Thursday, January 22, 2026
ADVT 
National

Campbell-era minister Iain Black joining B.C. Conservative leadership race

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 15 Jan, 2026 10:30 AM
  • Campbell-era minister Iain Black joining B.C. Conservative leadership race

Iain Black, a former minister in the British Columbia government of Gordon Campbell, is joining the race to lead the provincial Conservatives.

A campaign website says he will launch his bid with an event in Coquitlam on Thursday, with Black saying on social media that he will be making an "exciting announcement."

The website, which Black shares in his post, carries the slogan "get B.C. back on track."

Black was involved in the tech industry before becoming a provincial legislator from 2005 to 2011 and holding a range of portfolios in Campbell's BC Liberal government, then going on to head the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade until 2019.

He joins a growing field of contenders to replace John Rustad, who stepped down as B.C. Conservative leader last month.

Political commentator Caroline Elliott joined the race this week, with B.C. Conservative MLA Sheldon Clare, entrepreneur Yuri Fulmer and Rossland contractor Warren Hamm also among the declared candidates.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

MORE National ARTICLES

Dr. Roberta Bondar, 1st Canadian woman in space, turns 80

Dr. Roberta Bondar, 1st Canadian woman in space, turns 80
Dr. Roberta Bondar was the first Canadian woman and the first neurologist to travel to space. As she celebrates her 80th birthday on Thursday, the Sault-Ste-Marie-born Bondar, reflects on the future of space exploration, her life and what's to come.

Dr. Roberta Bondar, 1st Canadian woman in space, turns 80

Eight-year-old girl's fatal fall from Vancouver highrise balcony ruled an accident

Eight-year-old girl's fatal fall from Vancouver highrise balcony ruled an accident
The death of an eight-year-old girl who fell from a Vancouver highrise building last month has been ruled an accident.

Eight-year-old girl's fatal fall from Vancouver highrise balcony ruled an accident

Carney to meet Trump, Sheinbaum in Washington at FIFA event Friday

Carney to meet Trump, Sheinbaum in Washington at FIFA event Friday
Prime Minister Mark Carney is planning to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at a FIFA World Cup event Friday in Washington, D.C.

Carney to meet Trump, Sheinbaum in Washington at FIFA event Friday

Confidence bill on Mental Health Act passes through B.C. legislature

Confidence bill on Mental Health Act passes through B.C. legislature
The B.C. New Democrat government has survived a confidence vote over its changes to the Mental Health Act that reduce the legal exposure of health care workers who deliver involuntary care to patients.

Confidence bill on Mental Health Act passes through B.C. legislature

Carney vows to meet Coastal First Nations after chiefs vote against pipeline to B.C.

Carney vows to meet Coastal First Nations after chiefs vote against pipeline to B.C.
Prime Minister Mark Carney promised to meet with Coastal First Nations after chiefs voted unanimously Tuesday to press the government to uphold the oil tanker ban off the northern British Columbia coast and withdraw an agreement signed with Alberta last week that clears a path for a new oil pipeline.

Carney vows to meet Coastal First Nations after chiefs vote against pipeline to B.C.

Vancouver Island mill latest to close in B.C., 350 jobs lost

Vancouver Island mill latest to close in B.C., 350 jobs lost
A pulp mill on Vancouver Island is permanently ending operations, the latest mill to close in the province, affecting around 350 employees.

Vancouver Island mill latest to close in B.C., 350 jobs lost