John Rustad won’t seek re-election after more than two decades in provincial politics

During his career, Rustad served in government and opposition, most recently leading the Conservative Party of British Columbia as it rose from political obscurity to become the province’s Official Opposition.

In his farewell statement, Rustad reflected on the party’s growth and credited supporters across the province.

“We built this party from the political wilderness to the Official Opposition,” he said. “Ordinary British Columbians put their trust in us. They believed a common-sense future was still possible here.”

Rustad expressed confidence in interim Conservative leader Lorne Doerkson and said the party remains well-positioned heading into the provincial campaign.

He also criticized Premier David Eby’s decision to call a snap election, arguing the move was intended to protect the NDP government rather than defend its record.

“David Eby did not call this election to defend what his government has done. He called it to save his job,” Rustad said.

While stepping away from elected office, Rustad said he remains optimistic about British Columbia’s future and urged the next generation of political leaders to focus on economic development, resource extraction and reducing government debt.

“I do not hand them a finished province,” he said. “I hand them something rarer. I hand them a charge.”

Rustad thanked residents of Nechako Lakes for their support over the years, saying the trust voters placed in him was “the honour of a lifetime.”

His departure marks the end of one of the longest-serving political careers in the region, closing a chapter that began more than two decades ago when voters first sent him to Victoria from Prince George-Omineca.

by CKPG News

John Rustad won’t seek re-election after more than two decades in provincial politics

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