Here’s what people are saying about John Rustad’s exit as B.C. Conservative leader

Advertisement

Advertise with us

Here's what people are saying about John Rustad and his resignation on Thursday as leader of the Conservative Party of B.C., which he took to the brink of power in last year's provincial election.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Monthly Digital Subscription

$0 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*No charge for 4 weeks then price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

Monthly Digital Subscription

$4.75/week*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

No thanks

*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $16.99 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $23.99 plus GST every four weeks.

Here’s what people are saying about John Rustad and his resignation on Thursday as leader of the Conservative Party of B.C., which he took to the brink of power in last year’s provincial election.

“‘I’ve made a huge change and difference in terms of politics in British Columbia. But I have to make sure that it’s not about me. And so, if I go forward with the civil war, I’m making it all about me.” — John Rustad

“I am not running to be the next premier of this province, but I am going to support whoever accepts that.” — Interim B.C. Conservative leader Trevor Halford

B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad leaves the legislative house as media try to ask questions while at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito
B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad leaves the legislative house as media try to ask questions while at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

“I am grateful for your decision to step aside and to leave the future of this party, rightfully, to its members.” — B.C. Conservative president Aisha Estey

“While John and I disagreed strongly on many things, I have great respect for his commitment to public service and for speaking his mind.” — B.C. Premier David Eby 

“Rustad aligned with federal Liberals and his leadership collapsed. After the Liberals doubled grocery and housing costs and unleashed crime, he should’ve known better.” — Katy Merrifield, Pierre Poilievre’s director of communications

“It doesn’t matter which captain commands their sinking vessel.” — OneBC leader Dallas Brodie, who was elected as a B.C. Conservative

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2025.

Report Error Submit a Tip

Canada

LOAD MORE