Bird joins new political party after leaving Conservatives

PRINCE GEORGE — Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird is joining a new political party being formed by former Conservative MLAs Peter Milobar and Ian Paton.

Bird announced the move in a joint statement with Bruce Banman and A’a:liya Warbus, saying the three legislators will become members of the yet-to-be-named party. All five MLAs recently left the BC Conservative caucus amid ongoing turmoil under the leadership of Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

The latest departures mean nine MLAs have left the Conservative caucus since the middle of August, significantly reshaping the party’s presence in the legislature and raising questions about its future direction.

While several MLAs have chosen to leave, Prince George-Mackenzie Conservative MLA Kiel Giddens said Thursday he intends to remain in the caucus. Giddens acknowledged he is unhappy with recent developments within the party but said he believes staying is the best way to represent his constituents.