Lana Popham, British Columbia’s long-serving agriculture minister, has announced that she will not seek re-election, adding to speculation about a potential early election.
Popham’s decision comes shortly after the resignation of B.C. Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay.
Having held office since 2009 and becoming the province’s first female agriculture minister in 2017, Popham expressed the difficulty of her choice in a statement provided by the B.C. NDP caucus.
Throughout her tenure, Popham has left a lasting impact, having also served as minister of tourism, arts, culture, and sport for a period of two years. She remains committed to causes such as farming, food security, and the future of the Agricultural Land Reserve even after leaving elected office.
While saddened to step down from her role, Popham emphasizes that her exit from public office is not the end of her contribution to important issues.
