Friday, March 27, 2026
ADVT 
National

Seven candidates still in B.C. Conservative leadership race after two MLAs drop out

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 16 Mar, 2026 11:19 AM
  • Seven candidates still in B.C. Conservative leadership race after two MLAs drop out

The number of candidates running for the leadership of the British Columbia Conservatives has shrunk to seven.

Bruce Banman and Harman Bhangu, both members of the provincial legislature, have dropped out of the race. 

Banman says he is endorsing candidate Yuri Fulmer because the entrepreneur is the only candidate with a "proven track record" in the private sector, who knows how to kick-start the economy.

Bhangu has thrown his support behind Caroline Elliott, saying he agrees with her ideas about "common sense" in schools, prosperity for working families and respect for private property.

Also still running are contractor Warren Hamm, former Save-on-Foods executive Darrell Jones, and current MLA Peter Milobar, who is now the only sitting legislator vying for the leadership of the official Opposition.

Milobar says on social media that he is the only candidate, who "would win a strong, clear" majority government, pointing to recent polling.

The remaining candidates must pay $40,000 by April 1, then another $60,000 on or before April 18, to remain in the race, with the leader to be announced on May 30.

Picture Courtesy: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Conservative Party of British Columbia

MORE National ARTICLES

Canada lifts the visa requirement for Qatari citizens

Canada lifts the visa requirement for Qatari citizens
The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship today announced that Canada has lifted the visa requirement for citizens of Qatar. This change took effect this morning at 5:30 a.m. EST.

Canada lifts the visa requirement for Qatari citizens

B.C. launching review of post-secondary education in wake of declining stability

B.C. launching review of post-secondary education in wake of declining stability
British Columbia's public post-secondary institutions have seen a 70 per cent decline in international students, requiring the province to launch a review in a bid to stabilize the sector, the minister of post-secondary education said.

B.C. launching review of post-secondary education in wake of declining stability

Police clear protesters from Vancouver Island logging blockade

Police clear protesters from Vancouver Island logging blockade
Police say they have arrested four people during enforcement of a court injunction prohibiting anyone from blocking or interfering with forestry activities in the Carmanah Valley of southwestern Vancouver Island.

Police clear protesters from Vancouver Island logging blockade

Carney says B.C. 'has to agree' on pipeline plan from Alberta

Carney says B.C. 'has to agree' on pipeline plan from Alberta
British Columbia "has to agree" on any pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific coast, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Tuesday, as his government edges closer to unveiling the details of a new energy pact it has been negotiating with Alberta.

Carney says B.C. 'has to agree' on pipeline plan from Alberta

Trouble in 'Team Canada' as B.C.'s deputy premier raises spectre of pipeline lawsuit

Trouble in 'Team Canada' as B.C.'s deputy premier raises spectre of pipeline lawsuit
Rifts in "Team Canada" appear to be widening on the brink of a federal announcement on a potential pipeline from Alberta to the West Coast, with B.C.'s deputy premier even raising the prospect of legal action against the project.

Trouble in 'Team Canada' as B.C.'s deputy premier raises spectre of pipeline lawsuit

Carney expected to announce new supports for steel industry hammered by U.S. tariffs

Carney expected to announce new supports for steel industry hammered by U.S. tariffs
The federal government plans to limit foreign steel imports and cut interprovincial rail freight rates in a bid to support Canada's steel industry threatened by damaging U.S. tariffs.

Carney expected to announce new supports for steel industry hammered by U.S. tariffs