Esquimalt-Metchosin MLA Mitzi Dean announced Saturday afternoon (Aug. 31) that she would not be running for the NDP in this yearsa国际传媒檚 provincial election scheduled for Oct. 19.

The minister of state for child care mentioned sa国际传媒減ersonal challengessa国际传媒� as the main reasons for her withdrawal.

sa国际传媒淚 must put my health and the well-being of my family first,sa国际传媒� said Dean in a press release. sa国际传媒淭he personal challenges of this past year have taken a significant toll on me and as I reflect further, I must put my full focus on my health."

Grateful for both the support of her caucus and constituents over the years, Dean mentioned not having made this decision lightheartedly. 

sa国际传媒淭his has been one of the most difficult decisions of my life because of how much I value the role of representing the people of my community,sa国际传媒� she said.

Dean had served as MLA for the riding of Esquimalt-Metchosin which will change in the upcoming term to Esquimalt-Colwood.

Premier David Eby was informed of Dean's decision the day she issued her statement.

Eby mentioned the Dean would be on leave for her role as a minister sa国际传媒渋mmediatelysa国际传媒� allowing her to "be focused on her health" for the remainder of her three-week term as MLA.

sa国际传媒淚 agree with those reasons, and wish her the best with the difficult personal work she has ahead,sa国际传媒� said Eby. 

The premier added that the BC NDP will announce the nomination of a new candidate for the riding sa国际传媒渋n the near future.sa国际传媒�