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

British Columbia premier-designate Lorne Doerkson says the Conservative caucus of 63 legislators is united to lead the province but he warns of difficult and unpopular decisions ahead. 

Doerkson made the comments as newly elected Conservatives gathered for their first caucus meeting, where he told them that the campaign is over and their job now is to govern on behalf of all constituents, no matter which party they voted for in the Oct. 24 election. 

He says that British Columbians don't expect perfection, but do want honesty, effort and integrity from their government, and elected Conservatives must put the public ahead of their own party's interests.   

Doerkson says people will be watching to see if his caucus will be able to hold it together after the party splintered under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay, but B.C. residents can count on the Conservatives to stay focused on what they were elected to do. 

He says British Columbians chose a Conservative government to deliver a better economy, health care system and public safety, and that is what Conservatives will do, as "quickly as possible." 

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

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

By Wolfgang Depner | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.