Accidental Email Invites Opposition to Virtual Meeting

An emergency virtual strategy meeting held by the B.C. NDP on Sunday evening accidentally included outside politicians after a caucus staff member mistakenly distributed the invitation beyond the party.

The electronic mailing contained a Microsoft Teams link for a 7 p.m. gathering meant to address potential snap election preparations. Among those who received the notification was B.C. Conservative MLA Misty Van Popta, representing Langley-Walnut Grove, who successfully accessed the video call.

“People were just starting to log in, and then it got really quiet,” Van Popta said. “Because you can see people’s names pop up.”

Van Popta reported seeing a limited number of attendees before choosing to leave the call on her own, including NDP staffer Matt Hannah. She expressed criticism over the incident, stating it demonstrated disorganization and political maneuvering by the ruling party.

“They’re clearly showing that they’re not overly organized if they’re sending out invitations to the opposition caucus to join their strategy meetings,” Van Popta said, adding, “It just shows that they’re being sneaky; they’re having meetings, obviously, to get election-ready for a sneaky election to capitalize on what British Columbians don’t want right now.”

Election Rumors Grow Amid Opposition Leadership Vacancy

The invitation asked caucus members to attend a briefing with “Cheryl and her team,” in an apparent reference to Cheryl Oates. Oates, who previously served as Premier David Eby’s chief of staff, has been hired to lead the NDP’s upcoming campaign. Premier Eby has recently hinted at calling an early election, while Elections BC confirmed active preparations for a potential vote.

The timing comes as the B.C. Conservatives face internal disruption following the Sunday afternoon resignation of leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, which occurred after weeks of party defections and internal pushback. Lorne Doerkson has stepped in as interim leader while the party prepares for a permanent leadership race.

Conservative representatives criticized the prospect of a drop-of-the-hat writ drop while their party lacks a permanent leader. B.C. Conservative MLA Gavin Dew expressed strong opposition to an early call.

“If he calls a cynical snap election, he s doing it for himself, not for British Columbians,” Dew said. “We will defeat him, undo the damage he has done, and restore hope.”

Despite the current friction, Van Popta expressed optimism about her party’s future, noting she hopes a new leader can “bring the band back together” and unify B.C.’s right-of-centre opposition.

Inquiries sent to both the premier’s office and the B.C. NDP caucus regarding the mistakenly sent email invite have not yet received a response.

Findlay Steps Down Amid Caucus Friction

Kerry-Lynne Findlay announced her resignation as leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 20. Her departure comes fewer than four months after she was chosen to lead the party on May 30, 2026.

In a statement posted to social media, Findlay indicated that internal disputes hindered the party’s focus. “Instead, from the outset, too much of our time and attention has been consumed by internal conflict,” she said. “Energy that should have been directed toward challenging the NDP, advancing our principles, and preparing to form government has instead been spent fighting amongst ourselves.”

Wave of Departures Precedes Announcement

The decision follows weeks of turmoil within the party caucus. On Sunday, Surrey Serpentine MLA Linda Hepner resigned from the caucus, marking the tenth MLA to quit under Findlay’s tenure. In addition to these resignations, Findlay removed three MLAs from caucus on Friday, Sept. 18: Claire Ratté (Skeena), John Rustad (Nechako-Lakes), and Trevor Halford (Surrey White Rock). In total, 13 sitting MLAs have left the caucus since August.

Some of the MLAs who departed joined together to form a centrist movement, ultimately aligning with Centre B.C. on Friday.

Upcoming By-Election and Next Steps

Despite stepping down from the leadership, Findlay confirmed she will remain the Conservative candidate in the Abbotsford-Mission by-election scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, where advance voting opened on Friday. Former MLA Reann Gasper had resigned her seat in late August to allow Findlay to run.

Reflecting on her decision, Findlay noted that leadership requires recognizing when to step aside. “I have made decisions I would make differently with the benefit of hindsight. I have listened. I have reflected. And I take responsibility for the decisions that were mine to make,” she stated. The party has not yet announced an interim leader.

Legislature Office Confirms Caucus Changes

The office of the B.C. legislature clerk has verified that three additional MLAs have ended their affiliation with the B.C. Conservative Party caucus. Notification was submitted to the Office of the Speaker on Friday, Sept. 18, regarding Skeena MLA Claire Rattée, Nechako-Lakes MLA John Rustad, and Surrey-White Rock MLA Trevor Halford.

Following the legislative confirmation, B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay released a public statement confirming the immediate removal of all three politicians from the caucus. Findlay framed the decision around preparations for a potential upcoming provincial election, stating the party must concentrate fully on challenging the ruling NDP government under Premier David Eby.

Rattée Challenges Removal and Cites Internal Scrutiny

In response to the announcement, Rattée issued a detailed statement on social media rejecting the attempt to remove her and confirming her intention to remain in her position. She argued that as an elected MLA, Findlay lacks the authority to strip caucus membership from elected team members.

Rattée pointed to a broader trend of internal caucus friction, noting that nine MLAs have departed the party since mid-August while raising concerns about leadership. Her statement highlighted accusations involving offers of paid positions in exchange for seat resignations, controversy surrounding senior staff, and reports that a senior party official engaged a private investigator to monitor current and former MLAs. Rattée confirmed she was informed by the party that she had been targeted in the investigation, calling the move a severe lapse in judgment on the eve of a potential snap election call.

Former Interim Leader and Colleagues Prepare Next Steps

Halford also shared a brief update on social media, reflecting on his previous tenure as interim leader during a period of party growth. He stated that he intends to run again in his riding of Surrey-White Rock if an election is called and indicated he would release further details shortly. Rustad noted on X that a formal press release would be issued soon.