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

Elections Canada says protocol wasn't followed in Nunavik during federal election

Elections Canada says protocol wasn't followed in Nunavik during federal election
Elections Canada says voting services in Nunavik during the spring federal election were "significantly hindered" by a lack of planning and oversight that caused some polls to close early.

Elections Canada says protocol wasn't followed in Nunavik during federal election

Carney, Smith sign pipeline deal, open door to changing B.C. tanker ban

Carney, Smith sign pipeline deal, open door to changing B.C. tanker ban
Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have signed a memorandum of understanding that commits them to working toward building an oil pipeline to the West Coast — and opens the door to changes to the coastal tanker ban.

Carney, Smith sign pipeline deal, open door to changing B.C. tanker ban

Man dies in southern Manitoba after losing control on electric scooter, RCMP say

Man dies in southern Manitoba after losing control on electric scooter, RCMP say
Mounties say a 46-year-old man died after losing control on an electric scooter in southern Manitoba.

Man dies in southern Manitoba after losing control on electric scooter, RCMP say

Hong Kong Canadians reeling after deadly highrise inferno

Hong Kong Canadians reeling after deadly highrise inferno
Canadians with roots in Hong Kong have been watching in horror at news of the fire that tore through seven highrise towers in the Chinese special administrative region, leaving dozens dead and hundreds missing.   

Hong Kong Canadians reeling after deadly highrise inferno

What you need to know about the oil tanker ban on B.C.'s coast

What you need to know about the oil tanker ban on B.C.'s coast
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is urging Ottawa to terminate the West Coast oil tanker ban as the federal government prepares to unveil the details of a new energy pact it has been negotiating with the province.

What you need to know about the oil tanker ban on B.C.'s coast

Pipeline agreement includes new target of 75 per cent cut in methane emissions

Pipeline agreement includes new target of 75 per cent cut in methane emissions
An agreement between Ottawa and Alberta that could clear the path for a new oil pipeline to the Pacific will also require a 75 per cent cut in methane emissions over the next decade, a source tells The Canadian Press.

Pipeline agreement includes new target of 75 per cent cut in methane emissions