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| David Eby, taking the oath of office as Premier of British Columbia in Vancouver today at a ceremony hosted by the Musqueam Nation |
It was noted by many on the day, that this was the first Swearing in ceremony to feature such extensive Indigenous participation and to be hosted by a First Nation community.
Following the traditional welcomes to the territory, the morning featured a number of participants from the Musqueam nation and from the government, with the portion of the ceremony prior to the oath taking, delivering a period that celebrated the work of now former Premier John Horgan.
From that element of the proceedings, Mr. Horgan received many tributes from those assembled, the most memorable one from the incoming premier who noted of the leadership of his predecessor.
"I'll let you in on a secret, I'm not as tall as I look, because I'm standing on the shoulders of John Horgan" -- Newly installed Premier David Eby paying tribute to his predecessor at Friday's oath of office ceremony.
Towards the official searing in process, Mr. Eby took the oath of office administered by Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin, though in the excitement of the moment, the actual signing of documents got sidelined, something quickly address by the Lieutenant Governor shortly after.
Following the oath taking there were additional Musqueam presentations, including the exchange of gifts which led to the final moments of the ceremony that was well into the noon hour by that point. Pushing back the schedule press conference with the new Premier into the afternoon period.
And while the ceremony itself featured gifts going back and forth among the principles of the day, Mr. Eby had something for the public viewing at home as well, announcing two initiatives immediately upon taking up his duties.
Residents of the province are now set to receive a one time only $100 BC Hydro rebate, as well as to be able to take advantage of an affordability credit, based on a sliding scale of income received.
The details towards the BC Hydro savings and Cost of Living Credit program can be explored here.
The Full Swearing in Ceremony can be viewed from the video below:
Some of the themes from the swearing in ceremony and what to expect in the days and weeks ahead for the Eby government were outlined as part of a follow press conference a little later in the afternoon today.
Next week the new Premier will take his place in the legislature for what will be a busy, but brief final four days of the fall session, barring any extensions.
Beyond that, a cabinet shuffle is anticipated for the first week of December as the new Premier rearranges some of the element of his cabinet to reflect his priorities moving forward.
Monday Mr. Eby's plans are to introduce some of his housing initiatives and his approach towards safety in British Columbia communities.
The Opposition parties will be ready to welcome him to the Chamber in his new role, but any anticipation of a honeymoon period probably should be best put away over the weekend. With both the BC Liberals and Green Party having more than a few items of concern to share prior to the arrival of the winter break.
More notes on today's ceremony can be explored through our political blog D'Arcy McGee later tonight as we explore the themes of the province's reporters and political pundits through our Victoria Viewpoints feature.
North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice shared some of the moments from today's events through her Social Media stream, first noting of the departure of John Horan from the office and the installation of David Eby to his new duties.
The MLA's full collection of photos is available here.
For more notes on the Legislature from closer to the northwest see our archive page here.
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