PENTICTON — Abbotsford-Mission MLA and Deputy Whip Reann Gasper has informed the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of her decision to step down, creating an opportunity for Conservative Party of British Columbia Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay to seek the seat in a forthcoming by-election..Gasper said the decision was made carefully and deliberately, with the future of British Columbia firmly in mind.“This is a decision I have made after a great deal of careful consideration, and I believe it is the right decision for me, for our Party, and for the work ahead,” Gasper said in a statement released Saturday. “It has been a privilege to represent the people of Abbotsford-Mission, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who placed their trust in me. I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside my colleagues in the Conservative Caucus and to contribute to our leadership team.”“I have confidence in Kerry-Lynne, in her leadership, and in her ability to represent Abbotsford-Mission. I believe that giving our Leader the opportunity to seek this seat strengthens our team and puts us in a stronger position for the work ahead," Gasper continued in an email sent out by the Saturday afternoon.In a Saturday post on X, Gasper stressed the choice was hers alone and that she remains committed to the party’s larger goal..Findlay thanked Gasper for her service to Abbotsford-Mission and her contributions to the caucus.“I want to thank Reann for her service to the people of Abbotsford-Mission and for the significant contributions she has made to our Caucus and our Party,” Findlay said. “Throughout her time in office, and especially in her ongoing role as Deputy Whip, Reann has been a valued member of our leadership team and a strong advocate for her constituents and our shared principles. I am grateful for the confidence Reann has placed in me and honoured by the opportunity she is creating for me to seek the nomination in Abbotsford-Mission.”Gasper’s move comes after earlier reports that at least three other Conservative MLAs declined requests to resign their seats to allow Findlay to run in a by-election. Delta South MLA Ian Paton, Prince George-Valemount MLA Rosalyn Bird and West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Lynne Block each confirmed they had turned down the opportunity.Gasper was first elected in October 2024, defeating then-NDP cabinet minister Pam Alexis with 55% of the vote. She will continue to work closely with Findlay and the Conservative caucus in the months ahead and remains committed to supporting the party’s efforts to form government.
