B.C. Conservative caucus sees more MLAs depart

Brennan Day, MLA for Courtenay-Comox, and Teresa Wat, who represents Richmond-Bridgeport, have left the BC Conservative caucus, saying they can no longer serve under Findlay’s leadership.

Wat said progress made since she joined the party was now at risk. She said Findlay had accused her of being affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party, and that the rhetoric damaged her reputation and mental health. Wat said Chinese Canadians should not have their loyalty to Canada questioned because of ethnicity, heritage, language or communications platforms such as WeChat.

Findlay said she had already apologized to Wat privately and had prepared a public statement. She called Wat’s departure a betrayal of the volunteers, campaign workers and voters who helped elect her in 2024.

Peter Milobar of Kamloops Central, Ian Paton of Delta South and Rosalyn Bird of Prince George-Valemount had also left the party. Findlay fired the BC Conservative caucus’s director of operations on Wednesday. Wat said the party had become exclusive rather than inclusive under Findlay.

Research Co. president Mario Canseco said the turmoil could benefit David Eby’s NDP, noting recent polling showed BC Conservative approval ratings had fallen. Wat said she will continue serving her constituents as an Independent.