A look at John Rustad, leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia

VICTORIA — A look at John Rustad, leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia.

Conservative Party of B.C. Leader John Rustad has been on a political journey over the past two years, which includes his ejection from the former B.C. Liberal Party, being acclaimed Conservative Party of B.C. leader and helping steer the party from the political hinterland to a centre-right challenger. Here are some highlights from his life and career.

Age: 61. Born Aug. 18, 1963, in Prince George, B.C.

Pre-Politics: Worked in the forest industry for more than 20 years prior to his election to the B.C. legislature. He says he worked in every aspect of the forest industry, including mill operations and land consulting.

Politics: He was first elected as a school trustee in 2002. He was elected to the provincial legislature in 2005 as a member of the B.C. Liberals. He served in two cabinet portfolios, as minister of forests and in Aboriginal relations and reconciliation. He was the forests critic in Opposition, and was ejected from the B.C. Liberal caucus in August 2022 for publicly supporting a climate change skeptic. He sat briefly as an Independent, then joined B.C. Conservatives and was acclaimed leader in March 2023.

Personal: Enjoys golf, rural lifestyle. Lives at Cluculz Lake, 40 kilometres west of Prince George, with his wife Kim.

Quote: “People are looking for change. They are looking for that difference, that other option, and that’s what the Conservative Party of B.C. has been able to tap into.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 21, 2024.

The Canadian Press