Former British Columbia premier John Horgan loomed large over the swearing-in ceremony for 47 New Democrat members of the legislature, a day after his death.
Before the ceremony, Songhees Nation elder Butch Dick sang a prayer and offered words of sympathy for the family of Horgan, who died Tuesday at the age of 65 after a third battle with cancer.
Dick says Horgan was a “friend of the people,” while Legislature Clerk Kate Ryan-Lloyd paid tribute to Horgan for his service to the people of B.C.
Langford-Highlands MLA Ravi Parmar wore a Victoria Shamrocks lacrosse jersey to honour his longtime friend and mentor who was a lacrosse player and faithful follower of the Shamrocks.
Garry Begg, whose 21-vote victory in Surrey-Guildford gave the NDP a one-seat majority government, was given a standing ovation by friends and colleagues.
The NDP majority in the 93-seat legislature was only confirmed after recounts that …