MLA won’t seek fourth term

Steve Thomson says it’s time to pass the torch to the next generation.

The three term Liberal MLA for Kelowna-Mission, first elected in 2009, has announced he won’t be seeking re-election in the next B.C. election.

The former forests and agriculture minister issued a statement Monday, saying it’s been an honour to serve the people in the riding.

“Serving as the MLA for Kelowna-Mission has been the experience of a lifetime and an absolute honour. However, I have decided that I will not be standing for re-election in the next provincial election. It is now time to pass the torch to the next generation of leadership in Kelowna-Mission,” said Thomson.

Prior to getting into politics, Thomson was executive director of the BC Agriculture Council, general manager of the BC Fruit Growers Association and the BC Milk Producers Association, as well as director of the Kelowna Museum, the Okanagan Innovation Fund, and the BC BioEnergy Network.