The new party would be allocated an annual budget of approximately $767,000 for staff and office expenses.
Three rebel BC Conservative MLAs are considering forming a new political party after the party recently expelled Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Dallas Brodie due to controversial comments about residential schools. In solidarity, two other MLAs, Jordan Kelly and Tara Armstrong, also left the party.
To gain party status in the BC legislature, a minimum of two MLAs is required. This means that Brodie, Armstrong, and Kelly could qualify for party status and benefit from several advantages.
The new party would be allocated an annual budget of approximately $767,000 for staff and office expenses. Additionally, the leader of the party would receive an annual salary increase of $29,883, while the other two - the leader of the house and the caucus whip would each receive an additional $11,953.
Beyond the financial benefits, forming a new party would also grant them more speaking time in the legislature.