Kevin Falcon has this morning announced his resignation from the posts of Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier. He will continue in his role as MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale.
In a statement, he cited as his reason a desire to spend more time with his wife Jessica and young daughter Josephine, and also his wife's pregnancy, with their second child due in February. Falcon pointed to the pressures of working towards the provincial budget, also due in February, as a "stressful time" and said he looked forward to the birth of his second child "unburdened by the demands of the office."
He said, "After almost 12 years in public life, I wish to return to the private sector in a yet to be determined role. I feel enormously blessed and privileged to have served the constituents of Surrey-Cloverdale for almost 12 years. Inevitably there will be those who will question the timing of my decision or why I would not stay on as minister until the election. Putting aside the timing associated with the newest addition to our family in February, I genuinely believe the premier requires a finance minister who will prepare a budget and make taxation/spending measures that he or she will be prepared to defend in the upcoming election campaign."
He added, "I look back over my time as an MLA and Minister with great humility and pride. Humility, for being given the opportunity to serve as Minister of Deregulation, Transportation and Infrastructure, Health and Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier. Pride in working with colleagues to initiate and oversee some of the largest capital investments in BC history."
For the full statement, click here.
