B.C. Premier John Horgan looks back on 2018

VICTORIA (NEWS 1130) — Even after losing a campaign for electoral reform, John Horgan says his first full year as Premier of B.C. is one he’ll look back on with pride.

“I’m having the time of my life. Every day I get up with a smile on my face and I could not say that when I was the leader of the Opposition,” Horgan tells NEWS 1130.

There has been some debate about whether his government is moving fast enough to fully deliver a key promise made during the 2017 election campaign, but Horgan says he’s excited about work already done, such as the $10-a-day childcare supplement.

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“We’ve had overwhelming support from the deliverers, the providers of child care,” Horgan says.

“We need to bring on more early childhood educators through our post-secondary system and I’m confident and comfortable that we’ve made great strides. In a four year mandate, we’re going to do everything we can to bring on as many spaces as possible.”

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Horgan says several pilot programs have been embraced by families now able to spend the money they’re saving on other urgent needs, including progress on bringing housing prices down.

“It’s transformative for families. It sets them on a solid footing going forward in an unaffordable jurisdiction. That’s a big, big accomplishment,” the Premier says.

“I’m pleased on the progress we’ve made on housing — market-driven housing, not for-profit housing.”

Horgan adds he’s encouraged by a “general sense of optimism” from people confident the minority government is working for them.