KATRINA Chen, who was Minister of State for Child Care, said on Tuesday that she had asked Premier David Eby not to consider her for cabinet because “as a survivor of gender-based violence more than once in my life, including as a child, I have long-term trauma that has yet to be fully unpacked” and needed “time to focus on myself and my son.”

Chen, who co-chaired Eby’s leadership campaign, issued the following statement on Tuesday:

“Today is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, As a survivor of gender-based violence more than once in my life, including as a child, I have long-term trauma that has yet to be fully unpacked.

“This long-standing trauma has continued to impact my life, even as I dedicated my time to my work in cabinet to deliver progress on child care for B.C. families. I am incredibly proud of my journey. As an immigrant, I have represented our community in the legislature, and have worked with my colleagues to stand up the first social program in a generation.

“I need time to focus on myself and my son, and have asked Premier David Eby to not consider me for cabinet. I stand with all survivors of gender-based violence.

“I thank all my constituents, Premier Eby, my colleagues, staff members and everyone I’ve worked with for giving me their trust and support, and for giving me the time and space to heal.

“I will now turn my attention to focus on what lies ahead for my son and me.”