Áaêlíya Warbus has decided to leave the B.C. Conservative caucus, making her the seventh MLA to depart this month due to concerns about the leadership. Representing Chilliwack-Cultus Lake, Warbus expressed a lack of confidence in leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay and announced that she will now serve as an Independent member.
Warbus emphasized the need for clear communication and direction from Findlay regarding the party’s future, especially after the departure of several MLAs. However, a scheduled caucus meeting was abruptly cancelled by the leader, leaving Warbus disappointed with the lack of transparency and accountability within the government.
Regarding her future political affiliations, Warbus declined to speculate on rejoining the B.C. Conservative caucus under new leadership or potentially aligning with a centrist party. She mentioned being open to discussions and decisions guided by feedback from her constituents.
Findlay’s focus on Indigenous issues, such as repealing the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and concerns related to Indigenous title court cases, has been central to the party’s agenda. When asked if this influenced her departure, Warbus, a member of the Stó:lō Nation, highlighted the importance of unity and emphasized constituents’ concerns about the economy and healthcare not being adequately addressed by the party.
The recent turmoil within the B.C. Conservative Party, marked by a series of MLA departures citing leadership issues and staff turnover, has raised questions about the party’s stability. Political analysts predict a potential formation of a new party with defecting MLAs amid the ongoing crisis.
With Warbus’s exit, the B.C. Conservative caucus now stands at 30 MLAs, with most indicating their intent to sit as Independents. Notably, some MLAs like Peter Milobar and Ian Paton plan to establish a new party. Findlay has also faced allegations of pressuring MLAs to resign to create a seat for herself in the B.C. Legislature, which she has vehemently denied as a political attack.
In response to the unfolding events, B.C. Premier David Eby has called a byelection in Abbotsford-Mission for Sept. 26, a constituency where Findlay was expected to run. The NDP has nominated Pam Alexis, a former mayor and agriculture minister, while the CentreBC party has put forward Lakhwinder Jhaj as their candidate.
This series of developments has drawn attention to the internal challenges within the B.C. Conservative Party and the shifting political landscape in the region.