Former MLA John Slater dies suddenly
By Shara JJ Cooper
More to come…
The sudden death of former Boundary-Similkameen Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) John Slater has been confirmed, Wednesday, May 13th.
Slater was the MLA from 2009 until 2013, when he left the Liberal party, temporarily ran as an Independent before withdrawing from the 2013 campaign.
Premier Christy Clark released the following statement today:
“I am deeply saddened to hear John Slater has passed away. John was a caucus colleague and a friend.
John Slater was passionate about his home, and the people who make Osoyoos special. That passion led to 30 years of dedicated service to the community he loved. John lent his time to everything from coaching youth sports and volunteering with the chamber of commerce, to standing for public office – first as a councillor, then mayor, and finally as MLA.
“But no matter what his official title was, John always thought of himself first and foremost as a farmer. John took on the challenge of laying the groundwork to modernize century-old legislation to protect B.C.’s fresh water. He was very proud of the Water Sustainability Act – and for good reason.
“Throughout Boundary-Similkameen, you can find more of the fruits of John’s hard work, including the new high school in Oliver, the new Horizon Health Centre in Osoyoos, the expanded Midway Arena, and new highway improvements and public walkways.
“Like everyone who knew him, I will always remember John’s quick smile, good humour, and infectious laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.”
Previous to his work as an MLA, Slater was the Mayor of Osoyoos and an Osoyoos city councillor.
