Ellis Ross says diversity of opinion welcome in BC after MLA joins Conservatives

BC Liberal MLA and former leadership candidate Ellis Ross said in a recent interview that he welcomes a diversity of opinions in the province’s Legislative Assembly after a former colleague announced he was joining the province’s Conservatives. 

While speaking to Global News, the MLA for Skeena also said that he would “currently” remain with the BC Liberals under the leadership of Kevin Falcon.

Last week, former BC Liberal MLA John Rustad announced that he would represent Nechako Lakes as a member of the Conservative Party of BC. 

“I think the more opinions we get in this house, I think the better discussion and debates we have,” said Ross.

“But you feel that your best place to express those opinions is as a BC Liberal?” asked Global News journalist Richard Zussman. 

“Currently. That’s right,” said Ross. 

Another BC Liberal leaving? @richardzussman asked MLA Ellis Ross if he’s sticking with Kevin Falcon’s party. Ellis only says: “Currently.” Ouch – right after @JohnRustad4BC joins #BCConservatives! #bcpoli #bcliberals #bcndp pic.twitter.com/x62myTVJUY

— Bill Tieleman (@BillTieleman) February 17, 2023

Rustad was kicked out of the BC Liberals last year by Falcon after a series of tweets criticizing climate change orthodoxy. 

Falcon claimed that Rustad’s views, which included criticisms that carbon dioxide doesn’t contribute to climate change, did not align with the party’s. 

“While a diversity of perspectives are encouraged … they cannot exist without that important foundation in place,” said Falcon at the time. 

Rustad told True North on Thursday that his former party has become too closely aligned with the ruling NDP and there’s little to differentiate the positions of the two. 

“I consider myself one of thousands of British Columbians who are fed up with the false choice between the BC NDP and the BC NDP-lite or so-called ‘BC United’,” said Rustad. 

“As a British Columbian, I believe in what our province has to offer, but we are going to need to fight for it. I believe in a more self-sufficient BC, ripe with economic opportunity, compassion for those in need and a protection for our most personal freedoms. Only one party offers this vision – the Conservative Party of BC.”

Rustad has also been vocal in his criticisms of how the province handled the Covid-19 pandemic and has called for the reinstatement of unvaccinated healthcare workers.