John Rustad removed from BC Liberal Caucus after social media posts
Posted August 18, 2022 1:53 pm.
Last Updated August 18, 2022 4:51 pm.
BC Liberal leader Kevin Falcon has removed Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad from the party caucus after social media posts denying the effects of climate change.
In a statement Falcon said the decision was made following a pattern of behaviour by Rustad that did not match with the values of the party.
“Politics is a team sport and British Columbians expect their elected officials to work cooperatively on the important issues facing our province,” said Falcon.
Let me be clear, #ClimateChange is one of the most critical threats facing our future. The @bcliberals are strongly committed to substantive climate action & restoring BC's place as a world leader in climate policy. @JohnRustad4BC does not speak on behalf of caucus on this issue.
— Kevin Falcon (@KevinFalcon) August 17, 2022
“Like any team, our caucus operates on a foundation of mutual respect and trust. While a diversity of perspectives are encouraged and a source of strength, they cannot exist without that important foundation in place.
In a tweet Wednesday, Falcon said his party was committed to tackling climate change.
“Let me be clear, climate change is one of the most critical threats facing our future. The B.C. Liberals are strongly committed to substantive climate action and restoring BC’s place as a world leader in climate policy. John Rustad does not speak on behalf of caucus on this issue,” the tweet said.
Rustad has been a MLA for Nechako Lakes since 2005, and was last re-elected in 2020.
He has also served as critic for forestry, lands, and natural resource operations since 2017.
