Vaughn Palmer: But, remember, the David Eby government has been so bad it came within a few votes of losing to a party harbouring extremists
VICTORIA — The day began with three former B.C. Conservative MLAs denouncing Opposition leader John Rustad in terms that would have been over the top if directed at the NDP premier.
Rustad was a “coward” and a “bully,” they charged. He was “corrupt,” lacking in integrity.
“John Rustad harboured a lynch mob,” said John Kealy, MLA for Peace River North.
“He caved to the woke Liberals who have infiltrated his party,” added Tara Armstrong, MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream.
The two resigned from the Conservative caucus Friday in sympathy with Dallas Brodie, the Vancouver-Quilchena MLA ousted by Rustad earlier that day.
Brodie set the stage two weeks ago with a single, provocative post on social media: that the number of bodies recovered at the site of the Kamloops residential school is “zero.”
Rustad asked her to take down the post, in recognition of some paramount truths: that more than 4,000 Indigenous children were taken away from their families, sent to residential schools and died there. That their remains were not returned to their families and that is why residential schools have a cemetery, where Indigenous children are buried.
Brodie instead doubled down, stepping up her attacks on “the powerful vested interests of the multi-billion-dollar reconciliation industry.”
She also went after her own party’s house leader, A’a:liya Warbus, who she accused of being “super angry” and in league with the New Democrats.
Finally, after viewing Brodie’s inflammatory performance on a podcast last week, Rustad dumped her from the caucus.
“I believe strongly in free speech,” said the Conservative leader. “However, using your stature and platform as an MLA to mock testimony from victims alleging abuse, including child sex abuse, is where I draw the line.”
Thus, the issue that triggered the extraordinary split in the Opposition:
Not the NDP government’s dismal financial record of debt and deficits. Not its failure to deliver on promises of public safety, access to hospital emergency rooms and affordable housing. Not even the issue that lately commands public attention from coast to coast — the Trump tariffs.
Rather it was an MLA shouting from the internet equivalent of the rooftops that Indigenous people have yet to produce even one body at the site of the former residential school in their community.
The righteousness, the lack of proportion and shame, is appalling.
All three MLAs claim that their positions were justified by personal victories in the election. As opposed to having won in safely right-of-centre seats, where a household appliance would have a half-decent chance of sweeping to victory.
One of the three, Kealy, appeared to have a brief attack of conscience on the weekend when he posted a “bit of clarity” on social media.
“I am not a racist. I am not homophobic,” read a statement reminiscent of those retailers who feel compelled to put “honest” on their storefronts. “I acknowledge the painful history of residential schools and the injustices faced by First Nations. I will never condone hate in any form.”
Except toward the guy who led him and his colleagues to near victory last October, that is.
Kealy and the other two were assigned desks at the far end of the legislature chamber from the Speaker. For now, they are known as “the freedom caucus” by their friends, “the Trump trio” by their critics.
Before long they’ll probably combine to obtain official party status in the house. They’d be the third party, while the Greens, with two MLAs, would be relegated to fourth.
The remaining Conservatives were acting Monday like they were well rid of the three — and they may be right about that.
As a starting issue for a new party, it is hard to think of a more obnoxious one than a call for Indigenous people to “bring up the bodies.”
As for the New Democrats, they cannot believe their good fortune. Just 12 days into the first session after the election, and already the Opposition is split. Must be some sort of record.
Last week, Premier David Eby urged Rustad to deal with Brodie.
“A big tent that has space for racism is not a political tent, it is a circus tent,” said Eby. “And he’s gotta kick the clown out of the tent.”
The premier did not even attempt to conceal his glee in addressing the NDP’s provincial council on the weekend.
“I have my phone on silent so if another Conservative caucus member leaves during my speech, just give me a little wave,” he gloated.
Monday, Eby did acknowledge that Rustad had done the right thing.
“It took him too long. But he did do the right thing,” he said.
Then added: “John’s still got some work to do if he wants to ensure that the extremist views in his party are addressed.”
Rustad did bring this on himself by failing to thoroughly vet his candidates for provincial office.
Yet it is also sobering to think that the Conservatives came so close to forming a government last fall.
Eby’s record in government was so bad, he came within one seat and 22 votes of losing his legislative majority to this unready and unsteady crew.