B.C. United MLA worries for centrist voters after party drops out

A B.C. United MLA says she is "devastated and worried" that the decision to pull the party from the upcoming election campaign leaves British Columbia's political scene with fewer voices. 

The suspension of the Opposition's campaign, which B.C. United Leader Kevin Falcon announced on Wednesday, has given voters in the province a clear left-versus-right choice, but Karin Kirkpatrick, B.C. United MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano, says centrist voters may feel left out.

"My big concern here is that we have just created a giant gap in the political spectrum in British Columbia, is that we no longer have a place for people like me and for most British Columbians, I would dare say, who are really in the centre," Kirkpatrick said. "I no longer have a political home in [B.C.]." 

WATCH | B.C. voters consider their choices after B.C. United suspends campaign:

B.C. voters consider their choices after B.C. United pulls out of election contest

3 months ago

Duration 2:23

With less than two months until election day, many B.C. United supporters are re-evaluating how they're approaching the polls. CBC's Jon Hernandez visited a few ridings to hear how constituents are digesting the big news.

Kirkpatrick, who said in February she would not seek re-election, says the B.C. Conservatives don't realize there are many B.C. United supporters who may "swing" their support to the NDP "to make sure the Conservatives don't win."

"They were so focused on pulling the right together [that] they didn't think about what was going to happen to the centre-left," Kirkpatrick said. 

LISTEN | Former B.C. United candidates consider future:

All Points West10:19Former BC United candidates consider future

Meagan Brame was the BC United candidate for Esquimalt-Colwood and says she was blindsided by the news of the party's decision to suspend its campaign. 

Former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Terry Lake says he may end up voting for David Eby's New Democrats in the province's fall election if the Conservatives led by John Rustad refuse to move to the political centre. 

Lake said Rustad's stance on climate change could be a factor that decides who forms government in the fall.

"There's definitely a lot of people out there, and I'm one of them, who are very centrist and not comfortable with the options we have now, that's for sure," said Lake.

Meagan Brame, B.C. United candidate in the riding of Esquimalt-Colwood, says she declined an offer to join the Conservatives as there are certain areas she's unsure they can agree on. 

WATCH | Premier looks to win over disgruntled B.C. United supporters:

Premier looks to win over disgruntled B.C. United supporters

3 months ago

Duration 12:12

Premier David Eby says he and his B.C. NDP party are open to welcoming B.C. United politicians whose values do not align with the B.C. Conservatives. B.C. United Leader Kevin Falcon announced his party was suspending its election campaign and throwing its support behind the B.C. Conservatives.

She says she considered running as an Independent, but ultimately decided to opt out. 

"I know I can't continue with the current government, but I know I will have to make some decisions," Brame said. "I might have to vote individual versus party this time round." 

Mike Bernier, B.C. United MLA  for Peace River-South, says he is considering running as an Independent. 

He says a lot of people are going to be unsure where to go with their vote, making it a difficult election season. 

Kirkpatrick says she is encouraging B.C. United colleagues to run as Independents if they feel they fall between the NDP and Conservatives. 

"This province will be worse off for not having people like Shirley Bond, Todd Stone, Dan Davies, Mike Bernier — all these folks," she said. "They need to get back in there because they do good work for British Columbians."