National

BC United member Bruce Banman defects to provincial Conservatives

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 13 Sep, 2023 10:51 AM

A member of the Opposition BC United caucus has defected to join British Columbia's Conservatives.

Bruce Banman, the MLA for Abbotsford South, says he is proud to join his friend B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad in the provincial legislature.

BC United Leader Kevin Falcon says in a statement that Banman's move to the Conservatives is not entirely unexpected but it betrays those constituents who elected him to serve as part of the BC United team.

Falcon says BC United is the only party that can defeat the NDP government and act on the significant challenges facing B.C. residents.

Banman, who was the BC United critic for emergency management and climate readiness, was elected in 2020 and is a former Abbotsford mayor.

The party standing in the provincial legislature now is 57 New Democrats, 26 BC United MLAs, two for the BC Green Party and two Conservatives.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

ASEAN eyes Canada as anchor of peace in Indo-Pacific region

The partnership with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is considered a symbolic gesture that reflects Canada's expanded presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Trudeau, in a speech to ASEAN leaders Wednesday, said it shows the progress being made on a free-trade agreement between Canada and the 10-nation bloc.

ASEAN eyes Canada as anchor of peace in Indo-Pacific region

Weakening economy convinces BoC to hold key rate, but door to more hikes stays open

The Bank of Canada held its key interest rate steady at five percent on Wednesday, deciding against another rate hike as the economy begins to falter. Inflation is expected to continue oscillating around three percent for months to come.

Weakening economy convinces BoC to hold key rate, but door to more hikes stays open

Break & Enter in Vancouver home

Two people have been charged after a home invasion where police say the suspects may have either targeted the wrong home or were looking for someone who wasn’t there. Vancouver police say an 89-year-old grandmother was injured and nine teens left badly shaken, after two people forced their way into a home shortly before midnight on August 24th.

Break & Enter in Vancouver home

Man shot in Chilliwack

A Chilliwack man has been charged with aggravated assault and discharge of a firearm with intent, after a man was shot Sunday. R-C-M-P say they were called around 6 p-m about a disturbance on a property and found a 35-year-old man shot in the leg.

Man shot in Chilliwack

Cyclist killed in Surrey

A cyclist has been killed in an accident involving a semi-truck in Surrey. R-C-M-P say officers responded to a report of a crash on Scott Road at 104th Avenue just before eight this morning.

Cyclist killed in Surrey

Healthcare Now: Bridging the Equality Gap South of the Fraser

Organized by Dr. Randeep Gill, an ER physician from Surrey Memorial Hospital, and a coalition of healthcare practitioners and community members. This demonstration will be held on September 9th at 2pm at the Surrey City Hall Civic Plaza. Dr. Gill and his coalition intend to shed light on the dire state of medical services and the urgent need for immediate action to address the crisis.