Victoria MLA steps back to support young son

A member of the British Columbia legislature says she's stepping back from her duties because her four-year-old son has been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA Grace Lore says in a message on her constituency Facebook page that the tumour was found in her son Asher last month.

Lore, who is also parliamentary secretary for gender equity, says she will remain a member of the assembly, but is relying on the support of her office staff and colleagues while she cares for her family.

(CW: childhood illness)

Victoria-Beacon Hill community members, friends, neighbours – an update on myself and our community office.

In Feb, we found a tumour in my 4yo son’s brain. so I have had to take a step back to care for Asher and my family. https://t.co/VKMi8frs7k pic.twitter.com/FKUpKoky73

— Grace Lore (@GraceALore) March 21, 2021

To neighbours, friends, and family, who’ve delivered food and more – thank you. And to all British Columbians – you’ve kept COVID under control by missing the things you love so that we can keep each other and our families safe – thank you! Please keep it up, we’re almost there

— Grace Lore (@GraceALore) March 21, 2021

She says her community office remains accessible by email and phone in keeping with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

On behalf of herself and her family, she thanks those at B.C. Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House.

Lore, a New Democrat first elected last fall, has received messages of support from many members of the legislature, including Premier John Horgan and interim Liberal Leader Shirley Bond.

Oh no, so very sorry to hear this. Wishing you and your family nothing but the best in the days ahead. Thinking good thoughts for your son! https://t.co/I0PxgAoVhz

— Shirley Bond (@shirleybond) March 21, 2021

"Family comes first. We are all holding Grace and little Asher close in our hearts," says the premier in a statement Monday.