elected Conservatives must put the public ahead of their own party’s interests every single time.

Doerkson said people will be watching to see if his caucus will splinter as it did under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

“I know that there will be a lot of commentary about this caucus, and a lot of people watching to see whether or not we can hold it together,” he said.

“So, let me save everyone the suspense: this caucus is unified,” Doerkson said to cheers from the crowd.

Jamie Stein, the Conservative just elected in the riding of Vancouver-Langara, was asked about caucus unity Monday and said in an interview that his main concern is getting things done for B.C. residents.

“We left the caucus meeting this morning with a message, which is one team, and that is what we are going forward with as a team,” Stein said.

UBC political science lecturer Stewart Prest said the caucus is united for now.

“But I don’t know that it will be true for the duration,” he said. “We have in many ways a deeply divided caucus here, two parties present within the single B.C. Conservative caucus.”

Prest said the party still has a populist faction.

“On the other side, we know there are a number of MLAs, who had left to join CentreBC, who were looking for a moderate version of conservatism.”

While the caucus is united now through the “promise of power,” decisions around cabinet appointments and the legislative agenda may lead to disharmony, Prest said.

Several Conservative members quit or were fired from the caucus just months into Findlay’s leadership before she resigned two days before the NDP under David Eby set off an election.

The members came back after Doerkson was appointed and he led the party to the election win.

Prest said the large size of the caucus gives Doerkson more of a cushion.

“He can afford to alienate a couple of individual MLAs,” he said. “If anyone is in a mood to be completely uncompromising, they may find themselves left in the cold.”

He said if there is a perception that one side of the party is not being listened to, then a number of members — particularly if they are left out of cabinet — may feel free to speak their minds, becoming like a minor opposition from the backbench.

Doerkson said Monday that B.C. residents can count on the Conservatives to stay focused on what they were elected to do.

He said a Conservative government will deliver a better economy, health care system and public safety.

“That is what we are going to do, and it is absolutely my intention to do it as quickly as possible,” he said.

The incoming premier says legislators will be sworn on Nov. 19 and the new cabinet will be announced on Nov. 20.

Former Conservative leader John Rustad said the toughest job of any premier is to build a cabinet.

No matter how many people Doerkson appoints to cabinet, he will disappoint others, he said.

“So, does he go with 12 people in cabinet, and have 50 people not in cabinet?” Rustad said in an interview last week.

Claire Rattee, who previously served as critic for mental health and addictions, said nobody has heard anything about cabinet.

“I have every confidence and faith in his ability to choose an excellent cabinet,” she said. “I’m just happy to be here to serve (the riding of) Skeena and the residents I represent and anywhere that he would see fit for me or for any of my colleagues.”

Doerkson did not say whether he would recall the legislature for a fall session, but repeated previous promises made on the campaign trail.

“That means putting more money back into the pockets of hard-working British Columbians,” he said. “It means treating taxpayers with respect and saying no to new taxes. It means giving small businesses room to grow with a (provincial sales tax) exemption that will help them to invest, hire and succeed.”

Doerkson also said his government would repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, while continuing to “build strong relationships” with First Nations in the province.

“I am committed that we will do that also as soon as we can,” he said.

B.C. First Nations chiefs have warned against repealing the legislation, urging instead to use it as a framework for reconciliation.

Doerkson also signalled a change in housing legislation.

“We will return housing decisions to the people and the communities, who know their neighbourhoods so much better than Victoria.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 2, 2026.

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press