British Columbia’s finance minister, Katrine Conroy, has announced that she will not be running again in the next provincial election after nearly two decades of serving in the legislature. At 66 years old, Conroy believes it is time to step back and spend more time with her family. Throughout her time in office, she has held several portfolios under the New Democrat government and has worked on various initiatives, including waiving post-secondary tuition fees for former youth in care. Conroy expressed gratitude towards Premier David Eby and his predecessor, John Horgan, for giving her the opportunity to serve in cabinet.
Conroy was first elected in 2005 to represent West Kootenay-Boundary and has been re-elected in subsequent elections in 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2020. She noted that her late husband, Ed Conroy, who also served as an MLA from 1992 to 2001, had been on the ballots in the region since 1986. This represents 38 years of her family’s commitment to public service in their communities. Conroy became emotional during her announcement in Castlegar in the southern Interior as she reflected on her time in office and the support her family provided throughout their years of public service.
In addition to her role as finance minister, Conroy serves as the minister responsible for the Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Power Corporation, and the Columbia River Treaty. She emphasized that her work will continue until a replacement is elected. Before the 2017 election, when the NDP were in opposition, Conroy held various critic roles, including seniors and Interior economic development. Despite not being able to pinpoint a single greatest accomplishment, she is proud of the work she has done during her time in office and the impact she has had on the community.
Conroy’s decision not to seek re-election marks the end of a long and dedicated career in public service for both her and her late husband. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of British Columbia and work with her colleagues over the years. As she prepares to step back from her role in government, Conroy is looking forward to spending more time with her family and beginning a new chapter in her life. Her dedication to her constituents and the province will leave a lasting impact, and her contributions will be remembered as she transitions into a new phase of her life.
The Canadian Press initially published this report on May 10, 2024, capturing Conroy’s announcement and reflections on her time in office. As she looks back on her tenure as finance minister and reflects on her accomplishments, Conroy remains grateful for the opportunities she has had to make a difference in the lives of British Columbians. Her decision to step back from politics is a personal one, guided by her desire to prioritize her family and spend more time with her loved ones after years of dedicated service to the province. Conroy’s legacy in British Columbia will endure as she moves on to new adventures and experiences outside of the political arena.
