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Former cabinet minister drops out of B.C. Liberal leadership race

Former cabinet minister drops out of B.C. Liberal leadership race | iNFOnews.ca
British Columbia Education Minister Mike Bernier pauses while answering questions during a news conference in Vancouver, B.C., on Thursday January 14, 2016. Former education minister Bernier is dropping out of the race to become the next leader of the B.C. Liberals. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Original Publication Date: October 14, 2017 9:01AM
Publication Updated: April 25, 2025 12:34AM

VANCOUVER – Former education minister Mike Bernier is dropping out of the race to become the next leader of the B.C. Liberals.

Bernier made the announcement in Vancouver this morning, saying he polled well in the province's north and interior, but struggled to break through in the Lower Mainland.

He says he made the decision "for the benefit of the party."

The MLA for Peace River South has thrown his support behind Mike de Jong, who served as finance minister under former premier Christy Clark.

Bernier's announcement comes the day before candidates are set to face off in the first debate of the debate of the campaign.

Seven candidates are now left in the race, including de Jong, Todd Stone, Andrew Wilkinson, Sam Sullivan, Michael Lee, Dianne Watts and Lucy Sager. (CHNL)

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Taylor Rae

Before university, Taylor spent a year abroad living in Thailand which encouraged her to finish her degree studying in Turkey, both experiences have made her an avid traveller. Taylor graduated from Thompson Rivers University with a degree in Communications and Public Relations. Although born on the coast, Taylor has lived the majority of her life in Kamloops and enjoys what the region has to offer. In her spare time, you can find Taylor volunteering in the community or out on an adventure with her friends and her dogs.

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