The Canadian Press 04/09/2024 A pair of BC United legislators have announced they are running as Independents in next month’s provincial election after the collapse of the Official Opposition’s campaign last week. Both Mike Bernier and Tom Shypitka suggested in separate announcements Wednesday that Independent MLAs could influence the balance of power in the province after a tight election. They were among BC United MLAs who entered uncertain waters last week when Leader Kevin Falcon shut down his party’s campaign and threw support behind the Conservatives led by John Rustad. The parties have pooled candidates, and some former BC United contenders have joined the Conservatives while others have opted to withdraw from the fall election. But Shypitka, the BC United MLA for Kootenay East, which forms part of the new…