Lorne Doerkson Steps Into Interim Leadership Role

Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson has taken over as interim leader of the Official Opposition following a unanimous vote by the B.C. Conservative caucus. The leadership transition occurred after Kerry-Lynne Findlay tendered her resignation on Sunday afternoon. Doerkson confirmed Monday that his primary focus is moving the party forward while preparing for potential political shifts across the province.

Reunification Efforts and Returning Caucus Members

Findlay’s departure followed weeks of turmoil that saw 14 MLAs exit the caucus through resignations or removals. Rebuilding efforts are already underway under Doerkson, who indicated that several departed members are returning to the fold. Former party leader John Rustad accepted Doerkson’s invitation to rejoin on Monday afternoon, joining other returning figures including former interim leader Trevor Halford, Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Scott McInnis, Skeena MLA Claire Ratt e, and Surrey-Serpentine River MLA Linda Hepner.

Meanwhile, eight former Conservative MLAs have aligned with Centre BC under new leader Peter Milobar. High-level discussions regarding potential unification between Centre BC and the B.C. Conservative Party are currently taking place. B.C. Conservative MLA Gavin Dew confirmed that communication channels remain open across the factions.

Preparation for a Potential Snap Election

The sudden change in leadership arrives as speculation builds around Premier David Eby potentially calling a snap election. Doerkson stated that the caucus held discussions late into the night on Sept. 21 to ensure complete election readiness. According to former party executive director Angelo Isidorou, if an election is called and the party wins under Doerkson, a simple constitutional amendment passed at a general meeting would likely allow him to permanently retain both the party leadership and the premiership.

Early Call Triggers Provincial Vote and Cancels Byelection

British Columbia voters are heading to the polls on Oct. 24 for a provincial snap election. The decision automatically cancels the Abbotsford-Mission byelection scheduled for this Saturday, which was opened when Reann Gasper stepped aside to offer former B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay a seat to contest.

Disarray in Opposition Ranks

The election call follows weeks of turbulence, caucus defections, and internal calls for leadership change that led to Findlay resigning as B.C. Conservative leader on Sunday. While some former Conservative MLAs rejoined the party—which recently named Lorne Doerkson as interim leader—eight others joined the Centre BC party prior to her departure. Unification discussions are underway, but having both parties on the ballot threatens to divide the right-of-centre vote.

Premier Cites Mandate; Local Leaders Raise Concerns

Premier David Eby framed the early election as a required step to secure his mandate regarding ongoing trade disputes with the United States. Observers, however, view the move as a strategic effort to capitalize on opposition internal conflicts. Eby is less than two years into a four-year term following the last election on Oct. 19, 2024.

The scheduled provincial vote takes place one week after municipal elections set for Oct. 17. Local officials, including former Union of B.C. Municipalities president Cori Ramsay, expressed concern that a snap campaign will overshadow municipal races, warning that only the “loudest voices” will be heard, and local issues will fall by the wayside. Some municipal candidates contemplating provincial campaigns have already withdrawn from local contests.

Unsolved Gang Slaying Reaches Ninth Anniversary

Nine years after Konaam Shirzad was gunned down outside his Hudson’s Bay Trail residence in Guerin Creek, police have reported no new updates in the fatal shooting. Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Dana Napier confirmed that the homicide investigation into the Sept. 21, 2017 ambush remains open and ongoing.

Authorities believe the killing of the 34-year-old North Kamloops gym owner created a power vacuum within the local criminal underworld, triggering a subsequent wave of gang violence. Shirzad was a founding member of the Red Scorpions, a gang connected to the 2007 Surrey Six killings in the Lower Mainland.

Details of the 2017 Incident

The fatal shooting occurred around 7:20 p.m. as Shirzad walked near his home. Surveillance footage captured two men walking toward the residence shortly before gunshots broke out. Witnesses recalled hearing multiple shots followed by a man repeatedly screaming “No.”

Shirzad was accompanied by fellow Red Scorpion associate Ibrahim Amjad Ibrahim, who was uninjured in the attack, while another associate suffered a gunshot wound to the ankle. Less than three weeks after the incident, Ibrahim was shot and killed in Richmond.

Police Investigation and Suspects

Following the shooting, investigators determined the attackers fled south along Summit Drive toward Sahali, abandoning and setting fire to their vehicle on Oden Court. In late 2018, a judge was informed that while law enforcement possessed “viable suspects,” there was insufficient evidence to lay charges.

Shirzad had a extensive criminal record, including sentences for attempted murder, weapons violations, and a 2005 prison term of over two years for ordering a hit while incarcerated. Although police raided his gym eight months prior to his death, Shirzad had previously stated during a court proceeding that he had left gang life. Anyone with information regarding the case is urged to contact Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.