The Emergence of the B.C. Conservative Party: A New Force in Provincial Politics
The B.C. Conservative Party is gearing up for its annual general meeting this weekend, marking a significant milestone for a party that has rapidly emerged as a major player in British Columbia’s political landscape. Just one week into the provincial legislative session, the party is working to establish its footing as the official Opposition, a remarkable feat given its relatively recent rise to prominence. According to Peter Milobar, the Conservative MLA for Kamloops, the party and its diverse slate of candidates came together under unusual circumstances—amidst the summer months, just weeks before the general election was called. "I see that we’re a very new party, really at its core," Milobar remarked. "And so, I think we’re still finding our feet."
From Fringe to Official Opposition: The Conservative Party’s Rapid Rise
The B.C. Conservative Party has had a long but largely peripheral presence in the province’s political arena. However, in the most recent provincial election, the party achieved a historic breakthrough, moving from having no elected members to securing 44 seats and becoming the official Opposition. This meteoric rise was not without its challenges and complexities. The party’s growth was partly fueled by the decision of Kevin Falcon, then-leader of the BC United Party, to suspend his party’s election campaign in August 2024. Falcon’s move was strategic, aimed at preventing vote splitting on the right as support for the Conservatives surged. This shift led to a significant realignment within the provincial political landscape, with some BC United members, including Milobar, joining the Conservatives, while others opted for the Independent route, only to find themselves losing their seats.
A Diverse Caucus with Divergent Views
The B.C. Conservative Party’s caucus is a reflection of its rapid growth and the diverse political ideologies it has brought together. John Rustad, the party’s leader, has referred to the internal differences within the caucus as "family" issues, emphasizing that the party is still in the process of uniting its members under a shared vision. "You know, I find it interesting because for the media, and I think for the public, they’ve never seen a political party that accepts differences," Rustad noted when asked about potential rifts within the party. Despite these differences, Rustad expressed optimism about the party’s annual general meeting in Nanaimo, where members will engage in a democratic process to modernize the party and prepare for the next election.
Cracks in the Caucus: Challenges of Unity and Leadership
While the B.C. Conservative Party has made significant strides, it is also facing internal challenges, particularly regarding unity and leadership. These fissures became apparent when Conservative MLA Dallas Brodie sparked controversy by posting on social media that there were "zero" confirmed child burial sites at the former Kamloops Residential School. Rustad reportedly asked Brodie to remove the post, but it remained online a week later. The issue took on greater significance given the historical context of the Kamloops Residential School, which has become a symbol of the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples. A’aliya Warbus, the Conservative house leader and an Indigenous member, criticized the questioning of residential school survivors’ narratives as harmful, though she refrained from directly addressing Brodie’s post.
Milobar, meanwhile, addressed the issue in the legislature, condemning "denialism" regarding residential schools. His remarks were deeply personal, as he shared his own connection to the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation, where the Kamloops Residential School is located. "As you know, my wife, my kids—they’re all Indigenous. My grandchildren are Indigenous, my son-in-law is a Kamloops band member," he said in an emotional speech. "These types of things are very personal, and so when denialism does from time to time raise up in the broader conversation, both in B.C. and across the country, it has a direct impact on Tk’emlups."
Leadership and the Road Ahead
As the B.C. Conservative Party prepares for its annual general meeting, questions about leadership and the party’s direction are likely to take center stage. Rustad has confirmed that there will not be a leadership review at the convention, as there is "no mechanism" for such a process at this meeting. However, he indicated that members will be asked whether they want a leadership review, in line with the party’s constitution. This approach reflects the party’s commitment to democratic processes, even as it navigates the complexities of its rapid ascent.
The coming months will be crucial for the B.C. Conservative Party as it works to solidify its position as a viable alternative to the ruling NDP. With its diverse caucus, the party has the potential to represent a broad range of perspectives, but it will need to address its internal differences and present a united front if it hopes to succeed in the next election. For now, the party’s annual general meeting offers an opportunity for reflection, growth, and preparation for the challenges ahead.
