Extremism not a concern

Peter Milobar was well aware of an extremism report on the Conservative Party of B.C.'s executive director when he opted to join the campaign last month.

But the newly-minted B.C. Conservative candidate for Kamloops-Centre said he is keeping his focus on provincial politics and issues facing British Columbians rather than partisan allegations when asked if the report gave him any pause before joining the party.

Sources inside BC United, Milobar's former party, leaked a file on the "extremism" of B.C. Conservatives' executive director Angelo Isidorou.

The document revealed Isidorou's involvement in helping to found the People's Party of Canada, his "admiration" of right-wing figures including Donald Trump and a photo of him wearing a Make America Great Again cap while making an alleged "white power" hand gesture — a symbol sometimes associated with the alt-right movement.

The report, titled Angelo Isidorou's Extremism, was compiled to be used in BC United’s campaign. It was leaked shortly after leader Kevin Falcon suspended the party's campaign to back the Conservative Party of B.C.

Milobar told Castanet Kamloops he was “absolutely” aware of the report on Isidorou before joining the Conservatives.

“We have a Canadian Charter Rights and Freedoms and things of that nature,” Milobar said. “I'm sure the NDP have a lot of candidates that, in their past, have had questionable pictures taken, either at protests or various events and causes that are out there as well.”

Milobar said he’s not shocked the document was leaked, adding he’s sure the Conservatives, BC United and NDP all have opposition files on political rivals.

“Ultimately, I think the reality is the voters are getting more focused in on what really matters to them — healthcare, the crisis that it is, crime and safety, affordability, housing,” Milobar said.

Prior to the implosion of his former BC United, Milobar had been critical of the B.C. Conservatives and their leader John Rustad for having extreme views.

Milobar was one of a handful of BC United candidates to continue their campaign under the Conservatives’ banner. He told reporters he decided to join the party because it was the only centre-right option left — and he thinks he can be an experienced voice in the room.

Milobar told Castanet he still feels that he can bring his perspective to the table and be heard in the Conservative Party of B.C.