Liberal minister decides to not seek re-election in May
By Nelson Daily Staff
Pat Bell, MLA Prince George-Mackenzie is thanking his lucky stars an xray found a potential dangerous health problem that has forced the B.C. Jobs Minister not to seek re-election in the upcoming BC Election.
“Last fall I underwent a series of medical tests that were initiated to check for possible pneumonia,” Bell said in a statement on his website.
“My very astute family doctor saw something that he wanted looked into further and as a result found a relatively rare type of aneurism that I may have had for some time. I feel very fortunate that this was picked up because this type of aneurism is rarely detected.”
Bell said this news caused him to re-think my decision to seek another term as the MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie. T
“his is a critical and compelling time for our province and it’s equally critical that our team members are able to focus 100 per cent of their attention on the task at hand,” he explained.
“With this diagnosis, I need to turn my mind to my personal health and this would take my attention away from my responsibilities as your MLA. For this reason I am announcing today that I have decided to withdraw my nomination as the BC Liberal candidate in the upcoming provincial election.”
Premier Christy Clark issued a statement Sunday in response to Bell’s announcement, singing the minister’s praises.
“For 12 years, Pat Bell has worked hard to create a better, more prosperous British Columbia and now it’s time for him to take care of himself and his family,” Clark said.
