Penticton-Summerland MLA Amelia Boultbee said she remains committed to her constituents as she crossed the floor to join the B.C. NDP.
Boultbee was elected as a B.C. Conservative in the 2024 provincial election, but she announced last October she was leaving the Conservative caucus to sit as an Independent, saying she had lost confidence in then-leader John Rustad.
Boultbee said Friday the British Columbia is facing “generational challenges,” citing housing affordability, a healthcare worker shortage and global economic uncertainty.
“Solving them calls for leadership that’s thoughtful, principled and determined, and when I think about who is best positioned to do this work, my confidence is with this premier and this caucus,” said Boultbee, standing alongside Premier David Eby and a group of fellow NDP MLAs.
Boultbee said the Conservatives promised to be a big-tent party, but she said that’s no longer the case as the party under new leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
“I have always believed that politics should be about respecting each other while working to solve problems, and those values never changed. However, the party I was first elected with has,” said Boultbee.
“With a new leader more consumed with divisive Donald Trump-style populism than with things that actually matter to people, it’s clearer now than ever that they’re offering no real solutions,” she said.
Eby welcomed her into the caucus, saying it allows the B.C. NDP to be a stronger voice for people in the Okanagan.
“Amelia has been a champion for her community, and that’s why I know she’ll be such a good fit with our B.C. NDP team,” said Eby.
The move bolsters the B.C. NDP’s previous one-seat majority, bringing the party’s number of seats in the legislature up to 48.
The B.C. Conservatives have 38 seats, the B.C. Greens have two, alongside five Independents.
Findlay was in Penticton on Friday for a B.C. Conservative caucus meeting.
“The question I would have is, why are you joining a sinking ship?” said Findlay as she commented on Boultbee’s move. “All the polls show the NDP has lost ground, say that British Columbians don’t have faith in them continuing. So that is a choice she’s made.”
Findlay said she hopes to win the riding back for the Conservatives.
