Monday, March 30, 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

Liberals set to deliver highly anticipated federal budget today

Liberals set to deliver highly anticipated federal budget today
The federal government is set to unveil its budget today — the Liberals' first fiscal update in almost a year and the first summary of Prime Minister Mark Carney's agenda since the party released its spring election platform.

Liberals set to deliver highly anticipated federal budget today

Prescription painkillers shortage in Canada expected to continue into new year

Prescription painkillers shortage in Canada expected to continue into new year
Pharmacists say a shortage of medications that contain oxycodone is expected to continue into the new year, while supply of another type of painkiller has increased since a nationwide disruption in the summer. 

Prescription painkillers shortage in Canada expected to continue into new year

What the federal Liberals are pitching in their 2025 budget

What the federal Liberals are pitching in their 2025 budget
Prime Minister Mark Carney promises the fall budget will spur unseen levels of private sector investment

What the federal Liberals are pitching in their 2025 budget

How it started, how it ended: A chronology of Ontario's ad blitz against U.S. tariffs

How it started, how it ended: A chronology of Ontario's ad blitz against U.S. tariffs
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew encourages Ford to keep the ad campaign going, saying Trump's tariffs betray Reagan's legacy.

How it started, how it ended: A chronology of Ontario's ad blitz against U.S. tariffs

Mark Carney's first budget plots a sharp departure from past fiscal plans

Mark Carney's first budget plots a sharp departure from past fiscal plans
Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is getting ready to table its first budget this week — one that will be markedly different from budgets of the past.

Mark Carney's first budget plots a sharp departure from past fiscal plans

Government expects fewer questions on foreign aid from weakened NDP: briefing note

Government expects fewer questions on foreign aid from weakened NDP: briefing note
A Global Affairs Canada briefing note suggests the department expects fewer questions going forward in the House of Commons about possible cuts to foreign aid from the much-reduced NDP caucus.

Government expects fewer questions on foreign aid from weakened NDP: briefing note