Murray Rankin says it’s time to “step aside and allow others to contribute” as he won’t seek re-election in his position as NDP MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head in the October provincial election.
A lawyer with expertise in environmental, Indigenous, and public law, he holds law degrees from the University of Toronto and Harvard Law School. Rankin, also an Oak Bay resident, served as MP for Victoria from 2012 to 2019 and then in 2020 earned the role as MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head.
“I am very proud of the contributions I have made to public service over these years: my role in enacting legislation to enshrine medical assistance in dying in Canada; the thalidomide settlement; and my Orange Shirt Day private member’s bill, which eventually became the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. I was also honoured to be asked by the prime minister to serve as Canada’s first chair of the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency,” Rankin said in a statement Sunday (June 2).
“Yet the highlight of my life in politics has been to oversee the government’s implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act as the minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. I believe that our government’s efforts to achieve reconciliation will be regarded as among its greatest achievements.”
While crediting the support of two premiers, and the entire B.C. government, Rankin noted he has been responsible for ensuring that the action plan co-developed with Indigenous leaders brings about real and lasting change.
“The recognition of Haida rights and finding a permanent home for the Lyackson First Nation have been especially rewarding. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Indigenous communities across B.C. and I cherish the many lasting friendships I have made,” he said.
Rankin also thanked his team locally and at his ministerial office, his family and the community for support over the years.
“I am deeply grateful. Until the election is held, I will do my utmost to serve you and the people of British Columbia to the best of my ability,” Rankin said.
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