National

John Rustad quits as B.C. Conservative leader, saying it's not a 'hostile takeover'

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Dec, 2025 10:56 AM

The Conservative Party of B.C. has released a statement from John Rustad saying he has resigned as leader, one day after he refused to quit in the face of a caucus revolt.

The statement says the uprising "was not a hostile takeover by BC Liberals," a reference to the centre-right party that imploded before last year's provincial election, with many of its MLAs jumping to the B.C. Conservatives.

Rustad says the party remains conservative, while acknowledging that many members and supporters may have been concerned by the events, which saw him defy MLAs and party executives.

The party's board released a statement on Wednesday saying Rustad had been removed because he was "professionally incapacitated."

Rustad had said on social media that he had not quit and was "not going anywhere," but that message has been deleted.

The party said that a caucus vote had installed Trevor Halford as interim leader after 20 MLAs representing a caucus majority said they had lost confidence in Rustad and wanted him out.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Study maps 'megathrust' quake zone off northern B.C., but risk may be far in future

The images confirm what appears to be a rare geological occurrence, a subduction zone in its "infancy," the study by U.S. and Canadian researchers shows.

Study maps 'megathrust' quake zone off northern B.C., but risk may be far in future

Air Canada flight attendants picketing at airports

The Canadian Union of Public Employees says demonstrations are expected to take place at Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Vancouver International Airport and Calgary International Airport, all at 1 p.m. ET.

Air Canada flight attendants picketing at airports

Heat warnings covering parts of southern B.C. expand into Metro Vancouver

Environment Canada says a heat warning is active for both Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley for the next two days, with temperatures possibly reaching 33 C.

Heat warnings covering parts of southern B.C. expand into Metro Vancouver

Advance polls open in Alberta byelection with 214 candidates, historic blank ballots

A coil-bound, 32-page laminated booklet listing the record 214 candidates in the riding was available for Pushie to flip through at the polling station in Camrose, Alta.

Advance polls open in Alberta byelection with 214 candidates, historic blank ballots

U.S. in final decision to hike Canadian softwood duties, tells officers to collect

A statement from the American department says the duty for most Canadian companies is being increased to 14.63 per cent, up from 6.74 per cent, after it determined softwood lumber from Canada was being unfairly subsidized.

U.S. in final decision to hike Canadian softwood duties, tells officers to collect

Chilliwack, B.C., man found not criminally responsible for wife's stabbing death

The court ruling posted online Wednesday says the man — who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim — killed his wife in the belief he was "saving her" from being tortured or raped by people targeting the couple.