Saturday August 31, 2024 | METCHOSIN, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Two-term BC NDP MLA Mitzi Dean is not seeking re-election.
She made this announcement today on Saturday of this Labour Day weekend, in a co-statement with Premier David Eby.
Mitzi Dean cites health and family issues:
“I am officially withdrawing my name from consideration for the BC NDP nomination for the riding of Esquimalt-Colwood,” said Mitzi Dean in her statement this afternoon. “This has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life because of how much I value the role of representing the people of my community.”
“However, I must put my health and the well-being of my family first. The personal challenges of this past year have taken a significant toll on me and as I reflect further, I must put my full focus on my health,” says Dean.
“Thank you to all those in the BC NDP and our caucus for their continued support and, most of all, thank you to the people of Esquimalt, Metchosin, Colwood and View Royal for the honour of my life.”
Premier David Eby’s statement:
“Today Mitzi has advised me that she will not be running again with the NDP in this election for personal reasons. I agree with those reasons, and wish her the best with the difficult personal work she has ahead. I am very grateful for her selfless efforts and the many sacrifices she made to work for the people of British Columbia for so many years,” said Eby who is leader of the BC NDP.
“Mitzi will be on leave from her Minister of State role effective immediately in order to be focused on her health for the three weeks remaining in her term as MLA,” said Eby.
“We will make an additional announcement regarding the BC NDP nomination for Esquimalt-Colwood in the near future.”
West shore focus:
Dean has worked hard to develop a west shore focus for the NDP, making many appearances with then Premier John Horgan and in the last year with MLA Ravi Parmar (Langford-Juan de Fuca).
She has made her career in the social work aspects of society, running the Pacific Centre Family Services Association in Colwood for 10 years before running to be MLA in 2017. She was re-elected in 2020, serving as Minister of Children and Family Services until this year when her role was switched to that of Minister of State for Child Care.
Bare-bones race at the moment:
Now there is only one candidate running in Esquimalt-Colwood, that being Camille Currie as the BC Green candidate.
Last week Meagan Brame was the BC United candidate in Esquimalt-Colwood but her candidacy was abruptly ended when the entire BC United Party slate of nominations was cancelled by BC United Party Leader Kevin Falcon who is now throwing his own weight and influence behind the Conservative Party of BC.
===== RELATED:
NEWS SECTIONS: BC ELECTION 2024