BC Conservative Leader John Rustad is under fire for his handling of the departure of Penticton-Summerland MLA Amelia Boultbee. Boultbee is the fifth MLA to leave or be expelled from the Official Opposition in the past year. Rustad expressed concerns about Boultbee’s positions on various issues and mentioned her health during a press briefing. When asked directly about mental health, Rustad stated that he had concerns based on reports from staff about Boultbee appearing confused and emotional.
Rustad also mentioned considering a leave of absence for Boultbee. Boultbee, in response, disclosed that she had previously sought mental health support due to the emotional toll of her work on a child abuse case while serving as the party’s critic for the Ministry of Children and Family Development. She criticized Rustad for using personal information against her and accused him of misogyny.
In a subsequent statement, Rustad denied specifically referencing Boultbee’s mental health, emphasizing that support was being provided to address concerns raised about her well-being. He defended his actions, stating that emotional responses are not limited to any gender.
Former B.C. Conservative leader Trevor Bolin expressed disappointment over the situation, suggesting that Rustad should resign due to the loss of confidence among MLAs and party members. Conservative MLA Brennan Day condemned the weaponization of health conditions, urging for more sensitivity.
Several NDP ministers, including Attorney General Niki Sharma, condemned Rustad’s handling of the situation and called for an apology. The internal strife within the party coincides with a recent poll indicating stronger voter support for the NDP over the B.C. Conservatives. Despite the challenges, Rustad remained confident in his party’s standing and even welcomed the prospect of an early election.
The B.C. Conservatives have seen a decline in their MLA count, with two members forming a new party and others sitting as Independents following conflicts within the caucus.
