“They’re going to be very excited. I made sure they knew that Grandma is going to have some extra work to do in the months ahead, but I can’t wait for them to know.”
Shirley Bond is looking forward to telling her grandsons that she’s been elected as interim leader for the BC Liberals today (Nov. 23), and is grateful for her family’s support with the decision to officially take on the temporary role days after Andrew Wilkinson stepped down.
However, the Prince George-Valemount MLA understands the position will entail bringing the party up to speed on holding the incoming NDP majority accountable for the next term.
“I know that the job is going to be a challenging one and there’s going to be some really tough work that needs to be done,” she said in an interview with PrinceGeorgeMatters following the announcement.
“So I’m looking forward to the support of the very talented people in our caucus. I can’t wait for them to be in the legislature whenever that’s possible. For me, my job is to look at ensuring that we have the right team in place and I’m very excited. They’re all committed to one thing, and that’s holding the government to an account.”
Bond, who won a sixth straight term in her riding following the Oct. 24 snap-election, says her promotion to interim leader does not change her mind on the possibility of running for the permanent position whenever leadership is officially sought.
“I will not be seeking or participating in the campaign for the permanent leadership of the party,” she explained. Wilkinson served as leader for nearly three years and announced on Oct. 27 he was going to tender his resignation once a successor was elected. His plans suddenly changed when he quit on Nov. 21.
“I think the way I can help the party most significantly at the moment is making sure that we’re functioning effectively as an opposition and that we are preparing for a leadership campaign which I am very confident will result in there being a diverse, talented, skilled group of candidates who are going to work very hard to earn the trust of British Columbians.”
Bond says once Premier John Horgan unveils his cabinet this week, the Liberals will bring forward its opposition, which she says contains a ‘diverse, talented, skilled’ group of individuals.
Regardless of who takes on what critic position, she believes she can help prepare BC Liberals for the challenges ahead during these unprecedented times in a professional manner
“In the immediate days, I’m going to spend some time getting to know better some of the MLAs and working our way through how we build a team that’s going to hold John Horgan and the government to account. So lots of work to do,” Bond said.
“I know that the job is going to be a challenging one and there’s going to be some really tough work that needs to be done. So I’m looking forward to the support of the very talented people in our caucus. I can’t wait for them to be in the legislature whenever that’s possible. For me, my job is to look at ensuring that we have the right team in place and I’m very excited.”
Bond gives both credit and thanks for her new job to her Prince George-Valemount constituents for electing her once again last month, claiming 55.62 per cent of the popular vote per Elections BC.
Having worked long hours for the riding since 2001, she hopes the rest of B.C. can put their faith in her hands for the time-being.
“I would not have the opportunity to have the job I’ve been given today without the support of the people of Prince George-Valemount. I am so proud to represent this part of British Columbia. Having said that, I will have to work with my colleagues to ensure we’re connecting in ways that are meaningful for the entire province and that was a challenge for us during the election and it’s something we need to work on.”
Bond and her fellow BC Liberal MLAs will be officially sworn in on Friday (Nov. 27), with the legislature tentatively scheduled to return to chambers, albeit briefly, on Dec. 7.
Interim Leader is now added to the long-time politician’s extensive resume, including Attorney General, Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General, Advanced Education Minister, Education Minister and Finance Critic.
