Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA Áʼa꞉líya Warbus. (Image Credit: Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA Áʼa꞉líya Warbus)

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Provincial politics

Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA exits B.C. Conservative Party

Aug 31, 2026 | 8:26 AM

CHILLIWACK – Yet another member of the B.C. Conservative Party has left the party, citing a loss of confidence in the party’s current leader.

Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA Áʼa꞉líya Warbus announced Monday morning (Aug. 31) that she has exited the B.C. Conservative Party and will sit as an independent.

“In today’s uncertain times we need steady leadership more than ever. On many issues as British Columbians we may be divided and we need someone who will bring more of us together,” said Warbus, who was elected in October 2024. “I am disappointed to announce I am leaving the Conservative caucus to sit as an independent. The decisions of this leader, or lack thereof, along with the parade of people that have already come and gone in the span of three short months, strike a serious chord that everyone should pay close attention to. It is not just sitting MLAs that have walked away but critical and talented members of our riding associations and staff that we rely on. As an MLA I am sworn to this office to represent my constituents, and the issues that they’ve repeatedly told me – matter to them.”

She says she cannot continue to serve under current Conservative Party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

“I have lost confidence I can do that from within this caucus, under this leadership. There has been a critical breakdown in communication—not only with the public, but also with MLAs and staff,” Warbus said. “Caucus members have learned of hirings, firings, critic appointments, and leadership positions through any and all channels including social media before being informed by leadership. After an implosion of events last week, a caucus meeting was called, with reasonable cause for concern after the departure of six sitting MLAs, allegations involving the Director of Operations, the circumstances surrounding MLA Gasper’s resignation, and statements made by MLA Paton and MLA Bird.”

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She says the decision to postpone today’s caucus meeting for a month reflects the lack of value being placed on caucus members and their opinions.

“It is one thing to ask for people’s trust, and quite another to blind fold someone and expect faith alone to substitute for transparency and accountability. This mounting instability is not what anyone would expect from the next Premier of our Province. Much of the news coming out of the BC Conservatives as of late, does not reflect the honest values of leadership and governance our constituents expect of us. My support for common sense policies has not changed, but I am disappointed nonetheless that my faith in Ms. Findlay’s ability to lead this party to victory has.”

Warbus becomes the seventh Conservative Party MLA to quit and sit as an independent in August alone, following the lead of MLAs like Peter Milobar, Ian Paton, Teresa Wat, Bruce Banman and others.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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Chilliwack-Cultus Lake MLA exits B.C. Conservative Party

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