Weaver to step aside from BC Green Caucus to sit as an independent
Today, I announced that effective Monday, January 20 I will sit as an independent MLA in the BC Legislature. As the BC Green leadership race unfolds, I believe that it is important for the BC Green Party to develop a new vision and voice independent from mine. My presence in the BC Green caucus could hinder that independence. Sitting as an independent will also give me a better opportunity during the upcoming legislative sitting to attend to personal matters, including a number of health challenges affecting my family.
Below I reproduce my office’s press release.
Media Release
Weaver to step aside from BC Green Caucus to sit as an independent
For Immediate Release
January 15, 2020
Victoria, B.C. – Andrew Weaver, Oak Bay Gordon Head MLA, today announced he will leave the BC Green Caucus and sit in the legislature as an independent, effective Monday, January 20.
“Over the last few months I’ve spent a good deal of time thinking about how best to balance my commitments under the Confidence and Supply Agreement (CASA), my desire to see the BC Green Party grow its political presence in British Columbia and increasing health demands affecting my family”, Weaver said. “After careful consideration I feel it is best for all parties if I continue my legislative work as an independent member, prior to the beginning of the spring legislative session.”
“As the leadership race unfolds, I believe that it is important for the BC Green Party to develop a new vision and voice independent from mine. My presence in the BC Green caucus could hinder that independence” Weaver said. “Sitting as an independent will also give me a better opportunity during the upcoming legislative sitting to attend to personal matters, including a number of health challenges affecting my family.”
Weaver also announced today he will return to the University of Victoria to resume his academic duties upon completing his term as an MLA.
“I’m excited about the prospect of eventually getting back to the classroom”, Weaver said. “I entered politics to have a positive impact on the political discourse on climate change, and I am very proud of the accomplishments of the BC Greens under my leadership. I look forward to watching their continued growth under the party’s new leader.”
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Media Contact:
Judy Fainstein, Director of Operations
Office of Andrew Weaver, MLA
Phone: (250) 472-8528
Judy.Fainstein@leg.bc.ca
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4 Comments
It’s difficult to “hear”. Must have been more difficult to “make” the decision.
Classy blog post. Full of integrity.
Much love to you and your family.
Thanks for always doing politics differently.
~T~
Thank you for this clarification. I still don’t understand how sitting as an independent will take less of your time since you don’t have the Green Party staff or MLAs to help you, but I must trust that you are doing the best you can in the circumstances.
The grassroots of the federal Green Party are also working on our Vision, Mission, Strategy. Let’s hope some cross pollination will occur,
Wally Kunz, Vancouver-Hastings
Wonder why you didn’t just step back from your duties on compassionate grounds, as your leaving the Green caucus has resulted in a substantial decrease in funding under the monies allocated to the provincial party per sitting member?
Thank you Andrew for all the time, energy and effort you’ve given to help our province become more conscious and take effort to make this planet a livable for all.