Calls for B.C. MLA Dallas Brodie to Resign Grow Amid Controversy

The political landscape in British Columbia is facing upheaval as calls for the resignation of MLA Dallas Brodie intensify following her controversial comments regarding the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Brodie, previously part of the B.C. Conservative Party, was expelled from the party after remarks made during a video podcast that were perceived as insensitive towards residential school survivors.

In June 2023, Brodie, along with two fellow former Conservative MLAs, established a new political party called OneBC. This party has since expressed opposition to key reconciliation initiatives, including plans to “defund the reconciliation industry” and eliminate Truth and Reconciliation Day as a provincial holiday. Brodie’s statements and the agenda of OneBC have sparked significant backlash, culminating in a growing movement for her resignation.

The controversy began in February 2023 when Brodie shared her views on social media, which led to her removal from the B.C. Conservative caucus. John Rustad, the Conservative Party leader, characterized her comments as “mocking” the experiences of those affected by residential school abuses. Following her ousting, local residents expressed mixed feelings, with some supporting Rustad’s decision.

Since March, an online petition demanding Brodie’s resignation has gained traction, amassing approximately 1,800 signatures. In early November, the First Nations Leadership Council publicly called for her to step down. Recently, Rosanne Casimir, chief of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, joined these calls, emphasizing the need for accountability. Premier David Eby has also weighed in, expressing support for a recall of Brodie during a legislative session on November 20, 2023. “I fully support any effort to recall these members,” Eby stated, underscoring the disconnect between Brodie’s actions and the values of her constituents.

Understanding the Recall Process

The concept of recall allows voters to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term. According to Elections B.C., the process begins with a registered voter applying for a petition and gathering signatures from others in their electoral area. A minimum of 40 percent of registered voters in that area must sign the petition for it to be valid.

To initiate a recall, proponents must submit an application that includes personal information and a 200-word statement explaining the rationale for the recall, alongside a non-refundable fee of $50. Petitions can only be launched at least 18 months after an election, with the next window for applications opening on April 20, 2026, following the upcoming election in 2024.

Once signatures are collected, the petition must be submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer, who has 42 days to verify its validity. This includes confirming the number of eligible signatures and ensuring transparency during the process by allowing both the proponent and the MLA to have observers present.

The Implications of a Recall

If a recall petition is successful, the MLA’s seat becomes vacant, triggering a byelection. Notably, even if an MLA is recalled, they are not barred from running for office again and could participate in the next election cycle.

Despite the growing number of petitions, no MLA in British Columbia has ever been successfully recalled since the Recall and Initiative Act was introduced in 1995. While 30 petitions have received approval, only six reached the verification stage, with most failing due to insufficient valid signatures or resignations.

As the situation continues to unfold, the response to Brodie’s actions and the subsequent calls for her resignation reflect broader tensions regarding accountability and representation in British Columbia’s political climate. With prominent leaders and organizations now involved, the future of both Brodie and OneBC hangs in the balance as public sentiment continues to evolve.