ANOTHER MLA has quit the B.C. Conservative Party: Áʼa꞉líya Warbus, MLA for Chilliwack-Cultus Lake. She is the seventh MLA since August 14 to leave the party.
Warbus said in a statement: “In today’s uncertain times we need steady leadership more than ever. On many issues as British Columbians we may be divided and we need someone who will bring more of us together.
“I am disappointed to announce I am leaving the Conservative caucus to sit as an independent.
“The decisions of this leader, or lack there of, along with the parade of people that have already come and gone in the span of three short months strike a serious chord that everyone should pay close attention to. It is not just sitting MLAs that have walked away but critical and talented members of our riding associations and staff that we rely on.
“As an MLA I am sworn to this office to represent my constituents, and the issues that they’ve repeatedly told me matter to them. I have lost confidence I can do that from within this caucus, under this leadership.
“There has been a critical breakdown in communication—not only with the public, but also with MLAs and staff. Caucus members have learned of hirings, firings, critic appointments, and leadership positions through any and all channels including social media before being informed by leadership.
“After an implosion of events last week, a caucus meeting was called, with reasonable cause for concern after the departure of six sitting MLAs, allegations involving the Director of Operations, the circumstances surrounding MLA Reann Gasper’s resignation, and statements made by MLA Ian Paton and MLA Rosalyn Bird.
“The decision to postpone today’s caucus meeting for a month reflects the lack of value being placed on caucus members and their opinions. It is one thing to ask for people’s trust, and quite another to blindfold someone and expect faith alone to substitute for transparency and accountability.
“This mounting instability is not what anyone would expect from the next Premier of our Province. Much of the
news coming out of the BC Conservatives as of late, does not reflect the honest values of leadership and governance our constituents expect of us.
“My support for common sense policies has not changed, but I am disappointed nonetheless that my faith in Ms. Findlay’s ability to lead this party to victory has.”
* Peter Milobar, MLA for Kamloops Centre, left the party on August 14.
* Delta South MLA Ian Paton announced on Monday last week that he was leaving the party,
* On Tuesday, Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird quit the party.
* MLA Brenan Day (Courtenay-Comox) and MLA Teresa Wat (Richmond-Bridgeport) ditched the party on Wednesday.
* Bruce Banman (Abbotsford South) left the party on Thursday.
