British Columbia Premier David Eby has called a byelection in Abbotsford-Mission, setting the stage for a closely watched contest in which B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay is expected to run for a seat in the provincial legislature.
The byelection is scheduled for September 26, 2026, after Conservative MLA Reann Gasper resigned earlier this month to create an opportunity for Findlay to enter the legislature. Gasper has since taken a paid position as Findlay’s deputy chief of staff.
The contest comes at a difficult time for the B.C. Conservatives. Findlay, who was elected party leader in May, has faced significant internal turmoil, with six Conservative MLAs leaving the caucus to sit as independents this month. Five of those departures occurred within a single week.
The departing MLAs have questioned Findlay’s leadership and the direction of the party, with at least one former caucus member publicly suggesting she was not electable.
The political uncertainty has also prompted former Conservative MLAs Peter Milobar and Ian Paton to pursue the creation of a new political party. Milobar said Saturday that it is unlikely the new party will have enough time to establish itself and field a candidate before the September byelection.
Meanwhile, the B.C. NDP has announced that Pam Alexis, a former agriculture minister and former mayor of Mission, will seek the seat again. Alexis lost Abbotsford-Mission in the 2024 provincial election by fewer than 3,000 votes.
Findlay has called for unity within the Conservative movement and urged supporters to rally behind the party in Abbotsford-Mission. The Conservatives are expected to make the byelection a test of whether the new leader can secure a legislative seat while attempting to stabilize a party facing internal divisions.
The September vote could therefore have significance beyond one constituency. A strong result for Findlay could strengthen her position within the B.C. Conservatives, while a defeat could intensify questions about her leadership and the party’s future.
Candidate nominations close at 1 p.m. on September 5, with advance voting scheduled from September 18 to 23.
Swifteradio.com
