Hey folks, just read this piece from Western Standard on the ongoing mess in BC's right-wing politics. Here's a quick summary:
- **Key Takeaway**: The two MLAs from the newly formed OneBC party—Dallas Brodie (Vancouver-Quilchena) and Tara Armstrong (Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream)—have flat-out said there's "no chance" they'll go back to the BC Conservatives. This comes amid calls for unity after the recent ousting/resignation of Conservative leader John Rustad.
- **Background on the Split**: OneBC launched in June 2025 after Brodie was expelled from the Conservatives for controversial comments on residential schools. Armstrong (and briefly another MLA) left in solidarity, citing compromises under Rustad's leadership that they felt diluted conservative values. The party positions itself as far-right/socially conservative, pushing against "woke" policies like SOGI education, DEI initiatives, immigration, and what they call the "reconciliation industry."
- **Current Context**: With Rustad out (he quit to avoid a "civil war" after a caucus revolt where 20+ MLAs lost confidence in him), there's an interim leader (Trevor Halford) and talk of reuniting splinter groups like OneBC and independents. But Brodie and Armstrong aren't interested, emphasizing their commitment to OneBC's hardline stance. They argue the Conservatives have shifted too far from true conservatism.
- **Implications**: This could keep the right divided, benefiting the NDP in future elections. OneBC is small (just 2 seats in a 93-member legislature) but vocal, drawing comparisons to the federal People's Party. Petitions in their ridings are calling for resignations, claiming voters elected them as Conservatives, not to splinter off.
Overall, it's more infighting on the right—anyone think this helps or hurts the chances of ousting the NDP? Thoughts?
www.westernstandard.news
- **Key Takeaway**: The two MLAs from the newly formed OneBC party—Dallas Brodie (Vancouver-Quilchena) and Tara Armstrong (Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream)—have flat-out said there's "no chance" they'll go back to the BC Conservatives. This comes amid calls for unity after the recent ousting/resignation of Conservative leader John Rustad.
- **Background on the Split**: OneBC launched in June 2025 after Brodie was expelled from the Conservatives for controversial comments on residential schools. Armstrong (and briefly another MLA) left in solidarity, citing compromises under Rustad's leadership that they felt diluted conservative values. The party positions itself as far-right/socially conservative, pushing against "woke" policies like SOGI education, DEI initiatives, immigration, and what they call the "reconciliation industry."
- **Current Context**: With Rustad out (he quit to avoid a "civil war" after a caucus revolt where 20+ MLAs lost confidence in him), there's an interim leader (Trevor Halford) and talk of reuniting splinter groups like OneBC and independents. But Brodie and Armstrong aren't interested, emphasizing their commitment to OneBC's hardline stance. They argue the Conservatives have shifted too far from true conservatism.
- **Implications**: This could keep the right divided, benefiting the NDP in future elections. OneBC is small (just 2 seats in a 93-member legislature) but vocal, drawing comparisons to the federal People's Party. Petitions in their ridings are calling for resignations, claiming voters elected them as Conservatives, not to splinter off.
Overall, it's more infighting on the right—anyone think this helps or hurts the chances of ousting the NDP? Thoughts?
OneBC MLAs say no chance they'll rejoin BC Conservatives
OneBC MLAs Dallas Brodie and Tara Armstrong have made it clear they have no intention of rejoining the BC Conservatives in the wake of now-former leader John Rustad's departure.