Family and community work will be the focus for Kelowna-West MLA Ben Stewart when he retires from politics next year.

BC United Leader Kevin Falcon announced on Oct. 25 that Stewart would not be running again when the next provincial election is called on or before Oct. 19, 2024.

香蕉视频直播淲hen I do the math, 2009 until the next election, it puts it at more than 15 years,香蕉视频直播� Stewart said. 香蕉视频直播淚 would have to consider staying on into my seventies. I love the work and I love the constituents. I just felt that I need to give myself some time in my life to do other things.香蕉视频直播�

He said while he loves the important work as an MLA, it香蕉视频直播檚 never complete and you need to have the desire to continue to do it.

Stewart added he plans to mentor his children and grandchildren in the family business, Quail香蕉视频直播檚 Gate Winery, and hopefully take on fundraising roles in the Central Okanagan.

There are also domestic matters to take care of.

香蕉视频直播淢y house needs some attention, it香蕉视频直播檚 too big and there are only the two of us living in it,香蕉视频直播� he said. 香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 my parents香蕉视频直播� original house and I added on to it.香蕉视频直播�

Highlights of his political career include the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver-Whistler and being appointed the Special Representative to Asia in 2013 by the premier at the time, Christy Clark.

香蕉视频直播淭hat was probably the most challenging, but also the most successful opportunity, that I had at the time,香蕉视频直播� he said.

Stewart was also the agriculture minister in 2010-2011 under former premier Gordon Campbell.

香蕉视频直播淭he challenge at the time was to modernize and update,香蕉视频直播� Stewart noted. I was there for a short time and I was really committed to putting resources and support into making certain that our agriculture industry had what it needed to be innovative and competitive.香蕉视频直播�

Before he leaves politics, Stewart said there are several issues he would like BC United to hold the NDP accountable on including recently introduced short-term rental legislation, the housing crisis, crime, and the cost of living.

香蕉视频直播淚 want to make certain that we have a very clear road map for the next four years when the election is called and hopefully we elect Kevin as premier.香蕉视频直播�

READ MORE: West Kelowna BC United MLA Stewart not seeking re-election