BC STORIES

Why a BC Conservative Riding President Cut Ties Over a Shift to the Right

Abbotsford-Mission BC Conservative riding president Randy Hawes has resigned, citing party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s shift to the far right.

Published

2 weeks ago

August 25, 2026

Current Editor

Key Riding Official Departs Amid Internal Party Shift

Former Mission mayor and BC Liberal MLA Randy Hawes announced his departure as president of the Conservative Party of B.C. riding association for Abbotsford-Mission on social media on Monday, Aug. 24. His resignation came shortly after local MLA Reann Gasper gave up her seat to accommodate party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, who is aiming to enter the legislature through the riding.

Hawes expressed deep dissatisfaction with the party’s direction under Findlay, describing her leadership as a major shift toward the far right. He noted that he was already weighing his exit due to her political stance, which he believes does not align with the preferences of British Columbians. According to Hawes, most voters in the province favor a centre-left or centre-right government rather than extreme positions on either side.

Unanticipated MLA Exit and Calls for Alternative Seats

The resignation of Gasper caught Hawes completely off guard. Having served as riding association president since Gasper’s election—where he focused on fundraising and building membership—he learned about her departure strictly through news reports and social media. Gasper is transitioning into a new role as Findlay’s deputy chief of staff.

Criticizing the planned byelection as an unnecessary expense, Hawes argued that Findlay should not have asked sitting MLAs to step aside. He suggested she should have instead asked her husband, Surrey South MLA Brent Chapman, to vacate his seat, while also voicing criticism over Chapman’s past public statements. Hawes stated he intends to work against Findlay’s bid for the local seat, expressing hope that a central political alternative will emerge for voters.

Broader Caucus Instability

The Abbotsford-Mission resignation follows additional departures within the party. Last week, Conservative Party of B.C. president Aisha Estey and vice-president Sharon White both resigned, while MLAs Ian Paton of Delta South and Peter Milobar of Kamloops Centre also exited the party.

During a Vancouver press conference on Tuesday—her first in nearly two months—Findlay acknowledged the ongoing turmoil, telling reporters that additional caucus members could potentially leave. The Conservative Party of B.C. was contacted for comment by the Mission Record.

Related Topics:Abbotsford-Mission BC Conservatives BC Politics Kerry-Lynne Findlay Randy Hawes Reann Gasper

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BC STORIES

Discover the Hidden Beauty of New Brunswick’s Waterfalls Through Drone and On-the-Ground Video

CBC videographer Roger Cosman explores New Brunswick’s hidden waterfalls using drone and ground footage, with tours including Walton Glen Gorge Falls.

Published

21 hours ago

September 5, 2026

Current Editor

Exploring Provincial Waterfalls

CBC videographer Roger Cosman is traveling across New Brunswick this summer to document the province’s hundreds of natural cascades. His journey relies on drone footage and on-the-ground exploration to capture these often-secluded scenic spots.

Featured Locations and Next Destinations

Cosman’s tour has covered multiple sites, including Pabineau Falls, Sand Brook Falls, Tetagouche Falls, Lepreau Falls, Wallace Falls, Welsford Falls, Little Sheephouse Brook Falls, and Fall Brook Falls. His latest footage highlights Walton Glen Gorge Falls along the Fundy coast, with Fuller Falls scheduled as the next stop on the itinerary.

BC STORIES

Lower Mainland Illegal Gaming Investigation Leads to Charges and Cash Seizure

Two Lower Mainland residents face criminal charges after a B.C. illegal gaming house investigation yields cash, gaming gear, and illicit tobacco seizures.

Published

21 hours ago

September 5, 2026

Current Editor

Joint Investigation Uncovers Multiple Gaming Locations

An enforcement operation targeting illicit gambling in the Lower Mainland has resulted in criminal charges against two individuals. On Aug. 26, the B.C. Prosecution Service approved charges following an extensive probe by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit’s joint illegal gaming investigation team. The investigation originally launched in March 2023 at a single site before expanding into inquiries regarding several gaming operations.

Thousands in Cash and Illicit Goods Confiscated

Executing multiple search warrants across properties located in Burnaby and Vancouver, officers gathered substantial evidence. Police seized approximately $240,000 in Canadian currency, around 145 kilograms of illegal tobacco products, gaming equipment, gaming tables, and various electronics, such as tablets, mobile phones, laptops, and digital video recorders. Officials confirmed that all confiscated equipment and illicit proceeds have been forfeited to the province.

Court Appearances Pending for Accused

Facing charges under section 201(1) of the Criminal Code for keeping a common gaming house are Shahrouz Younesi, 54, of Burnaby, and Xiaoyi Karen Zhang, 46, of Vancouver. In addition to the gaming charge, Younesi is charged with selling unstamped tobacco products. Both individuals are expected to appear in court on a future date.

BC STORIES

Police Warn Ontario Homicide Suspect Believed to Be Hiding in Remote B.C. Backcountry

First-degree murder charges issued for Joseph Madore and Brayton Kennedy in Ontario homicide. Madore is believed to be hiding in remote B.C. backcountry.

Published

2 days ago

September 3, 2026

Current Editor

Upgraded Charges and Active Search

Two men wanted in connection with an Ontario homicide are now facing upgraded charges of first-degree murder as they remain on the run, according to an announcement by the Ontario Provincial Police on Thursday, Sept. 3.

Joseph Madore, 34, and Brayton Kennedy, 28, both hailing from Ottawa, were previously facing second-degree murder charges. Warrants have been issued for the arrest of both men, and authorities are warning the public that they remain at large.

Potential Locations and Local Connections

Investigators believe Madore may be in British Columbia, potentially camping or travelling through remote backcountry regions. He is reported to have ties to several B.C. communities, including Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Terrace, and Richmond. Kennedy is believed to potentially be in New Brunswick.

The search has previously touched B.C. soil. Following a search of a rural property in Terrace this past June, the RCMP alongside Ontario Provincial Police confiscated two firearms connected to the investigation. Arrest warrants for Madore and Kennedy were initially granted during the same month.

Homicide Investigation Details

The investigation began after Lanark County OPP responded to an incident at Last Duel Park in Perth, Ont., at 3:15 p.m. on April 12. Officers located 34-year-old Ottawa resident Christo Allison Richards suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was taken to a trauma centre, where he later died. Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News reported that the victim was found with life-threatening wounds in Last Duel Park in Perth, Ontario.

Two additional individuals have already been charged in relation to the case. A 46-year-old Perth resident was charged with conspiracy to commit murder in May, and 32-year-old Lyna Du of Ottawa was charged with accessory after the fact to murder.

Public Safety Warning

Police advise anyone who spots either suspect not to approach them and to call 911 immediately. Anyone holding information about the whereabouts of Madore or Kennedy is urged to contact the Lanark County OPP at 1-888-310-1122, or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.