Thomson bows out

Steve Thomson has made it official.

Widely rumoured not to be seeking re-election in the next provincial election, Thomson issued a statement Monday confirming so.

“Today, I want to thank my family, colleagues, constituents, and volunteers who have supported me since I first ran to become a Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.

“Serving as the MLA for Kelowna-Mission has been the experience of a lifetime, and an absolute honour. However, I have decided that I will not be standing for re-election in the next provincial election. It is now time to pass the torch to the next generation of leadership in Kelowna-Mission.

“Having served as a government minister, a member of the Treasury Board, and even briefly as Speaker of the House, I look forward to sharing everything I have learned in over a decade in politics with those who will put their names forward to seek to represent this great community.

“Thank you again to everyone who supported or accompanied me on this incredible journey. It has been an honour to serve the people of Kelowna-Mission all these years. I look forward to continuing to work hard for the community and for the province until the next election and beyond.”

Thomson, a BC Liberal, was first elected in 2009 and was re-elected in 2013 and 2017. He served as Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Minister of Agriculture and Lands.

Prior to entering politics, he was executive director of the BC Agriculture Council and general manager of the BC Fruit Growers Association.