B.C. cabinet minister Don McRae, with Premier Christy Clark at a news conference in 2012.John Lehmann/The Globe and Mail
A British Columbia minister has asked to step down from cabinet to deal with a family member's health problems.
The premier's office issued a statement Friday saying that Minister of Social Development Don McRae has asked to be relieved of his cabinet duties.
He will still serve in the legislature as the representative for the riding of Comox Valley.
Rookie member of the legislature Michelle Stilwell will take his place in cabinet and will be sworn in on Monday.
Premier Christy Clark says in a statement that she fully supports McRae's decision to step away to focus on his family.
She says Stilwell has excelled at everything she has done, including as the B.C. government's caucus chair.