Founding leader Karin Kirkpatrick steps down as council continues search for CentreBC’s next leader
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JUNE 20, 2026, VANCOUVER BC – CentreBC, British Columbia’s emerging centrist alternative, has concluded its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) with a series of milestones marking decisive steps forward for the party: the election and acclamation of an eight-member Executive Council, the unanimous adoption of a new party constitution and bylaws, and the close of the first fiscal year in a solid financial position.
The AGM also marked a pivotal leadership transition. Founding leader and former MLA Karin Kirkpatrick stepped down from the role she created when she helped launch CentreBC in March 2025. Party President Mike Wignall says active conversations with several highly credible potential candidates are in progress.
“Karin Kirkpatrick led the start of something real,” says Wignall. “She had the courage to step into a political void and give British Columbians hope a moderate, evidence-led alternative is possible. The foundation she leaves is strong—financially, organizationally, and in our set of values. Our job now is to build on it.”
Founding Leader Steps Aside
Kirkpatrick and others founded CentreBC on March 28, 2025, arguing that BC’s polarized political landscape leaves a large segment of voters without a credible home. Over the past 15 months, she led the party through its formative period: building a founding membership, establishing riding associations across the province, developing a “Smart Province” policy approach and positioning CentreBC as a principled, centre voice in debates ranging from healthcare to data sovereignty to First Nations issues.
“It has been an honour to work with so many committed British Columbians to build this party,” says Kirkpatrick. “CentreBC exists because people across this province believe we can do better: smarter, more honest, more focused on what actually works. I am excited to watch this new council carry on that work.” Kirkpatrick adds, ”There are several conversations happening now that I believe will deliver the right leader to take the party to the next level.”
New Executive Council
The following eight individuals were elected, acclaimed, or will be appointed to the CentreBC Executive Council at the AGM:
| Name | Position | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Wignall | President | Acclaimed |
| Rachelle Chartrand | Vice President | Acclaimed |
| Michael Davis | Secretary | Acclaimed |
| Duncan Frostick | Membership Chair | To be Appointed |
| Daniel Wood | Communications Chair | To be Appointed |
| Brian DeMuy | Fundraising Chair | To be Appointed |
| Bianca Myddleton | Director at Large | Elected |
| Hennady Shulha | Director at Large | Elected |
The council brings together expertise spanning civil engineering, education, software development, communication, fundraising, data science, community advocacy, and corporate technology leadership drawn from across Metro Vancouver, the South Island, the Okanagan, Burnaby, and the Fraser Valley.
Constitution and Bylaws Adopted
Delegates voted overwhelmingly to adopt CentreBC’s new constitution and bylaws, establishing the formal governance framework for the party’s operations, riding associations, leadership selection, and member rights. The documents were drafted by Secretary Michael Davis and reviewed by the membership over the preceding weeks.
“Having a proper constitution and bylaws is foundational,” says Davis. “It gives us our rule book, protects members and candidates rights, defines accountability, and gives CentreBC the credibility it will need to compete in future elections.”
Party Closes First Year in Sound Financial Shape
The financial report to members shows the party completed its first year in solid financial health, with revenues exceeding expenses and no outstanding debt. The party’s fundraising structure, including the newly confirmed Fundraising Chair Brian DeMuy, is in place to support the leadership transition and build up to the next provincial election campaign.
Leadership Search Ongoing
The party President says talks are well underway to find the right leader for the party.
“We would have liked to present a couple of solid leadership candidates at this AGM,” says Wignall. “But at the end of the day, it is more important to have the right person, than a person right now. The Executive Council is being very intentional in its leadership search and interest really picked up at the end of May. These are serious people with the political skills and experience to take this movement to the next level. We expect to have more to say soon.”
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About CentreBC
Founded in 2025, CentreBC is a pragmatic, moderate movement dedicated to putting people first and getting politics back on track. We provide a balanced approach to government, focusing on the urgent priorities of affordability, safety, and opportunity. Our “Smart Province” vision integrates world-class public services with a thriving private sector and responsible resource development. We believe in informed leadership, evidence-led solutions, and meaningful collaboration to build a prosperous future for all British Columbians. Join the movement at centrebc.com
Media Contact
Michael Davis
Secretary, CentreBC
[email protected]
