DARRELL Jones, former president of Save-On-Foods, on Tuesday announced he will run to be the next Leader of the Conservative Party of BC. He made the announcement at a banquet hall in Surrey, surrounded by hundreds of supporters.

Born and raised in Cranbrook, Jones’ first job was as a grocery clerk at a local Overwaitea food store. He bagged groceries and stocked shelves. With hard work, he moved up through progressively senior management roles across the company in more than 23 stores throughout BC.

Over the next decade he became president of Save-On-Foods, one of the largest companies in British Columbia. Jones served in that role for more than 13 years, working with over 30,000 dedicated team members and serving the people of British Columbia every day. Jones and his wife Elizabeth have been residents of Surrey for over 30 years.

Announcing his leadership run, Jones spoke to the many issues facing the province, from healthcare to affordability to property rights.

On housing and affordability, Jones said: “Like many in my generation, I’ve watched as housing prices shot through the roof. Affordability has made starting a life in BC much more difficult. It’s not just housing – it’s the price of everything from gas to coffee.”

He said: “We all see our province is one of the most unaffordable places on earth, and yet our government seems blind to this. We have some of the highest taxes in North America. When everything is so expensive, how is anyone supposed to make a go of it when they are being taxed to death?”

On safety and extortions, Jones said: “Our streets have become unsafe. People are afraid to leave their home. Whether it’s random assaults and near daily shootings in the Lower Mainland, or street disorder across BC, it’s clear our government has failed to keep British Columbians safe.”

He added: “These aren’t isolated incidents. They’re a symptom of a deeper problem: rising crime, inadequate justice and public safety measures, and a government that’s failed to protect its citizens. Families shouldn’t live in fear when they’re out celebrating life’s joys, walking around their neighbourhood, or simply going to a coffee shop.”

He said: “As your leader, I pledge to crack down on this lawlessness, to support our law enforcement and justice system with the resources they need, and to build safer communities where every British Columbian – regardless of background – can thrive without looking over their shoulder. Surrey deserves better, as do all communities across British Columbia.”

On property rights and DRIPA, Jones said: “As Conservatives, we believe in strong property rights that protect families, encourage investment, and foster economic growth. I’ll work to repeal DRIPA and safeguard the property rights of all British Columbians.”

He added: “Instead, let’s build a framework where reconciliation and prosperity go hand in hand—creating opportunities for Indigenous communities and non-Indigenous alike. That’s the conservative way: practical solutions that unite us, not divide us.”

Regarding healthcare, Jones said: “Last week, a woman spoke out after diagnostic delays led to her cancer spreading. And wait times aren’t just long for cancer treatment or surgery – our emergency rooms often have waits exceeding 10 hours. That is unacceptable.”

He said: “Severely mentally ill British Columbians are left to fend for themselves – with many living on the street. We need to get these people the care they need and ensure they are not a threat to themselves or to others. These people have been failed for decades – its time government stepped up.”

On the economy, Jones said: “The only growth this government has to show is a 55% increase in the public service. The private sector is at a standstill because this government does not know how to grow the economy. It does not know how to encourage business.”

He added: “I’m running because British Columbia is facing serious challenges. The NDP has had their chance, and they’ve squandered it with higher taxes, endless deficits, and policies that prioritize ideology over results. We need a return to fiscal responsibility, lower taxes, support for small businesses, protection for property rights, safety in our communities, and a government that works for you, not the other way around.”

Jones said: “As someone who’s built a career from the stockroom to the boardroom, I know what it takes to deliver results. I’ve managed budgets, created thousands of jobs, and navigated challenges. And as a long-time Surrey resident who has travelled this province many times, I understand the heartbeat of our communities. From the farms of the Fraser Valley and the Southern Interior to the mills of the North and the Interior, and the tech hubs, ports and manufacturers of the Lower Mainland.”