April 4th, 2024
MP Blaney announces that she won’t seek re-election in North Island - Powell River
Campbell River — On Thursday, NDP MP Rachel Blaney announced that she will not be running in the next federal election. She will remain the Member of Parliament for North Island—Powell River until then, but will step down from her role as the NDP's party whip.
“Representing our community is a true honour,” said Blaney. "There is nowhere else like it, and fighting for the people who live in North Island—Powell River has been and will continue to be my priority. The decision to not run again is not one I made lightly. But recent personal news means that I will need to be closer to home.”
After being elected by the people of North Island—Powell River in 2015, Blaney has secured real wins and changes for people in her community. Blaney’s work as the NDP's critic for Veterans' Affairs focused on making life more affordable and easier for the men and women who served Canada. She has also pushed Parliament to investigate the treatment of Women Veterans for the first time in Canadian history to ensure their service is recognized and valued. And as critic for Seniors, she has fought tirelessly to make sure seniors are living in dignity by raising Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, even pushing to give $742 million back to low income working seniors that the Liberals clawed back.
Blaney, as the NDP’s whip, has also played a key role in securing dental care and Pharmacare, which are saving families, senior and young people thousands of dollars—despite the fact that the Conservatives tried to block these measures and the Liberals delayed them for three decades all so they could put the profits of CEOs first.
“I want to thank my New Democrat colleagues and our community for your continued trust and support moving forward,” added Blaney. "I’m proud to be a part of the team that's delivering for Canadians and getting more money back to you. In the meantime, I’ll keep pushing for measures that put more money in your pocket and get Ottawa to work in your favour, not ones that prop up rich CEOs.”
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