Renee Merrifield has announced she is stepping down as an MLA at the next election.
She said her decision was “not made lightly,” but was based on the “pressing issue of the housing crisis.”
That crisis “calls for dedicated and immediate action,” she said, and her property development company, Troika, “is where I can make the most substantial impact.”
Merrifield, who is the sister of entrepreneur and former Dragons’ Den star Lane Merrifield, was elected to the Kelowna–Mission riding in 2020, winning just over 50 per cent of the vote.
A mother of five, she served as BC United’s shadow minister for health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She is now the shadow minister for environment and climate change, technology and innovation.
"As I take a moment to reflect on my journey and the road ahead, my heart is filled with gratitude for the immense trust and support bestowed upon me by the incredible people of Kelowna-Mission,” she said in a statement released this morning.
“Serving as your MLA has been one of the most fulfilling and enriching experiences of my life, filled with deep connections and shared dreams of a brighter future.”
She added: “We are at a crucial point where time, our most finite resource, must be directed towards creating tangible and lasting solutions in housing for the betterment of all British Columbians.”
Merrifield, who recently told NowMedia of her confidence in BC United amid a challenge from the Conservative Party of BC, also praised her party leader, Kevin Falcon.
She said in his “capable hands,” the province’s leadership is “poised for a change that will usher in an era of prosperity and innovation.”
“BC United is our best chance for not only change but a renewed focus on the priorities and needs of British Columbians,” she said.
“Thank you, Kelowna-Mission, for the honour and privilege of your support and for allowing me the opportunity to serve. The connections we've made and the progress we've achieved together will always be cherished."
Ben Stewart, the BC United MLA for Merrifield's neighbouring riding, announced in October last year that he too would step down at the next election.
Her other BC United neighbour, Norm Letnick, also said in 2023 that he wouldn't be seeking re-election.
The next BC election must take place on or before Oct. 19 this year.
