Boundary-Similkameen MLA Donegal Wilson announces she is joining the six other MLAs forming a new provincial party, bringing the group to seven seats in the B.C. Legislature.

Statement from Donegal Wilson, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2026

KEREMEOS, B.C.: Today, I made the decision that I can no longer serve as a member of the BC Conservative caucus. I will continue representing the people of Boundary-Similkameen as an Independent Member of the Legislative Assembly.

I was elected as a conservative. I remain a conservative. My principles have not changed. What has changed is my confidence in Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership.

When Ms. Findlay became Leader, I promised myself I would keep an open mind and give her three months to show us how she intended to lead. Three months later, I have my answer. I never imagined things could go this wrong, this quickly.

Seven of my colleagues have already left caucus. Communication between the Leader and her caucus has broken down, and I have watched colleagues I respect be treated in ways that deeply concern me.

Experienced staff have been fired. In their place, Ms. Findlay has made senior appointments that raise serious questions about her judgment. More than one of her senior appointees has been reported to have links to Alberta’s separatist movement. Then came a recording attributed to her own Director of Operations discussing forcing fundraisers, wanting half a million dollars and being able to “steal everything.”

These concerns come as Ms. Findlay remains embroiled in serious allegations arising from her 2025 federal campaign and mounting questions about alleged inducements to secure her a seat in the Legislature.

Two weeks ago, I requested an in-person caucus meeting to speak openly with our Leader and begin rebuilding trust. Members made arrangements to attend, but less than two days before the meeting, it was cancelled. Caucus members met anyway, but her absence spoke volumes.

I stayed because I wanted this to work. But these are not disagreements about conservative principles. They are the result of decisions made under Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership. After three months, the dam has burst. I no longer believe she can bring Conservatives back together, rebuild trust or restore the credibility needed to defeat the NDP.

The Abbotsford-Mission byelection made my decision unavoidable. Remaining in caucus would mean raising money, knocking on doors and asking British Columbians to put their confidence in Kerry-Lynne Findlay.

I cannot do that.

If I cannot honestly campaign for our Leader, I cannot honestly remain in her caucus.

I have tremendous respect for my Conservative colleagues who remain. They will make their own decisions. This is mine.

Leaving caucus does not change what I believe or what I was elected to stand for. I remain a fiscal conservative committed to free enterprise, responsible resource development, strong rural communities, smaller and more effective government and living within our means.

My responsibility is to the people of Boundary-Similkameen. That has not changed, and neither has the work I was elected to do.

As Deputy Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from British Columbians throughout the Budget 2027 consultation process. With the Committee’s final report and 81 recommendations now released, the focus turns to ensuring those voices are carefully considered as government prepares Budget 2027.

The Province has issued the Letters Patent formally establishing the District of Okanagan Falls, bringing the community one step closer to becoming British Columbia’s newest municipality.

Residents voted in favour of incorporation in March 2025. Following additional provincial engagement and the completion of the Letters Patent process, the new municipality is expected to officially incorporate on November 6, 2026, at the first meeting of its newly elected council.