On Thursday, independent MLA John Rustad endorsed Harman Bhangu’s candidacy with the Conservative Party of British Columbia.
The support comes only one week after Kevin Falcon, the leader of the BC Liberal Party, expelled Rustad for challenging the science behind climate change.
In the riding, Rustad posted pictures of himself and the South Surrey candidate.
“Great to chat with Harman Bhangu. Harman is running for MLA in South Surrey. He’s committed to fighting environmental elitist policies which punish working people. I made a donation to him – and if you want to fight environmental elitism you should too,” tweeted Rustad.
“I am endorsing Harman as an independent MLA.”
“I endorsed Harman because he is an everyday person who truly cares about the people in his riding.” Rustad told BC Rise in a email statement.
“He has signed the front side of a paycheque so he knows what it takes to be responsible for employees and their families. He is a genuine person who can do a great job representing his constituents. He also agrees with my position that we need to oppose these environmental elitist policies are designed to hurt people.”
“Climate change is real but environmental elitist policies that hurt people and attack our agriculture sector are not the way to address it.”
“I plan to stay as an independent MLA at this time trying to do the best I can to represent my riding. I will be exploring all options going forward.”
Rustad was booted from the BC Liberals caucus because he has been trying to drive discussion on climate change policies and the consequences. He retweeted Greenpeace co-founder Patrick Moore questioning whether CO2 drives global temperature changes in which BC Liberals Kevin Falcon disagrees with.
A statement posted on the B.C. Conservative website “John is an incredibly principled MLA and I couldn’t be more thankful to have his endorsement,” Bhangu said Thursday. “We need brave MLAs who are willing to stand up for taxpayers, scrap the carbon tax, call out the failing healthcare system, and defend free speech. I am proud to be running for a party that encourages dialogue instead of silencing others.”
