Former finance minister Brenda Bailey said Wednesday she will not seek re-election this fall, becoming the fourth cabinet minister to announce they are not running since Premier David Eby called a snap election Tuesday.
The Vancouver-South Granville MLA announced in August that she had been diagnosed with early-stage cancer.
Bailey said in a statement Wednesday she is now cancer-free after undergoing surgery.
“And while I’m not back to 100%, I’ll be out on the campaign trail helping support by BC NDP team who are offering a real plan to protect people during the severe consequences of Trump’s trade war,” said Bailey.
North Delta MLA Ravi Kahlon also said Tuesday that, after three election cycles, he believes it is time for someone else to represent the riding.
Kahlon was recently appointed health minister. He previously served as minister of jobs and economic growth and as housing minister.
Eby said Wednesday he was “heartbroken” that Kahlon will not be running, but he understands that Kahlon wants to prioritize his family.
Saanich South MLA Lana Popham, who served as agriculture minister, said this week she would not seek a sixth term in office.
Kelly Greene, minister of emergency management and climate readiness, also said she will not be running again in Richmond-Steveston.
In a statement, Greene reiterated her concerns about risks posed by the recently approved expansion of the Tilbury LNG facility in Delta and the potential impacts on nearby waterways.
