Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone has announced that he will not be running in the upcoming provincial election and will throw his support behind BC Conservative Candidate Ward Stamer, saying the time to make space to defeat the NDP is now.
Stone was first elected in 2013 and spent time as the province’s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure under the former BC Liberal Government of Christy Clark.
He was currently serving as BC United’s House Leader, and as the Shadow Minister for Jobs, Small Business, and Economic Development.
“I’d like to start by saying what an absolute honor it has been to represent the people of Kamloops, South Thompson,” said Stone. “For the past 12 years, I’ve been humbled to earn the trust of this amazing city, plus the surrounding communities, the beautiful communities of Chase, Pritchard, Knutsford, Monte Lake, and Westwold in the past three successive elections.”
“I’m so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve, and I’m so proud of the work that we’ve done with so many incredible people in our community and in this region, along with my Kamloops caucus colleague, Peter Milobar and the great Terry Lake before him.”
Thank you @toddstonebc for your commitment to Kamloops and BC over the years. Your last 12 years as MLA have led to so many positive changes. I’m so proud to call you a friend and excited for you and your family on what the future holds for you.Thank you for your service pic.twitter.com/oQvzW3Uulv
— Peter Milobar (@PeterMilobar) August 29, 2024
Ward Stamer is the current mayor of Barriere mayor, but will be taking a leave from that position next month as he focuses on the BC election.
“After seven years of the NDP, we’ve gone backwards the higher cost of living, worsening access to health care, the situation with safety on our streets, the devastation that this government has caused when it comes to what should be our thriving natural resource sector,” Stone said.
“The list goes on and on, and so I’m so discouraged to see so many of our young people moving out of British Columbia in record numbers, because they can’t see themselves being able to afford to live here and raise a family here or start a business here. So given all of that, I was fully committed to running again in this upcoming election.”
Stone’s decision comes a day after BC United leader Kevin Falcon announced that he was suspending BC United’s election campaign and encouraging supporters to instead back the rival B.C. Conservative Party.
“I ran for Christy Clark’s BC Liberals in 2013 because I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to make a difference for my kids and for all British Columbians,” Stone said. “To ensure that this province that we love is always a place that our children can call home, where they can build their futures and raise their children.”
“I’m so proud of what we accomplished towards this goal, particularly during my time as Minister of Transportation, securing funding for local projects that have enhanced our quality of life, from Highway, transit and airport improvements to healthcare investments we worked and delivered to address the needs and the issues that mattered most to the families of this city, region and province.”
My good friend and a great MLA and Minister for #BC @toddstonebc announces his retirement from #bcpoli A huge loss for our city and region and entire province. pic.twitter.com/Hm6OeDkqHY
— Terry Lake (@TerryLake19) August 29, 2024
B.C. voters are set to go to the polls on Saturday, October 19.
