Retiring MLA Karin Kirkpatrick reflects on journey, offers ‘heartfelt thanks’ to community

Although it’s only been four years, I will soon be retiring as the MLA for West Vancouver-Capilano. It was a difficult decision to leave now, and I reflect on the journey we’ve shared and the progress we’ve made together.

It is with profound gratitude and a deep sense of fulfillment that I extend my heartfelt thanks to every one of you — my constituents, supporters, and friends.

Serving as your representative has been one of the greatest honours of my life. From the beginning, I was determined to be a voice for our community and shared values. Both West and North Vancouver are exceptional communities of which I am very proud to be a part.

I have had the pleasure of meeting with many of you to discuss various issues, from healthcare and ICBC, to housing, where navigating the provincial government’s processes was crucial.

In the legislature, I was proud to introduce several pieces of legislation: one to remove discriminatory covenants on land titles, another to strengthen protections for victims of gender-based violence, and most recently, a bill designed to protect tourism-dependent communities affected by the government’s short-term rental ban.

None of this would have been possible without your support. You entrusted me with representing your interests, and I have always strived to live up to that trust. Whether in the legislative assembly in Victoria or in our community, I was continually inspired by the passion and commitment of the people I was elected to serve.

This is certainly not the end of my involvement in our community — it is simply the beginning of a new chapter.

Your opportunity to vote for a new MLA is coming up this October. I ask that you participate in the election process. We are blessed to live in a democracy while others risk their lives to vote.

Thank you again for your support.