Doerkson Pledges Independent Review of B.C. Finances After Election Win

Conceptual illustration of briefing folders and empty chairs in a west-coast government office

Updated: 25 October 2026, 5:57 p.m. EDT

B.C. premier-designate Lorne Doerkson pledged an independent review of the province’s finances at a post-election news conference on Sunday, 25 October, setting out priorities for the incoming Conservative government after Saturday’s victory.

Doerkson said he wanted a full picture of the province’s financial position before presenting his first budget. CTV News reported that he repeated his campaign promise to begin the review on his first day in office, citing the provincial deficit and credit-rating downgrades.

He also outlined plans for a commission aimed at keeping emergency rooms open and a lower-tax plan when the legislature returns, according to The Canadian Press. These are commitments for the incoming administration; the review has not yet been completed and the tax changes have not been enacted.

Doerkson said he had spoken with the lieutenant-governor and appointed former senior provincial official Kim Henderson to lead the government transition. Henderson previously headed the B.C. public service.

The Conservatives were leading or elected in 64 of the legislature’s 93 ridings on Sunday, with several contests still too close to call. Those results remain preliminary. Doerkson said it was too soon to say whether he would recall the legislature this fall.

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