B.C. Conservative MLA Reann Gasper resigns; Kerry-Lynne Findlay to run for seat

Abbott-Fission Mission MLA Reann Gasper, a member of the B.C. Conservatives and deputy whip, has resigned from her position to allow party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay to run for her seat in an upcoming byelection. Gasper informed the public of her decision on Saturday, stating that she made it with the future of British Columbia in mind.

Findlay, a former Member of Parliament, was elected as party leader in May, securing 51 percent of the vote despite lacking a seat in the B.C. legislature at the time. In a statement released on Saturday, Findlay expressed gratitude towards Gasper for her service as MLA and deputy whip, and stated her intention to seek a nomination in Gasper’s soon-to-be-former riding.

The B.C. Conservatives have pledged that Gasper will collaborate closely with Findlay and the party over the coming months in an effort to unseat the NDP government. Since May, Findlay has navigated a series of setbacks within the party, including the departure of the party’s executive director, other senior party and caucus staff, and former rival Peter Milobar, who defected from the party to become an independent. This report, prepared by The Canadian Press, was originally published on August 22, 2026.