BC United Leader Kevin Falcon speaks during a news conference in Surrey, B.C. on June 26, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns
VICTORIA – A BC United legislator says he’s called an emergency meeting of the party caucus to discuss the future of British Columbia’s official Opposition, less than eight weeks before the provincial election.
Peace River South MLA Mike Bernier says he’s been unable to reach Leader Kevin Falcon amid reports the party is folding, while the rival BC Conservative Party says Leader John Rustad will be making a “major statement” about the election at 2:40 p.m.
Bernier says he called the meeting because there’s “obviously something going on” but he was unable to say exactly what, and his phone has been “blowing up” with calls from concerned staff and other MLAs.
The BC Conservatives have far surpassed BC United in recent polls, putting the future of the official Opposition as the right-of-centre flag-bearer in doubt.
Attempts by the parties to forge an alliance to defeat the governing New Democrats have previously failed.
Premier David Eby says he doesn’t care which party he stands against, because both will reduce essential services to British Columbians.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 16, 2024.
