Finance Minister Kevin Falcon resigns
By Contributor
Provincial Finance Minister Kevin Falcon resigned from politics Wednesday.
Falcon told the media he and his wife are expecting their second child in February 2013, and that played a role in his decision.
“Those familiar with the role of a minister of finance know that the lead up to a budget and its delivery in February, is a time of great stress and pressure. I am looking forward to participating in this exciting event, unburdened by the demands of the office,” Falcon said.
“Part of the reason why I decided I wanted to do it now is . . .. I wanted to make sure that the premier and government have a clear path in the fall, to ensure that my decision is not going to be a decision which is going to cloud or distract from what I know is a very positive agenda,” he said.
Premier Christy Clark released a statement from Victoria.
“This morning Kevin Falcon advised me that he would be stepping down as Finance Minister and Deputy Premier and that he will not seek re-election in the next provincial election in order to spend more time with his family.
“I have asked Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, to serve as Acting Finance Minister in the interim. Minister Bond already serves as Deputy Chair of Treasury Board and alternate Finance Minister.
Falcon entered politics in the late 1990’s and was first elected as the MLA for Surrey-Cloverdale in 2001.
He rose through the ranks to become a major player in the Liberal cabinet under former premier Gordon Campbell, whose leadership he praised on Wednesday.
Falcon finished second in the B.C. Liberal leadership race to Clark.
“Kevin Falcon has been the hardest working Finance Minister in the country and I want to thank him for keeping us on strong fiscal footing, with a triple A credit rating despite the worst global recession in generations,” Clark said.
“He has made a remarkable contribution to our province and his public service is beyond distinction.
“I know how hard it can be to balance the needs and aspirations of family life while wanting to serve publicly,” Clark added. “I wish Kevin and his growing family continued success and happiness and thank him for his incredible tenure.”
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