By Dylana Milobar

Political science expert predicts NDP byelection win will mean more assertive Greens

Jan 31, 2019 | 4:16 PM

NANAIMO, B.C. — The NDP have kept their hold on the Nanaimo riding, after candidate Shiela Malcolmson won last night’s byelection with more than 49 per cent of the vote.

Watching the results coming in last night was Michael Crawford, the NDP’s riding association President for the Kamloops-North Thompson. 

“On the ground in Nanaimo, we were being told it was very close. I was out there a couple of weeks ago, and certainly lots of support for Green and Liberals,” he says. “And in the end, I think people just decided that they wanted John Horgan to continue working for all of British Columbia, and the people of Nanaimo delivered.”

Now, Crawford says the result will let the current government structure stay as is, with the NDP and Green Party alliance holding 44 seats in the legislature

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Culturally appropriate food goes beyond the ingredients on a plate

9h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: Whether building up or tearing down, Kamloops is what you make it

Dec 13, 2024

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: How to reduce food waste in Kamloops during the festive season

Dec 13, 2024

“They’ll have a couple of extra MLAs over the opposition as long as the supply and confidence agreement continues with the BC Greens,” Crawford explains. “And there’s no reason to suspect that it won’t.”

Dr. Robert Hanlon, a Political Science Professor at Thompson Rivers University, says the results didn’t totally shock him, however he was intrigued by the Green Party losing some votes, and thinks that could impact how they operate.

“On the one hand, the Liberals did gain some votes, but the NDP captured quite a bit of the end votes from the Green party. So you’re going to see some re-aligning within the parties,” Dr. Hanlon explains. “I think the Greens are going to be more assertive in holding their coalition to account with the NDP.”