Ravi Kahlon among BC NDP MLAs who will not seek re-election | Daily Hive

Ravi Kahlon (left) and David Eby (right). (Government of B.C.)

At least three BC NDP MLAs and cabinet ministers have announced they will not run again as British Columbia heads into the Oct. 24 snap provincial general election.

Newly appointed Minister of Health Ravi Kahlon and Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Kelly Greene made their announcements today, shortly after Premier David Eby controversially called the election.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Lana Popham first announced yesterday that she would not seek another term in Saanich South.

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Kahlon, the MLA for the riding of Delta North and one of the BC NDP’s most high-profile cabinet ministers, said he felt it was time to leave after three election cycles.

He first won his seat in 2017 and was re-elected in 2020 and 2024. His announcement comes just over a month after he became the Minister of Health in a cabinet shuffle. He previously served as the Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs — implementing some of the most consequential housing supply policies in the history of this province — and Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth.

“Three election cycles and a decade later, I look back with an incredible amount of pride and gratitude,” reads Kahlon’s announcement.

“Serving in government also gave me the opportunity to make a difference across B.C. This ranged from restoring the Human Rights Commission and advancing our work against racism and hate, helping lead our economic recovery through the pandemic, increasing housing supply so young people can build their lives in the communities they love and working alongside the incredible people who deliver health care every day. I’m deeply grateful for every opportunity I’ve had to serve.”

Greene, who represents the riding of Richmond-Steveston, devoted much of her letter to constituents to concerns about industrial safety, climate change, and the movement of ships carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Greene’s decision came just one day after the provincial and federal governments announced environmental approvals for FortisBC’s Phase 2 expansion of the Tilbury LNG facility in Delta. The approvals cover a project that would increase LNG production and storage, although further permits are still required.

“I remain deeply concerned about risks posed by the Tilbury LNG shipping channel and have advocated for better safety standards for a decade,” she wrote.

Greene said her experience as the minister overseeing emergency management had shaped how she viewed projects that could put communities at risk.

She described Richmond’s waterways as busy places shared by commercial ships, fishing boats, and recreational users. As LNG shipping increases, she said, navigation risks, emergency response capabilities and public safety measures need regular review.

Her letter also reflected on working with communities affected by floods, wildfires and other emergencies. She described the damage those events can leave behind, from lost homes and livelihoods to lasting emotional distress.

“This decision to step down was not made lightly. My core values remain the same: honesty, integrity, working hard to find real solutions, and the courage to speak up even when it is hard,” wrote Greene.

Popham will leave the legislature after 17 years representing the riding of Saanich South. First elected in 2009, she has won the seat five times and will not seek a sixth term.

She became B.C.’s first female agriculture minister in 2017 and also spent about two years overseeing tourism, arts, culture, and sport. In her departure announcement, she pointed to her work supporting B.C. farmers.

Popham said she intended to remain involved in farming, food security, and the future of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).

“I am sad to leave this role, but I am not leaving public life without purpose. I have had the great fortune to work with incredible caucus colleagues for the past 17 years, including Carole James, Adrian Dix and John Horgan,” said Popham in a statement.

“Thank you to Premier Eby for giving me the opportunity to serve people on issues that matter most to me. I look forward to contributing in other ways and ensuring that food security, protection of the Agricultural Land Reserve, and the people who feed us remain in the spotlight for years to come.”

Together, the decisions mean the BC NDP will be defending Delta North, Richmond-Steveston, and Saanich South without the three incumbents.

The Conservative Party of B.C. has also seen substantial turnover, with over a dozen MLAs quitting or being expelled from caucus since August amid internal disputes over Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s leadership.

Today, Peter Milobar and six other MLAs from the breakaway CentreBC party rejoined the Conservatives, while Elenore Sturko remained with CentreBC and became its leader. Brent Chapman, who is married to Findlay, left the Conservatives to join OneBC on this same day.

Findlay resigned this past weekend, less than four months after becoming leader, and Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Lorne Doerkson took over as interim leader. Several MLAs, including former leader John Rustad and former interim leader Trevor Halford, have since returned as the Conservatives try to reunite ahead of the election.

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