Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Rob Fleming bows out of upcoming October provincial election

For nearly two decades, Rob Fleming has been the MLA representative for the Victoria-Swan Lake electoral district, but now he has decided his journey in provincial politics must come to an end. 

First elected in 2005, Fleming has served as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Minister of Education, and has been a member of the Planning and Priorities Committee, Environment and Land Use Committee as well as the Cabinet Committee on Economy.

On Thursday, July 4th, Fleming released a statement via social media in which he announced he will not seek re-election, spoke to his time as MLA and his hopes for the future of the riding. 

“I have enjoyed working directly with two dedicated, thoughtful and hard-working premiers, John Horgan and David Eby, and I thank them for their confidence in me in the roles of Minister of Education and Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure,” Fleming wrote. 

He says he is proud to have been a part of a government that could implement legislation on universal childcare, a reduction in child poverty through tax regulation, eliminated MSP healthcare tax, pursued meaningful reconciliation and worked to build more homes where they were needed. 

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“In Victoria-Swan Lake and the Capital Region, thousands of new, affordable homes have been built or are under construction,” said Fleming. 

“Homes for seniors, people starting careers, working families, students, as well as the most vulnerable in society.”

He continued by saying he thanks everyone who has worked under, or alongside him as well as his family, friends and constituents. 

“While I am not seeking re-election this October, I remain deeply committed to working my utmost to Premier Eby and the BC NDP team. This government has accomplished much, but there is much more to do,” Fleming concluded. 

Fleming did not speak to his plans for the future in his statement. 

Since his announcement, the BC NDP have not announced who will replace Fleming as the Victoria-Swan Lake electoral district. 

The next provincial election is set to take place on October 19th.