NDP tariff motion exposes divisions in B.C. Conservative caucus [Video]

The B.C. NDP laid what some B.C. Conservatives said was a trap to exploit the party’s free vote policy.

If so, five Opposition MLAs walked right into it. 

On Monday, NDP MLA Jennifer Blatherwick put forward a motion that called on MLAs to condemn U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and back retaliatory tariffs if necessary. 

“With Donald Trump’s recent comments making it even clearer that tariffs are about making Canada the 51st state, now is an opportunity for every MLA to stand behind the Team Canada plan to fight these unjustified tariffs that would hurt British Columbians,” Blatherwick said in a statement. 

On Monday night, five Conservative MLAs voted against the motion: Dallas Brodie, Heather Maas, Jordan Kealy, Tara Armstrong and Brent Chapman. Harman Bhangu was not present for the vote. 

Political watchers say it has exposed further rifts in the B.C. Conservative caucus and highlights the problem with Leader John Rustad’s policy to allow his MLAs to …