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Melanie Mark, the BC Minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport, has resigned from her position, citing unspecified health reasons.
The announcement came from Premier John Horgan in a statement on Wednesday morning.
Despite departing from her minister role, she will still retain her seat as the MLA for the Vancouver-Mount Pleasant riding.
First elected in 2016, Mark became the first First Nations woman elected as an MLA in BC. She also became the first First Nations woman to serve in the cabinet in 2020, with her role as the tourism head.
Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, was the tourism minister during Horgan's first term as premier and she will re-assume the role while also continuing in her position as minister of citizens' services.
"Today, Minister Melanie Mark advised me of her decision to resign her cabinet portfolio and go on medical leave to focus on pressing and urgent personal matters," said Horgan. "While I regret that she will not be at the cabinet table, I respect her decision and her commitment to her constituents."
Mark stated in a Facebook post that "I value my role and remain committed to the constituents of Vancouver - Mount Pleasant. I thank my family and colleagues for their support at this time," but provided no more details.
For the full list of cabinet ministers, you can click here.
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