Horgan not ruling out debate on PR, but says that’s what question period is for

By

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) – He’s not ruling it out, but John Horgan doesn’t think a public debate on the upcoming referendum for electoral reform is urgent. This is after Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson challenged the premier for a televised face-off.

Horgan said there will be plenty of time to debate during Question Period in Victoria.

WATCH: B.C. Referendum – What’s on the ballot?

“Unlike the previous government, we’re anxious to get into the legislature to debate the issues of the day,” Horgan said. “I’m not ruling out a face to face debate with Mr. Wilkinson. I’m not at all concerned about that. I think the better place to start that debate, however, is in the legislature.”

RELATED: ‘Question is simple, you want a change or not?’: BC Greens on electoral reform

Wilkinson took it to Twitter on Monday to challenge the premier.

“During last summer’s election, John Horgan made solid promises about this referendum and he’s broken all of them,” Wilkinson said in a video. “He said there would be a simple choice, yes or no on changing our voting system, instead we now have a complicated and confusing referendum.”

During the minute-long video, Wilkinson said the referendum had been a “stacked deck in a rigged game.” He called for more public discussion and claimed most British Columbians were not aware of the vote.

RELATED: People still don’t understand electoral reform referendum: Surrey Board of Trade

“We want to certainly get through the municipal campaigns right now,” Horgan added. “That’s where people are focussing their attention and the discussion about making our electoral system fair, making sure that it’s got less conflict and more cooperation is something that Mr. Wilkinson and I will have ample opportunity to talk about I’m sure in the weeks ahead.”

Anyone registered to vote will get a referendum package in the mail from Elections BC starting October 22nd.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today