The Canadian Province of British Columbia is expected to run in caretaker mode for several more weeks with hundreds of thousands of votes in its General Election still uncounted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy Premier, Carole James, who chose not to run for re-election because of a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease earlier this year, will preside over routine operations until the outcome of the election is determined and a new Cabinet is formed.
Political communications expert, David Black (pictured) of Royal Roads University, said the Province would likely remain in caretaker for a total of 10 weeks “which is a long time but manageable”.
Dr Black said that in caretaker mode, Government activity in policy, expenditure and appointments was restricted to matters that were “routine, non-controversial or urgent, and in the public interest”.
“The Federal guidelines do not mean that Government is frozen, however. In the event of emergencies, such as natural disasters, the Government can take appropriate action to ensure public safety and security,” Dr Black said.
British Columbia remains under a state of emergency that began on 18 March and was last extended to 27 October to support the pandemic response.
Political Scientist at the University of Fraser Valley, Hamish Telford said caretaker mode was easier to understand in normal times, “but these are not normal times”.
“I think we are going to be in a continued holding pattern for another three weeks or so, unless something very drastic happens that requires immediate attention,” Professor Telford said.
Typically, the outcome of an election in the Province is evident shortly after polls close.
However, the high volume of mail-in ballots received amid the pandemic is expected to delay the outcome for several weeks.
Victoria, 27 October 2020
