NDP MPP Rima Berns-McGown (Beaches-East York) released the following statement:
“It has been an extraordinary honour to represent the people of Beaches-East York and to fight alongside Andrea Horwath and the Ontario NDP to make life better for everyone in Ontario, and I am grateful for every moment of the past four years.
The opportunity to serve as the Official Opposition critic for Poverty and Homelessness is one I have treasured — it gave me a chance to do exactly the kind of advocacy I came to Queen’s Park to do. It has also been a privilege to be part of Ontario’s first Black Caucus; I am so proud of the work I have been able to do alongside MPPs Laura Mae Lindo, Jill Andrew, Faisal Hassan, and Kevin Yarde.
Because I am a deeply introverted person, this job takes an enormous toll. For my well-being, I’ve decided not to run for re-election. This decision was difficult to make, because I am so proud of the work we’ve been able to do in Beaches-East York. We kept people housed during the pandemic and got eviction notices overturned; forced rapacious landlords to back down; put the Ford government and Metrolinx on notice over its callous treatment of our beloved Small’s Creek; addressed issues of anti-Black racism; supported Indigenous neighbours; and worked hard to help local businesses survive and thrive despite the pandemic.
I stepped up to do a term in politics because I wanted to help highlight the need for deep, systemic change across institutions and public policy. I am extremely proud of that work and advocacy.
I love our caucus of 40 strong MPPs, I love Beaches-East York, and I believe with all my heart that, in June, we will form a government with Andrea Horwath as premier that will finally be on the side of working people and the most vulnerable Ontarians. But I know that the way I want to contribute to that effort going forward is to work with community and to return to a life of letters and libraries.
I have been extremely grateful for the enormous love and support I have received from neighbours and community in Beaches-East York throughout my four years as MPP. I want to thank my fellow NDP MPPs for four special years of camaraderie, my team for working so hard for the people of Beaches-East York, and the amazing progressives on the riding association for always having my back. I want to thank Andrea Horwath for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime and for keeping our shared values at the heart of the NDP. I especially want to thank my family – and most particularly my incredible partner, David McGown – for all their unwavering support, strength, and love.”
