The BC NDP don’t need the Greens to govern, and they showed as much in their new co-operative agreement. It’s a deal that gives the Greens little of what they campaigned on, outside of tentative progress on two health-care policies.

Both sides trumpeted the merits of the “cooperation and responsible government accord” on Friday, a “four-year framework for cooperation and responsible government” that is “subject to annual renewal at the sole discretion of each of the parties.”

The NDP got an agreement that the two Greens will vote alongside them on confidence and supply matters. The NDP has a one-seat majority, so it can pass legislation and maintain confidence in the legislature without the Greens. But adding the two Green MLAs creates a kind of safety buffer in case a New Democrat gets sick, misses a vote or leaves caucus.

In exchange, the Greens got a promise by the NDP to test drive integrated community health centres, and limited public coverage of psychologists for mental health issues.

“Instead of focusing on our differences, we chose to shine a light on our common ground,” said Jeremy Valeriote, the Green MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky.

“This is how government should work, and it's what British Columbians expect and deserve from their elected officials.”

The community health centres won’t be in every riding, as promised in the Green........

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