Three More BC NDP Ministers Step Down from Politics Victoria, BC – Three additional cabinet ministers in the BC NDP government have announced they will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming provincial election. * Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Lisa Beare * Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Lana Popham * Minister of Labour Harry Bains This brings the total number of NDP ministers who have announced their departures to five, following the earlier resignations of Attorney General David Eby and Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside. In a statement, Beare cited personal reasons for her decision, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to serve her constituents and the province. Popham stated that she was looking forward to spending more time with her family and focusing on her farming operation. Bains said he had made the “difficult decision” to step down to make way for a new generation of leaders. The departure of these experienced ministers is a significant blow to the NDP government, which has held power in British Columbia since 2017. Premier John Horgan thanked the ministers for their service and wished them well in their future endeavors. The upcoming election is set for May 9, 2023, and the BC NDP will be facing challenges from the BC Liberals, the BC Green Party, and other political organizations. The party will need to field strong candidates to replace the outgoing ministers and maintain its support among voters. The announcements of these departures come amid ongoing speculation about the future of the NDP government. Horgan has not yet indicated whether he will seek re-election, and the party is facing pressure to choose a strong successor if he steps down. The resignations of these ministers will undoubtedly shake up the political landscape in British Columbia and add to the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election.Three NDP Cabinet Ministers to Step DownThree NDP Cabinet Ministers to Step Down Three veteran British Columbia NDP cabinet ministers have announced their decision to not seek re-election in the upcoming October election. Rob Fleming: Rob Fleming, the 52-year-old MLA for Victoria-Swan Lake, stated that after nearly 20 years in politics, it was time for him to leave. He emphasized the importance of renewal and supporting new leaders. Bruce Ralston: Bruce Ralston, 71, the Forests Minister and MLA for Surrey-Whalley, also announced his departure. He has served in the provincial government for five consecutive terms. Harry Bains: Harry Bains, 72, the Labour Minister and MLA for Surrey-Newton, expressed his decision not to run again, citing the need for someone new to continue the work begun. Implications: The departures will leave the NDP without incumbents in key battleground ridings in Surrey, where the BC Conservatives are gaining ground. Overall, eight NDP MLAs, including three cabinet ministers, have announced they will not run for re-election. Despite the turnover, the NDP campaign manager remains confident in the party’s ability to win the vacated ridings, describing it as an opportunity for new energy. Political scientist Gerald Baier sees the departures as a natural part of political cycles and notes the absence of internal discontent within Premier David Eby’s cabinet. He believes the NDP will seek well-known candidates in the Surrey ridings to counter opposition challenges. Opposition Parties: The BC United party, the Official Opposition, has 13 incumbents not running for re-election, including two who defected to the BC Conservatives. BC Green MLA Adam Olsen has also announced his departure from politics.Three more British Columbia NDP ministers have announced they will not seek re-election in the upcoming provincial election. The ministers are: * Carole James, Minister of Finance * Jinny Sims, Minister of Citizens’ Services * Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources All three ministers have served in Premier John Horgan’s cabinet since the NDP formed government in 2017. James, who is also the MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill, said in a statement that she is “incredibly proud” of the work she has done as minister of finance, but that it is time for her to “pass the torch.” Sims, who is the MLA for Surrey-Panorama, said in a statement that she is “looking forward to spending more time with her family” after the election. Mungall, who is the MLA for Nelson-Creston, said in a statement that she is “incredibly grateful” for the opportunity to have served as a cabinet minister, but that she is “ready for a new chapter in her life.” The NDP currently holds a majority government in British Columbia, with 57 seats in the 87-seat legislature. The election is scheduled for October 24, 2024.