Eby calls on Rustad to pull controversial Conservative candidates just ahead of deadline

BC NDP leader David Eby has written to Conservative leader John Rustad in an open letter, urging him to drop candidates Eby says have “dangerous and extreme views.”

This came Saturday morning, shortly before the 1 p.m. deadline for political parties to pull their endorsement of candidates.

“John Koury, Chris Sankey, Bryan Tepper, Harman Bhangu, and Sharon Hartwell have advanced anti-democratic conspiracy theories that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump and that the January 6 riots at the capitol are a hoax orchestrated by Democrats; Sheldon Clare has compared gun control laws with the racist internment of Japanese Canadians; Bryan Breguet has posted bigoted and sexist views, including derogatory remarks about Indigenous people and comparing himself to a white nationalist,” Eby wrote in the letter.

“This is an opportunity to send a clear signal that you will not tolerate hateful views by dropping these candidates from your team.”

Rustad says he will not be pulling any candidates.

When asked about the letter at a campaign event Saturday, Rustad’s response didn’t address the specific allegations against his candidates, but says they are a better choice for voters.

“I’d be more than happy to match my candidates against the NDP any day of the week,” he said. “I can tell you something right now, we need fresh people to come in with great ideas that are compassionate that are willing to stand up and just be themselves.”

In response to Eby’s Letter, Rustad wrote back demanding Eby launch an investigation into Ravi Kahlon. Earlier this week, the conservatives accused Kahlon of having a conflict of interest in his role as housing minister and whether that benefitted his sister’s company that represents clients in the housing sector.

–With files from Cole Schisler.