Dan Davies declares Independent election run, Conservative candidate reacts

FORT ST. JOHN -- A third BC United legislator has declared his candidacy as an Independent in the Oct. 19 provincial election.

Dan Davies, first elected in 2017 in the Peace River North riding, says if elected this fall he could become a "powerbroker" in a potential minority government situation.

Today’s press conference marking the first time we’ve publically heard from Davies, who says he wants to continue representing his constituents in the northeast B.C. riding.

“I wasn't going to come out and burn bridges that I didn't even know were ahead, so I was always willing to have that discussion with the B.C. Conservatives,” said Davies at a press conference today.

Davies says he contacted B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad to discuss his possible candidacy for that party, but his overtures were not returned, while describing the decision to fold the BC United as ‘an absolute gut punch.’

He now joins BC United colleagues Mike Bernier and Tom Shypitka, who announced this week that they were seeking re-election as Independents.

During the announcement, Davies highlighted what issues he would focus on advocating for across the North Peace.

“Northern Health has been one of my major priorities, it is the number one issue that I face right now,” said Davies, in addition to fixing issues around the Taylor Bridge, affordability, and senior care.

Conservative candidate Jordan Kealy reacting to the news of Davies’ bid as an Independent, saying he welcomes the competition and that his campaign remains ‘very solid’.

“I think right now Dan choosing to be an Independent will do nothing but work against him,” said Kealy in a phone call with CJDC-TV, “He's spent his whole career disregarding independents, the ability of what they can do.”

Kealy adding that voters rallying behind the Conservatives will be the only way to defeat the NDP to influence more change in the region.

Davies, who bills himself as a progressive Conservative, says running as an Independent will now give him ‘free rein’ to discuss issues facing North Peace in the legislature.

The election is scheduled for October 19^th, 2024.

Those looking to vote can register on the Elections BC website.

With files from The Canadian Press.