This morning, Chris Moore updated his Facebook profile and cover photos.
Normally, that wouldn’t exactly be newsworthy, but Moore’s update was notable in British Columbia’s constantly-evolving political landscape ahead of the 2024 provincial election.
The changes to Moore’s profile showcase his move from BC United to the Conservative Party of BC, a move officially announced by Rustad’s party at 10:30 am.
"Chris has an outstanding record of service to this community and will be a strong advocate for the people of Powell River-Sunshine Coast," stated Conservative leader John Rustad.
"Chris has talked with hundreds of constituents and understands that there are serious concerns in this riding that need to be addressed with clear and definitive actions, and the Conservatives will do just that with Chris as the MLA in this riding."
Chris Moore for Powell River-Sunshine Coast! With over thirty years of experience in property development and marketing, Chris is a distinguished industry leader.
— Conservative Party of BC (@Conservative_BC) June 19, 2024
Chris has specialized expertise in land development, commercial real estate, and housing development on the Coast.… pic.twitter.com/oZBF3PcJRp
It was just over five months ago that Moore was announced as the BC United candidate for the same riding, and the realtor did not acknowledge his former party during today’s announcement.
"I believe that the NDP have done little to address serious problems such as affordability, crime and healthcare. On a daily basis, these issues are getting worse,” he said.
"I believe the BC Conservatives under the leadership of John Rustad are the only way we can get BC back on track.”
BC United, however, did address the move, posting to social media a little over half an hour before the official announcement.
“Chris had fundamental differences with BC United in terms of not competing against the BC Conservatives and defending BC United from criticisms levied by political opponents,” the post said.
“Additionally, Chris felt that BC United releasing factual information on extremist candidates within John Rustad’s BC Conservatives would hurt his chances of winning his own seat, which has been held by the NDP since 2005.”
A release from the Conservatives said that Moore’s successful career in business lets him understand that private and public sector leadership is critical to addressing issues in BC.
“We have such a beautiful province that shouldn’t be strangled by soaring taxes, ballooning provincial debt and a government that is willing to accept the status quo,” Moore said.
“I am excited to be joining the BC Conservative Team and look forward to working with John Rustad to clean up the mess the NDP have made.”
Moore is the third BC United candidate to jump ship for the BC Conservatives in the past month, following in the footsteps of Surrey South MLA Elenore Sturko and Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerksen.
