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#Kamloops - North Thompson MLA @WardStamer says now is the time for the @Conservative_BC Party to focus on rebuilding unity following the resignation of the party's leader amid growing speculation a snap election will be called soon. shrlnk.ca/s/3Md0W6JR @BCConservCaucus

Statement from #Kamloops - #NorthThompson MLA @WardStamer (09/21.26) KAMLOOPS: I am disappointed by how things have unfolded, but I respect the decision Kerry-Lynne Findlay made yesterday in stepping down as leader of the BC Conservative Party. Regrettably, when things do not work out as hoped for within a political party, the leader ultimately bears responsibility. That is no different from when John Rustad stepped down last December. Leadership comes with accountability, and I respect Kerry-Lynne for recognizing that. Now, our focus must be on bringing our party together and rebuilding the unity that is essential to moving forward. With the possibility that Premier David Eby may call an unnecessary early provincial election, there is no time to dwell on the divisions of the past. If an election is called, our responsibility will be to present British Columbians with a clear, credible platform and a positive vision for the future — one that offers a genuine alternative and a path toward restoring prosperity in our province. The time for division is over. We need to come together, focus on the issues that matter to British Columbians, and earn their confidence. @BCConservCaucus

More Interior mills could close within months as B.C.'s forestry sector struggles with permitting delays and limited timber access, according to Kamloops-North Thompson MLA @WardStamer castanetkamloops.net/news/Ka…

NDP Lets Violence Against Teachers Spiral ~~ BC Conservatives Twenty-one violent incidents a day. Ninety-five per cent of teachers reporting violence. This is what the NDP’s failure to deal with violence in schools looks like. The Greater Victoria School District is seeing an average of 21 violent incidents per day directed at teachers by students. 95% of Greater Victoria teachers say they have experienced violence in the past year. “These statistics are disturbing, but they do not come as a surprise,” said Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. “The NDP has spent years ignoring teachers who have been telling them their workplaces are becoming less safe. Teachers shouldn’t have to worry about being assaulted when they walk into a classroom. The government needs to stop making excuses and start making schools safe.” “Two years ago, the then presidents of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation and CUPE emphasized that the greatest challenge facing educators was not compensation, but unacceptable working conditions," said Lynne Block, Shadow Minister for Education. “Two years later, those challenges have only intensified. Teachers and educational staff continue to face high stress, excessive workloads, and increasing classroom violence. B.C. must invest in more teachers and educational assistants, while providing the training and resources needed to support increasingly complex classroom environments and ensure safe, supportive learning conditions for both students and staff.” “Teachers are showing up every day to do one of the most important jobs in our province, and the NDP is leaving them to deal with violence on their own,” said Linda Hepner, Shadow Minister for Labour. “The NDP government must give schools the resources they need to protect teachers and keep schools safe. The Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association has already put forward practical recommendations: set measurable violence-reduction targets, improve student-educator ratios, provide alternative spaces for students who can’t remain in regular classrooms, and support staff after violent incidents. The government needs to listen.”

NDP Fails to Build the School Infrastructure BC Needs ~~ @BCConservCaucus BC students headed back to school, but families across the province are still waiting for the NDP government to deliver the classrooms and school buildings they need. Surrey alone still has more than 300 portables, while communities across BC are waiting years for promised school replacements. Take Campbell River: The NDP promised to replace Cedar Elementary in 2024 — and construction still hasn’t started. Its food program runs out of a converted gym change room, and its only accessible bathroom is tucked into a storage closet with a plastic accordion door. Carihi Secondary had a fire almost two years ago, but construction still hasn’t started on the main educational wing. In Kitimat, a wing of Mount Elizabeth Secondary was condemned two years ago after being found structurally unsafe. Other parts of the school required structural braces, yet the government still has not provided a clear timeline for a permanent solution. And despite these longstanding needs, Budget 2026 announced no new major school construction projects. MLA Misty Van Popta, Deputy Whip and Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, said the NDP needs to stop recycling past announcements while ignoring communities still waiting for basic school infrastructure. “Back to school should mean kids are walking into safe, modern schools with enough room for them — not portables, condemned wings and buildings that have been waiting years for replacement,” said Van Popta. “The NDP has had years to get these projects built, yet too many students are entering another school year with inadequate school infrastructure.” Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Conservative Party of BC, said the NDP needs to start treating school infrastructure as a basic responsibility of government: “The NDP has had years to plan for growth and deal with aging infrastructure. Instead, too many communities are being told to wait," said Findlay. "BC needs a government that thinks beyond the next announcement and builds for the BC families who are counting on us.”

NDP Disaster Deficit Hits $13.8 Billion B.C.’s economy isn’t showing much “resilience” when jobs are down, unemployment is up and the economically and mathematically inept NDP has pushed the deficit to a heart-stopping $13.8 billion. The latest fiscal update shows the deficit is now $450 million worse than forecast in Budget 2026, even as government revenues are up $789 million. “The government is collecting more tax revenue and still can’t keep the books under control” said MLA Gavin Dew, Shadow Minister for Finance. “This update shows they have both a spending problem and a math problem.” The economic numbers aren’t much better. Growth projections have been downgraded to an anemic 0.9% GDP increase this year. Employment is down 0.6%, while unemployment sits at 6.5%. Despite years of talk about unlocking housing supply, housing starts are down 9.3%, and home sales have fallen 6%. “Today's fiscal update shows the NDP is continuing to spend beyond its means and pile debt onto future generations," said Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. “We should be leaving our children and grandchildren a province with prosperity, good jobs and room to grow. Instead, the NDP is saddling them with a mountain of debt and little to show for it. The B.C. Conservative will keep pushing for lower spending, responsible budgets and a better deal for the next generation " Natural gas royalties are now $531 million below the Budget 2026 forecast, including $306 million from correcting the government’s own budget calculation errors. The Premier still hasn’t got his story straight on the natural gas royalties debacle. Eby claimed he was unaware of errors he had been told about. Economists also believe the government is underestimating the size of the failure. “How can David Eby’s latest finance minister look British Columbians in the eye and say this fiscal update is a sign of resilience? I’m seriously concerned about the state of the books, but I’m equally concerned about the Premier’s integrity,” said Dew. “The NDP can clean up their $1.5 billion forecasting error, but that doesn’t fix David Eby’s apparent lie about what he knew and when. Both the NDP’s handling of taxpayer dollars and the Premier’s relationship with the truth are equally worrisome.” @BCConservCaucus

Temporary service interruption at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital emergency department Emergency services will be unavailable from 7 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13 to 8 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. Patients can access emergency care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time. People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility. interiorhealth.ca/media/temp…

I’d like to take a moment to recognize Kevin Boon, who has been the General Manager of the BC Cattlemen’s Association for the past 17 years. I had the opportunity to meet and work with Kevin on multiple occasions regarding water issues, grazing rights, and road access. Founded in 1929, the Cattlemen’s Association has been a big part of the BC economy with nearly every ranch a family-owned operation handed down from one generation to the next. Kevin has been a big part of the on-going strength of ranching across the province, and especially here in our region. Kevin’s leaving will be a big loss, but we wish him continued success as he moves on the become CEO of the Saskatchewan Cattle Association.

When every corner of B.C.’s forestry sector comes together to warn the Premier that the industry is in crisis, the government has run out of excuses. Fifteen organizations representing forestry workers, businesses, contractors, manufacturers and communities have written an open letter to Premier David Eby calling for a Forestry Crisis Action Group. They’re calling on the government to stop piling on new taxes and fees, cut red tape, get more fibre to mills, and raise the annual harvest from roughly 29 million to 45 million cubic metres — a move that could bring in almost $600 million a year in additional government revenue. “Just about everyone involved in the forestry industry is represented in this letter, and the government must listen to them,” said MLA Ward Stamer, Shadow Minister for Forestry, Environment, and Parks. “Action needs to be swift if we are going to save forestry. The NDP keeps pointing fingers at the U.S. Tariffs have made things harder, but the provincial government isn’t pulling the right levers to give this industry a lifeline. The cost of permitting and block layout has tripled in the past five years. Permitting and access to Crown fibre are decisions made right here in B.C. The government needs to stop making it harder for people to do their jobs.” B.C. has already lost 21 mills since 2023, with roughly 15,000 forestry jobs gone since 2022. The NDP promised to raise the annual harvest to 45 million cubic metres. More than a year later, B.C. is still nowhere near that target. “This is about real people losing good-paying jobs in communities that depend on forestry,” said MLA Linda Hepner, Shadow Minister for Labour. “Every time a mill closes, families feel it. Small businesses feel it. Entire communities feel it. The government needs to stop talking and start listening to the people who are working in this industry.” MLA Gavin Dew, Shadow Minister for Finance, blasted Premier David Eby for choosing political theatrics over real solutions. "David Eby needs to stop dressing up like an embarrassing cartoon lumberjack and start listening to people who actually work in forestry. The forestry sector is putting forward a practical solution to increase economic activity, stabilize the sector, and fill the fiscal hole left by the $1.5B gas royalty debacle. It’s time to stop the policy carousel, stop the self-imposed damage, and start working together to save jobs, save our economy, and shore up our fiscal position.” “Forestry is part of the backbone of B.C.’s economy, and its decline should concern every British Columbian,” said Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. “We cannot stand by while good jobs disappear, communities suffer and investment leaves the province. The government needs to recognize the seriousness of this moment and get B.C. back to work.”

Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, today announced her winning team, assigning shadow minister roles across the Conservative caucus as the B.C. Conservatives get to work implementing the party’s platform. Findlay said the new roles bring together experienced MLAs with proven records of community and legislative leadership, ready to challenge the NDP government on every major area of public policy. “This is a talented, determined group of people, and we are ready for the big job ahead of us,” said Findlay. "I’m excited to work alongside each of them and see what we can accomplish for British Columbians. We have a great team, and I’m looking forward to delivering results." The Conservative caucus will serve British Columbians in the following roles: Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay: Leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. and Shadow Minister for Land and Property Jurisdiction Heather Maahs, MLA for Chilliwack North and Interim Leader: Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Childcare and Early Childhood Education: Harman Bhangu, MLA for Langley-Abbotsford: Shadow Minister for Transportation and Tourism Lynne Block, MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano: Shadow Minister for Education Brent Chapman, MLA for Surrey South: Shadow Minister for Arts, Culture and AI Sheldon Clare, MLA for Prince George-North Cariboo: Official Opposition House Leader Pete Davis, MLA for Kootenay-Rockies: Shadow Minister for Mining and Critical Minerals Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission: Shadow Minister for Finance Mandeep Dhaliwal, MLA for Surrey North: Shadow Minister for Parental Rights and Sports Lorne Doerkson, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin: Deputy Speaker Kiel Giddens, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie: Shadow Minister for Economic Development Trevor Halford, MLA for Surrey-White Rock: Shadow Minister for Transit and ICBC Sharon Hartwell, MLA for Bulkley Valley-Stikine: Shadow Minister for Rural Infrastructure and Development and Caucus Representative to the CPBC Board Linda Hepner, MLA for Surrey-Serpentine River: Shadow Minister for Labour Dr. Anna Kindy, MLA for North Island: Shadow Minister for Health and Seniors Steve Kooner, MLA for Richmond-Queensborough: Shadow Minister for Attorney General Kristina Loewen, MLA for Kelowna Centre: Shadow Minister for Prosperity and Social Development and Children and Family Development Tony Luck, MLA for Fraser-Nicola: Shadow Minister for Municipal Affairs Macklin McCall, MLA for West Kelowna-Peachland: Official Opposition Whip Lawrence Mok, MLA for Maple Ridge East: Shadow Minister for Trade and Skills Training Korky Neufeld, MLA for Abbotsford West: Shadow Minister for Post Secondary Education and International Credentials, Caucus Policy Development Lead Larry Neufeld, MLA for Peace River South: Shadow Minister for Energy Claire Rattée, MLA for Skeena: Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Addictions, and Social Housing John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes: Shadow Minister for Treasury Board Ward Stamer, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson: Shadow Minister for Forestry, Environment and Parks Bryan Tepper, MLA for Surrey-Panorama: Shadow Minister for Solicitor General and Emergency Response Jody Toor, MLA for Langley-Willowbrook: Caucus Chair and Shadow Minister for Government Services Misty Van Popta, MLA for Langley-Walnut Grove: Deputy Whip and Shadow Minister for Housing and Infrastructure David Williams, MLA for Salmon Arm-Shuswap: Shadow Minister for BC Hydro, Electrical Energy Development and Lands @BCConservCaucus

I remember Dieter Dudy when we were both on the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) board. Dieter was a thoughtful collaborative, a a great city councillor, and good friend. Will certainly miss him. My condolences go out to his family and friends. cfjctoday.com/2026/09/08/for…

BC CONSERVATIVES: Where Was the Budget Oversight? The NDP somehow missed a $1.5-billion hole in its own budget. David Eby denied there was a problem, until he had no choice but to fess up to the debacle. If this is how the NDP handles the province’s books, British Columbians have every right to ask what else they got wrong in the budget. After initially denying it, David Eby now admits the 2026 budget overestimated natural gas royalty revenue by $1.5 billion. But the NDP’s excuses aren’t adding up. “A competent government would have caught this disaster before it made it into the budget,” said John Rustad, Shadow Minister for Treasury Board. “Every ministry comes to Treasury Board with its budget and revenue estimates. So how did Energy, Finance, the comptroller and Treasury Board all miss $1.5 billion? And what else did they get wrong? With this kind of careless management, it’s no wonder BC is drowning in debt and facing credit downgrade after credit downgrade.” “British Columbians work hard for their money, and they have every right to expect their government to treat it with care,” said Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Conservative Party of BC. “Trust has been broken. BC needs leadership that is honest about the fiscal challenges we face, respects taxpayers’ money and, above all, gets the basics right.” @BCConservCaucus