British Columbia Premier David Eby has scheduled a meeting with the BC Greens as he prepares to form government, a day after securing the slimmest of majorities in a legislature where every vote will count.

Eby told reporters Tuesday he was willing to work with opposition Conservatives in British Columbia, as long as they toe the “bright line” of rejecting hatred, division and conspiracy.

“Our goal is to work with any MP who wants to make sure this place works for British Columbians on the priorities I’ve outlined: cost of living, housing, health care, what matters to British Columbians,” he said.

“We’re going to continue to have these conversations with (the Greens) and the invitation is open to all MPs. If you’re committed to these things, as well as committed to ensuring that this province remains a welcoming place for everyone , where we fight racism and hatred, so I am happy to work with you.”

Eby’s NDP ultimately won the Oct. 19 election Monday after a tally of mail-in votes brought the party to 47 seats, while the Conservatives held 44 ridings and the Greens two.

He said he plans to appoint his cabinet members and hold a session this fall so a president can be elected, but he has no plans to pass legislation.

But there are still two judicial recounts coming next month in two tight ridings, one of which went to the NDP and the other to the Conservatives.

Eby said he heard the message from voters after such a close election that they want the NDP to “do better” on issues such as public safety and affordability “but also recognize that we will have to work on the other side from the aisle on different initiatives. to make sure we respond to the message.

Eby said he did not rule out the possibility of having a president from one of the other two political parties.

British Columbia Conservative Leader John Rustad said on election night that his party would do everything it could to oust the NDP government and return to the polls as soon as possible.

Eby said he doesn’t think British Columbians want that.

“I think every voter expected us to come here and do our best to meet their priorities, whether it’s affordability, affordable housing, health care, “economy and well-paying jobs, etc. of these issues,” he said.

“I think the last thing British Columbians want is for us to turn this place into an opportunity to go back to another election. For this not to be a place to campaign.”

A statement from the British Columbia Legislature posted on social media says 49 women are expected to serve in the 43rd Legislature, marking the first time a Canadian provincial legislature has had more women than men serving in the House.

Elections BC delivered the final vote count on Monday.

The ridings of Kelowna Centre, won by the Conservatives by 38 votes, and Surrey-Guildford, won by the NDP by 27 more votes, are subject to an automatic judicial recount due to their close results.

Rustad has scheduled a news conference for Tuesday afternoon in Victoria.

Green Leader Sonia Furstenau said Monday that all parties will need to work together to make the legislature work effectively.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a statement Tuesday congratulating Eby on his victory.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Premier Eby to solve the issues that matter most to British Columbians and all Canadians.” Whether it’s building more housing, improving access to health care, advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, growing our economies, or creating good middle-class jobs – we We will remain focused on building stronger communities and a more prosperous province for all.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published October 29, 2024.