Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Murray Rankin says after more than a decade in federal and provincial politics, it’s time to call it a career.
The former Victoria MP, who went on to become Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA in 2020 and is now Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, told CHEK News in a one-on-one interview that while the work has been rewarding, he’s ready for the next phase of his life.
“I’ve been doing this for 12 years, if you include the federal work as MP, and now my work in provincial politics, I just thought it was time. I thought it was a good time, at my age, and a good time in my career to take a step away from politics,” he said.
Rankin, 74, who is also a lawyer, said he’s not sure what he’ll do next, but is planning to take at least two months to consider his options.
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He said his work in Ottawa on crafting the modern medical assistance in dying legislation, as well as a private member’s bill on what became National Truth and Reconciliation Day, stand out as highlights, as does his work chairing the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency.
At the B.C. legislature, Rankin was tasked with helping bring into action the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIPA) legislation, which he said will leave a legacy for generations to come.
“I think people want this work to continue,” he said. “I think those things are going to be lasting, and I think people want that reform.”
Watch the full interview below:
Rob Shaw
