Longtime B.C. Liberal MLA removed from caucus after questioning climate change science

B.C. Liberal leader Kevin Falcon has removed longtime MLA John Rustad from the party caucus after Rustad boosted a social media post casting doubt on climate change science and urging people to "celebrate CO2."

In posts on both Facebook and Twitter, Rustad, the MLA for the Nechako Lakes riding west of Prince George, shared a graphic and post arguing that people had been "hoodwinked" by climate change science and they should be glad CO2 is being emitted into the atmosphere.

In response, Kevin Falcon, who was elected leader of the party in February, distanced himself from Rustad's stance, tweeting, "#ClimateChange is one of the most critical threats facing our future," and that Rustad "does not speak on behalf of caucus on this issue."

That tweet went out Wednesday, and on Thursday, Falcon issued the following statement: "Politics is a team sport, and British Columbians expect their elected officials to work co-operatively on the important issues facing our province.

"Following a pattern of behaviour that was not supportive of our caucus team and the principles of mutual respect and trust, I have removed MLA John Rustad from the B.C. Liberal Caucus effective immediately."

Falcon told CBC he tried to get in touch with Rustad following the tweet in question but could not reach him until Thursday. When they spoke, he told him he needed to be a "team player."

"I couldn't get the satisfaction he's prepared to be a team player, so I fired him from caucus."

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In an interview with CBC, Rustad noted it was his birthday and said news of his ouster was "an interesting birthday present."

Rustad said he believes "real harm" is being done by global climate policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, and he said he felt it was important for him to speak out about them.

Specifically, he said, efforts at reducing nitrogen-based fertilizers would contribute to global food shortages, and combined with rising fuel prices, he can no longer keep his opinions to himself for the sake of party unity, adding, "I guess that debate isn't welcome in our caucus."

Rustad said he believes climate change is happening and that humans are contributing — a change from his stance in 2021 when he declined to answer that question.

However, he argued the role of carbon emissions in that change is a "theory" and "should be open to debate."