While the excitement of her win still resonates, BC’s premier-designate, Christy Clark, must also face numerous challenges, some of which she created herself.
Clark, who billed herself as an outsider, narrowly won over Kevin Falcon, the BC Liberal Party candidate who was the choice of BC’s business representatives and party members to the right of centre. While the results of the leadership vote show Clark was strong across the province, only one caucus backbencher supported her candidacy. She will have to demonstrate to the caucus that she trusts them, as the caucus will have to demonstrate that they trust her. Clark will also have to demonstrate to the public that she deserves their trust by keeping her campaign promises.
As well, she’ll have to pick a cabinet, win a seat in the legislature and oversee the HST referendum. Most importantly, Clark, who ran on a platform of change, will have to initiate a different way of running government, not merely adopt another style.
All in all, it’s a daunting agenda.
