British Columbia Liberal Party BC United (BCU), known from 1903 until 2023 as the British Columbia Liberal Party or BC Liberals, is a provincial political party in British Columbia, Canada. The party has been described as conservative, neoliberal, and occupying a centre-right ...

leadership election was held on February 3, 2018, due to the resignation of

Christy Clark Christina Joan Clark (born October 29, 1965) is a Canadian politician who served as the 35th premier of British Columbia from 2011 to 2017. Clark was the second woman to be premier of BC, after Rita Johnston in 1991, and the first female premi ...

as Liberal leader on August 4, 2017.

Rich Coleman Richard Thomas Coleman is a Canadian politician and former police officer who served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in British Columbia, representing Fort Langley-Aldergrove from 1996 to 2017, and Langley East from 2017 to 2020 ...

was elected interim leader announcing that he has no intention of running for leader, but would resign as interim leader if he changed his mind, adding that he did not anticipate changing his mind.

Background

Under leaders Gordon Campbell and

, the BC Liberal Party governed the province from 2001 until June 2017. In May 2017, the provincial election resulted in a hung parliament, with the Liberals holding 43 seats, one short of the 44 required for a majority. Clark initially formed a minority government, but resigned as

premier Premier is a title for the head of government in central governments, state governments and local governments of some countries. A second in command to a premier is designated as a deputy premier. A premier will normally be a head of govern ...

after being defeated in a confidence vote by an alliance of the

British Columbia New Democratic Party The New Democratic Party of British Columbia (BC NDP) is a social democratic political party in British Columbia, Canada. The party sits on the centre-left of the political spectrum and is one of the two major parties in British Columbia; since ...

and

Green Party of British Columbia The Green Party of British Columbia, or simply the BC Greens, is a provincial political party in British Columbia, Canada. It was founded in 1983 and is based in Victoria. The party won its first seat in the Legislative Assembly of British Colu ...

. On July 28, 2017, Clark announced that she would resign as party leader and as MLA for Kelowna West on August 4. The BC Liberal Caucus selected

, MLA for Langley East, as interim leader, to serve until a permanent leader can be chosen.

Procedure

Party president Sharon White released a statement on Clark's resignation on the same day it was announced. This statement specified that the exact timeline and details of the leadership election process would be finalized within 28 days. As per the party's constitution, the election will give all party members a vote, but will give equal weight to all 87 constituencies in tallying the results. A preferential (ranked) ballot will be used with voting conducted online and by phone.

Timeline

*May 9, 2017 – In the

general election A general election is an electoral process to choose most or all members of a governing body at the same time. They are distinct from By-election, by-elections, which fill individual seats that have become vacant between general elections. Gener ...

, the BC Liberals held the largest number of seats (43), ahead of the NDP (41) and Greens (3), but were one seat short of forming a majority in the Legislative Assembly. *May 29, 2017 – The

, which held the balance of power in the legislature, reached a

confidence and supply agreement In parliamentary democracies based on the Westminster system, confidence and supply is an arrangement under which a minority government (one which does not control a majority in the legislature) receives the support of one or more parties or in ...

with the official opposition NDP. *June 29, 2017 – Clark's minority government was defeated 44–42 on motion of non-confidence by the NDP-Green alliance. Subsequently, Lieutenant Governor

Judith Guichon Judith Isabel Guichon, (born 1947) is a Canadian rancher and organizer who served as the 29th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, serving from 2012 to 2018. She was the viceregal representative of Queen Elizabeth II in the province of B ...

turned down Clark's request for a

snap election A snap election is an election that is called earlier than the one that has been scheduled. Snap elections in parliamentary systems are often called to resolve a political impasse such as a hung parliament where no single political party has a ma ...

, despite Clark's argument that the legislature would be dysfunctional due to the Speaker frequently having to cast the tie-breaking vote, and instead asked NDP leader

John Horgan John Joseph Horgan (August 7, 1959 – November 12, 2024) was a Canadian politician and diplomat who served as the 36th premier of British Columbia from 2017 to 2022 and the ambassador of Canada to Germany from 2023 to 2024. He led the Briti ...

to form a minority government. *July 18, 2017 –

is sworn in as premier leading an NDP minority government. *July 28, 2017 – Clark announced her resignation as Liberal leader effective August 4, 2017.

is elected interim leader by the party's caucus. The Liberal Party executive is to meet within 28 days to decide a timeline for the leadership election which is expected to occur within a year, and in as short a period as three months. *August 29, 2017 – Nomination period opens. *September 21, 2017 –

Sam Sullivan Sam C. Sullivan (born November 13, 1959) is a Canadian politician who served as the MLA for Vancouver-False Creek. Previously, he served as the Minister of Communities, Sport, and Cultural Development with responsibility for Translink in the ...

declares his candidacy. *September 24, 2017 –

Dianne Watts Dianne Lynn Watts (born October 30, 1959) is a former politician in British Columbia, Canada. She won her first federal election campaign in October 2015 to become a federal Member of Parliament for South Surrey—White Rock. In 2017 she resign ...

announces her candidacy. *September 25, 2017 –

Andrew Wilkinson Andrew Wilkinson (born 1957) is a Canadian politician. He is the former leader of the British Columbia Liberal Party and served as the leader of British Columbia's Official Opposition from 2018 to 2020. He was elected to the Legislative Assem ...

and

Mike Bernier Mike Bernier (born 1968) is a Canadian politician, who was elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in the 2013 provincial election. He represented the electoral district of Peace River South as a member of the BC United. In De ...

announce their candidacies. *September 26, 2017 –

Mike de Jong Michael de Jong (born 1963 or 1964) is a politician in the Canadian province of British Columbia. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of British Columbia, representing the electoral district of Matsqui from 1994 to 2001, Abbot ...

and

Mike Lee Michael Shumway Lee (born June 4, 1971) is an American lawyer and politician serving as the senior United States senator from Utah, a seat he has held since 2011. A member of the Republican Party, Lee became Utah's senior senator in 2019, whe ...

declare their candidacies. *September 29, 2017 – Official leadership event scheduled for Vancouver. *October 10, 2017 –

Todd Stone Todd Graham Stone (born 1972) is a Canadians, Canadian politician who was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in the 2013 British Columbia general election, 2013 provincial election and sat in the legislature until 202 ...

announces his candidacy. *October 14, 2017 – Bernier withdraws, endorses de Jong. *October 15, 2017 – First leadership debate, held in

Surrey, British Columbia Surrey is a city in British Columbia, Canada. It is located south of the Fraser River on the Canada–United States border. It is a member municipality of the Metro Vancouver regional district and metropolitan area. Mainly a suburban city, Surr ...

*December 29, 2017, at 5 pm – Nomination deadline and deadline to become a member of the party and be eligible to vote. *February 1, 2018, at 9 am – voting begins. *February 3, 2018, at 5 pm – voting ends, results of the first ballot were announced at a convention in Vancouver at approximately 6 pm.

Declared candidates

Mike de Jong

;Background

is the MLA for

Abbotsford West Abbotsford West is a provincial electoral district in the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of British Columbia established by the 2008 British Columbia electoral redistribution, ''Electoral Districts Act, 2008''. It was fi ...

and formerly for the

Abbotsford-Mount Lehman Abbotsford- Mount Lehman was a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada from 2001 to 2009. Demographics Geography 1999 redistribution Changes from Matsqui to Abbotsford-Mount Lehman include: ...

and Matsqui electoral districts (since 1994). He was a cabinet minister throughout BC Liberals 16 years in power under Premiers Campbell and Clark, serving as Minister of Finance (2012–17), Minister of Health (2011–12), Solicitor General (2010),

Attorney General In most common law jurisdictions, the attorney general (: attorneys general) or attorney-general (AG or Atty.-Gen) is the main legal advisor to the government. In some jurisdictions, attorneys general also have executive responsibility for law enf ...

(2009–10), Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation (2006–09), Minister of Labour and Citizens' Services (2005–06), Minister of Forests (2001–05) and Government House Leader. He was previously a candidate for leader in the 2011 Leadership Election and placed fourth. :Date candidacy declared: September 26, 2017 :Campaign website:''
Official Website
;Endorsements *MLAs: (6)

(

Peace River South Peace River South is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. It was created under the name South Peace River by the ''Constitution Amendment Act, 1955'', which split the old riding of Peace Ri ...

, since 2013; cabinet minister 2015–2017),

Stephanie Cadieux Stephanie Cadieux (born 1972 or 1973) is a Canadian politician, who was elected as a BC Liberal member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in the 2009 provincial election, representing the riding of Surrey-Panorama. After the 201 ...

(

Surrey South Surrey South is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada Canada is a country in North America. Its Provinces and territories of Canada, ten provinces and three territories extend from ...

, since 2017; cabinet minister 2012–2017),

( Langley East, since 1996; cabinet minister 2001–2017), Simon Gibson (

Abbotsford-Mission Abbotsford-Mission is a provincial electoral district in British Columbia, Canada, established by the ''Electoral Districts Act, 2008''. It came into effect upon the dissolution of the 38th BC Parliament in April 2009, and was first contested ...

, since 2013), John Martin (

Chilliwack Chilliwack ( ) is a city of about 100,000 people and in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It is located about east of the City of Vancouver in the Fraser Valley. The enumerated population is 93,203 in the city and 113,767 in the gr ...

, since 2013),

Teresa Wat Teresa Wat (, born 1949 or 1950) is a Canadian politician who was elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in the 2013 British Columbia general election, 2013 provincial election. She currently represents the electoral district o ...

( Richmond North Centre, since 2013; cabinet minister, 2013–17) Dan Davies – Peace River North. *MPs:

Ed Fast Edward D. Fast (born June 18, 1955) is a Canadian politician who served as the member of Parliament (MP) for Abbotsford from 2006 to 2025. A member of the Conservative Party, he was Minister for International Trade and Minister for the Asia ...

, MP for Abbotsford since 2005. *Municipal politicians: Bill Streeper (Mayor of

Northern Rockies Regional Municipality The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM), formerly the Northern Rockies Regional District (NRRD), and before that the Fort Nelson–Liard Regional District, is a single-tier municipality in northeastern British Columbia, Canada. Althoug ...

since 2009) *Former MLAs:(7) Pat Bell (

Prince George-Mackenzie Prince George-Mackenzie is a provincial electoral district in British Columbia, Canada established by the ''Electoral Districts Act, 2008''. It came into effect upon the dissolution of the BC Legislature in April 2009, and was first contested i ...

, 2001–13; cabinet minister, 2004–13), Ron Cantelon (

Parksville-Qualicum Parksville-Qualicum was a former provincial electoral district in the Canadian province of British Columbia British Columbia is the westernmost Provinces and territories of Canada, province of Canada. Situated in the Pacific Northwest betwe ...

, 2005–2013), Gulzar Cheema ( Surrey-Panorama Ridge, 2001–2004),

Patty Sahota Patty Sahota (October 26, 1969 – February 12, 2024) was a Canadian politician, who represented the electoral district of Burnaby-Edmonds in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 2001 to 2005. She sat as a member of the BC Liberal P ...

(

Burnaby-Edmonds Burnaby-Edmonds is a former provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada in use from 1966 to 2024. Under the 2021 redistribution that took effect for the 2024 election. the riding was divided between ...

, 2001–2005),

Jack Weisgerber John Sylvester Weisgerber (June 12, 1940 – June 3, 2022) was a Canadian politician and businessman. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly in British Columbia. During his political career he was briefly the leader of the British Columbia ...

(

, 1986–2001; Social Credit cabinet minister 1988–1991; BC Reform Party leader 1996–2001),

Rob Nijjar Rob Nijjar (born 1967) is a Canadian politician who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of British Columbia from 2001 to 2005, representing the riding of Vancouver-Kingsway as part of the British Columbia Liberal Party caucus. ...

(

Vancouver-Kingsway Vancouver-Renfrew is a provincial electoral district of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in Canada. The district of Vancouver-Kingsway was created in 1991 covering much of the same territory and subsequently had its boundaries mod ...

, 2001–2005),

Bill Barisoff Bill Barisoff is a Canadians, Canadian politician who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of British Columbia from 1996 to 2013, representing the districts of Okanagan-Boundary, Penticton-Okanagan Valley and Penticton (provinci ...

(

Penticton Penticton ( ) is a city in the Okanagan, Okanagan Valley of the British Columbia, Canada, situated between Okanagan Lake, Okanagan and Skaha Lake, Skaha lakes. In the 2021 Canadian Census, its population was 36,885, while its Census geographic un ...

, 1996–2013; Speaker of the Legislature, 2005–13; cabinet minister, 2001–05). ;Other information: Proposes an all-day kindergarten program for four-year-olds, financial incentives for local governments who can complete zoning and permitting processes related to 50 residential units or fewer within 10 months, relocating government offices related to forest and lands ministry to Prince George.

Michael Lee

;Background Michael Lee is the MLA for

Vancouver-Langara Vancouver-Langara is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. This riding takes in neighbourhoods in south-central Vancouver, such as Marpole, Sunset and Oakridge: it is the most diverse provin ...

(since 2017). He is a lawyer by profession, a former partner at Lawson Lundell LLP and was formerly a special assistant to Progressive Conservative Prime Minister

Kim Campbell Avril Phaedra Douglas "Kim" Campbell (born March 10, 1947) is a Canadian politician who was the 19th prime minister of Canada from June to November 1993. Campbell is the first and only female prime minister of Canada. Prior to becoming the f ...

. :Date candidacy declared: September 26, 2017 :Campaign website:''
Official Website
;Endorsements *MLAs: *MPs:

Sukh Dhaliwal Sukhminder "Sukh" Singh Dhaliwal (born October 1, 1960) is a Canadian businessman and politician, who has served as the Liberal Member of Parliament for Surrey—Newton since 2015. He was previously the Member of Parliament for Newton—Nort ...

( Surrey—Newton, 2006–11 & Since 2015) *Former MLAs:

Suzanne Anton Suzanne Anton, (born May 31, 1952) is a Canadian politician and the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of British Columbia. Elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in the 2013 provincial election, Anton represent ...

(

Vancouver-Fraserview Vancouver-Fraserview is a provinces and territories of Canada, provincial electoral district (Canada), electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. Geography Following the redistricting in 2015 based on the pr ...

, 2013–17; cabinet minister 2013–17) *Former MPs: Art Lee former Liberal MP and former BC Liberal leader. *Other prominent individuals: Jim Benninger (2017 candidate for

Courtenay-Comox Courtenay-Comox is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada that was created in the 2015 redistribution from parts of Comox Valley. It was contested for the first time in the 2017 election. On ...

), Alana DeLong (2017 candidate for

Nanaimo-North Cowichan Nanaimo-North Cowichan is a former provincial electoral district in British Columbia, Canada, in use from 2009 to 2024. It was established by the '' Electoral Districts Act, 2008'' and first contested in the 2009 election. Under the 2021 redis ...

, Alberta Progressive Conservative MLA for

Calgary-Bow Calgary-Bow is a provinces and territories of Canada, provincial electoral district (Canada), electoral district in the city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The district is one of List of Alberta provincial electoral districts, 87 districts mandate ...

2001–15, 2006 Alberta Progressive Conservative Leadership candidate), Alex Dutton (2017 candidate for

Oak Bay-Gordon Head Oak Bay-Gordon Head is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. Demographics Geography After restructuring prior to the 2017 election, Oak Bay-Gordon Head consists of the entirety of Oak B ...

Mark Marissen Mark Allan Marissen (born 1966 in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada) is a Canadian political strategist and principal of Burrard Strategy Inc., a communications company he founded in 1998. Marissen was also a senior advisor to McMillan Vantage Policy Gr ...

, prominent

Liberal Party of Canada The Liberal Party of Canada (LPC; , ) is a federal political party in Canada. The party espouses the principles of liberalism,McCall, Christina; Stephen Clarkson"Liberal Party". ''The Canadian Encyclopedia''. and generally sits at the Centrism, ...

strategist and the ex-husband of

, Puneet Sandhar (2017 candidate for Surrey-Panorama) ;Other information: Proposes to eliminate LNG tax, complete the Site C dam, build rapid transit beneath the Broadway Corridor to UBC, phase out the use of disposable plastic grocery bags, increase the deposit on all beverage containers, create an enhanced internship tax credit, and increase funding and access to legal aid.

Todd Stone

;Background

is the MLA for

Kamloops-South Thompson Kamloops-South Thompson is a former provincial electoral district in British Columbia, Canada in use from 2009 to 2024. The district was established by the '' Electoral Districts Act, 2008'' and first contested in the 2009 general election. Un ...

(since 2013). He has served as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure (2013–2017), Minister Responsible for Emergency Management BC (2015–2017) and Deputy Government House Leader (2013–2017). :Date candidacy declared: October 10, 2017 :Campaign website:''
Official Website
;Endorsements *MLAs: (7) Greg Kyllo ( Shuswap, since 2013),

Peter Milobar Peter Gordon Milobar (born February 13, 1970) is a Canadians, Canadian politician serving as an MLA (Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia) from Kamloops, Kamloops since 2017. Representing the riding of Kamloops Centre, Kamloops ...

(

Kamloops-North Thompson Kamloops-North Thompson is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. It was formerly considered a political bellwether for the next provincial government, having swung to the governing party ever ...

, since 2017), Coralee Oakes (

Cariboo North Cariboo North is a former provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. It was created by 1990 legislation dividing the previous two-member district of Cariboo, which came into effect for the 1991 BC e ...

, since 2013; cabinet 2013–17), Ian Paton (

Delta South Delta South is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. Member of the Legislative Assembly The current MLA for this riding is Ian Paton. The previous member was Vicki Huntington, the only ...

, since 2017),

Linda Reid Linda Reid (born June 27, 1959) is a Canadian politician who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of British Columbia, representing Richmond East from 1991 to 2017, and Richmond South Centre from 2017 to 2020. A caucus membe ...

(

Richmond South Centre Richmond South Centre is a former provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada in use from 2017 to 2024. The riding was created with territory taken from Richmond Centre, Richmond East and Richmond ...

, since 1991; cabinet minister 2001–09; deputy speaker 2009–13;

Speaker Speaker most commonly refers to: * Speaker, a person who produces speech * Loudspeaker, a device that produces sound ** Computer speakers Speaker, Speakers, or The Speaker may also refer to: Arts and entertainment * "Speaker" (song), by David ...

2013–17), Jane Thornthwaite (

North Vancouver-Seymour North Vancouver-Seymour is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. For other current and historical North Shore and City of Vancouver ridings, please see Vancouver (electoral districts) Geogr ...

, since 2009), Steve Thomson (

Kelowna-Mission Kelowna-Mission is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. Demographics Geography As of the 2020 provincial election, Kelowna-Mission comprises the southeastern portion of the Regional Dist ...

, since 2009) *Municipal politicians: (12) Lois Jackson (Mayor of

Delta Delta commonly refers to: * Delta (letter) (Δ or δ), the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet * D (NATO phonetic alphabet: "Delta"), the fourth letter in the Latin alphabet * River delta, at a river mouth * Delta Air Lines, a major US carrier ...

), Alice Maitland (Mayor of Hazelton), Rob MacDougall (Mayor of Fort St James), Terry Rysz (Mayor of

Sicamous Sicamous () is a district municipality in the Shuswap Country region of south central British Columbia. The place is adjacent to the narrows, which is the confluence of Mara Lake into Shuswap Lake. At the BC Highway 97A intersection on BC Highw ...

), Kevin Acton (Mayor of Lumby), Janice Brown (Mayor of Spallumcheen), James Baker (Mayor of

Lake Country Lake Country is a district municipality with a population of approximately 15,000 in the Okanagan Valley region of British Columbia, Canada. It is a part of the Central Okanagan Regional District, and of the Kelowna metropolitan area. The city o ...

), Greg McCune (Mayor of Enderby), John Harwood (Mayor of Clearwater), Rick Berrigan (Mayor of

Chase Chase or CHASE may refer to: Businesses * Chase Bank, a national American financial institution * Chase UK, a British retail bank * Chase Aircraft (1943–1954), a defunct American aircraft manufacturer * Chase Coaches, a defunct bus operator in ...

), Mark McKee (Mayor of Revelstoke), Chris Beach (Mayor of

Burns Lake Burns Lake is a rural village in the British Columbia Interior, north-western-central interior of British Columbia, Canada, incorporated in 1923. The village had a population of 1,659 as of the 2021 Census. The village is known for its rich F ...

), *Senators: (1)

Nancy Greene Raine Nancy Catherine Greene Raine (born May 11, 1943) is a former Canadian Senator for British Columbia and an Olympic alpine champion voted as Canada's Female Athlete of the 20th Century. She was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Greene Raine wo ...

(Senator for BC, since 2009) *Former MLAs: (12)

Susan Brice Susan Brice (born July 7, 1943) is a Canadian politician who represented the electoral district of Saanich South in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 2001 to 2005. She sat as a member of the BC Liberal Party, and served in the ...

(

Saanich South Saanich South is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. It was created by 1990 legislation dividing the previous two-member district of Saanich and the Islands which came into effect for the 1 ...

, 2001–05; cabinet 2004–05),

Peter Fassbender Peter Fassbender (born 1946) is a Canadian politician, who was elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in the 2013 provincial election after a career at the municipal level. He was elected to represent the electoral district of ...

(

Surrey-Fleetwood Surrey-Fleetwood is a provincial electoral district in British Columbia, Canada, established by the ''Electoral Districts Act, 2008''. It was first contested in the 2009 election. Surrey-Fleetwood is an amalgamation of most of Surrey-Tynehead ...

, 2013–17; cabinet minister 2013–17),

Kevin Krueger Kevin Krueger (born 1955 or 1956) is a former member of the Legislative Assembly of the Canadian province of British Columbia. He represented the riding of Kamloops-North Thompson from 1996 to 2009, and Kamloops-South Thompson from 2009 to 20 ...

(

and

, 1996–2013; cabinet minister 2007–13),

Terry Lake Terry Lake is a former Canadian politician, at the municipal and provincial levels, and veterinarian. Lake was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia and a member of the BC Liberal Party. Lake announced September 1, 2016 th ...

(

, 2009–17; cabinet minister 2011–17), Don McRae (

Comox Valley The Comox Valley is a region on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, that includes the city of Courtenay, the town of Comox, the village of Cumberland, and the unincorporated settlements of Royston, Union Bay, Fann ...

, 2009–17; cabinet 2011–17),

Sheila Orr Sheila Orr (born 1949 or 1950) is a Canadian politician, who represented the electoral district of Victoria-Hillside in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 2001 until her defeat in the 2005 provincial election. She sat as a member ...

(

Victoria-Hillside Victoria-Hillside was a provinces and territories of Canada, provincial electoral district (Canada), electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada from 1991 to 2009. Demographics Member of the Legislative Assemb ...

, 2001–05), Barry Penner ( Chilliwack-Hope,

Chilliwack-Kent Chilliwack-Kent was a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada that existed from 2001 to 2009 and again from 2017 to 2024. Between 2009 and 2017, it was replaced by the Chilliwack-Hope riding. In ...

, and

Chilliwack (electoral district) Chilliwack North is a provincial electoral district in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It was defined by the 2021 British Columbia electoral redistribution for use in the 2024 British Columbia general election onwards, with bounda ...

, 1996–2011; cabinet 2005–11), Claude Richmond (

Kamloops Kamloops ( ) is a city in south-central British Columbia, Canada, at the confluence of the North Thompson River, North and South Thompson Rivers, which join to become the Thompson River in Kamloops, and east of Kamloops Lake. The city is the ad ...

, 1981–91 (

Social Credit Social credit is a distributive philosophy of political economy developed in the 1920s and 1930s by C. H. Douglas. Douglas attributed economic downturns to discrepancies between the cost of goods and the compensation of the workers who made t ...

) and 2001–09; cabinet 1986–91 and 2005–08;

2001–05),

Bud Smith Robert Allan "Bud" Smith (born October 23, 1979) is an American former baseball pitcher. Smith was active at the major league level in 2001 and 2002, playing for the St. Louis Cardinals. Minor leagues In 2000, Smith led the minor league Cardin ...

(

, 1986–91 (

); cabinet 1988–90), Scott Hamilton (

Delta North Delta North is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. History The electoral district was created for the 1991 election from part of the dual-member Delta Delta commonly refers to: * Delta ...

, 2013–2017), Wendy McMahon ( Columbia River-Revelstoke, 2001–2005), Douglas Horne (

Coquitlam-Burke Mountain Coquitlam-Burke Mountain is a provincial electoral district in British Columbia, Canada. It was established by the ''Electoral Districts Act, 2008'', created out of parts of Port Moody-Westwood, Coquitlam-Maillardville, and Port Coquitlam-Burk ...

, 2009–2015) Gordon Wilson, (

Powell River-Sunshine Coast Powell River-Sunshine Coast is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. Demographics Member of the Legislative Assembly Current MLA Randene Neill (BC NDP) was elected to repre ...

, 1991–2001) former BC Liberal Leader (1987–1993) *Other prominent individuals: Greg Blain (Chief of the

Ashcroft Indian Band The Ashcroft First Nation () is a First Nations government Thompson Canyon area of the Central Interior of the Canadian province of British Columbia. Its Indian Reserves are located near the town of Ashcroft, British Columbia, it is a member of ...

) Dan Doyle, former Chief of Staff to Christy Clark (2012–2014), John Dyble, former Deputy to the Premier and Cabinet Secretary ;Other information: Proposes to eliminate the hospital capital tax, create an agricultural electricity rate, double the Rural Dividend Fund, expand the teaching of coding in elementary and high school, delivering government programs and services online, increasing support to Buy Local campaigns and agricultural fairs, expanding trade offices in Asia, provide support for an agriplex in the Comox Valley.

Sam Sullivan

;Background

is the MLA for

Vancouver-False Creek Vancouver-False Creek is a former provincial electoral district in British Columbia, Canada, in use from 2009 to 2024. The riding took in most of Downtown Vancouver (the eastern part of Downtown is part of the Vancouver-Mount Pleasant riding) and ...

(since 2013), former Minister of Communities, Sport and Cultural Development with responsibility for Translink (2017), and former

Mayor of Vancouver The mayor of Vancouver is the head and chief executive officer of Vancouver, British Columbia, who is elected for a four-year term. The 41st and current officeholder is Ken Sim, who has held office since November 7, 2022. List indicate ...

(2005–08). He has also been president of the Global Civic Policy Society and an adjunct professor with the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. :Date candidacy declared: September 21, 2017 :Campaign website:''
Official Website
;Other information: Proposes to privatize the Liquor Distribution Branch and elements of the health care system, introduce charter schools to BC, create a modified sales tax to replace the provincial sales tax.

Dianne Watts

;Background

was the Conservative MP for

South Surrey—White Rock South Surrey—White Rock () is a federal electoral district (Canada), electoral district in British Columbia, Canada, that has been represented in the House of Commons of Canada since 2015. It encompass a portion of British Columbia previously ...

(2015–17), and former Mayor of

Surrey Surrey () is a Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county in South East England. It is bordered by Greater London to the northeast, Kent to the east, East Sussex, East and West Sussex to the south, and Hampshire and Berkshire to the wes ...

(2005–14) :Date candidacy declared: September 24, 2017 :Campaign website:''
Official Website
;Endorsements *MPs: (1)

Erin O'Toole Erin Michael O'Toole (born January 22, 1973) is a Canadian lawyer, former military officer and politician who was the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and the leader of the Official Opposition from 2020 to 2022. O'Toole was elected ...

(

Durham Durham most commonly refers to: *Durham, England, a cathedral city in north east England **County Durham, a ceremonial county which includes Durham *Durham, North Carolina, a city in North Carolina, United States Durham may also refer to: Places ...

, ON) *Senators: (1)

Yonah Martin Yonah Martin (née Kim; born April 11, 1965) is a Conservative Canadian Senator from British Columbia. She was appointed by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in January 2009, and is the first Canadian of Korean descent to serve in the Senate of Can ...

(

British Columbia British Columbia is the westernmost Provinces and territories of Canada, province of Canada. Situated in the Pacific Northwest between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, the province has a diverse geography, with rugged landscapes that ...

) *Municipal politicians: (3) Lori Ackerman (Mayor of Fort St. John), Tom Gill (

City Councillor), Nelson Kinney (

Prince Rupert Prince Rupert of the Rhine, Duke of Cumberland, (17 December 1619 ( O.S.) 7 December 1619 (N.S.)– 29 November 1682 (O.S.) December 1682 (N.S) was an English-German army officer, admiral, scientist, and colonial governor. He first rose to ...

City Councillor) *Former MLAs: (3) Murray Coell (

Saanich North and the Islands Saanich North and the Islands is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. It is located in the northern suburbs of the provincial capital, Victoria, and includes the southern Gulf Islands. Saani ...

, 1996–2013), Greg Halsey-Brandt ( Richmond Centre, 2001–2005),

Olga Ilich Olga Ilich (born 1951 or 1952) is a former Canadian politician. She represented the riding of Richmond Centre in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 2005 to 2009 as a member of the British Columbia Liberal Party, and served in th ...

( Richmond Centre, 2005–2009; cabinet minister, 2005–2008) *Former municipal politicians: (1) Evelina Halsey-Brandt (

Richmond Richmond most often refers to: * Richmond, British Columbia, a city in Canada * Richmond, California, a city in the United States * Richmond, London, a town in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, England * Richmond, North Yorkshire, a town ...

City Councillor, 2001–2014) *Other prominent individuals: (1) Lucy Sager (Businesswoman, former BC Liberal leadership contestant) *Media: (1) Kevin Diakiw (''Surrey Now-Leader'' Columnist)

Andrew Wilkinson

;Background

is the MLA for

Vancouver-Quilchena Vancouver-Quilchena is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. According to the 2006 census, this riding is the second-wealthiest in British Columbia British Columbia is the westernmost Pro ...

(since 2013), and former

(2017), Minister of Advanced Education (2014–17) and Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services (2013–14). He also served as Deputy Minister of Economic Development (2003–06) and Deputy Minister for Intergovernmental Relations (2001–03). He is a doctor and a lawyer by profession, and a former

Rhodes Scholar The Rhodes Scholarship is an international Postgraduate education, postgraduate award for students to study at the University of Oxford in Oxford, United Kingdom. The scholarship is open to people from all backgrounds around the world. Esta ...

. :Date candidacy declared: September 25, 2017 :Campaign website:''
Official Website
;Endorsements *MLAs: (13) Donna Barnett ( Cariboo-Chilcotin, since 2009; cabinet minister 2016–17), Doug Clovechok ( Columbia River-Revelstoke, since 2017), Joan Isaacs (

, since 2017),

Linda Larson Linda Margaret Larson (born 1948 or 1949) is a Canadian politician, who was elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in the 2013 provincial election. She represented the electoral district of Boundary-Similkameen as a member of t ...

(

Boundary-Similkameen Boundary-Similkameen is a provincial electoral district in British Columbia, Canada. It was formed in 2008 out of parts of Penticton-Okanagan Valley, West Kootenay-Boundary and Yale-Lillooet. The riding's name corresponds to that of a form ...

), since 2013), Norm Letnick ( Kelowna-Lake Country, since 2009; cabinet minister 2012–17), Mike Morris (

, since 2013; cabinet minister; 2015–17),

Mary Polak Mary Ruth Polak (born 1967 or 1968) is a Canadian politician who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia (MLA) representing the riding of Langley from 2005 until her defeat in the 2020 general election. She was re-e ...

( Langley, since 2005; cabinet minister 2008–17), Tracy Redies (

Surrey-White Rock Surrey-White Rock is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. During the 2008 re-distribution of riding boundaries, Surrey-White Rock kept the majority of its existing region. Demographics ...

, since 2017), Ellis Ross ( Skeena, since 2017),

John Rustad John Rustad (born August 18, 1963) is a Canadian politician who has served as the leader of the Opposition in British Columbia since 2024 and as the leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia since 2023. He has served as the member ...

(

Nechako Lakes The Nechako Lakes is a term for group of lakes in Northern British Columbia, Canada on the Nechako Plateau. Major lakes in the group are Babine Lake, Francois Lake, Ootsa Lake, Trembleur Lake, Takla Lake and Stuart Lake. "Nechako Lakes," ...

, since 2005; cabinet minister 2013–2017),

Tom Shypitka Thomas Glenn Shypitka is a Canadian politician, who was elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in the 2017 provincial election.Kootenay East Kootenay East (also known as Kootenay East—Revelstoke) was a federal electoral district in British Columbia, Canada, that was represented in the House of Commons of Canada from 1917 to 1968 and from 1979 to 1997. This riding was created as ...

, since 2017),

Michelle Stilwell Michelle Stilwell (''nee'' Bauknecht; born July 4, 1974) is a Canadian athlete and politician. She represented Canada at four Summer Paralympic Games (2000, 2008, 2012 and 2016), as well as the 2015 Parapan American Games. She competed in wheel ...

(

, since 2013; cabinet minister, 2015–17),

Laurie Throness Laurie Throness (born 1958) is a Canadian politician, who was elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in the 2013 provincial election. He represented the electoral district of Chilliwack-Kent as a member of the British Columbia ...

(

, since 2013) *Municipal politicians: Paul Ives, Mayor of Comox (since 2008) *Former MLAs: (2)

Bill Bennett William Richards Bennett, (April 14, 1932 – December 3, 2015) was a Canadian politician who was the 27th premier of British Columbia from 1975 to 1986. Early life Bennett was the son of Annie Elizabeth May (Richards) and former premier W. ...

(

Kootenay East Kootenay East (also known as Kootenay East—Revelstoke) was a federal electoral district in British Columbia, Canada, that was represented in the House of Commons of Canada from 1917 to 1968 and from 1979 to 1997. This riding was created as ...

, 2001–2017),

Linda Reimer Linda Reimer (born 1959 or 1960) is a Canadian politician, who was elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in the 2013 provincial election. She represented the electoral district of Port Moody-Coquitlam as a member of the Briti ...

( Port Moody-Coquitlam) ;Other information: Proposes to privatize government-owned liquor stores, abolish the small business income tax for family businesses, create an office to attract American investment to BC, and create a northern premier and cabinet office in Prince George with video-conferencing services to representatives in Victoria.

Withdrawn candidates

Mike Bernier

;Background

is the MLA for

(since 2013), former Minister of Education (2015–17), and former councillor (2005–08) and mayor (2008–13) of

Dawson Creek Dawson Creek is a city in northeastern British Columbia, Canada. The municipality of had a population of 12,978 in 2016. Dawson Creek derives its name from the creek of the same name that runs through the community. The creek was named after ...

. ;Endorsements *MLAs: (1) Dan Davies ( Peace River North, since 2017) Date candidacy declared: September 25, 2017
Campaign website:''
Official Website
br /> Date withdrawn: October 14, 2017
Subsequently endorsed: Mike de Jong
Reason: Bernier withdrew citing an inability to amass support in the Lower Mainland. Supported de Jong based on de Jong's experience.

Lucy Sager

;Background Lucy Sager is a businesswoman who lives in

Terrace Terrace may refer to: Landforms and construction * Fluvial terrace, a natural, flat surface that borders and lies above the floodplain of a stream or river * Terrace, a street suffix * Terrace, the portion of a lot between the public sidewalk a ...

.
Date candidacy declared: September 20, 2017
Campaign website:''
Official Website
br /> Date withdrawn: November 2, 2017
Subsequently endorsed: Dianne Watts
Reason: Sager withdrew citing her belief that Watts would give the best chance to defeat the NDP.

Declined

George Abbott George Francis Abbott (June 25, 1887January 31, 1995) was an American theatre producer, director, playwright, screenwriter, film director and producer whose career spanned eight decades. He received numerous honors including six Tony Awards, the ...

, MLA for Shuswap (1996–2013), former Minister of Health and Minister of Education, 2011 leadership candidate. *

Iain Black Iain James Stewart Black (born 1967) is a politician in British Columbia, Canada. He was first elected to represent the riding of Port Moody-Westwood in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in the BC general election held on May 17, 2 ...

, MLA for

Port Moody-Westwood Port Moody-Westwood was a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia () is the deliberative assembly of the Legislature of British Columbia, in the province of Br ...

(2005–2011), former Minister of Labour, Minister of Labour and Citizens Services, and Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development. *

, interim leader, MLA for Langley East (previously

Fort Langley-Aldergrove Fort Langley-Aldergrove was a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. It was created for the 1991 election from the dual member Langley riding and abolished in 2017 into Langley East, Abbotsford ...

) (1996–present), and former Deputy Premier (2012–2017). *

Herb Dhaliwal Harbance Singh (Herb) Dhaliwal, Queen's Privy Council for Canada, PC (born 12 December 1952) is a Canadians, Canadian politician and businessman. He was first elected to the House of Commons of Canada in the 1993 Canadian federal election, 19 ...

, Liberal MP for

Vancouver South Vancouver South () was a federal electoral district in British Columbia, Canada, that was represented in the House of Commons of Canada from 1917 to 1997, and again from 2004 to 2025. It covers the southern portion of the city of Vancouver, Br ...

(1993–1997) and

Vancouver South—Burnaby Vancouver South was a federal electoral district in British Columbia, Canada, that was represented in the House of Commons of Canada from 1997 to 2004. Demographics Geography It comprised the southeastern portion of the city of Vancouver an ...

(1997–2004), former federal

Minister of National Revenue The minister responsible for the Canada Revenue Agency () is the minister of the Crown in the Canadian Cabinet who is responsible for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), as well as the administration of taxation law and collection. The position is ...

Minister of Fisheries and Oceans The minister of fisheries () is the minister of the Crown responsible for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). The minister is a member of the King's Privy Council for Canada and the Canadian Cabinet ...

and

Minister of Natural Resources The minister of energy and natural resources () is the minister of the Crown in the Cabinet of Canada, Canadian Cabinet who is responsible for Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). In addition to NRCan, the minister oversees the federal government' ...

. *

, MLA for

(2013–2017), Mayor of Langley (2005–2013) *

Kevin Falcon Kevin Falcon is a Canadian provincial politician who has been the leader of BC United since 2022 and was the Leader of the Opposition from 2022 to 2024. He was the member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the district of Vancouver-Quilchena ...

, financial executive, former MLA for

Surrey-Cloverdale Surrey-Cloverdale is a provinces and territories of Canada, provincial electoral district (Canada), electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. Demographics Geography 1999 redistribution Changes to Surrey- ...

, Deputy Premier, and BC Liberal leadership candidate (2011). *

Jas Johal Jas Johal is a Canadian politician and media personality. He served as Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of British Columbia for the electoral district of Richmond-Queensborough in the 41st Parliament of British Columbia (2017-2020), as ...

, MLA for

Richmond-Queensborough Richmond-Queensborough is a provincial electoral district for the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Canada. It was created in the 2015 redistribution from parts of Richmond East and New Westminster. It was first contested in the 2017 ...

(2017–present), former broadcaster * James Moore,

Conservative Conservatism is a cultural, social, and political philosophy and ideology that seeks to promote and preserve traditional institutions, customs, and values. The central tenets of conservatism may vary in relation to the culture and civiliza ...

MP for

Port Moody—Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam A port is a maritime law, maritime facility comprising one or more wharves or loading areas, where ships load and discharge Affreightment, cargo and passengers. Although usually situated on a sea coast or estuary, ports can also be found far inla ...

(2000–2004) and

Port Moody—Westwood—Port Coquitlam Port Moody—Westwood—Port Coquitlam was a federal electoral district (Canada), electoral district in British Columbia, Canada, that was represented in the House of Commons of Canada from 2004 to 2015. Demographics Consisting of the follow ...

(2004–2015), former federal Minister of Industry and Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages. *

, MLA for

(2013–present), Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation (2015–2017) *

Carole Taylor Carole Taylor (born Carol Goss on November 16, 1945) is a Canadian school chancellor, journalist and former politician. She also served as the Chancellor of Simon Fraser University from June 2011 until June 2014. She previously served as Briti ...

, former MLA for

, former Finance Minister (2005–2008), former chair of the

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (), branded as CBC/Radio-Canada, is the Canadian Public broadcasting, public broadcaster for both radio and television. It is a Crown corporation that serves as the national public broadcaster, with its E ...

(2001–2005)

Opinion polls

All British Columbians

Results

: = Eliminated from next round : = Winner

Riding results

References

{{reflist, 2 British Columbia Liberal Party leadership elections British Columbia Liberal Liberal British Columbia Liberal Party leadership election 2018 in Vancouver

Background

Procedure

Timeline

Declared candidates

Mike de Jong

Michael Lee

Todd Stone

Sam Sullivan

Dianne Watts

Andrew Wilkinson

Withdrawn candidates

Mike Bernier

Lucy Sager

Declined

Opinion polls

All British Columbians

Results

Riding results

See also

References