‘It’s fun being on the outside looking in’: Former MLA speaks on retirement from politics

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — After 20 years in politics, Mike Bernier says he and his family have been enjoying a new chapter in his life: stepping out of the public eye and into retirement.

Bernier was the MLA for the Peace River South riding from 2013 to 2024, as part of the BC United (formerly BC Liberal) party. 

After the party dissolved ahead of the 2024 provincial election, Bernier elected to run as an Independent candidate for Peace River South, losing to Conservative candidate Larry Neufeld.

Bernier says his family appreciates that he has more time to spend with them now.

“After 20 years of being in the public eye and being a public servant, it was really enjoyable, but this new chapter, new break, has been really enjoyable for me and my family.”

During his time as MLA, Bernier served as the minister of education under Christy Clark’s government from 2015 to 2017.

Before entering provincial politics, he served as a city councillor for Dawson Creek from 2005 to 2008, and as the city’s mayor from 2008 to 2013.

“I’m enjoying being, I guess, on the other side,” Bernier says. “Not being the limelight complainant on Facebook anymore. It’s fun being on the outside looking in now, in a lot of ways.”

He says he looks back fondly on his time in politics. 

Bernier will be speaking at the Union of BC Municipalities’ (UBCM) upcoming Local Government Leadership Forum in Richmond, B.C. in March.

The process of filling out his profile for the event conjured positive memories in Bernier’s mind as he reflected on his career.

“That process was a lot of fun, because there were a lot of things that I forgot that I was a part of over the last 20 years, as well. It brought back some fond memories.”

Despite enjoying his retirement, Bernier says he didn’t hesitate to agree to take part in the event, and he loves helping run events like the forum.

“I love doing these kinds of things, and if I can help, I will continue to do that,” he says. “I’m not going away quietly. Even though I’m retired, I’m still helping out where I can behind the scenes in lots of different communities.”

To read more about the UBCM Local Government Leadership Forum, click here.