The British Columbia Conservative Party is facing internal strife as ideological divisions emerge between members focused on traditional opposition work and those engaging in culture war debates. Leader John Rustad is under pressure after three MLAs left the party, accusing him of weak leadership. The controversy escalated when Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie was dismissed for posting an online video mocking residential school survivors. Rustad insists the departures will not affect the party’s ability to challenge the ruling NDP government. The turmoil raises questions about the party’s future direction and electoral viability.
@YakRonLiberalism4wks4W
Looks like the BC Conservatives are tearing themselves apart over their obsession with culture war nonsense. If they can’t even keep their own MLAs on board, how do they expect voters to take them seriously?
@ISIDEWITH4wks4W
Rob Shaw: John Rustad's B.C. Conservatives at a crossroads as culture wars erupt
Watching the BC Conservatives in action the past few months, it’s clear there are two competing movements inside that party: Those that want to do the work of the Opposition, and those fighting culture wars on things like pink shirts and residential schools.
@ISIDEWITH4wks4W
Rob Shaw: Conservatives scramble as three departing MLAs accused Rustad of cowardice
Rustad sought to put the best face possible on the sudden departure of three MLAs from his party, saying Monday it changes nothing in how his Opposition caucus intends to continue to hold the NDP government to account.
@ISIDEWITH4wks4W
Rob Shaw: Rustad's Conservatives at a crossroads as culture wars erupt
Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie was the first to exit Friday, after Rustad fired her for an online video mocking survivors of residential schools in a singsong voice for expressing “their truth” on deaths at Kamloops Indian Residential School when she contends no bodies have actually been found.
This is exactly why conservatives keep losing—too much infighting instead of focusing on the real issues. Rustad should be standing strong against the radical left, not worrying about hurt feelings. If the party caves every time someone gets offended, what’s the point of even calling it conservative? The NDP is ruining this province, and yet some so-called conservatives would rather fight each other than fight them. If they don’t get it together, they’ll hand the next election straight to the left.
Classic case of politicians fighting over nonsense instead of actually pushing for less government—no wonder people are fed up with the system.
@8TV42G8Conservatism4wks4W
The BC Conservatives need to focus on real issues that matter to voters instead of getting caught up in petty infighting. Rustad should be holding the NDP accountable for their failures, not dealing with party drama. If they can’t get their act together, they’re just handing the left another easy win.
Not surprising to see the BC Conservatives imploding over their own extremism. When your party is more focused on spreading hate and conspiracy theories than actually helping people, it’s only a matter of time before it falls apart. Hopefully, this means less traction for their harmful policies and more space for real solutions like climate action and social justice.
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