Peace River North MLA apologises ‘for any confusion’ and confirms defection from Conservatives

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Peace River North MLA has apologised for “any confusion” after defecting from the Conservatives amid a row over the removal of Dallas Brodie from the party. 

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Jordan Kealy said: “I acknowledge the painful history of residential schools and the injustices faced by First Nations—these are truths that must never be ignored.

“I have also publicly denounced the Nazi symbols spray-painted on the Treaty 8 building because I will never condone hate in any form. I will always stand up for those who are victimized.”

The politician also confirmed he now sits as an independent in the Legislative Assembly of B.C. 

He said: “The decision to leave the B.C. Conservatives was not a knee-jerk reaction.

“I weighed it heavily, and it was the result of repeated instances of disrespect, abuse and dishonesty within the party.

“The B.C. Conservatives have lost their way.”

This comes after B.C. Conservatives leader John Rustad ejected his attorney general critic Dallas Brodie from the opposition caucus, citing comments which “mock and belittle” residential school survivors on a podcast, “including by mimicking individuals recounting stories of abuses.”

Rustad said on Thursday Brodie challenged the caucus to fire her and asked for a vote on her removal before walking out of the room. He then said she is not welcome to return.

“I believe strongly in free speech — however, using your stature and platform as an MLA to mock testimony from victims alleging abuse, including child sex abuse, is where I draw the line,” Rustad said. 

“I want to be clear — this has nothing to do with whether or not there are undiscovered remains at Kamloops Indian Residential School, where it is objectively true that no new bodies have been found.” 

In a statement about her removal posted on X (formerly Twitter), Brodie said: “I spoke the truth because it matters. I will never back down from it.”

In response to the row, Kealy released an initial statement saying he had “lost faith” in the B.C. Conservatives. 

He posted another statement to his Facebook page on March 8th, saying he is not racist or homophobic and including the apology. 

“I apologize when I am wrong. The only apology I owe is to my constituents for any confusion this situation has caused.”

With files from the Canadian Press.