VICTORIA – A Conservative MLA says she is “deeply concerned” about allegations of improper membership sign ups that were forwarded to her and others by the party’s executive, ahead of final voting on John Rustad’s leadership.
Elenore Sturko says she won’t comment further on the review and Rustad’s leadership until she has had a chance to talk to her colleagues about a report that alleges “some concerning memberships” that were signed up as part of the leadership review with final results to be announced Monday.
A statement from a party representative says that an internal audit identified and “promptly cancelled” what it believes were “manufactured memberships,” saying that it is “unfortunately, all too common in leadership races and reviews for most parties.”
The Canadian Press has seen screenshots of the estimated 2,100 fake memberships, each with a phone number that reads either 1111111111 or 2222222222 and all have the same email address, but the statement says it lacks information on reported claims that at least two of the fake memberships were dead when they were signed up.
Sturko says she appreciates that the party has brought forward the report, adding that every Conservative legislative member is “committed to having a party with integrity,” so it can “instil confidence” with voters in British Columbia.
Elections BC says in a statement that the Conservatives have been in contact about the “relevant rules” concerning party memberships in the Election Act, and that membership fees are considered political donations subject to contribution rules.
The statement also says that parties can set their own rules, and Election BC has neither received a complaint nor started its own investigation.
The Canadian Press has reached to Rustad for comment, but has yet to receive a response.
Conservative finance critic Peter Milobar has also said that he’ll reserve judgment until all of the information has come forward, but he called the reported allegations “troubling” because the party needs to ensure the public has “faith” in the party and its ability to govern.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 18, 2025.
