By Tom Mark

Liberals Boot Plecas

Sep 9, 2017 | 4:06 PM

The BC Liberal Party, feeling deceived by Abbotsford South MLA Darryl Plecas, has booted him from the party.

Plecas accepted the position of Speaker of the BC Legislature Friday.

Interim Leader Rich Coleman blasted Plecas, accusing him if lying when asked if he would consider the position.

The decision gives the green-backed NDP government a three seat majority and more breathing space to pass legislation.

Today, the Liberal executive issued a statement saying it had revoked Plecas’ membership.

Open Burning Ban

Vernon, RDNO, Enderby to ban campfires Friday

6h ago

Unsuccessful Alternate Approval Process

Public opposes borrowing for Swan Lake Wastewater Recovery Project

6h ago

Waiving Property Taxes

Coldstream tax exemption submissions due July 31

8h ago

Dear Party Members –

At its best, politics is built on trust. Constituents must be able to trust their elected representatives. Party members must be able to trust those who hold positions of leadership in the party. And members of the legislature must be able to trust one another.

Yesterday in Victoria, that trust was broken when the MLA for Abbotsford South accepted the opportunity to serve as Speaker of the House, despite repeated promises and assurances that he would not do so. As a result, the NDP government will enjoy an expanded margin of seats that will enable them to control the House for the foreseeable future – even though our party won the most seats and the most votes in the election.

In the hours following his decision, the Abbotsford South BC Liberal Riding Association requested on behalf of local party members that the Party Executive revoke Dr. Plecas’ membership in the party – the strongest action available to us. Today, the Executive passed a Special Resolution to that effect.

None of us are happy about these events. As BC Liberals, we pride ourselves on working hard together, sticking together when times get tough, and having respectful debates within a strong, united party – and that is the spirit we will continue to build on in the months ahead.

Already, we are seeing a steady increase in membership applications as word spreads about the upcoming leadership race that will shape our party’s and British Columbia’s future. This is an opportunity to make our party bigger and stronger than ever, and to decisively win the next election – and together, we’re going to get it done.

Yours,
Sharon White, QC
President
Today’s BC Liberals

by Tom Mark