VICTORIOUS BC Liberal candidate Kevin Falcon said on Saturday: “I want to thank the people of Vancouver-Quilchena for placing their trust in me. Today, voters sent a clear message to the NDP that they want to see results – not just rhetoric. Tonight we’ve witnessed a repudiation of the NDP’s negative attacks and are taking the first step towards restoring leadership and competence back to the province of British Columbia.”

He pointed out that since the NDP formed government five years ago, British Columbia has become the most expensive place to live in Canada. Housing prices are the highest they have ever been, rent is the highest in the country, and gas prices are the highest in North America.

“It’s clear the NDP have failed on their promise to deliver affordability for British Columbians,” said Falcon. After half a decade of rising costs under the unaffordable NDP, it’s time for change to deliver real solutions to the affordability crisis.”

Falcon also expressed concern over the state of healthcare in the province, and renewed his call to the Premier for action.

“Our province’s opioid and mental health crisis is now worse than ever before. The NDP has had five years to address this crisis. If John Horgan’s government won’t take the necessary steps to end this crisis, then it’s time for them to get out of the way.”

He noted that the death toll from opioids rose by 26% last year, making 2021 the deadliest year on record. This is compounded by a family doctor shortage that is spiraling out of control, with one in five British Columbians now unable to find a family doctor. Walk-in clinics are also overwhelmed, with the average wait time to see a doctor now 58 minutes, the highest in Canada.

Falcon said: “Ten years ago, I left politics for my two young girls. I’m returning now for them, and for their entire generation. It’s time to restore confidence in government and take on the serious issues plaguing our province.

“In the months ahead, I look forward to nominating a team of diverse, accomplished, and compassionate candidates from all walks of life with a positive vision for the future of our province to get big things done once again here in British Columbia.”

Falcon has promised more diversity in his party.

B.C. Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to Kevin Falcon for his by-election victory. I look forward to him joining us as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the last weeks of the Spring session. I hope to continue the collaborative work of our caucuses on issues of common ground, such as the all-party Health Committee to address the drug poisoning crisis.

“I am deeply grateful to our candidate Wendy Hayko for sharing her knowledge and vision with the voters of Vancouver-Quilchena. From climate change to COVID and healthcare, B.C. has its share of major issues.  Wendy brought a passion for tackling these crises that continues to inspire me. Thank you to Wendy and her entire team for their commitment to positive change.”

Hayko said: “Congratulations to Kevin Falcon for his win this evening. In a short period of time, we put together a campaign based on a positive vision and hard work. I would especially like to thank all of our volunteers and donors who generously gave their time, energy and financial resources to our campaign so that we could share our message with the voters of Vancouver-Quilchena.”

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Vancouver-Quilchena: BC Liberals’ Kevin Falcon, NDP’s Jeanette Ashe, BC Greens’ Wendy Hayko