VICTORIA — The veil of secrecy surrounding the recall campaigns against two British Columbia MLAs is slowly being lifted, revealing potential political connections. In a recent column, Vaughn Palmer examines the unfolding situation involving Conservative MLAs Dallas Brodie and Tara Armstrong, both elected in 2024.
Premier's Endorsement of Recall Efforts
During a heated exchange in the legislature last fall, Premier David Eby fully endorsed the recall of Brodie and Armstrong, who were then members of the One B.C. party. Eby accused them of promoting an "unambiguously racist" backlash against Indigenous people, stating, "It is reprehensible, disgusting, appalling. I fully support any effort to recall these members."
Armstrong's Departure and Recall Status
Armstrong left One B.C. shortly after Eby's comments due to a staffing disagreement with Brodie. Both MLAs are now targets of recall. Elections B.C. has approved an application to unseat Brodie, with the petition set to be issued Thursday. The campaign against Armstrong is still under review.
Secrecy and NDP Connections
The Recall Dallas Brodie campaign initially maintained a low profile, claiming to be a grassroots effort not backed by any political parties. However, the only address associated with the campaign is a post office box for Mike Starchuk, a former NDP MLA now running for Surrey mayor. The financial agent for the Brodie recall, Cindy Dalglish, also serves as Starchuk's financial agent.
The proponent of the Brodie recall, Dorothy Cumming, has not been available for media interviews but is scheduled to hold a news conference Thursday. The campaign has invited accredited media but kept the location confidential to prevent potential abuse.
Impact of Secrecy
The secrecy has cost the campaign a week's headstart since Elections B.C. approved the application on May 14. Organizers now have 60 days to gather the required signatures from voters in the Vancouver-Quilchena riding.
As the lid slowly lifts, the connections between the recall campaigns and the NDP become clearer, raising questions about the true nature of these efforts.
