B.C. Conservative MLA Boultbee Quits, Calls for Rustad to Step Down

Penticton-Summerland MLA Amelia Boultbee has resigned from the B.C. Conservative caucus and demanded that party leader John Rustad step down. She announced her decision Monday morning on the legislature steps.

“I am leaving because John Rustad’s failed leadership needs to end,” Boultbee said. She added that Rustad had told her to “get the F out” if she didn’t like his leadership, and she chose to follow through on that remark.

Boultbee warned that as long as Rustad remains party leader, the NDP would have an advantage in the next election. She also stated that she would consider returning to the party if it elects a new leader.

In response, Rustad accused Boultbee of leaking private caucus information to the media. “She was leaking everything to everyone, and obviously those leaks cannot continue,” he said. Rustad had admitted last week to searching his MLAs’ phones to identify leaks but claimed he found nothing concerning.

Boultbee strongly denied the allegation, calling it a “bold-faced lie” and stating that she might take legal action if Rustad continues repeating the claim.

Rustad also raised concerns about Boultbee’s health, mentioning reports from staff that she seemed confused and emotional at times. Boultbee said she had previously informed Rustad about struggling with her mental health while handling a sensitive child abuse case as the party’s critic for the Ministry of Children and Family Development. She criticized Rustad for using this information against her, saying it reflected poorly on his leadership.

Other Conservative MLAs, including Brennan Day, condemned Rustad’s remarks. Day said that weaponizing or trivializing someone’s health, whether mental or physical, is harmful and reinforces stigma.

The B.C. Conservative Party has faced several internal splits in recent months. Two MLAs, Dallas Brodie and Tara Armstrong, left to form a new party called One B.C. Jordan Kealy and Sturko also left the caucus to sit as Independents.

Boultbee described herself as a centrist but emphasized that her departure was not motivated by ideology. She said Rustad’s leadership had alienated members across the political spectrum.

It remains unclear whether Boultbee will join Sturko to form a new centrist party, but both MLAs said they will collaborate on issues important to them. Sturko criticized Rustad’s lack of trust in his MLAs, saying it caused divisions and weakened the party.

Political strategist Allie Blades noted that the internal issues in the party have distracted its members from holding the NDP accountable. Rustad, however, insisted that the party’s focus remains on opposing Premier David Eby’s government.