New B.C. Liberal Leader Kevin Falcon to run in Vancouver-Quilchena as former leader steps down

Two days after assuming the helm of the B.C. Liberal Party, Kevin Falcon says former leader Andrew Wilkinson will give up his seat in Vancouver-Quilchena, so Falcon canrun there in a byelection.

"I'm excited about that opportunity," said the 59-year-old Monday ina virtual news conference from Victoria.

On Saturday, Falcon won 52 per cent of the vote to become the the third leader of the party since 2017. The Liberals havelost two consecutive elections after holding power for 16 years.

Under Wilkinson, the B.C. Liberals were reduced to 28 seats.

Falconsaid it would be up to Premier John Horgan to decide when the byelectionwould be held. The NDP government has six months to announce a date.

Also on Monday, Falcon appointed rivals from the leadership race to key critic positions.

Skeena MLA Ellis Ross, who camesecond to Falcon,was appointed as energy critic.

"I can't think of anybody in our caucus that has more respect," saidFalcon.

He named Vancouver-Langara MLA Michael Lee critic for Indigenous relations and Kelowna-Mission MLARenee Merrifield, the only female leadership candidate, critic for environment and climate change.

'The unanimity'

Falcon said he was inspired by the cohesiveness of the party in his first caucus meeting.

"One of the things that makes me so happy today is is the unanimity that was shown as we had our first caucus meeting," he said.

Falcon said Shirley Bond would continue as theOfficial Opposition leader in the legislature so he canfocus on travelling the province to meet with voters and rebuild the party.

Todd Stone will be the new house leader, while Peter Milobar takes over the role of finance critic from Mike Bernier.

Standing on record

Falcon responded to questions Monday asking whether hetruly represents a new direction for the Liberals when he heldkey cabinet positions under former premiers Gordon Campbell andChristy Clark.

His former portfolios included transportation, health, finance and deputy premier.

Falcon said he would rebuild the party by highlighting the successes of the former Liberal governments.

"Bring it on," he said. "I will put up our record in government up against the NDP any day of the week ... They can talk about baggage, but I can tell you I'm quite happy to talk about our record."

B.C.'s next election is set for October 2024 and the NDP have already begun antagonizing the new Liberal leader.

Economic Recovery Minister Ravi Kahlon said the government islooking forward to debates with Falcon.

"You know, I think it's important to remind British Columbiansthat he just left a little while ago, and he has a record, ahistory,'' said Kahlon. "In fact, he was the architect of some verydeep cuts to the province that we're still paying for today.''

Falcon said he will be watching the NDP's throne speech Tuesdaywhen the legislature resumes for action on child care, housing andthe opioid crisis.

Falcon said the NDP government stands in the way of building astrong economy.

"I don't want to have to clean up a big mess from the NDPagain,'' Falcon said. "That's why it's important to get inthereand cut them off at the pass before they can do too much damage tothe economy and the finances of the province of B.C.''

Diversity, tolerance

Falcon held a seat in Surrey for three terms beginning in 2001 before deciding not to run in the 2013 election. Hesaid he left politics to spend more time with his young family. He has been working in the private sector with a Vancouver investment and property development firm.

The leadership race was defined by the party's need to rebuild, become more diverse and find a way to win more seats in urban ridings.

Falcon saidhe will be a strong advocate for a free-enterpriseeconomy, but he also wants to ensure diversity and tolerance for people of all races, genders, faiths and backgrounds are hallmarksof a renewed B.C. Liberal party.

"I mean this sincerely,'' he said. "I would rather not winunless the party is prepared to be rock solid behind me in thechange of direction I want to take this party.''