Ravi Kahlon is among BC NDP MLAs who will not seek re-election

At least three BC NDP MLAs and cabinet ministers have said they will not seek re-election as British Columbia heads to a snap provincial election on Oct. 24. Health Minister Ravi Kahlon and Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Minister Kelly Greene announced their decisions after Premier David Eby called the election, while Agriculture and Food Minister Lana Popham announced a day earlier that she would not seek another term in Saanich South.

Kahlon, the MLA for Delta North, said it was time to leave after three election cycles. First elected in 2017, he was re-elected in 2020 and 2024 and became health minister just over a month ago in a cabinet shuffle. He previously served as housing and municipal affairs minister and as minister of jobs and economic growth.

Greene, who represents Richmond-Steveston, cited concerns about industrial safety, climate change and liquefied natural gas shipping. Her announcement followed provincial and federal environmental approvals for FortisBC’s Phase 2 expansion of the Tilbury LNG facility in Delta, a project that would increase LNG production and storage but still requires further permits. She said navigation risks, emergency-response capacity and public-safety measures require regular review as LNG shipping increases.

Popham has represented Saanich South for 17 years, winning the seat five times since first being elected in 2009. British Columbia’s first female agriculture minister, she also oversaw tourism, arts, culture and sport for about two years. She said she plans to remain involved in farming, food security and the future of the Agricultural Land Reserve.

The departures leave the BC NDP to defend Delta North, Richmond-Steveston and Saanich South without the three incumbents. The Conservative Party of B.C. has also faced significant turnover amid internal disputes over Findlay’s leadership.