MLA Rosalyn Bird announced on Tuesday that “after considerable reflection,” she has “made the difficult decision to leave the Conservative Caucus and continue representing the people of Prince George-Valemount as an Independent member of the Legislative Assembly.”
In a statement, Bird said: “This decision was not made lightly. Political parties play an important role in our democracy, but they are vehicles for our values; they cannot become substitutes for them.
“I believe British Columbians are tired of political infighting, name-calling and division. They expect their elected representatives to disgaree respectfully, work collaboratively where possible, and remain focussed on the challenges facing families, communities and our province.
“Transparency, accountability, integrity and responsible government will continue to guide my work. So will my belief in free speech, respcetful debate and our responsibility as elected represntatives to reject hatred and discrimination while remaining willing to have difficult conversations about the issues facing British Columbia.
“Our provuince also urgently needs a renewed focus on economic growth. Small- and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of B.C.’s economy. They are facing tremendous pressures from rising costs, taxation, regulatory complexity and adminstrative burdens. At the same time, British Columbia has extraordinary talent and the potential to lead in innovation, technology and industry while responsibly developing the forestry, mining, agriculture, fisheries and energy sectors that have built communities across our province.
“As an Independent MLA, I will work with anyone who brings forward good ideas. I will support initiatives that are right for Prince George-Valemount and British Columbia and oppose those that are not.
Mu political affiliation may be chaning, but my responsibility is not. I was elected to serve the people og Prince George-Valemount. They will remian my first priority. I beleive British Columbia’s best years can still be ahead of us.”
