STATEMENT FROM NEW DEMOCRAT LEADER ADRIAN DIX REGARDING DAWN BLACK

NEW WESTMINSTER New Democratic Party Leader Adrian Dix today issued the following statement:

“Dawn Black is one of the most respected elected representatives in British Columbia and Canada. I have known and worked with her for over two decades, and like so many New Democrats, regard her as a person of integrity, achievement and leadership.

“Dawn has contributed both at the provincial and national level. Federally, she played an instrumental role in getting the Parliament of Canada to pass anti-stalking legislation to improve the safety of women across the country. Her work on women's health issues led to significant improvements in the area of breast cancer research.

“Dawn returned to the provincial political scene in 2009 when she joined our caucus. We came to rely on her astuteness and steady approach, especially in recent months when she accepted the role of interim leader. Dawn guided the caucus during a time of transition, as we came back together as a united official opposition focused on representing the electorate and defeating a Liberal government in the next election.

“And though she is not planning to be a candidate in the next election, everyone who knows Dawn understands that she will continue her extraordinary service to the people of New Westminster right up to election day – whether it come in the next few months or in May 2013.

“While we will miss Dawn in the future as a caucus member, she will be part of the campaign effort that will see the election of an New Democrat government and will be mentoring the next generation of MLAs and leaders as she continues her lifelong commitment to the New Democratic Party, her community and her country.”