Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson delivers opening remarks to the newly elected Conservative government caucus in Victoria, on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

By The Canadian Press

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

Nov 2, 2026 | 12:49 PM

VICTORIA — British Columbia premier-designate Lorne Doerkson said the Conservative caucus of 63 legislators is united to lead the province but he also warned of difficult and unpopular decisions ahead.

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

He said Conservatives owe every British Columbian the same effort and respect.

“That is the responsibility, of course, that comes from winning, but it makes making difficult decisions somewhat, maybe unpopular.”

He said that B.C. residents don’t expect perfection, but they do want honesty, effort and integrity from their government, and elected Conservatives must put the public ahead of their own party’s interests every single time.

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Doerkson said people will be watching to see if his caucus will splinter as it did under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

“I know that there will be a lot of commentary about this caucus, and a lot of people watching to see whether or not we can hold it together,” he said.

“So, let me save everyone the suspense: this caucus is unified,” Doerkson said to cheers from the crowd.

Conservative members quit or were fired from the caucus just months into Findlay’s leadership before she resigned two days before the NDP under David Eby set off an election.

The members came back after Doerkson was appointed and he led the party to the election win.

Doerkson said B.C. residents can count on the Conservatives to stay focused on what they were elected to do.

He said a Conservative government will deliver a better economy, health care system and public safety.

“That is what we are going to do, and it is absolutely my intention to do it as quickly as possible,” he said.

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

Doerkson did not say whether he would recall the legislature for a fall session, but repeated previous promises made on the campaign trail.

“That means putting more money back into the pockets of hard-working British Columbians,” he said. “It means treating taxpayers with respect and saying no to new taxes. It means giving small businesses room to grow with a (provincial sales tax) exemption that will help them to invest, hire and succeed.”

Doerkson also said his government would repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, while continuing to “build strong relationships” with First Nations in the province.

“I am committed that we will do that also as soon as we can,” he said.

B.C. First Nations chiefs have warned against repealing the legislation, urging instead to use it as a framework for reconciliation.

Doerkson also signalled a change in housing legislation.

“We will return housing decisions to the people and the communities, who know their neighbourhoods so much better than Victoria.”

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

Wolfgang Depner, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press