Victoria,BC- John Rustad has announced his resignation as Leader of the BC Conservative Party, marking a dramatic shift in provincial politics. In a passionate address, Rustad reflected on his political journey, saying British Columbia has given him “everything”—the freedom to speak, stand for his beliefs, and fight for a better future. He emphasized that he never took that privilege lightly.
Rustad acknowledged the strong opinions surrounding his decision to challenge the direction of his party, noting that he felt obligated to stand his ground. Once an independent MLA removed by the BC Liberals under Kevin Falcon, Rustad said he crossed the floor because he believed the province needed a voice willing to question climate policy, defend families, and represent the workers who keep British Columbia moving. He highlighted his efforts to rescind the carbon tax and the unlikely rise of the Conservatives to Official Opposition status, accomplishments he said many believed were impossible.
Despite internal friction, Rustad said he spent the past year listening to British Columbians calling for change, renewal, and courage. He insisted he never heard rejection—only a challenge to rise to the moment. While he admitted some course corrections came too late, he stressed that the broader fight for the province is far from over. He warned that land rights are being reshaped without consent, crime continues to rise, and families are being strained by what he called reckless deficit spending. With the next premier likely coming from the Conservative Party, Rustad said the province now stands at a historic crossroads.
Rustad thanked his fellow MLAs for standing with him through “every battle,” saying they pushed back against a government that had forgotten its duty to the people. Turning his message to citizens, he invoked the resilience of British Columbians who have never backed down from hard choices—from building railways through mountains to creating communities from nothing. Citing that same spirit, he announced he would be stepping down as leader and placing his trust back in the people of the province.
South Surrey–White Rock MLA Trevor Halford has been appointed Interim Leader of the BC Conservative Party as the party prepares for its next chapter and the critical election ahead.
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