**Premier Eby Says NDP Will Not Court Conservative Defectors**
*Vancouver, B.C. – September 4, 2026* — British Columbia Premier David Eby told reporters on Thursday that the provincial New Democratic Party (NDP) does not intend to recruit members who have recently left the official opposition caucus led by Conservative Party leader Kerry‑Lynne Findlay.
Eby said there is a “fairly significant gap” between the NDP’s platform and the positions of the defectors, citing differences on Canada’s relationship with the United States under the Trump administration, policies concerning First Nations, and the province’s Human Rights Act.
The comment follows a wave of resignations from the Conservative caucus. In the past three weeks, nine legislators have quit the opposition group. The most recent departures were announced on Wednesday by Scott McInnis and Donegal Wilson, who cited ethical concerns and reported connections between Findlay and Alberta separatist groups.
In July, independent MLA Amelia Boultbee formally joined the NDP after more than eight months away from the Conservative caucus. Eby noted that Boultbee’s values aligned with the NDP and that the party had taken time to assess her fit.
Findlay, who narrowly secured the Conservative leadership in May, is contesting a by‑election later this month in the Abbotsford‑Mission riding. The NDP will be represented on the ballot by former agriculture minister Pam Alexis, who lost her seat in the 2024 provincial election.
In a statement released Thursday, Findlay said she “takes her position as party leader seriously” and intends to lead “with determination, humility and the experience to know that strong leaders listen, learn and make changes when changes are needed.” She added that British Columbians are “not interested in political infighting” and acknowledged that rapid party growth has brought “challenges and disagreements,” while affirming that the party’s platform remains unchanged.
Among the defectors, former Conservative MLA Bruce Banman described Findlay as “unelectable” and suggested she had surrounded herself with members concerned about whether legislators are “hard right enough.” Another former member, Ian Paton, said he will be interviewed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and expects questions about an alleged offer of a job in exchange for vacating his seat so that Findlay could run. Findlay has denied any such arrangement, calling the claim that a recording released online shows her “illegally” offering a job “preposterous.”
The information was first reported by The Canadian Press on September 3, 2026.
*Report by Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press*
Article and image source: squamishchief.com
