BC’s oldest elected official has announced his retirement

While much of the province’s attention is focused on the upcoming federal election, some BC specific political news broke on Monday.

BC Liberal Party leader Andrew Wilkinson announced that West Vancouver-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan will not seek re-election in 2021.

The 86-year-old became the oldest person to ever be elected in the history of BC politics in the 2017 provincial election.

Tonight @ralph_sultan announced that he will not be seeking re-election.
A heartfelt thank you to Ralph for his years of service and dedication to West Vancouver-Capilano and B.C.
He sets the standard that we all should strive for as elected officials. #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/btPGYW9UbI

— Andrew Wilkinson (@Wilkinson4BC) October 16, 2019

It marked the fifth election win for Sultan, who was also victorious in the 2001, 2005, 2009 and 2013 elections.

According to his MLA bio, Sultan worked as a tree faller and lineman on the construction od the Kemano-Kitimat transmission line before attending UBC Vancouver where he graduated with an engineering degree.

Sultan went on to achieve an MBA, MA and Ph.D in economics from Havard University before serving as Chief Economist at the Royal Bank of Canada for a decade.

Social media was quick to congratulate Sultan on his political career and other achievements:

We ❤ Ralph‼ No rest for @ralph_sultan as we hold a full day of #PublicAccountsCommittee hearings @BCLegislature even after he announces his intention to retire! pic.twitter.com/uL8D2Noige

— John Yap (@John_Yap) October 16, 2019

Thanks for looking out for #WestVan. Whomever steps up to the plate will have massive shoes to fill.

— Mike ⚡️ (@mpjonesy91) October 16, 2019

Who’s #bcpoli’s youngest-at-heart retiring MLA? This guy! I loved running @ralph_sultan’s 2013 campaign. It was an uphill battle - but only topographically! Jokes aside, Ralph’s bootstrap journey from poverty to success to service is legendary and inspirational. He’ll be missed. pic.twitter.com/g3bgXAUuyz

— Gavin Dew (@gavindew) October 16, 2019

One of my favourite funny #bcleg moments was when @ralph_sultan, during debate on the Limitation Act, discussed described giving a naked phone interview to @seanmholman. Future generations of legislators will never fully appreciate the pain of corded phones. https://t.co/Zv70X26KXt

— Mel Harris (@melharrisbc) October 16, 2019

The West Vancouver-Capilano MLA will finish his term through 2021.