B.C. Conservatives lose more MLAs as CentreBC expands amid election uncertainty

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 19, 2026

Photo Courtesy: The Canadian Press

British Columbia’s political landscape is shifting as eight former B.C. Conservative legislators join CentreBC, while Premier David Eby says he has not decided whether to call an early provincial election.

Former Conservative MLA Peter Milobar has taken over as leader of CentreBC, replacing Mike Bernier. Milobar and six other recent Conservative defectors had previously planned to form a separate party but instead opted to join CentreBC, along with Eleanor Sturko, who was previously removed from the Conservative caucus.

The move comes as the Conservatives continue to lose members. Three more MLAs, John Rustad, Trevor Halford and Claire Rattée — left the caucus on Friday, bringing the total number of Conservative caucus losses under Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership to 12.

Milobar said CentreBC plans to field candidates across all 93 provincial ridings if an early election is called. He also described the new party as focused on issues including affordability, housing, health care, crime and public safety.

Meanwhile, Eby has stopped short of confirming an election date. He said he has instructed Elections BC and his caucus to be “election ready,” citing uncertainty linked in part to the U.S.-Canada trade situation, but said no decision has been made.

The political uncertainty comes ahead of B.C.’s scheduled municipal elections on Oct. 17, while speculation continues that a provincial election could be called before then. A possible early vote would further reshape the competition among the NDP, Conservatives and emerging centre-right alternatives.

For now, the Conservatives are dealing with a major caucus realignment, while CentreBC is positioning itself for a potential provincewide campaign if voters are called to the polls earlier than scheduled.