B.C. Liberals remove MLA John Rustad after 'Celebrate CO2' tweet

Photo: The Canadian Press

B.C. Liberal Party Leader Kevin Falcon gives a speech the legislative assembly in Victoria, on May 16, 2022. The Opposition BC Liberals have removed MLA John Rustad from the party caucus after he retweeted comments that questioned the role of carbon dioxide in climate change. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito

The Opposition B.C. Liberals have removed MLA John Rustad from the party caucus after he retweeted comments that questioned the role of carbon dioxide in climate change.

Party leader Kevin Falcon says in a statement that Rustad, who represents Nechako Lakes in central B.C., has been removed for what he says is a "pattern of behaviour" that isn't supportive of the caucus.

Rustad had shared a tweet on Sunday by Patrick Moore, director of the CO2 Coalition, that said the case for carbon dioxide being the "control knob" for climate "gets weaker every day" and included the hashtag "Celebrate CO2."

Rustad could not immediately be reached for comment.

Falcon says in a statement that while the party encourages a diversity of perspectives, these have to exist on a foundation of mutual respect and trust, which Rustad had breached.

On Wednesday, Falcon tweeted that the party was "strongly committed to substantive climate action," and that he wanted B.C. to be a world leader in climate policy.