Key Takeaways

Chad Dashly – current news room

• The Conservative Party of British Columbia will elect a new leader on May 30, 2026.
• Nine candidates are competing, including MLAs, former federal politicians, and business leaders.
• Businessman Yuri Fulmer is increasingly viewed as a unifying candidate with strong private-sector credibility.
• Leadership races are often decided by organization, membership growth, and second-choice support.
• Fulmer’s community ties and pragmatic approach may position him as a consensus choice for party members.

The Deep Dive

The race to lead the Conservative Party of British Columbia is shaping up to be one of the most consequential political contests in the province ahead of the next provincial election. With the leadership vote scheduled for May 30, 2026, the party is preparing to choose the person who will lead conservatives into the next electoral battle.

Nine candidates have been approved to run in the leadership contest:

• Bruce Banman (MLA)
• Harman Bhangu (MLA)
• Iain Black
• Caroline Elliott
• Kerry-Lynne Findlay
• Yuri Fulmer
• Warren Hamm
• Darrell Jones
• Peter Milobar (MLA)

Each candidate brings a different perspective to the race. Some come from political backgrounds, others from business or policy leadership roles. But as the campaign develops, attention is increasingly turning to candidates who can both unite the party internally and broaden its appeal across British Columbia.

A Business Leader Entering Politics

Among the candidates drawing attention is entrepreneur and community leader Yuri Fulmer. Known for his work in the hospitality and business sectors, Fulmer has built a reputation as someone capable of bringing people together around economic growth and opportunity.

Unlike some candidates who come from long careers inside politics, Fulmer represents a different profile — a private-sector leader stepping into the political arena. That outsider perspective is appealing to many party members who believe the Conservative movement in BC must expand beyond traditional political circles in order to win a provincial election.

Supporters argue that Fulmer’s background gives him practical experience in leadership, management, and economic development. Those qualities, they say, are exactly what voters are looking for at a time when affordability, job creation, and economic growth dominate the political conversation across the province.

The Dynamics of the Leadership Race

Leadership contests in Canadian political parties are rarely decided by early polling alone. Instead, they are shaped by organization, fundraising, and the ability to sign up new members who will ultimately cast ballots in the race.

Candidates with strong grassroots operations often outperform expectations, particularly when voting systems allow for ranked ballots or multiple rounds of counting. In those systems, a candidate who is broadly respected and acceptable across different factions can emerge as the winner.

That dynamic may play to Fulmer’s advantage. His reputation as a community-focused leader has helped him connect with a wide range of supporters, from business owners to grassroots conservatives looking for a practical and forward-looking vision for the party.

Several other candidates bring significant strengths to the race. Some have legislative experience, others have federal political connections, and some appeal strongly to particular ideological factions within the party. But leadership races often reward candidates who can bridge those different groups.

A Message Focused on Growth

One of Fulmer’s key themes throughout the race has been the idea that the Conservative Party must become a broader coalition capable of winning across urban, suburban, and rural communities in British Columbia.

That strategy reflects a larger political reality: defeating the governing New Democratic Party will require expanding the Conservative base and appealing to voters who may not traditionally identify with the party.

By emphasizing economic growth, community leadership, and practical problem-solving, Fulmer is positioning himself as a candidate who can unite conservatives while also reaching voters beyond the party’s core supporters.

Why It Matters

The outcome of the BC Conservative leadership race will shape the province’s political landscape for years to come. The next leader will be responsible not only for organizing the party internally but also for presenting a credible alternative government to British Columbians.

In recent years, the Conservative brand in BC has undergone significant change, with the party experiencing renewed attention and membership growth. The leadership race is therefore about more than simply choosing a leader — it is about defining the party’s direction and identity moving forward.

For many members, the key question is which candidate can unite the party, expand its appeal, and present a strong vision for the province’s future. Supporters of Yuri Fulmer believe his combination of business experience, community involvement, and collaborative leadership style may position him well to do exactly that.

As the race continues and campaigns intensify across the province, one thing is clear: the next leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia will play a central role in shaping the province’s political future.

Current News Room – Chad Dashly

British Columbia has long been shaped by leaders who built their careers outside of politics before stepping into public life. Few embody that tradition more clearly than Darrell Jones, a longtime business executive who rose from humble beginnings in a small B.C. town to become one of the province’s most recognizable corporate leaders.

Jones grew up in Cranbrook, British Columbia, a community in the East Kootenay region known for its strong work ethic and resource-driven economy. Like many young people in smaller B.C. communities, his first job came early. As a teenager, Jones began working as a grocery clerk at a local Overwaitea Foods store—bagging groceries, stocking shelves, and helping customers.

What started as a part-time job soon turned into a career.

Jones steadily worked his way through the ranks of the company, learning every aspect of the grocery business along the way. His ability to connect with employees and understand the needs of customers helped him rise quickly through management roles across British Columbia. Over time, he held leadership positions in multiple stores and regional operations, gaining experience in everything from logistics and supply chains to team leadership.

Eventually, Jones was appointed President of Save-On-Foods, one of Western Canada’s largest grocery chains. The company, part of the Jim Pattison Group, operates dozens of stores across the province and employs tens of thousands of workers. As president, Jones oversaw an organization with more than 30,000 team members and served millions of customers every year.

During his tenure, the company expanded its store network, strengthened its supply chain, and navigated major shifts in the grocery industry, including the rise of online ordering and home delivery. The experience gave Jones a reputation as a practical, operations-focused leader who values efficiency, customer service, and strong workplace culture.

Supporters often point to Jones’s background as a key strength. Unlike many politicians who spend their careers in government or party organizations, Jones built his reputation in the private sector. His supporters argue that this experience brings a results-oriented approach to leadership—one focused on solving problems, managing large organizations, and delivering measurable outcomes.

That perspective has become central to his public message. Jones frequently frames his leadership style around accountability and fiscal discipline, emphasizing the importance of making every dollar count and ensuring government programs deliver real value to taxpayers.

In recent years, Jones has stepped more directly into the political arena. His entry into provincial politics reflects a broader trend in British Columbia, where voters increasingly look for leaders with experience managing complex organizations and navigating economic challenges.

As a leadership contender within the Conservative Party of British Columbia, Jones has positioned himself as a candidate focused on economic growth, responsible government spending, and improving affordability for families across the province.

His message often resonates with voters concerned about rising living costs, housing affordability, and the long-term economic direction of the province.

Regardless of the outcome of the leadership race, Jones’s story—from grocery clerk to corporate executive to political contender—reflects a classic British Columbia narrative: a career built through hard work, steady advancement, and a deep connection to the communities that shaped him.

For many observers, that journey may prove to be his most compelling political credential.

Widespread Outages Hit North Okanagan Communities

Residents across the North Okanagan faced a turbulent Sunday as powerful wind gusts swept through the region, downing trees and disrupting the electrical grid. At the peak of the storm, thousands of BC Hydro customers found themselves without electricity, with service interruptions spanning from the northern reaches of Westside Road up to the community of Armstrong.

BC Hydro Responds to Tree Damage

The primary cause of the disruptions has been identified as heavy winds blowing trees and branches into power lines. One of the most significant impacts occurred in the Cherryville area along Highway 6, where 839 customers lost power shortly before 9:00 a.m. Crews were dispatched to clear debris and repair infrastructure as the Southern Interior continues to grapple with persistent wind conditions. While power has been restored to many in Armstrong and along Westside Road as of Sunday afternoon, hundreds remain in the dark as technical teams prioritize repairs.

Ongoing Restoration Efforts

Smaller localized outages have also been reported in Okanagan Centre, Salmon Arm, and the Creighton Valley area. In Creighton Valley alone, approximately 37 customers are waiting for reconnection following damage to local equipment. BC Hydro officials emphasize that while crews are working as quickly as possible, the safety of technicians remains a priority as strong winds are expected to persist throughout the day. Residents are reminded to stay at least 10 meters back from any downed power lines and report emergencies to 911 immediately.

Regional Weather Patterns

This surge in outages coincides with a broader weather system moving through British Columbia’s Interior, bringing high-velocity winds that often challenge aging infrastructure and weakened trees. For those still without service, BC Hydro maintains a live outage map to provide real-time updates on restoration estimates and crew assignments. As the wind event continues, residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items and prepare emergency kits in the event of further interruptions.