B.C. Green Party Leader Andrew Weaver said on Monday that he was initially struck by a sudden onset of symptoms typical of labyrinthitis on September 10 before his address to the Canadian Propane Association BC Seminar in Langley. He was taken immediately to Langley Memorial Hospital.
Weeaver said: “My sincere thanks to the staff and members of the Canadian Propane Association BC Seminar last week who responded with efficiency and compassion to what I am sure was a stressful situation. Also, I want to acknowledge the excellent medical staff at Langley Memorial Hospital. They were professional, thorough, and I felt well cared for.”
Symptoms for labyrinthitis range from extreme vertigo, dizziness and loss of balance to nausea, vomiting, and temporary loss of hearing, according to health experts. Most major symptoms abate within one-three weeks, and Weaver said he has been told to expect a full recovery within a few weeks.
“I have reduced my workload to support my recovery, and I will continue to meet my obligations to the legislature and serve the people of British Columbia,” Weaver said. “My staff and I have also been in contact with Premier Horgan and the CASA Secretariat. I have full confidence in the MLAs Furstenau and Olsen and my staff to continue our important work in my reduced capacity as I will be limiting public events to focus my efforts on important files.
“I am relieved that I am on the way to a full recovery, and that I am not facing a more serious illness. It is important to remember that we must all take time to care for ourselves. During this time of immense challenge in our communities, we often neglect our own well-being in the service of the greater good. Let us all remember that to give our best, we must be our best selves, and that requires maintaining our health and work-life balance. I know I will be trying to keep this fact more top of mind going forward.”