Over the long weekend, the BC NDP announced that Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin, will be withdrawing her name from the ballot in the upcoming election.
In light of the decision from Dean, a joint statement has been released by both her and Premier David Eby.
“I am officially withdrawing my name from consideration for the BC NDP nomination for the riding of Esquimalt-Colwood,” said Dean.
“This has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life because of how much I value the role of representing the people of my community.”
Dean says the reason for this decision is personal, and that she must put her health and the well-being of her family first.
“The personal challenges of this past year have taken a significant toll on me and as I reflect further, I must put my full focus on my health,” she added.
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Premier Eby says he supports this decision from Dean.
“I am very grateful for her selfless efforts and the many sacrifices she made to work for the people of British Columbia for so many years,” said the Premier.
According to the BC NDP, Dean will be on leave from her Minister of State role effective immediately in order to be focused on her health for the three weeks remaining in her term as MLA.
In her tenure with the government that began with her election in 2017, Dean has served as Minister of Children and Family Development since November 2020 and was reappointed in December 2022.
She is also the chair of the Cabinet Committee on Social Initiatives, and currently serves as Minister of State for Child Care.
In the previous term of government, she served as parliamentary secretary for gender equity.
BC NDP noted in the announcement that an announcement will be made in the “near future” regarding her successor as the Esquimalt-Colwood nominee.
The upcoming provincial election will take place on October 19th.
