Peter Milobar, a prominent Conservative MLA in British Columbia, is navigating turbulent waters in his bid to lead the provincial Conservative Party following the unexpected departure of his campaign manager. Mark Werner’s decision to “step back” from his role comes amid a swirl of controversy over a website and mail-out that have drawn the ire of party insiders and sparked discussions about ethical campaigning.
Campaign Manager’s Departure Amid Controversy
Milobar’s campaign announced the news via social media on Saturday, indicating that Werner would be refocusing his efforts on his family business. This development follows Milobar’s own statement on Thursday, which indicated that preliminary discussions with Werner had confirmed his lack of knowledge regarding the contentious website and mail-out targeting former Conservative leader John Rustad and Richmond MLA Teresa Wat.
“Let me be clear,” Milobar stated firmly. “I would never stand for those political tactics, most specifically, the horrendous allegations against Teresa Wat.” His comments were made in the wake of Elections B.C. fining B.C. United $4,500 for disseminating false statements intended to influence election results concerning the website.
The Allegations and Fallout
The website in question, set up in August 2024, falsely claimed to originate from disgruntled Conservatives. However, Elections B.C. has revealed that it was actually orchestrated by B.C. United officials and linked to a political operations firm based in Alberta, Sovereign North Strategies Inc. The regulatory body confirmed that the campaign manager at the time, who has not been officially named, was indeed Werner.
In a statement to The Canadian Press, Werner expressed surprise at the allegations, asserting he was unaware of the anti-Rustad website or any related mailers. Milobar indicated that B.C. United suspended its campaign on August 28, 2024, the same day Werner was terminated from his position. This was a pivotal moment, as Rustad and then-B.C. United Leader Kevin Falcon announced a strategic folding of the campaign, a move resulting from dismal polling figures.
The implications of this internal strife extend beyond mere party politics, as Rustad, who once led the Conservatives to 44 seats in the 2024 general election, has accused Falcon of “intentionally” undermining efforts to unseat the NDP through these underhanded tactics. “It’s incredibly Machiavellian. It’s plain and simple,” Rustad remarked, suggesting the actions may have suppressed voter turnout, potentially costing the Conservatives a key victory.
A Changing Landscape for the Conservatives
As the leadership race heats up, Milobar’s campaign faces significant challenges. Jeff Conaster has been appointed to assume Werner’s responsibilities, marking a notable shift in strategy as candidates prepare for the final push before the April 18 deadline to enrol new party members—those eligible to vote in the leadership election next month.
Milobar is viewed as one of the frontrunners in this crowded field, which includes contractor Warren Hamm, former B.C. Liberal cabinet minister Iain Black, ex-federal MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay, and political commentator Caroline Elliott, who is closely linked to Falcon. UBC political science lecturer Stewart Prest noted that this last-minute change could inadvertently bolster Elliott’s chances.
“Milobar is the champion of the moderate wing of the BC Conservatives,” Prest observed, “but they won’t be able to hold the line here any more than they could in BC United.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern among party members about Milobar’s connections to Werner and the implications for his credibility.
Why it Matters
The unfolding drama within the B.C. Conservative Party highlights the fragility of political alliances and the potential repercussions of campaign strategies that blur ethical lines. As Milobar attempts to distance himself from the controversy while solidifying his leadership bid, the party must reckon with the implications of these tactics on its public image and electoral viability. The fallout from this incident may not only reshape the upcoming leadership contest but could also set a precedent for future political conduct in British Columbia.
