Two more British Columbia Conservative MLAs have announced their departure from the caucus today. Brennan Day, representing Courtenay-Comox, and Teresa Wat, who serves Richmond-Bridgeport, have cited their inability to continue under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
Expressing her concerns, Teresa Wat stated, “I was proud of the progress we have made within the BC Conservatives, but unfortunately, I believe all our achievements are now in jeopardy.” Wat’s decision follows accusations from Findlay suggesting her ties to the Chinese Communist Party, damaging Wat’s reputation and mental well-being.
Wat emphasized, “Chinese Canadians should not face scrutiny over their loyalty to Canada based on their ethnicity, heritage, language, or communication platforms like WeChat.”
Responding to the situation, Findlay mentioned having privately apologized to Wat and prepared a public statement. She noted Wat’s departure as a betrayal to the party’s volunteers, campaign workers, and voters who supported her in the 2024 elections.
The departure of Day and Wat adds to a series of exits from the BC Conservative party, including Peter Milobar, Ian Paton, and Rosalyn Bird. Findlay also dismissed the party’s director of operations recently.
Wat criticized the leadership under Findlay, stating, “Instead of being inclusive, we are being exclusive. It’s not about political spectrum but right vs. wrong.” The ongoing internal conflicts within the party could benefit David Eby’s NDP, as polling data indicates decreasing approval ratings for the BC Conservatives.
Mario Canseco, president of Research Co., commented, “MLAs usually engage with their constituents to establish a connection, positioning themselves as a viable government option. However, the recent developments with Findlay and the departing MLAs suggest they lack confidence in her leadership abilities.”
While Milobar and Paton are working on forming their party, Wat has chosen to continue serving her constituents as an Independent.
