BC United Leader Kevin Falcon To Suspend Campaign And Support John Rustad, Says Conservative Party Of BC!

In a surprise move, the rightwing parties in BC are uniting to give the governing NDP a real fight at the upcoming October election. BC United Leader Kevin Falcon announced Wednesday that he is suspending his party's campaign and encouraging all BC United supporters to unite behind John Rustad and the Conservative Party of BC to prevent another four years of disastrous NDP government, said a news release from the Conservative Party of BC. "I got back into politics because I wanted to build a bright future for my two daughters and for the next generation of British Columbians," said Falcon. "Today, I'm stepping back for the same reason. I know that the best thing for the future of our province is to defeat the NDP, but we cannot do that when the centre-right vote is split." As part of the agreement, the Conservative Party of BC has committed to review candidates based on an improved vetting process to ensure the strongest team possible going into election 2024, the news release said.

By R. Paul Dhillon – Editor DESIBUZZCanada

VANCOUVER – In a surprise move, the rightwing parties in BC are uniting to give the governing NDP a real fight at the upcoming October election.

BC United Leader Kevin Falcon announced Wednesday that he is suspending his party's campaign and encouraging all BC United supporters to unite behind John Rustad and the Conservative Party of BC to prevent another four years of disastrous NDP government, said a news release from the Conservative Party of BC. 

"I got back into politics because I wanted to build a bright future for my two daughters and for the next generation of British Columbians," said Falcon. "Today, I'm stepping back for the same reason. I know that the best thing for the future of our province is to defeat the NDP, but we cannot do that when the centre-right vote is split."

Conservative Party of BC said as part of Falcon’s dropping out, the nominations of BC United candidates will be withdrawn to enable the Conservative Party of BC to draw from BC United's pool of incredible incumbent MLAs and candidates. 

As part of the agreement, the Conservative Party of BC has committed to review candidates based on an improved vetting process to ensure the strongest team possible going into election 2024, the news release said.

"I've known Kevin Falcon for 20 years, and while we haven't always seen eye to eye, we both know there is too much at stake to let past disagreements get in the way of defeating David Eby and the radical NDP," said Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of BC. "I've never doubted Kevin Falcon's commitment to our province, and today, I applaud his decision to put B.C. first, as he's done throughout his career." 

"John Rustad and I haven't always agreed on everything, but one thing is clear: our province cannot take another four years of the NDP," Falcon said. "When common sense, free-enterprise British Columbians are united, we get great things done. I'm encouraging all free-enterprise voters to come together and join me in helping elect John Rustad and the Conservative Party of BC in October."

"For the better part of two decades, Kevin Falcon has worked tirelessly to make our province a better place," Rustad continued. "I encourage all Conservative MLAs, candidates and supporters to join me in sincerely thanking Kevin Falcon for doing the right thing, for his exemplary public service and for making the hard but right decision today."

Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) said Falcon's decision to suspend the BC United campaign and endorse Rustad is a historic moment in B.C. politics and a turning point for this election.

"Today, Kevin Falcon made a courageous decision to put personal ambition aside and unite the free enterprise vote in an effort to give British Columbians a clear and compelling choice on October 19th," said Chris Gardner, ICBA President. "Over and over again in B.C. history, we have seen how splitting the vote accomplishes little except NDP victories. By bringing these two parties together, John and Kevin give voters the opportunity to bring much-needed change to the province."

"After seven years of NDP Government, this election will be about change – we need a fresh start, new thinking, and a different approach to the challenges we all face in our daily lives. By every measure and every metric, B.C. has been moving in the wrong direction under the NDP," said Gardner. "Our health care is collapsing, with emergency room closures, practitioners overwhelmed, and patients being sent to the USA for treatment; once-vibrant downtowns in every city are now defined by homelessness, open drug use, and random acts of violence; and the ability of our economy to create private sector jobs has been crippled by shocking levels of government hiring and taxation."