BC United party suspends campaign, endorses conservatives

Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka, BC United leader Kevin Falcon and Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar in Cranbrook for a listening tour. (Photo by Josiah Spyker, Vista Radio)

The BC Conservative Party has confirmed that BC United leader Kevin Falcon is “suspending his party’s campaign” and is endorsing the Conservatives.

All BC United nominations will be withdrawn and the BC Conservatives say they will be able to recruit “from BC United’s pool of incredible incumbent MLAs and candidates.”

The Conservatives have also “committed to review candidates based on an improved vetting process.”

“I got back into politics because I wanted to build a bright future for my two daughters and for the next generation of British Columbians,” said Kevin Falcon, in a joint statement from both parties.

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“Today, I’m stepping back for the same reason. I know that the best thing for the future of our province is to defeat the NDP, but we cannot do that when the centre-right vote is split.”

“I’ve known Kevin Falcon for 20 years, and while we haven’t always seen eye to eye, we both know there is too much at stake to let past disagreements get in the way of defeating David Eby and the radical NDP,” said John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of BC.

“I’ve never doubted Kevin Falcon’s commitment to our province, and today, I applaud his decision to put B.C. first, as he’s done throughout his career.”

“For the better part of two decades, Kevin Falcon has worked tirelessly to make our province a better place,” Rustad continued.

“I encourage all Conservative MLAs, candidates and supporters to join me in sincerely thanking Kevin Falcon for doing the right thing, for his exemplary public service and for making the hard but right decision today.”

The Conservatives will still be holding a provincial news conference at 2:40 this afternoon.

BC Premier David Eby Reaction

BC Premier David Eby didn’t mince words after learning BC United was suspending it’s campaign.

The Premier says both Kevin Falcon and John Rustad are former Liberal MLA’s who decided to run under different banners to escape their political records.
“Whatever they changed their name to before the election, they’re still the same guys that did the same things as BC Liberals that they want to do again. They want to cut health care again. They’re really clear about that.” said Eby.
“They don’t want to build the new schools for kids. They’re happier with crowded classrooms. They want to cut, cut, cut when we need to build, build, build because this province is growing at a record rate.”
Regardless of the party, Eby doesn’t see a big distinction between Rustad and Falcon.
The Premier was asked for a response during an announcement regarding BC Hydro this afternoon (Wednesday) in the Fraser Valley.

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