MLA Amelia Boultbee has joined the BC NDP, stating: “I’m fourth-generation Pentictonite, and I got into politics to serve my community. When I think about who’s best positioned to make a difference for people in Penticton, Summerland, and the whole province, my confidence is with David Eby and the BC NDP.”

Boultbee said her decision is about solutions for people in Penticton-Summerland and across the province.

“B.C. is facing generational challenges that are decades in the making, like a long-standing housing affordability crisis, a national healthcare worker shortage, and economic uncertainty from Donald Trump’s trade attack on Canada,” said Boultbee. “Taking on these challenges requires leadership that’s thoughtful and determined, and that’s why I’m joining David and his amazing team of BC NDP MLAs.”

Premier Eby said: “I was impressed with the courage Amelia showed in standing up for principle and leaving the BC Conservatives. Since then, she’s been a fierce independent voice for the people in Penticton and Summerland. I know her advocacy will continue in our caucus as we work together to strengthen healthcare, bring housing costs down, and keep our economy moving forward.”

Boultbee was first elected as a BC Conservative, but she left the party a year after she was elected expressing concern about the party’s direction. She has been sitting as an independent MLA ever since. She has said the BC Conservative party is more divisive than ever before.

“I’ve always believed that politics should be about working together to solve problems on behalf of people,” said Boultbee. “Those values have never changed, but the BC Conservative party has. They’re more consumed with divisive Trump-style populism than on the issues that matter most to people.”

She added: “I’m excited for the opportunity to work with David and his MLAs, to take on the big problems people are facing, and to keep serving and delivering for people in Penticton-Summerland. Let’s keep our province moving forward.”