LOCAL

Opinion: The BC Conservative Leadership Race Is Wide Open

Published

7 months ago

March 7, 2026

By Chad Dashly | *The Current*

Right now, there isn’t a clear runaway favourite in the 2026 Conservative Party of British Columbia leadership race. But based on early polling, endorsements, and political positioning, three realistic front-runners are beginning to emerge. The party officially approved nine candidates to run in the contest: Bruce Banman, Harman Bhangu, Iain Black, Caroline Elliott, Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Yuri Fulmer, Warren Hamm, Darrell Jones, and Peter Milobar.

The leadership vote is expected to take place on May 30, 2026, following the spring legislative session. With such a large field, the race remains fluid. Leadership contests often evolve quickly, especially as candidates begin signing new members and building campaign organizations across the province. But even in these early stages, a few contenders appear to be separating themselves from the pack. Darrell Jones has emerged as one of the most talked-about candidates in the race.

As the former president of Save-On-Foods, Jones brings a strong private-sector background and has framed his campaign around the idea of executive leadership and fiscal discipline. His pitch is simple: British Columbia needs the kind of management and accountability that successful businesses require. That message may resonate with voters frustrated by government spending and bureaucracy. Early polling suggests Jones has the highest vote consideration among the candidates, hovering around 25 percent. His business credentials could also help him attract donors and support from the province’s business community. But Jones also faces a challenge common to outsider candidates. He lacks legislative experience and must build a strong grassroots organization quickly if he hopes to translate interest into actual votes. Peter Milobar represents a very different path to leadership. The Kamloops MLA and former mayor offers experience inside the political system and has built strong relationships within the Conservative caucus.

Several MLAs have already endorsed him, giving his campaign credibility within the party establishment. Milobar’s supporters argue that governing requires not just ideas but an understanding of how government actually works. That experience could appeal to members looking for stability and discipline. At the same time, his more moderate profile may not generate the same enthusiasm among activist members who are looking for a more confrontational conservative voice. Then there is Kerry-Lynne Findlay, whose candidacy introduces a national dimension to the race. A former federal cabinet minister, Findlay brings deep connections to Canada’s broader conservative movement and significant experience in national politics. Her relationships within federal Conservative circles could translate into strong fundraising and campaign infrastructure. However, not currently holding a seat in the provincial legislature may make it harder for her to build momentum within the party’s grassroots base. Beyond the leading trio, several candidates could still influence the outcome of the race. Caroline Elliott has developed support among ideological conservatives, while Bruce Banman appeals to a more populist wing of the party. Meanwhile, Iain Black and Yuri Fulmer bring business experience that could resonate with members looking for economic credibility. Leadership contests often produce surprises, particularly when voting systems involve ranked ballots or multiple rounds of counting. In those scenarios,

the candidate who is the most broadly acceptable to members can sometimes win even without leading in first-choice support. If the leadership vote were held today, Peter Milobar might have a slight edge due to his caucus support and organizational strength. But Darrell Jones may have the most upside if his campaign gains momentum and successfully mobilizes members seeking an outsider. In truth, the race is still wide open. Over the next several weeks, the candidate who signs the most members and builds the strongest grassroots network will likely determine who ultimately leads the Conservative Party of British Columbia into its next political chapter.

LOCAL

Where Provincial Jobless Rates Stood in September

Canada’s national unemployment rate reached 6.5 per cent in September. Explore the full provincial breakdown and regional employment figures from Statistics Canada.

Published

20 hours ago

October 9, 2026

Current Editor

National and Provincial Jobless Figures

Canada recorded a national unemployment rate of 6.5 per cent in September, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Oct. 9, 2026.

Across Western Canada, British Columbia’s jobless rate shifted to 6.4 per cent from 6.5 per cent in August. Alberta recorded a rate of 6.4 per cent, down from 6.8 per cent the previous month, while Saskatchewan dropped to 5.4 per cent from 6.0 per cent. Manitoba’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.0 per cent.

In Central Canada, Ontario’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 7.0 per cent from 6.9 per cent in August, while Quebec’s rate reached 6.0 per cent, up from 5.6 per cent.

Atlantic Canada and Regional City Data

In Atlantic Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador reported the highest provincial figure at 9.1 per cent, up from 8.6 per cent in August. New Brunswick saw a minor increase to 7.4 per cent from 7.3 per cent, and Nova Scotia rose to 6.3 per cent from 6.1 per cent. Prince Edward Island experienced a decline, moving to 7.3 per cent from 7.9 per cent.

Statistics Canada also tracked seasonally adjusted, three-month moving average rates for major urban areas. However, the agency cautioned that these municipal figures are subject to wide fluctuations due to smaller statistical sample sizes.

LOCAL

Who Is Running in Your Riding for the 2026 BC Election?

Check the full list of official candidates who have filed nomination papers for Kamloops, Fraser-Nicola, Cariboo-Chilcotin, and Salmon Arm-Shuswap ridings.

Published

20 hours ago

October 9, 2026

Current Editor

Candidates Confirmed Across Five Regional Ridings

Nomination papers have been officially submitted by individuals seeking election as local Members of the Legislative Assembly in the upcoming 2026 BC election.

In Kamloops Centre, voters will see a five-candidate field consisting of incumbent Peter Milobar for the BC Conservatives, Annelise Beach representing the BC Greens, Rocky McAfee for OneBC, Thaelo Proctor running as an Independent, and Mike Wisla representing the BC NDP.

To the north, the Kamloops-North Thompson constituency features incumbent Ward Stamer of the BC Conservatives, alongside Kory Clark running for the BC NDP and Deborah Friesen for OneBC.

Contests Set for Fraser-Nicola, Cariboo-Chilcotin, and Salmon Arm-Shuswap

In the Fraser-Nicola riding, incumbent Conservative Tony Luck faces challenges from Jason Leboe of the BC NDP and Patrick Mitchell of the BC Greens.

The Cariboo-Chilcotin ballot includes incumbent Lorne Doerkson running for the BC Conservatives, Kathryn Askew representing the BC NDP, and Douglas Gook representing the BC Greens.

Meanwhile, five candidates are contesting the Salmon Arm-Shuswap riding. Incumbent David Williams represents the BC Conservatives, joined on the ballot by Gloria Morgan for the BC NDP, Barbara Presch for OneBC, Denise Reimer for CentreBC, and Jed Wiebe for the BC Greens.

COMMUNITY

How Central Okanagan Residents Can Avoid Costly Household Plumbing Damage This Thanksgiving

RDCO warns Central Okanagan residents to dispose of Thanksgiving cooking fats in the garbage to avoid costly sewer blockages and plumbing damage.

Published

20 hours ago

October 9, 2026

Current Editor

Preventing Sewer Overflows During Holiday Gatherings

As Central Okanagan families come together for Thanksgiving between Oct. 10 and Oct. 12, regional officials are offering guidance to keep home plumbing systems safe. Disposing of fats, oils and cooking grease improperly remains the primary reason sewer lines block and overflow throughout the community.

Kit Caufield, Manager of Engineering Services for the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO), explained that grease accumulation inside pipe infrastructure restricts wastewater flow over time. Caufield noted that “Over time, grease builds up inside pipes, restricting wastewater flow and creating problems not only for homeowners, but across the entire sewer system. These blockages can damage household plumbing, result in costly repairs and interfere with critical wastewater infrastructure, including sewer lift stations,”

Proper Waste Disposal Guidelines

To prevent damage to both private plumbing and public infrastructure like sewer lift stations, the RDCO recommends catching leftover food particles using a drain basket or strainer. Residents should pour warm cooking fats into a covered tin container, which can be lined with a cooking bag if intended for reuse. After the grease cools and hardens, the container should be sealed and discarded in the trash.

Additionally, fatty foods such as salad dressings, mayonnaise, and other sauces must be thrown into the garbage rather than rinsed down sinks. For larger quantities of used cooking oil, individuals can take up to two 20-litre pails to the Glenmore Landfill for recycling, though commercial amounts are prohibited. Further details can be found on the RDCO website.