SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — British Columbia
October 24, 2020, Provincial Election
October 28, 2020
Honourable senators, today I rise with pride to congratulate the people of British Columbia for participating in the provincial election held on October 24.
Elections are the ultimate expression of our rights as free citizens and the stability of the rule of law. I know my colleagues in this chamber will join me in celebrating the holding of free and fair elections, regardless of the outcome.
Last Saturday, in the middle of a stressful and dangerous pandemic, the people of British Columbia stood up and took their civic duty seriously. They voted in person and they voted by mail. Approximately 500,000 mail-in ballots are in play, which is one third of all votes cast. Because of this, the final outcome is yet to be proclaimed in a number of constituencies.
The election has been conducted safely and effectively in challenging conditions. I offer congratulations to all the professionals at Elections BC for a job exceptionally well done.
One of the reasons why an election was even possible in these pandemic circumstances has been the admirable job played in British Columbia by our Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry. Her work set high standards for the conduct of the election and helped everyday people assess how to best exercise their right and duty to vote. No one is an island, and Dr. Henry is joined by a superb team that includes deputies Dr. Brian Emerson; Dr. Martin Lavoie; and Dr. Danièle Behn Smith, who focuses solely on Indigenous health issues. There were many other unsung heroes involved in this.
As a senator from British Columbia, I am honoured to congratulate Premier Horgan, along with all the party leaders and candidates for having stood for the election. I’d like to also thank the people of British Columbia for having participated so actively in this expression of democratic will.
Thank you. Meegwetch.
