Tuesday, March 17, 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

PM Carney: Canada's support for U.S. striking Iran came 'with regret'

PM Carney: Canada's support for U.S. striking Iran came 'with regret'
Four days after Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada supports the U.S. actions in Iran, he said that support comes "with regret," as they demonstrated the continued decline of the rules-based international order.

PM Carney: Canada's support for U.S. striking Iran came 'with regret'

Immigration could soon account for all of Canada's population growth: expert

Immigration could soon account for all of Canada's population growth: expert
With Canada's population growth now essentially flat, the country could be heading toward an unprecedented situation where population growth is driven entirely by immigration, one expert says.

Immigration could soon account for all of Canada's population growth: expert

Green energy orgs applaud Canada-India agreements on renewables

Green energy orgs applaud Canada-India agreements on renewables
Some of Canada's renewable energy organizations are applauding commitments Ottawa signed with India this week to advance development of solar, wind and hydrogen power.

Green energy orgs applaud Canada-India agreements on renewables

Canada secures limited seats on commercial flights from Lebanon as conflict widens

Canada secures limited seats on commercial flights from Lebanon as conflict widens
The federal government has secured "a limited number of seats" on commercial flights out of Lebanon for Canadians trying to flee the region, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Wednesday.

Canada secures limited seats on commercial flights from Lebanon as conflict widens

Daughter of Canadian woman killed in Dominican bus crash left in dark on dad's condition

Daughter of Canadian woman killed in Dominican bus crash left in dark on dad's condition
The daughter of a Canadian woman killed in a bus crash in the Dominican Republic says her family is still searching for answers three days after the incident that left another Canadian dead and 13 others injured.

Daughter of Canadian woman killed in Dominican bus crash left in dark on dad's condition

'We can set the agenda:' Carney continues middle power pitch in Australia

'We can set the agenda:' Carney continues middle power pitch in Australia
In Australia, Prime Minister Mark Carney continued his argument that middle powers should band together, saying Canada and Australia share the advantages of legitimacy and trust.

'We can set the agenda:' Carney continues middle power pitch in Australia