B.C.'s 1st mental health and addictions minister won't be seeking re-election

Another B.C. NDP cabinet minister has announced they won't be seeking re-election amid rumours of a possible snap election in the fall.

Mental Health and Addictions Minister Judy Darcy, who represents the New Westminster riding, made the announcement Thursday, Sept. 17.

Darcy took on the role as B.C.'s first-ever addictions minister amid the ongoing opioid crisis, which has seen devastating loss across all corners of the province.

.@DarcyJudy, MLA for New Westminster & Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has announced she won't be seeking re-election after this term. Judy has a long history of fighting for human rights and has been a strong advocate for people in New West since 2013. Thank you, Judy! pic.twitter.com/PgN6aw09fo

-- BC NDP (@bcndp) September 17, 2020

She was first elected as MLA in 2013, following years of human rights advocacy.

Darcy joins four other cabinet ministers who have also confirmed they will be sitting out in any future election: Poverty Reduction Minister Shane Simpson, Forest Minister Doug Donaldson, Jobs Minister Michelle Mungall and Indigenous Relations Minister Scott Fraser.

Finance Minister Carole James also announced in March that she would not be seeking re-election after being diagnosed with Parkison's disease

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