B.C. Green interim leader, MLA Adam Olsen, announced on Wednesday that MLA Andrew Weaver has decided to sit as an independent effective January 20.
“We support MLA Weaver in his decision to sit as an independent so he can attend to the various health challenges affecting his family,” said Olsen, MLA for Saanich-North. “The BC Green Party’s work these past years to begin to reduce partisan polarization from our political discourse and restore the public’s trust has been demanding, and because of this we recognize that a person’s commitment to their family needs to come before those to their caucus.”
Weaver will continue to serve the riding of Oak Bay-Gordon Head.
“Sitting as an independent will allow me to better balance work with the competing health demands affecting my family,” Weaver said. “I remain committed to the stability of this minority government and to CASA.”
“Our caucus is focused on preparing for this session so that we can do the work before us that the people of British Columbia sent us here to do: reducing the cost of childcare, helping make housing more accessible, ensuring access to clean water, restoring climate leadership and advancing our economy to become more innovative, equitable and sustainable,” Olsen said.
“BC Greens have never been more relevant to the political discourse in our province, and the swell of enthusiasm we have seen around this leadership race is testimony to that. Now that our foundation is firmly set, it is time for the BC Greens to take the next steps as an organization.”
DEPUTY Premier and Finance Minister Carole James said in a statement: “I want to thank Dr. Andrew Weaver for all his work in establishing and maintaining a government that tackles the climate crisis and works every day to improve the lives of British Columbians.
“I would also like to send our best wishes to the Weaver family. There is nothing more important than the health of our loved ones and being supportive during difficult times.
“We’ve developed a strong relationship with Andrew, just as we have with Adam and Sonia. I look forward to continuing our work with all three MLAs in the legislature as we focus on making progress for the people of BC.”
