Surprising news today at the BC Legislature.

In a brief news conference, Finance Minister Carole James has announced that she has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

The 62-year-old says she will not be seeking re-election as an MLA, saying her diagnosis is not anything she planned for the next stage of her life.

“I also know that anyone can face a life-changing, altering experience tomorrow, or the next day, or the next day. I just happen to have a name and a diagnosis for mine and a better understanding of what might come,” she said.

“I’m very realistic about the challenges that I’m going to face, which is all the more reason to take advantage of the opportunities I have.”

James has been the MLA for Victoria – Beacon Hill since 2005. She was previously NDP leader from May 2005 to December 2010, and was appointed finance minister in 2017.

James says she plans to remain on as finance minister and deputy premier for as long as she is able to.