Ep 215: Every vote counted

In just over two days, Elections BC counted over 600,000 mail-in and absentee ballots to deliver the final results of the 2020 BC election. Pending a judicial recount in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, the NDP elected 57 MLAs, the Liberals 28 and the Greens 2. We review Ian’s analysis of how each party did on the mail-in ballots relative to their in-person voting performance. And we preview the BC Liberal leadership race as one Kamloops MLA is rumoured to be seeking the role of interim leader while the other is looking at a second run for permanent leader. Then we delve into the rising COVID-19 case numbers in BC, the new restrictions in Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health Regions and vent some frustrations at whether we are all doing enough to keep the pandemic in check. Check out our partner: BC Today is the daily newsletter dedicated exclusively to BC Politics. Sign up for a free two-week trial and listen to the episode for your code for an exclusive subscription deal if you decide to continue. Start your trial at politicstoday.news/free-trial Links Segment 1: Every vote counted 2020 Provincial General Election Final Voting Results PolitiCoast: Inefficient mail-in vote costs BCNDP even bigger win Many new MLAs may delay BC legislature’s return to after Christmas  BC Liberals may pick interim caucus leader within two weeks; MLA Milobar rumoured as candidate Todd Stone’s open letter to BC Liberals after distressing election result | News Segment 2: Lockdown 2: Lockdown softer Saturday Joint statement on BC’s COVID-19 response, latest updates Thursday Joint statement on BC’s COVID-19 response, latest updates COVID-19 monthly update  for November[PDF]   Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley restrictions Canada Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update Ontario rejected its own public health agency’s advice when it launched its colour-coded plan for COVID-19 restrictions [see thread] Alberta restricts recreational sports, bar hours to contain COVID-19 surge    Another 9 deaths, 474 new coronavirus cases reported in Manitoba Thursday Coronavirus benefits likely won’t become permanent, Trudeau says  Quick takes Liberal MP out of caucus after employing sister for years using public funds MP who left Liberal caucus made offensive remarks and mistreated staff, former employees allege Conservatives demand remedial measures for MP who left Liberals over hiring sister Civil liberties group takes RCMP to court over delayed response to alleged spying complaint Mounties may have broken law during NB anti-fracking protests, says watchdog