Image: Á'a:líya Warbus MLA Chilliwack-Cultus Lake / Newly elected Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA Á’a:líya Warbus (2nd from left) will have an opportunity to effect change within the official Opposition in the B.C. legislature. She's been named House Leader with the Conservative Party of B.C.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

MLA Á’a:líya Warbus

Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA receives high-ranking leadership position with the Opposition

Nov 20, 2024 | 3:27 PM

CHILLIWACK — Newly elected Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA Á’a:líya Warbus will have an opportunity to effect change within the official Opposition in the B.C. legislature.

Warbus, who defeated Kelli Paddon in last month’s provincial election, has been named to a leadership post in Opposition Leader John Rustad’s shadow cabinet.

Kamloops North Thompson MLA Ward Stamer reported on X/Twitter Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 20) that Warbus will be the Conservative Party of B.C. House Leader.

Shortly after being elected, Warbus issued a post-election statement thanking Chilliwack voters while fixing her eyes on what’s looming ahead.

“First of all I want to thank the voters of Chilliwack for the trust they have placed in me,” said Warbus, a mother of three. “I am humbled and honoured by their support as well as that of my family and team of dedicated volunteers. I would also like to thank my predecessor for her service over the past term.”

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There were no victory laps in her post-election statement. Warbus said there’s plenty of work ahead that requires elected officials to prioritize the needs of their respective communities, not their political parties.

“This next parliament will be the most diverse in B.C. history and the pressing issues we face will force all of us to put the province ahead of party and ego,” Warbus said. “We have work to get to immediately, our economic growth is lagging and without change we are on track to have a $15 billion a year annual structural deficit. The issues brought forward by our communities have not left us. If we are to avoid an exodus of people and capital from BC we need a provincial government that is willing to live within the means of taxpayers, balance the budget and make economic growth our top priority. In the meantime, I look forward to working with our leader, John Rustad, to bring prosperity for all British Columbians.”

Chilliwack North MLA Heather Maahs will be tasked with the Children and Family Development – Indigenous Self-Government in Child and Family Services portfolio.