BC NEWS

OneBC’s Early Implosion Shows the Cost of Power Without Structure

Published

5 months ago

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The Current, Chad Dashly

New political parties rarely fail because of ideology alone. More often, they collapse under the weight of ego, unclear authority, and internal power struggles or inability to raise donations. The brief and chaotic rise of OneBC is a textbook example of how not to launch a political movement and how quickly a lack of discipline can undo even the most ambitious project.

OneBC emerged amid deep fractures on the political right in British Columbia. With voters frustrated by establishment parties and conservative forces splintering, the space for a new alternative appeared ripe. At the centre of that effort was Dallas Brodie, who stepped into the role of leader and became the public face of a party still finding its footing.

But almost from the outset, OneBC suffered from a problem that has plagued countless insurgent movements: power existed without structure.

Behind the scenes Othman Mekhloufi, a political activist and organizer within conservative grassroots circles, became a growing presence. Mekhloufi was not an elected official, not a candidate, and not a formally accountable party executive. Yet he was widely perceived, internally and externally, as exercising influence over communications, strategy, and internal direction.

That influence quickly became a flashpoint.

According to multiple accounts from within OneBC’s orbit, Mekhloufi’s role was never clearly defined. What began as activist energy and organizational support blurred into something far more consequential. Decisions appeared to be shaped by informal authority rather than transparent process. Messaging grew erratic. Internal disputes spilled into public view. For a party desperately trying to establish legitimacy, this was a serious liability.

Brodie’s decision to remove Mekhloufi from any role associated with OneBC was less about a single incident and more about an attempt to reassert leadership control. The concern was not merely tone or temperament, but the existence of what some insiders described as a parallel centre of power, influence without responsibility.

From a leadership perspective, the move made sense. New parties survive only if they project discipline, coherence, and credibility. Allowing unelected activists to appear as de facto decision-makers is an invitation to chaos. Brodie’s action was intended to draw a firm line: authority flows from leadership, not from loudness or proximity.

But the damage had already been done.

The firing did not stabilize OneBC. Instead, it exposed just how fragile the party’s internal foundation really was. Trust had eroded. Factions had hardened. What should have been a private organizational correction became a public rupture. The party’s internal conflicts intensified rather than subsided.

Not long after, Brodie herself was removed as leader by OneBC’s board — a stunning reversal that underscored the central irony of the situation. In attempting to impose order, she revealed how little structural authority actually existed to begin with.

This is where OneBC’s story shifts from internal squabble to political cautionary tale.

Parties do not fail simply because of controversial personalities. They fail when roles are undefined, governance is weak, and leadership authority is ambiguous. In OneBC’s case, the party never clearly established who had decision-making power, how strategy was set, or how internal disagreements would be resolved. That vacuum was inevitably filled by personality, influence, and conflict.

Figures like Othman Mekhloufi become symbols in such environments, not because they are uniquely powerful, but because weak institutions allow informal power to flourish. When accountability mechanisms are absent, perception becomes reality, and internal resentment grows.

This is why commentators like Jas Johal have seized on Mekhloufi’s name. Not because he is a major political figure, but because his involvement represents something larger: a party overtaken by internal dysfunction before it could even define its purpose.

The OneBC saga should serve as a warning to any movement attempting to capitalize on voter frustration. Passion and disruption are not substitutes for governance. Activism does not replace structure. And leadership without clear authority is leadership in name only.

British Columbia’s political landscape may still be hungry for alternatives, but OneBC’s implosion shows that credibility is built long before the first press release. Without disciplined organization, even the most opportune political moment can be squandered.

In the end, OneBC didn’t fall because of its ideas. It fell because it never decided clearly and collectively, who was actually in charge and what they stop for.

Editor Notes: Who Dallas Brodie and Jas Johal:

  • Dallas Brodie: Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in British Columbia, representing Vancouver-Quilchena.  
  • Brodie was originally elected as a BC Conservative MLA in the 2024 provincial election.  
  • In 2025, she and another MLA Tara Armstrong left the Conservatives to form a new political party called OneBC (which is a far right-wing/populist party).  
  • She had been serving as interim leader of OneBC, but on or around Dec. 13-14, 2025, she was removed as leader by the party’s board amid internal conflict.  

Why Jas Johal might be mentioning her: Johal tweets a lot about British Columbia provincial politics, especially controversies involving small or new parties like OneBC and its leaders, including Brodie’s leadership struggles and the party’s policies. 

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BC NEWS

Hockey World Mourns the Loss of Legendary Canucks Broadcaster John ‘Cheech’ Garrett

Legendary NHL goaltender and Vancouver Canucks broadcaster John ‘Cheech’ Garrett has died at 74. Read about his iconic career on and off the ice.

Published

6 hours ago

on

April 28, 2026

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A Sudden Loss for the NHL Community

The hockey world is in mourning following the sudden passing of John Garrett, a veteran NHL goaltender and a beloved fixture of Canadian sports broadcasting for nearly four decades. Sportsnet announced Tuesday that Garrett passed away at the age of 74. While no official cause of death has been released, the news has sent shockwaves throughout the National Hockey League and among fans, particularly in Western Canada where Garrett was a household name.

From the Crease to the Commentator’s Booth

Born in Trenton, Ontario, Garrett enjoyed a successful 13-season professional playing career between 1971 and 1985. He spent time in both the WHA and the NHL, suiting up for teams including the Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and Vancouver Canucks. Known affectionately as ‘Cheech’ due to his resemblance to comedian Cheech Marin, his most memorable on-ice moment came during the 1983 NHL All-Star Game. Representing the Canucks, Garrett was the frontrunner for the MVP award until a late four-goal surge by Wayne Gretzky shifted the honors.

Upon retiring from professional play in 1986, Garrett transitioned seamlessly into the broadcast booth. He began his media career with CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada before becoming a cornerstone of Sportsnet’s coverage. For over twenty years, he served as the color commentator for Vancouver Canucks regional broadcasts, forming an iconic partnership with play-by-play announcer John Shorthouse and host Dan Murphy.

An Enduring Legacy of Insight and Humour

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman praised Garrett for his ‘encyclopedic knowledge and expert insight,’ noting that his astute analysis helped bring fans closer to the game. Despite stepping away from full-time duties after the 2022-23 season, Garrett remained active in the industry, recently working on playoff assignments. His colleagues remember him not just for his professional gravitas, but for his genuine kindness and the joy he brought to every production.

Vancouver Canucks President Jim Rutherford highlighted Garrett’s deep connection to the franchise, stating that he took immense pride in sharing the game with fans. Beyond the rink, Garrett was known as a devoted family man who held a deep passion for his family, his wife Sharon, and his grandchildren. His passing marks the end of an era for hockey broadcasting in Canada, leaving behind a legacy of authenticity and heart that will be difficult to replace.

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AI Ethics

Sam Altman Issues Formal Apology After OpenAI Failed to Report Canadian Mass Shooter’s Activity

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman apologizes to Tumbler Ridge, BC, for failing to report a mass shooter’s flagged ChatGPT account months before the deadly attack.

Published

3 days ago

on

April 25, 2026

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A Formal Apology for a Preventable Tragedy

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has issued a public apology to the community of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, following revelations that the company failed to alert authorities about the disturbing digital activity of a mass shooter. The apology comes months after Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, carried out one of the deadliest shootings in Canadian history, claiming the lives of eight people including family members and local students.

The Failure to Flag

In February, Van Rootselaar embarked on a violent spree in the remote community of Tumbler Ridge, killing her mother, half-brother, and five students before taking her own life. Following the tragedy, it was revealed that OpenAI had suspended Van Rootselaar’s ChatGPT account in June of the previous year. The account was flagged for misuse related to the “furtherance of violent activities.” At the time, however, the San Francisco-based tech giant opted not to contact law enforcement, determining that the activity did not meet the internal threshold for a “credible or imminent threat.”

Pressure from Canadian Officials

The apology follows significant pressure from British Columbia Premier David Eby and Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka. In a letter shared by local news outlets, Altman acknowledged the company’s oversight. “I am deeply sorry that we did not alert law enforcement to the account that was banned in June,” Altman wrote. He admitted that while words cannot undo the “irreversible loss,” a formal recognition of the harm was necessary for the community’s healing process.

Implications for AI Safety and Reporting

The incident has sparked a global debate regarding the responsibilities of AI companies in monitoring and reporting user behavior. While many tech platforms utilize automated systems to flag potential threats, the threshold for reporting those threats to police remains inconsistently applied across the industry. Altman has pledged to work more closely with government levels to ensure better communication protocols, aiming to prevent future tragedies. The case highlights the growing need for clear legislative frameworks governing how AI developers handle data that suggests a risk of real-world violence.

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BC NEWS

Zombie Party Politics: How BC United Continues to Shake Up the Provincial Landscape

BC United faces scrutiny over $150k in donations and a ‘dirty tricks’ scandal as executives eye the BC Conservative leadership race for the party’s future.

Published

1 week ago

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April 21, 2026

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The Dormant Giant Refuses to Fade

In the wake of one of the most tumultuous shifts in British Columbia’s political history, the party formerly known as the BC Liberals continues to exert significant influence from the shadows. Despite withdrawing all candidates and effectively folding just months before the 2024 provincial election, BC United—the brand Kevin Falcon attempted to build from the ashes of the Liberals—is facing fresh scrutiny over its financial practices and a lingering ‘dirty tricks’ scandal.

Automatic Donations and Financial Ghosts

Recent filings with Elections BC reveal a startling reality: BC United collected over $150,000 in donations throughout 2025, long after the party ceased to be a viable electoral entity. Investigations suggest that much of this capital flowed from automatic monthly contributions that donors had simply forgotten to cancel. While some supporters, like construction executive David Hoff, knowingly continued their financial support to help the party settle outstanding debts and severance obligations, others were blindsided. The discovery of these ‘phantom’ donations has added another layer of frustration for former supporters who feel the party’s transition was poorly managed.

The Shadow of the Conservative Leadership Race

The party’s internal machinery remains intact, led by former MLA Ben Stewart. Stewart has indicated that the ultimate fate of the BC United brand—and its remaining assets—will not be decided until after the BC Conservatives conclude their upcoming leadership race. This ‘wait-and-see’ approach has sparked fears within the Conservative camp, specifically from former leader John Rustad. Rustad and his allies have expressed concern over a ‘centrist takeover,’ alleging that United stalwarts are attempting to infiltrate and steer the Conservative Party from within.

A Legacy of Scandal

The tension between the two right-leaning factions was exacerbated by a recent $4,500 fine levied by Elections BC. The independent overseer found that BC United was responsible for a campaign of ‘pre-election falsehoods’ involving a deceptive website and mailers targeting Conservative candidates. John Rustad has gone as far as to suggest these ‘Machiavellian’ tactics may have cost the Conservatives a victory in the last election. As the dust settles, the ongoing presence of BC United serves as a reminder of the deep divisions and unresolved baggage currently defining the province’s right-wing opposition.

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