Capilano University chancellor runs for B.C. Conservatives leader

Yuri Fulmer, entrepreneur and chancellor of Capilano University, has thrown his hat in the ring for leading the Conservative Party of B.C.

Fulmer launched a campaign website, explaining why he decided to run for leader of the current provincial opposition party.

“I’m running because I believe in the potential of our province and the resilience of our people,” said the website.

He claims that the province has been mismanaged.

“With decades of business experience and a deep commitment to conservative values, I’m ready to lead the Conservative Party of BC to victory and restore prosperity, freedom, and common sense to our province.”

He says his leadership will advocate for lower taxes, safer streets, and better healthcare, among others.

In the previous provincial election in 2024, Fulmer was the B.C. Conservative’s candidate in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, losing to BC Green Jeremy Valeriote.

This week, the B.C. Conservatives announced having formed a leadership election organizing committee.

In December, former Pattison Food Group president Darrell Jones and Abbotsford-Langley MLA Harman Bhangu have proclaimed interest in running for the leadership position as well.

Meanwhile, Aaron Gunn, a member of the federal Conservative Party and MP for North Island—Powell River, declined to run for the position.

The B.C. Conservatives are looking for a new leader since John Rustad resigned from the leadership position in December.

His resignation came after half of the Conservative caucus signed onto a letter saying that they had lost confidence in Rustad’s leadership, pressuring him to vacate his position in the party.