National

Vancouver MLA not seeking re-election

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Sep, 2020 10:04 PM

British Columbia's minister of social development and poverty reduction says he won't run in the next provincial election.

Shane Simpson, who represents Vancouver-Hastings in the legislature, says he believes it's the right time for change.

He says in a statement that serving in the cabinet portfolio has been the "icing on the cake" of his political career, considering his own childhood growing up in a housing project in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside.

Simpson first won the riding in 2005, replacing New Democrat Joy MacPhail after her retirement from politics.

The riding has been represented by a New Democrat since its creation in 1991.

Simpson was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 for his contribution to the community.

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