Angela Simmonds talks leaving politics with CBC’s Portia Clark [AUDIO]

Angela Simmonds & Portia Clark

[AUDIO] – Angela Simmonds was elected as a Liberal MLA in 2021 to represent the Preston riding. She left about halfway into her first term, after running for the leadership of the party. Now, she’s taking on a new challenge! Angela Simmonds talks with Portia about her journey.
Aired: July 5, 2023

Angela Simmonds resigns as Preston MLA, deputy Speaker

Photo: Angela Simmonds / Facebook.

Angela Simmonds, the Liberal MLA for Preston, will be stepping down as a member of the provincial legislature. Her last day will be on April 1.

Simmonds made the announcement Wednesday afternoon in an open letter to her constituents.

“There are many different reasons people get into politics. For me, it has always been about the people. I wanted to help others believe in change and feel inspired to find the courage to make those changes a lasting part of our community. I wanted people to look at me and see opportunity within themselves,” Simmonds wrote in the letter.

“For me, this decision is necessary to stretch out the legacy of changemakers, lifting up new voices while also preserving my own. This experience has taught me a great deal, and I’m ready to take that knowledge into our community, create opportunities and make change — now.”

Black community reacts to the appointment of a white Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs

PC MLA for Pictou Centre Pat Dunn is the newly appointed Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs and the Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives. Photo: Pat Dunn / Facebook.

In the days following the Nova Scotia provincial election last month, where the Progressive Conservatives (PCs) won a majority government but failed to elect any Black MLAs, the Halifax Examiner was the first to pose the question: Who will be the next minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs?

On Tuesday, that question was answered when Pat Dunn, PC MLA for Pictou Centre, who is white, was announced as the new minister for both African Nova Scotian Affairs and the brand-new Office of Equity and Anti-Racism Initiatives. Dunn replaces Liberal MLA for Cole Harbour, Tony Ince, who is Black.