Image: MLA Amelia Boultbee

By The Canadian Press

CP NewsAlert: B.C. Conservative Boultbee quits party, says leader Rustad needs to go

Oct 20, 2025 | 9:47 AM

VICTORIA — British Columbia Conservative MLA Amelia Boultbee has announced she is quitting the party and is calling on leader John Rustad to resign.

Boultbee says she will sit as an Independent and collaborate with fellow former Conservative Elenore Sturko, but would consider returning to the party if Rustad is ousted.

According to B.C. legislative reporter Rob Shaw, Boultbee says Rustad is handing the next election to the B.C. NDP and his “his failed leadership needs to end.”

Boultbee says Rustad is resorting to intimidation to keep caucus from voting against him and is calling on him to resign.

Boultbee was elected to represent the Penticton-Summerland riding in October 2024. She released a statement mid-morning partially explaining the reason for her departure.

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“I did not make this decision lightly. It is the result of weeks of conversations and reflection,” Boultbee said on her Facebook account. “I want to assure my constituents that I am still here to serve you, despite the change in where I sit in the Legislature. I am still here to hold the government to account and do everything I can to advocate for you.”