Jamie Elmhirst has resigned as the president of the federal Liberals in British Columbia. Earlier, there had been talk he wouldn't be seeking re-election at the party's annual provincial general meeting - scheduled for April. But, in a letter sent to Liberal executives, Mr. Elmhirst writes, "With the potential for a spring 2007 federal election campaign still strong, it is not inconceivable that our convention could be delayed again until the fall." That coming election means the party "needs a president...completely focused and committed to winning more Liberal seats in British Columbia." And - because of "many important personal commitments over the coming year, including my wedding in July and the need to focus on my busines" - Mr. Elmhirst doesn't believe he can "deliver the level of commitment and focus that the organization deserves." His responsibilities will be transferred to British Columbia vice-president Rex Renkema. The following is a complete copy of Mr. Elmhirst's letter.

January 15, 2007

Member of the LPC (BC)
Provincial Executive

Dear Provincial Executive Members,

It has been an incredible honour and privilege to serve as President of the Liberal Party of Canada (BC) for the last two years. During that time we have faced the challenge of a tough federal election and an invigorating party leadership process.

As a result of our party leadership convention, our own LPC (BC) AGM was delayed until April 2007. With the potential for a spring 2007 federal election campaign still strong, it is not inconceivable that our convention could be delayed again until the fall.

At this time more than any, the LPC (BC) needs a president and a provincial executive completely focused and committed to winning more Liberal seats in British Columbia to help build a Liberal national government. With many important personal commitments over the coming year, including my wedding in July and the need to focus on my business, I do not believe that I can deliver the level of commitment and focus that the organization deserves.

Effective immediately, I am resigning my position as president of the Liberal Party of Canada (BC) and turning my responsibilities over to Rex Renkema, our Vice-President. I know all of you know and respect Rex tremendously, as do I. He will do an excellent job until our party membership has the opportunity to choose a new president.

I will of course, remain active in the party, especially locally on Southern Vancouver Island.

I want to thank all of you for being so supportive and working so hard. I especially want to thank all of the staff at LPC (BC) headquarters that I have had the opportunity to work with. The commitment and dedication you bring to your work is a large part of the reason why Liberals in British Columbia are regarded as having the one of very best political organizations in all of Canada.

Regards,

Jamie Elmhirst

Cc: Paul McKivett, Chair BCFLC