Saturday August 22, 2026 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The MLA For Abbotstford-Mission, Reann Gasper, is stepping down to make way for Conservative Party of British Columbia Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay to seek the seat in a forthcoming by-election.
Gasper said the decision was made carefully and deliberately, with the future of British Columbia firmly in mind. She said the leader seeking a seat puts the party in a strong position “for the work ahead”.
The BC interior seat might be considered a safe conservative riding.
“This is a decision I have made after a great deal of careful consideration, and I believe it is the right decision for me, for our Party, and for the work ahead,” said Gasper in a statement from the party this evening.
“It has been a privilege to represent the people of Abbotsford-Mission, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me. I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside my colleagues in the Conservative Caucus and to contribute to our leadership team.”
Conservative Party of British Columbia Leader Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay thanked Gasper for her service to Abbotsford-Mission and her contributions to the party’s Caucus.
“Throughout her time in office, and especially in her ongoing role as Deputy Whip, Reann has been a valued member of our leadership team and a strong advocate for her constituents and our shared principles. I am grateful for the confidence Reann has placed in me and honoured by the opportunity she is creating for me to seek the nomination in Abbotsford-Mission,” said Findlay in the party’s news release.
“Reann has made a thoughtful decision that puts the interests of our Party, our province, and our shared goal of forming government first,” said Findlay.
“Our focus is clear. We need to earn the trust of the people of Abbotsford-Mission, strengthen our team, and build the momentum we need to defeat the NDP and form a strong, common-sense government for British Columbia.”
Gasper will continue to work with Findlay and the Conservative Caucus in the months ahead.
By-election:
BC Premier Eby is not likely to be in a hurry to call a by-election.
There are currently 48 NDP MLAs (forming a slim majority in the 93-seat BC Legislative Assembly), 37 BC Conservative MLAs (36 when Gasper resigns), two BC Green MLAs and six Independents.
