DONEGAL Wilson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen, announced on Wednesday that she has made the decision that she can no longer serve as a member of the BC Conservative caucus. She added that she will continue to serve the people of her riding as an Independent member of the Legislative Assembly.
Wilson said: “I was elected as a conservative. I remain a conservative. My principles have not changed. What has changed is my confidence in Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership.
“When Ms. Findlay became Leader, I promised myself I would keep an open mind and give her three months to show us how she intended to lead. Three months later, I have my answer. I never imagined things could go this wrong, this quickly.
“Seven of my colleagues have already left caucus. Communication between the Leader and her caucus has broken down, and I have watched colleagues I respect be treated in ways that deeply concern me.
“Experienced staff have been fired. In their place, Ms. Findlay has made senior appointments that raise serious questions about her judgment. More than one of her senior appointees has been reported to have links to Alberta’s separatist movement. Then came a recording attributed to her own Director of Operations discussing forcing fundraisers, wanting half a million dollars and being able to “steal everything.”
“These things come as Ms. Findlay remains embroiled in serious allegations arising from her 2025 federal campaign and mounting questions about alleged inducements to secure her a seat in the Legislature.
“I stayed away because I wanted this to work. But these are not disagreements about conservative principles. They are the result of decisions made under Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership. After three months, the dam has burst. I no longer believe she can bring Conservatives back together, rebuild trust or restore the credibility needed to defeat the NDP.
“The Abbotsford-Mission byelection made my decision unavoidable. Remaining in caucus would mean raising money, knocking on doors and asking British Columbians to put their confidence in Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
“I cannot do that.
“If I cannot honestly campaign for our Leader, I cannot honestly remain in her caucus.”
Just two days ago, on Monday, Áʼa꞉líya Warbus, MLA for Chilliwack-Cultus Lake, quit the party.
Others who have quit:
* Peter Milobar, MLA for Kamloops Centre, left the party on August 14.
* Delta South MLA Ian Paton announced on August 24 that he was leaving the party,
* On August 25, Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird quit the party.
* MLA Brenan Day (Courtenay-Comox) and MLA Teresa Wat (Richmond-Bridgeport) ditched the party on August 26.
* Bruce Banman (Abbotsford South) left the party on August 27.
