As the political winds shift in British Columbia, the Conservative Party finds itself navigating choppy waters following the recent departure of MLA Lorne Doerkson from their ranks. The defection has sparked a public disagreement over what was said during private conversations between party leader John Rustad and Doerkson before the split became official.
On Wednesday, Rustad addressed reporters in Victoria, firmly denying that he had raised concerns about Doerkson’s mental health during their discussions. “At no point did I ever talk about mental health issues with Lorne Doerkson,” Rustad stated, his voice carrying the weight of someone defending not just his words, but his character.
The controversy stems from Doerkson’s announcement Tuesday that he was leaving the Conservative caucus to sit as an independent. In his statement, the Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA suggested his former leader had questioned his mental fitness – an allegation that has now set off a round of political finger-pointing that British Columbians have become all too familiar with in recent years.
“I found it deeply troubling that my commitment to my constituents was called into question, and even more concerning when my mental health became part of the conversation,” Doerkson wrote in his departure statement.
For communities in Doerkson’s riding, this political drama plays out against the backdrop of pressing local concerns – forestry job losses, healthcare access, and affordable housing shortages that have intensified since the pandemic. Many voters I’ve spoken with express frustration that internal party squabbles often overshadow these kitchen-table issues.
The split comes at a particularly challenging time for the BC Conservatives, who have been working to establish themselves as a viable alternative to the governing NDP. Recent polling from Angus Reid showed the party gaining momentum, sitting at 17% support provincially, though still trailing both the BC United Party and the NDP.
Political scientist Hamish Telford from the University of the Fraser Valley suggests this public disagreement could hamper the party’s growth. “New parties often struggle with growing pains,” Telford told me during a phone interview yesterday. “When these internal conflicts spill into public view, it can raise questions about party cohesion and leadership stability.”
Doerkson, who was first elected in 2020 under the BC Liberal banner before joining the Conservatives, has insisted his decision was driven by his commitment to constituents rather than personal ambition. “My focus remains where it’s always been – on the people of Cariboo-Chilcotin,” he said during a community meeting in Williams Lake yesterday.
The timing couldn’t be more delicate, with the provincial election looming next fall. Political strategist Bill Tieleman notes that party unity becomes increasingly crucial as elections approach. “Voters are looking for parties that have their act together,” Tieleman said. “When MLAs start jumping ship, it creates a perception problem that can be difficult to overcome on the campaign trail.”
For his part, Rustad has attempted to downplay the significance of Doerkson’s departure, framing it as part of the normal evolution of a growing political movement. “We’re building something new here, and not everyone will be comfortable with the direction we’re taking,” he explained.
The Conservative leader went further, suggesting that Doerkson’s decision might have been influenced by external pressures. “I understand there were discussions happening with other political parties,” Rustad claimed, though he stopped short of providing specific evidence.
Back in Doerkson’s riding, local officials express mixed reactions. Williams Lake city councillor Scott Nelson told me residents are primarily concerned about representation rather than party affiliations. “People here want an MLA who fights for local interests, regardless of the party logo on their literature,” Nelson said during our conversation at a local coffee shop.
The BC legislature has seen considerable realignment over the past two years, with the former BC Liberals rebranding as BC United, and several MLAs changing affiliations. The Conservative caucus, which didn’t exist before the last election, had grown to seven members through defections before Doerkson’s departure.
Political realignments are nothing new in British Columbia – a province with a long history of shifting party identities and coalitions. The Social Credit Party dominated for decades before collapsing, while the current NDP government represents the culmination of a long journey from opposition to power.
What makes this particular conflict noteworthy is the subject matter at its core. Mental health discussions have become increasingly prominent in political discourse, with most parties advocating for greater awareness and support services. For it to become a flashpoint in an internal party dispute reflects the complex intersection of personal and political considerations that define modern political life.
As one long-time Conservative supporter in Quesnel told me last night, “We need to focus on beating the NDP, not beating up each other.” This sentiment likely reflects the frustration many politically engaged citizens feel when witnessing these public disputes.
For Doerkson, the path forward as an independent MLA presents both challenges and opportunities. Without party infrastructure, he’ll need to rely more heavily on personal connections and community engagement. However, freedom from party discipline also allows greater flexibility to advocate specifically for regional priorities.
The next chapter in this political story will likely unfold in the coming weeks, as both Doerkson and the Conservative Party adjust to their new relationship. For voters in Cariboo-Chilcotin and across British Columbia, the real question remains whether their elected officials can move beyond personal disagreements to address the substantive issues affecting daily life in communities throughout the province.
In the meantime, the political landscape continues to shift beneath our feet, reminding us that in British Columbia politics, the only constant is change itself.
