BC STORIES

Zombie Party Politics: How BC United Continues to Shake Up the Provincial Landscape

BC United faces scrutiny over $150k in donations and a ‘dirty tricks’ scandal as executives eye the BC Conservative leadership race for the party’s future.

Published

5 months ago

April 20, 2026

Current News Room

The Dormant Giant Refuses to Fade

In the wake of one of the most tumultuous shifts in British Columbia’s political history, the party formerly known as the BC Liberals continues to exert significant influence from the shadows. Despite withdrawing all candidates and effectively folding just months before the 2024 provincial election, BC United—the brand Kevin Falcon attempted to build from the ashes of the Liberals—is facing fresh scrutiny over its financial practices and a lingering ‘dirty tricks’ scandal.

Automatic Donations and Financial Ghosts

Recent filings with Elections BC reveal a startling reality: BC United collected over $150,000 in donations throughout 2025, long after the party ceased to be a viable electoral entity. Investigations suggest that much of this capital flowed from automatic monthly contributions that donors had simply forgotten to cancel. While some supporters, like construction executive David Hoff, knowingly continued their financial support to help the party settle outstanding debts and severance obligations, others were blindsided. The discovery of these ‘phantom’ donations has added another layer of frustration for former supporters who feel the party’s transition was poorly managed.

The Shadow of the Conservative Leadership Race

The party’s internal machinery remains intact, led by former MLA Ben Stewart. Stewart has indicated that the ultimate fate of the BC United brand—and its remaining assets—will not be decided until after the BC Conservatives conclude their upcoming leadership race. This ‘wait-and-see’ approach has sparked fears within the Conservative camp, specifically from former leader John Rustad. Rustad and his allies have expressed concern over a ‘centrist takeover,’ alleging that United stalwarts are attempting to infiltrate and steer the Conservative Party from within.

A Legacy of Scandal

The tension between the two right-leaning factions was exacerbated by a recent $4,500 fine levied by Elections BC. The independent overseer found that BC United was responsible for a campaign of ‘pre-election falsehoods’ involving a deceptive website and mailers targeting Conservative candidates. John Rustad has gone as far as to suggest these ‘Machiavellian’ tactics may have cost the Conservatives a victory in the last election. As the dust settles, the ongoing presence of BC United serves as a reminder of the deep divisions and unresolved baggage currently defining the province’s right-wing opposition.

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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

20 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

20 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.