The B.C. Conservative Party has been rocked by internal strife following the departure of former finance critic Peter Milobar from the official Opposition caucus. In the aftermath, several legislators have defected, citing disagreements with Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay on strategy and ideology.
Let’s take a look at the sequence of events that have unfolded:
On August 14, Milobar (representing Kamloops Centre) left the caucus, pointing to a lack of ideological alignment with Findlay. A previous leadership contender and finance critic, Milobar clashed with Findlay during a debate where she raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest due to Milobar’s Indigenous wife’s past roles within the local Indigenous band.
Shortly after, on August 22, Reann Gasper (from Abbotsford-Mission) resigned to allow Findlay to run in a by-election, subsequently becoming Findlay’s deputy chief of staff.
The turmoil continued on August 24 when Ian Paton (Delta South) announced his departure from the party, expressing misalignment with Findlay’s direction and indicating intentions to form a new party alongside Milobar.
The trend of defections persisted on August 25 as Rosalyn Bird (Prince George-Valemount) left the Conservatives to become an Independent, criticizing what she perceived as divisive leadership within the party.
The situation escalated on August 26 when Teresa Wat (Richmond-Bridgeport) resigned to sit as an Independent, citing unresolved accusations by Findlay and alleging betrayal by the party leader.
As the turmoil unfolded, more Conservative members followed suit. Bruce Banman (Abbotsford South) resigned on August 27, advocating for others to join him regardless of political affiliation, citing concerns about Findlay’s electability.
Despite facing allegations of offering jobs to legislators in exchange for resignations, Findlay denied any illegal activity on August 28. Premier David Eby then called a by-election for Abbotsford-Mission to be held on September 26.
Amidst mounting pressure, Findlay canceled a planned caucus meeting and news conference on August 30, prompting further criticism from within the party.
The internal dissent continued as A’a: Liya Warbus (Chilliwack-Cultus Lake) left the caucus on August 31, expressing a loss of faith in Findlay’s leadership due to recent events.
Subsequent developments saw Paton revealed that he had been contacted by the RCMP for questioning on September 1, while two more legislators, Donegal Wilson and Scott McInnis, quit the caucus on September 2, citing concerns over Findlay’s reported ties to Alberta separatists.
In response to the escalating crisis, Findlay announced the resignation of her chief of staff, Chris Delaney, on September 2 and appointed Gasper as his replacement, attributing the situation to a coordinated political attack.
On September 4, a joint statement from Rosalyn Bird, Bruce Banman, and A’a:liya Warbus confirmed their decision to join the emerging party led by Milobar and Paton.
