West Vancouver businessman Yuri Fulmer threw his hat into the ring for leadership of the B.C. Conservative Party on Tuesday, framing his campaign around a return to economic basics for a province he believes has become unaffordable for many.
Conservative Leadership Race Heats Up with Business-Focused Candidate
Fulmer, a former A&W franchise owner, pledges to prioritize affordability, healthcare, and public safety.
- Fulmer owned dozens of A&W franchises across Western Canada.
- He ran as a Conservative candidate in the 2024 provincial election, losing in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky.
- The B.C. Conservatives are seeking a new leader after John Rustad’s resignation in December.
- Other potential candidates include MLAs Peter Milobar and Harman Bhangu.
“I was able to buy a home, I was able to buy a car, I was able to start a family. You know, those things aren’t available to British Columbians anymore,” Fulmer stated. The former A&W owner, born in Perth, Australia, is positioning himself as a pragmatic voice focused on kitchen-table issues.
Q: What is Yuri Fulmer’s primary focus as a potential B.C. Conservative leader?
A: Fulmer is centering his campaign on affordability, healthcare, public safety, and the economy, arguing that these are the core concerns of British Columbians and should be the party’s top priorities.
Fulmer’s announcement comes at a pivotal moment for the B.C. Conservatives. The party experienced a surge in support in the 2024 provincial election, coming close to forming a government, but has since faced internal turmoil. A series of defections and dismissals culminated in the resignation of former leader John Rustad in December, sparking debate over the party’s future direction.
Angelo Isidorou, executive director of the party, acknowledged the internal tensions. “We have focused on culture war issues and, and at the same time we have a group of MLAs and there’s a part of the base that wants to focus on fiscal issues,” he said. “I really fundamentally believe we can walk and chew gum at the same time.”
Fulmer, who currently serves as the chancellor of Capilano University, emphasized his commitment to fiscal responsibility. When asked about addressing social issues like sex education curriculum or freedom of speech, he responded, “It’s not about my agenda, it’s about the agenda that British Columbians tell me is important to them.” He added that the concerns surrounding property rights raised by the Cowichan Tribes decision would also be a priority.
Other individuals considering a run for the leadership include MLAs Peter Milobar and Harman Bhangu, former Conservative MPs Kerry-Lynne Findlay and Iain Black, Independent Contractors and Independent Contractors and Businesses Association (ICBA) President Chris Gardner, and political commentator Caroline Elliott.
The party has established a leadership committee tasked with determining the rules and timeline for the election, with the goal of having a new leader in place by this summer.
The race is heating up to replace Conservative leader John Rustad. Entering the race Tuesday, a former candidate for the party and high profile business leader Yuri Fulmer. CBC’s Justin McElroy reports on what he’s promising, and some of the challenges he faces.
Looking Ahead: A Party at a Crossroads
Fulmer’s candidacy signals a potential shift in focus for the B.C. Conservatives, emphasizing economic concerns as the party navigates internal divisions and seeks to capitalize on its recent electoral gains.
Worth a look
