Sunday, January 18, 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

What Trump's aspiration to conquer Greenland means for Canada

What Trump's aspiration to conquer Greenland means for Canada
Canada's closest physical neighbours are in an escalating dispute that risks breaking the military alliance that has protected the nations of the North Atlantic for decades.

What Trump's aspiration to conquer Greenland means for Canada

Lula suggests Carney visiting Brazil in April, condemns U.S. actions in Venezuela

Lula suggests Carney visiting Brazil in April, condemns U.S. actions in Venezuela
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says he spoke with Prime Minister Mark Carney Thursday afternoon and the Canadian leader accepted an invitation to visit Brazil in April.

Lula suggests Carney visiting Brazil in April, condemns U.S. actions in Venezuela

Unemployment rate jumps to 6.8% as more workers look for jobs

Unemployment rate jumps to 6.8% as more workers look for jobs
Statistics Canada said a surge in workers rejoining the labour force pushed the unemployment rate higher to end the year.

Unemployment rate jumps to 6.8% as more workers look for jobs

Two B.C. Friends Saddle Up for 1,000-Kilometre Ride to Honour Canada's Heroes

Two B.C. Friends Saddle Up for 1,000-Kilometre Ride to Honour Canada's Heroes
A decade after their first charity ride, Archie Sull and Rob Gardner are cycling across B.C. to support first responders, veterans, and military members in need

Two B.C. Friends Saddle Up for 1,000-Kilometre Ride to Honour Canada's Heroes

Atmospheric river forecast to bring heavy rain and snow for B.C.'s north coast

Atmospheric river forecast to bring heavy rain and snow for B.C.'s north coast
British Columbia's north coast is set to get another blast of wet, wintry weather in the coming days from an atmospheric river system.

Atmospheric river forecast to bring heavy rain and snow for B.C.'s north coast

Vancouver building valued at $13 Million gifted to support youth with substance use

Vancouver building valued at $13 Million gifted to support youth with substance use
An organization that offers free mental health support and substance use care for youth will be able to expand its services to a new building in downtown Vancouver, thanks to a more than $13-million donation from a private foundation. 

Vancouver building valued at $13 Million gifted to support youth with substance use