LOCAL

BC Conservatives Pick a Leader Tomorrow. The Hard Part Starts After the Victory Speech.

Published

2 weeks ago

on

Prediction: Caroline Elliott by a narrow margin over KLF.

Political Takeaway: Regardless of who wins, the real story is whether the Conservatives can unite the Rustad coalition and convince centrist voters they’re ready to govern. That—not the leadership vote itself—will determine the next election.

Winners, Losers and One Big Question: Who Will Lead BC Conservatives Into the Next Election?

By tomorrow night, British Columbia’s Conservatives will have a new leader.

After months of campaigning, debates, membership drives, endorsements, and enough internal drama to fill a political memoir, the race is finally coming to an end. What began as a contest to replace former leader John Rustad quickly evolved into something much larger: a battle over the future identity of British Columbia’s fastest-growing political movement.

The next leader won’t simply inherit the largest conservative movement the province has seen in decades. They’ll inherit a party that is still trying to decide what it wants to be.

And that’s why this race matters.

A Race That Exposed Deep Divisions

When Rustad stepped aside, Conservatives faced a challenge they never expected to have so quickly.

Success.

After surging from the political wilderness to become the Official Opposition, the party suddenly found itself wrestling with questions that normally confront governing parties, not insurgent movements. How broad should the coalition be? How disciplined should caucus members become? How much should the party moderate its message to attract suburban voters?

The candidates answered those questions differently.

Iain Black pitched himself as the business-minded pragmatist. Peter Milobar emphasized experience and stability. Kerry-Lynne Findlay highlighted her federal credentials. Yuri Fulmer championed entrepreneurial leadership. Caroline Elliott positioned herself as the candidate capable of expanding the party’s appeal while maintaining its grassroots energy.

Underneath those campaign messages was a much larger debate: should the BC Conservatives remain a populist insurgency or transform into a government-in-waiting?

That debate isn’t ending tomorrow night.

The Biggest Winners

The first winner is obvious: the candidate whose name is announced tomorrow evening.

But politics is rarely that simple.

The biggest winner of the campaign may actually be Caroline Elliott.

Whether she wins or loses, Elliott entered the race as one of the lesser-known candidates and exits it as one of the most recognizable figures in the party. Throughout the campaign she successfully positioned herself as a bridge between the Conservative grassroots and voters who may be considering abandoning the NDP but remain uncertain about the Conservatives.

She managed to become a serious contender while avoiding many of the controversies that consumed portions of the race.

Peter Milobar also leaves stronger than he entered. The Kamloops MLA spent the campaign presenting himself as the experienced hand capable of managing a large caucus. Even if he falls short, few expect him to disappear from the party’s front bench.

The Conservative Party itself also deserves mention.

Despite moments of tension, the race largely avoided the kind of public implosion that has damaged opposition parties elsewhere in Canada. Membership engagement remained high, fundraising remained active, and the party succeeded in keeping itself in the political spotlight.

For a party still building its organizational foundation, that matters.

The Biggest Losers

The biggest loser isn’t any individual candidate.

It’s unity.

Leadership races reveal things parties would often prefer to keep hidden. This race exposed disagreements over ideology, strategy, candidate vetting, caucus discipline, and the future direction of conservatism in British Columbia.

Those divisions didn’t disappear when ballots were cast.

Tomorrow’s winner inherits all of them.

Another loser is time.

For months, Conservatives have been talking to Conservatives. Meanwhile, Premier David Eby and the NDP government have enjoyed a period where the opposition’s focus was directed inward rather than outward.

Leadership contests are necessary. They are also distractions.

The new leader will immediately face pressure to pivot from internal politics to issues voters actually care about: housing affordability, health care access, public safety, economic growth, and the rising cost of living.

Who Will Win?

Political predictions are dangerous business.

Just ask anyone who has covered BC politics for more than five minutes.

That said, leadership races are often won by candidates who successfully combine momentum with organization.

Based on the final weeks of campaigning, Caroline Elliott appears to have both.

Her campaign effectively captured the mood of many members who want to preserve the energy that fuelled the party’s growth while broadening its appeal to voters who remain on the sidelines.

She has positioned herself as a candidate focused less on internal ideological battles and more on the practical challenge of winning government.

That message appears to have landed at the right moment.

If there is a challenger capable of upsetting that momentum, it is likely Peter Milobar, whose organizational strength and caucus experience continue to resonate with members looking for stability.

But heading into the final hours, Elliott appears to have a slight edge.

The Morning After

The most important moment of this race won’t be tomorrow night’s victory speech.

It will be the morning after.

The next Conservative leader will wake up facing the same challenge that has confronted every successful opposition movement in modern politics.

It is one thing to attract frustrated voters.

It is another thing entirely to convince British Columbians that you are prepared to govern.

The Conservatives have already proven they can grow.

They have already proven they can become a major force in provincial politics.

The next leader must prove they can turn that momentum into a credible alternative government.

Tomorrow night decides who gets the opportunity.

The months ahead will determine whether they can seize it.

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BC NEWS

B.C. Teacher Facing 15-Year Ban Over Inappropriate Relationship with Vulnerable Former Student

B.C. teacher Jonas Alexander Douglas Huston receives a 15-year ban following an inappropriate relationship with a vulnerable former student.

Published

3 days ago

on

June 12, 2026

By

Professional Misconduct Leads to Severe Disciplinary Action

A British Columbia private school teacher has been barred from the teaching profession for 15 years following an investigation into a sexual relationship with a former student. The B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation released a consent resolution agreement on Tuesday, detailing the professional misconduct involving Jonas Alexander Douglas Huston, who previously served as a secondary school teacher at an independent institution.

Exploitation of Power and Trust

The investigation revealed that Huston initiated an intimate and sexual relationship with the student within five months of their graduation. According to the commissioner, Huston was fully aware that the student was in a vulnerable state at the time. The relationship was the result of a connection fostered while Huston was in a position of authority at the school, where he maintained close contact with the individual until the transition from student to former student occurred.

The school authority first notified the commissioner of the situation in January 2025. Although Huston was not working as a teacher at the time the report was filed, the commissioner determined that his actions constituted a fundamental breach of the trust inherent in the educator-student dynamic. The ruling emphasized that Huston used his position of power to exploit the student, resulting in documented harm.

Fifteen-Year Prohibition from Classroom Service

In the signed agreement, Huston admitted to professional misconduct and accepted a 15-year ban on applying for a teaching certificate. This restriction applies to both the independent school system and the kindergarten through Grade 12 public school systems across British Columbia. The length of the ban reflects the severity of the ethical violation and serves as a deterrent to others in the field.

Educational advocates often point to these cases as a reminder of the enduring nature of the power imbalance between teachers and students, even after graduation. The B.C. Commissioner for Teacher Regulation maintains that the penalty is necessary to uphold the integrity of the profession and ensure the safety and well-being of all students within the province’s educational infrastructure.

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Lifestyle

Sun Fresh Bakery: The Hidden Gem Serving Authentic $5 Steamed Rice Noodles in Chinatown

Discover the secret $5.25 steamed rice noodles at Sun Fresh Bakery in Chinatown. A budget-friendly, gluten-free hidden gem serving authentic Hong Kong comfort food.

Published

3 days ago

on

June 12, 2026

By

A Culinary Secret in the Heart of Chinatown

Tucked away among the bustling streets of Chinatown lies a modest establishment that captures the essence of old-school Hong Kong culinary tradition. Sun Fresh Bakery, located at 245 Keefer Street, has long been a neighborhood staple for those seeking traditional baked goods, but it is their lesser-known savory menu that is currently capturing the attention of local food enthusiasts. While the storefront may blend into the historic landscape, the aromas wafting from the kitchen reveal a destination for authentic, budget-friendly comfort food.

Hand-Crafted Comfort for Under Six Dollars

The standout star of the bakery’s hidden menu is the fresh steamed rice noodles. A fundamental staple of Cantonese cuisine, these noodles are crafted from finely milled rice flour and water, resulting in a delicate, slightly chewy texture that is increasingly difficult to find prepared traditionally. Starting at just $5.25 per portion, the dish offers an accessible entry point for those seeking a fulfilling lunch without the premium price tag of modern fusion eateries. Each order is served with a signature sweet soy sauce, allowing the clean flavors of the rice and fresh toppings to shine.

Traditional Techniques Meet Modern Dietary Needs

Beyond the texture and taste, these rice noodles cater to a variety of preferences and dietary requirements. Naturally gluten-free, the dish can be customized with various traditional toppings such as aromatic green onions, seasoned ground pork, or tender beef. For those looking for a more expansive meal, Sun Fresh Bakery also maintains a robust selection of classic dim sum, including pork dumplings (siu mai) and steamed prawn dumplings (har gow). Their congee and stir-fried noodle options further solidify the bakery as more than just a pastry shop, but a versatile lunch counter keeping heritage flavors alive.

Preserving the Neighborhood Legacy

As urban landscapes evolve, spots like Sun Fresh Bakery provide a vital link to the past. By offering affordable, high-quality staples like pineapple buns and steamed noodles, the bakery serves as both a community hub and a destination for culinary discovery. Whether you are a longtime resident or a curious visitor following the latest viral food trends, this hidden gem represents the enduring appeal of simple, well-executed comfort food in one of the city’s most historic districts.

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LOCAL

Where to Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Vancouver: Top Bars, Patios, and Fan Zones

Discover the best bars, restaurants, and fan zones in Vancouver for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From Parallel 49 to Gastown United, find your match-day spot.

Published

4 days ago

on

June 11, 2026

By

Vancouver Prepares for Global Football Fever

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to transform Vancouver into a vibrant hub for international soccer fans. From June 11 to July 19, the city will host a series of high-stakes matches, and local venues are gearing up with massive screens, themed menus, and immersive viewing experiences. Whether you are looking for a high-energy brewery atmosphere or a family-friendly outdoor square, Vancouver’s hospitality sector has curated a diverse range of options to ensure you don’t miss a single goal.

Premier Outdoor Viewing and Craft Beer

Parallel 49 Brewing Company is leading the charge by converting its 250-seat patio into a dedicated outdoor stadium. Featuring a 14-foot high-definition screen and 40 taps, the venue offers free admission and will open early for 9 a.m. matches. For those seeking a neighborhood-wide celebration, the Gastown United campaign will bring football fanaticism to the historic district’s streets and patios from June 13 through July 7, offering unique business activations and local watch parties.

Interactive Fan Experiences and Giveaways

For fans who want to combine the game with interactive betting and prizes, the PROLINE House Pop-Up at Butcher & Bullock is a must-visit. The venue features a 17-foot screen and offers fans chances to win Team Canada jerseys and official gear. Meanwhile, The Westin Bayshore is launching its ‘Bay’Score Soccer Experiences,’ utilizing an immersive LED Infinity Wall and offering elevated stadium-style bites. This venue provides a more upscale viewing environment, complete with value-added snack combos and staycation packages for those traveling from outside the city.

Community and Family-Friendly Hubs

Families and students at UBC can head to Wesbrook Village for ‘Soccer in the Square.’ Held at Norman MacKenzie Square, this all-ages event provides a shaded tent, picnic seating, and a 150-guest capacity, making it one of the most accessible ways to watch the tournament. Additionally, the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown is offering a ‘Match Day Package’ and a lobby fan zone, catering to visitors who want a luxury experience paired with their football. From the arcade vibes at GRETA YVR to the community spirit of UBC, Vancouver is ready to welcome the world.

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