Rustad and his MLAs must denounce racist comments from former staffer, says Sunner

A news story from the Tyee has revealed that BC Conservative staffer and organizer Adam Beattie has been posting racist videos targeting the South Asian community.

Posting videos under a fake name, Beattie has accused South Asian men of making women feel unsafe, claiming “some cultures are just willing to scare the hos” and “not all cultures are compatible.”

The Tyee found that Beattie worked for the BC Conservatives in 2023 and 2024 as well as in the recent provincial election.

“As we see increasing incidents of racism targeting the South Asian community, it’s so disappointing to see BC Conservative staff and organizers pushing it,” said BC NDP MLA Jessie Sunner, who is also the Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism. “John Rustad and his MLAs should make it clear immediately that they don’t condone these comments and that Beattie will not be working for them going forward.”

“This BC Conservative staffer’s comments are racist and just wrong,” said Sunner. “The anonymity of posting online makes it easier to spread hate – and it gives it a much bigger audience. It’s a dangerous trend and it’s time for John Rustad and his BC Conservative MLAs to stand up for our communities and denounce these racist comments.”

The BC NDP government is working to combat racism in the province. Last year, it started the Racist Incident Helpline. People who experience or witness a racist incident can call 1-833-457-5463 (1 833 HLP-LINE) to receive support.