VICTORIA – 

 As a new government is sworn in today at the British Columbia Legislature, it marks a new era of leadership for the people of British Columbia. In marking the occasion, President Stephanie Smith noted that "We are incredibly excited by what the future will hold for Premier John Horgan, and a new government forged in the spirit of collaboration."

 Under the leadership of Premier Horgan, who has identified several top priorities for immediate attention, the new gender-balanced cabinet will have a long list of issues to attend to, including: addressing the deadly opioid crisis; tackling a softwood lumber deal with the United States; working with the Ministry of Education on better services for children, educators, and parents in time for the new school year; addressing the housing affordability crisis across the province; and attending to extreme wildfire situation that has triggered a state of emergency in British Columbia.

 With so many important issues that need to be addressed, the people of British Columbia will expect their new cabinet and premier are ready to hit the ground running.

 "As they develop legislation, we encourage the new BC NDP government to draw on the expertise of working people in our province, including the BCGEU members. Whether it is fighting wildfires, providing childcare, or responding to fentanyl overdoses, BCGEU members are often on the front lines of many of the issues they will be turning to right now." said Smith.

 Our union looks forward to meeting with the new cabinet ministers and their staff to help support their work on these important issues.

 The BCGEU represents 73,000 members in the public and private sectors, and in almost every economic sector in the province with approximately one-third of its membership from the public service.

Local 467/MoveUP