RCMP to Interview Ian Paton Over B.C. Conservative Job Offers

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) scheduled an interview for September 3, 2026, with Ian Paton, the MLA for Delta South, regarding allegations that the B.C. Conservative Party offered him a paid position to resign his seat. Paton claims that Chris Delaney, chief of staff to party leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay, offered him a two-year advisory role in July with a salary of approximately $122,000 per year to create a vacancy for Findlay to run in a byelection.

These allegations are supported by a recording from a July caucus meeting in Penticton, which reportedly captures Findlay offering similar positions to other legislators. Rosalyn Bird, another MLA who left the party, confirmed that Findlay asked for her seat. Additionally, former MLA Reann Gasper resigned her seat and was subsequently appointed as Findlay's deputy chief of staff.

Kerry-Lynne Findlay has dismissed the claims as a political smear job, asserting the conversations were normal political discussions. While the RCMP acknowledged the recording, they have not confirmed a formal investigation. The controversy coincides with a broader leadership crisis; seven MLAs recently left the B.C. Conservative Party to sit as independents, citing a lack of faith in Findlay's leadership and concerns that her positions are too far right for the general electorate.