National

B.C. NDP ministers Bains, Ralston and Fleming won't seek re-election

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Jul, 2024 12:17 PM

Three veteran New Democrat cabinet ministers and community stalwarts in Surrey and Victoria have announced they won't seek re-election in British Columbia's fall vote.

Harry Bains, Bruce Ralston and Rob Fleming were all first elected in 2005 and have served five terms in the legislature, but say they will not stand on Oct. 19.

The three ministers join at least eight other NDP MLAs who have said they will not seek re-election.

Bains, who represents the Surrey-Newton riding, said Thursday in a statement it was the honour of a lifetime to represent his constituents and serve as B.C.'s labour minister, but it's time to "allow someone new to continue the work we have begun."

I thank each and every one of you for supporting me over the years. It has truly been the honour of a lifetime to represent the people of Surrey-Newton and to serve as Minister of Labour for our province.

Thank YOU! pic.twitter.com/CgxGqf1jRJ
— Harry Bains (@HarryBainsSN) July 4, 2024

"When I first decided to run many years ago, I started with a mission to take action on human rights and workers' rights," said Bains, a former union leader. "Under the leadership of premiers John Horgan and now David Eby, I am proud of the work we've accomplished and the difference we have made in people's lives."

Fleming, transportation minister and Victoria-Swan Lake MLA, said it had been a privilege to serve his constituents for "the better part of two decades."

Fleming saluted Horgan and Eby for appointing him to cabinet and thanked former NDP opposition leader Carole James for her leadership and friendship as a colleague in the neighbouring riding of Victoria-Beacon Hill.

"I am optimistic about our province's ability to solve complex problems when we work together," he said. "And I hope to continue to be able to contribute to solving challenges in a different capacity in the future."

Fleming said he would be "forever grateful" to the B.C. Road Builders association, labour unions, First Nations and transportation ministry staff for their dedication and co-operation rebuilding the devastated Coquihalla Highway after November 2021 flooding.

We've accomplished so much together, but there is much more to do.

To my friends, family, colleagues & staff, I’m thankful for your unwavering support over the better part of two decades. I could not have done my job without you.

2/2
— Rob Fleming (@Rob_Fleming) July 4, 2024

Ralston, who represents Surrey-Whalley and is B.C.'s forests minister, confirmed on social media he won't seek a sixth term.

Ralston, who served as B.C. NDP president before being elected to the legislature in 2005, said he was looking forward to his next phase in life after almost 20 years in provincial politics.

Ralston served previously as NDP house leader when the party was in opposition and held cabinet posts in energy and mines and jobs, trade and technology.

The other NDP MLAs who have said they will not seek re-election are Katrine Conroy, George Heyman, Nicholas Simons, Doug Routley, Jennifer Rice, Katrina Chen, Fin Donnelly and Murray Rankin.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Auditor general raises concerns about B.C.’s bookkeeping for 16th time

Michael Pickup says if B.C's financial statements followed Canadian public sector accounting standards there would be about another $7 billion in the revenue column, and liabilities would have dropped by the same amount. This is the 16th time Pickup's office has "qualified" its audit report, meaning it couldn't say the financial statements were fairly presented.

Auditor general raises concerns about B.C.’s bookkeeping for 16th time

Charges laid in shooting deaths of two Edmonton officers while on duty: police

Charges have been laid in the deaths of two Edmonton police officers who were shot while responding to a call in March. Const. Brett Ryan and Const. Travis Jordan took a call about a family dispute at an apartment building when they were gunned down by a 16-year-old boy.

Charges laid in shooting deaths of two Edmonton officers while on duty: police

CP investigation into allegations of toxic workplace at CSIS

The investigation, by reporter Darryl Greer, includes interviews with two covert officers who say they were sexually assaulted by a senior colleague while on duty, and two other officers who support their claims. The story provides a rare look inside Canada's spy agency.

CP investigation into allegations of toxic workplace at CSIS

El Niño brings a warm start to winter, but that could change: Weather Network

The Weather Network predicts El Niño conditions will lead to above-average temperatures and lower-than-normal precipitation levels in much of the country, particularly in Western and Central Canada. While that trend is expected to hold throughout the winter in British Columbia and the Prairie provinces, the network said areas further east may see more variable conditions as the season progresses.

El Niño brings a warm start to winter, but that could change: Weather Network

Respondents to Bank of Canada questionnaire largely oppose creating a digital loonie

The Bank of Canada’s public consultations on the creation of a digital Canadian dollar reveal most respondents are opposed to it. The central bank released its findings Wednesday that show more than 80 per cent of respondents strongly opposed the Bank of Canada researching and building the capability to issue a digital dollar.

Respondents to Bank of Canada questionnaire largely oppose creating a digital loonie

Three in four Canadians say higher immigration is worsening housing crisis: poll

A large majority of Canadians agree that higher immigration is fuelling the housing crisis and putting pressure on the health-care system, a new Leger poll suggests. New federal voting intention numbers from the polling firm also show that the Conservatives are maintaining their sizable lead over the governing Liberals.