B.C. United MLA Bruce Banman says he needs 'more information' on climate change, defects to Conservatives
Abbotsford South representative joins leader John Rustad in the legislature
A member of the Opposition B.C. United caucus has crossed the floor to join the Conservative Party of British Columbia.
Bruce Banman, the MLA for Abbotsford South, says he is proud to join his friend B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad in the provincial legislature.
In a statement, B.C. United Leader Kevin Falcon says Banman's move is not entirely unexpected but it betrays his constituents, who elected him to serve as part of the B.C. United team.
Falcon says his party is the only one that can defeat the NDP government and act on the significant challenges facing B.C. residents.
"Unfortunately, Bruce Banman has chosen a different path," said Falcon.
On Wednesday, Banman told B.C. Today host Michelle Eliot that he felt he was not allowed to speak out on behalf of those who elected him to represent them while serving with the B.C. United party.
"The Conservative Party of British Columbia has vowed to allow a lot more open debate and allow me to express myself," he said.
"That's to me, very personal and the heart of democracy."
He said that those who elected him will have the chance to decide whether the move is in their best interest in the next provincial election.
Banman needs 'more information' on climate change
Rustad was ejected from the B.C. United caucus in August 2022 for posting views on social media that questioned the role of carbon dioxide in climate change.
Banman, who was the B.C. United critic for emergency management and climate readiness and is a former Abbotsford mayor, said that he doesn't have to agree with the beliefs of his colleagues.
However, when asked about his thoughts on the role carbon dioxide plays in climate change, he said he needs "more information on that particular issue."
"Whether I agree with John is not the point," he said. "What is at the heart of this issue is the ability for those you elect to be able to speak up unfettered and campaign on behalf of the issues that they feel are important in their ridings."
He said he and Rustad agree on most things, but not everything — but wouldn't clarify whether he agrees or disagrees on climate change.
MLA says new party 'stands for what's right'
Banman said he and Rustad will be the voice for everyday hard-working people in B.C.'s legislature.
"I believe B.C. needs a leader who is a straight-up, decent human being, and a party that's willing to put politics aside to stand for what's right," he said.
Banman said he is joining a political party that does not support the federal Liberal government's carbon tax, refuses to condone B.C. education policies surrounding student identity issues and rejects safe supply of hard drugs.
The Conservatives recently placed second ahead of B.C. United and the Greens in the Malahat-Juan de Fuca byelection on Vancouver Island that was won by the NDP.
The party standing in the provincial legislature is now:
- 57 B.C. NDP
- 26 B.C. United
- 2 B.C. Green Party
- 2 Conservative Party of B.C.
With files from CBC's B.C. Today