Interview with Jackie Tegart: Snap Elections

Local MLA steps back into the studio for another interview. This time we talk with Jackie about the possible upcoming snap election, things happening in her riding since the beginning of the Summer, and the Governments response to COVID-19.

Jackie Tegart is the local member of the Legislative Assembly, for the Fraser Nicola Riding, which cover Hope, Merritt, Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Lytton, Lillooet, Boston Bar and several Indigenous groups. Jackie has served as part of the Provincial Government since 2015.

Jackie talks about the possibility of a "snap" Election. The Premiere John Horgan has not at this point officially stated that an election is imminent, but with the recent recall of certain ministers and with several NDP people stating that they are not going to be running during the next election, has people speculating. Jackie says that her and her team are preparing for an election, hiring staff and looking for office space to rent around the riding. Currently the BC NDP has a minority Government, with the BC Greens being in a position of power. She says that the normal time for an election would be October 2021.

Some reasons that the premiere may have to have an election is that John Horgan feels that he is confident in winning a majority government this time around.

Jackie spoke about how great of a job the provincial health officer Dr.Bonnie Henry. She has really stepped up and led our Province through a very difficult time. (Jackie did not politicize Dr.Henry in the interview)

The Fraser-Nicola riding is considered a "swing" riding due to a close race in 2017, (Jackie won the seat with a difference of 532 votes over NDP rep Harry Lali)

The current NDP has announced a candidate, (even though there isn't officially an election yet) His name is Aaron Sumexheltza. Jackie looks forward to the possibility to running against him. When asked what she would do if an election wasn't called, Jackie said business as usual, the people come first and the pandemic isn't showing signs of slowing down. When asked about the possibility of a snap federal election as well, she noted that people will only go the polls so many times during a pandemic and a provincial election right isn't necessary.