VICTORIA — The B.C. Conservative Party has officially fired the starting pistol on its 2026 leadership race, releasing a strict set of rules and a high financial bar for those looking to replace John Rustad.
The leadership election, set to conclude on May 30, 2026, follows a turbulent December that saw Rustad resign after a majority of his 44-member caucus signed a letter of non-confidence. For residents of the Skeena, the outcome of this race is critical: the next leader will determine the Official Opposition’s stance on the “Building Canada Act,” the repeal of Indigenous rights legislation (DRIPA), and the future of northern resource development.
The “Price of Admission”
The party has set a steep entry fee of $115,000, a massive jump from the $25,000 required during the 2023 race.Candidates must also provide a $20,000 compliance deposit and secure 250 member signatures from at least five different regions of the province.
“There’s a fair bit of money involved, which is intended to make sure the people there are able to raise money and inspire others,” said candidate Sheldon Clare, MLA for Prince George-North Cariboo.
Focus Table – BC Conservative Leadership Race (Jan 2026)
| Milestone / Candidate | Role / Experience | Campaign Focus |
| May 30, 2026 | Election Day | Announcement of the new Leader of the Opposition. |
| Yuri Fulmer | Businessman / Capilano Univ. Chancellor | Economic efficiency, fundraising strength, and trade. |
| Peter Milobar | Kamloops Centre MLA / Former Mayor | Regional representation and repealing DRIPA for “certainty.” |
| Caroline Elliott | Political Commentator / Former BCU VP | Modernizing the platform and uniting center-right voters. |
| Iain Black | Former Cabinet Minister (Labour) | Labour management and major resource project delivery. |
| Sheldon Clare | Prince George-North Cariboo MLA | Northern advocacy and “grassroots” party unity. |
Skeena’s Stake in the Race
The Skeena region sits at the heart of the policy debate. Skeena MLA Claire Rattée is serving on the 10-member Leadership Election Organizing Committee (LEOC), ensuring northern voices are represented in the process.
A key point of contention among candidates is the Building Canada Act, a federal-provincial framework supported by many Conservatives that aims to fast-track “projects of national interest” (like the NCTL and local pipelines) by streamlining environmental reviews.
Furthermore, front-runner Peter Milobar has already doubled down on the party’s promise to repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), arguing it creates “economic uncertainty” for mines and mills in the Northwest. This stance is expected to be a major “wedge issue” between the populist and moderate wings of the party.
Key Dates to Watch
- February 15: Deadline for candidate nominations.
- April 18: Deadline for new members to sign up to vote.
- May 9–30: Voting period (preferential ballot system).
As the race heats up, the question for northern voters remains: will the party choose a leader focused on urban “electability,” or one committed to the “industrial engine” of the North?
