Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. (Chad Hipolito / THE CANADIAN PRESS), B.C. Green Party, Sonia Furstenau, said she was "disappointed" Horgan called an early election. Horgan's minority government was forged out of an agreement with the BC Green Party in 2017. Some are criticizing the premier for moving forward early, but John Horgan says COVID-19 would have been a factor no matter when he called an election. 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(THE CANADIAN PRESS), Use of this Website assumes acceptance of Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy, Senior Digital Producer, CTV News Vancouver Island, Published Monday, September 21, 2020 10:04AM PDT, Last Updated Monday, September 21, 2020 6:47PM PDT, What voting will look like during a pandemic: From PPE to bringing your own pen, 4 of the main issues in the British Columbia election campaign, Most signs point towards snap election, one that comes with a risk to the NDP. "The premier has a stable government. B.C. 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Premier John Horgan may have had a media availability to do with a new lung cancer screening program, but the only questions he received were to do with a potential fall election. A number of longtime MLAs have said they won't be seeking re-election, including NDP cabinet ministers Carole James, Judy Darcy, Shane Simpson, Michelle Mungall, Doug Donaldson, Claire Trevena and Scott Fraser. otter becomes an internet sensation, Que. While British Columbia received plaudits for its initial containment of the virus, cases of COVID-19 have surged in recent months, and the effects of students returning to class are still not fully known. New leader for the B.C. The NDP currently have 41 seats in the legislature, as do the opposition Liberal Party, while the Green Party has two. Among them are Transportation Minister Claire Trevena; Finance Minister Carole James; Jobs and Economic Development Minister Michelle Mungall; Social Development Minister Shane Simpson; Indigenous Relations Minister Scott Fraser; Mental Health and Addictions Minister Judy Darcy; and Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources. "The only reason for this general election is to try and secure the jobs of the NDP ... it's not necessary.". Horgan will attempt to become the first two-term NDP premier in B.C. "We are in unprecedented times, with challenges we could have never imagined.". While B.C. "This pandemic will be with us for a year or more and that is why I believe we need to have an election now," Horgan said. RCMP seek 'vehicle of interest' in connection to Highway 19 death, Coronavirus can remain infectious on bank notes, other surfaces for weeks: study, B.C. So far, seven members of Horgan's cabinet have announced they will not be running in the next election. But the NDP leader argued the crisis, which officials expect to last for at least another year, demands "secure and stable" government. Liberal Party and the Green Party have criticized Horgan for considering an election during a global pandemic. "We can either delay that decision and create uncertainty and instability over the 12 months … or we can do what I believe is always the right thing and ask British Columbians what they think.".