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Christy Clark supporter Harry Bloy resigns from cabinet

The only MLA to support Christy Clark's succesful bid to lead the British Columbia Liberal Party has resigned from cabinet.

"I felt it important to accept responsibility for my actions in regard to sharing an email with a third party," said Harry Bloy, the minister of state for multiculturalism, in a prepared statement. "It was my decision and I accept that."

Bloy's statement said he offered his resignation to Premier Clark, and she accepted it.

Bloy has admitted sharing an email from The Province newspaper reporter Cassidy Olivier with representatives of Eminata Group, a private education company Olivier was investigating.

Clark said Bloy did nothing illegal, but showed a lack of judgement by sharing information inappropriately. "He's done the right thing," she said responding to questions from the NDP during question period in the legislature. "He has resigned."

Bloy endorsed Clark last year to lead the BC Liberal Party and become premier. She appointed him minister of Social Development in her first cabinet, but demoted him to a minister of state position in September.

NDP House Leader John Horgan suggested Clark should follow Bloy out the door.

MLA Maurine Karagianis said Bloy got the email from Advanced Education Minister Naomi Yamamoto, so the minister should resign as well.

Clark said it's normal for ministers to share correspondence with each other, but Bloy inappropriately shared the email with a third party, which is why he resigned.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Find him on Twitter or reach him here.


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