After nearly two decades in the role, Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Rob Fleming is bowing out of contention ahead of the fall provincial election.

鈥淲hile I am not seeking re-election this October, I remain deeply committed to working my utmost to re-elect Premier (David) Eby and the BC NDP team. This government has accomplished much, but there is much more to do. I am optimistic about our province鈥檚 ability to solve complex problems when we work together. And I hope to continue to be able to contribute to solving our challenges in a different capacity in the future,鈥� Fleming said in a July 4 statement.

鈥淚 am incredibly thankful to all my constituents in Victoria-Swan Lake for their trust and support through five provincial elections,鈥� Fleming continued.

Previously a Victoria city councillor, Fleming was first elected to what was then called the Victoria-Hillside riding in 2005, defeating Liberal incumbent Sheila Orr. Fleming has since served as education minister and finishes his career as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. He cites education successes such as seismically upgrading hundreds of schools across B.C. and specifically the local renovations and replacement of Vic High and Cedar Hill Middle School. In transportation he voices pride in government鈥檚 investment in the expansion of public transportation.

鈥淭his includes the extension of the SkyTrain from Surrey to Langley, the first in 30 years south of the Fraser, and the Broadway subway project. Together, these concurrent projects represent a combined 28 per cent expansion of the existing network. I am proud to be part of electrifying and expanding BC Transit services across the province with new rapid bus systems introduced. Investments we have made in active transportation, highway improvements, roads and bridges strengthen our supply chain and economy,鈥� Fleming said.

Fellow NDP MLAs labour minister Harry Bains and forests minister Bruce Ralston also recently announced their intentions to not run in their Surrey-Newton and Surrey-Whalley ridings during the Oct. 19 provincial general election. All three first claimed seats in the legislature in 2005.