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

London Drugs says it's unwilling to pay ransom demanded by hackers

Retailer London Drugs says it is "unwilling and unable" to pay a multimillion-dollar ransom to cybercriminals who claim to have stolen data in a hacking attack that recently shut down its stores for more than a week. The company says in a statement that the criminals could leak stolen corporate files containing employee information on the dark web, calling the situation "deeply distressing."

London Drugs says it's unwilling to pay ransom demanded by hackers

Interpol says more than 1,500 stolen Canadian vehicles identified since February

Interpol says more than 200 stolen Canadian vehicles have been found each week across the globe since February. The international law enforcement agency says a total of more than 1,500 vehicles have been identified thanks to the RCMP's decision earlier this year to integrate Canada's database for stolen vehicles with Interpol's.

Interpol says more than 1,500 stolen Canadian vehicles identified since February

Canadians feel grocery inflation getting worse, 18% are boycotting Loblaw: poll

Almost two-thirds of Canadians feel that inflation at the grocery store is getting worse, a new poll suggests, even as food inflation has been steadily cooling. A new Leger survey found that almost 30 per cent of Canadians believe food inflation has been primarily caused by grocery stores trying to increase profit margins. Another 26 per cent think it’s mostly due to global economic factors, while one in five blame the federal government

Canadians feel grocery inflation getting worse, 18% are boycotting Loblaw: poll

Indian international students most likely to live in unsuitable housing, StatCan says

The study, which was based on the most recent census data, says Indian students were more likely to live in unsuitable housing than students from other countries. In Brampton, Ont. and Surrey, B.C., the municipalities with the largest proportions of Indian students, more than 60 per cent of international students were living in unsuitable housing.

Indian international students most likely to live in unsuitable housing, StatCan says

Freeland says capital gains proposal will be tabled before summer break

The Liberal government will bring its proposal to increase the inclusion rate on capital gains to the House of Commons before the parliamentary summer break, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said Tuesday.

Freeland says capital gains proposal will be tabled before summer break

Cooler, wetter weather aids B.C. wildfire fight in northeast

The BC Wildfire Service says cooler, wetter conditions are allowing crews to make progress in their firefight in the province's northeast where thousands of evacuees remain out of their homes for a second week. The service says the more seasonable weather is expected to persist until Wednesday.