One of the two Vision Vancouver mayoral nominees has pulled out of the party’s leadership race after suffering “a sudden cardiac event” Wednesday.
Taleeb Noormohamed, 41, released a statement Thursday announcing he will not compete against Ian Campbell, a Squamish Nation hereditary chief, in a nomination meeting scheduled for June 24.
“Doctors have advised me that rest, monitoring, and follow-up are required,” Noormohamed said. “I will be taking their advice. While I am passionately committed to this race and to the type of city we can be, my health must come first.”
The tech entrepreneur launched his campaign May 23 at Steamworks in Gastown. Campaign manager Michael Gardiner said Noormohamed would not be taking reporters’ questions Thursday.
“Over the last week, I have been amazed at the incredible support and excitement so many across our city have shared with us, and am overwhelmed by the number of people who have joined us on this journey,” he said. “Today, I maintain that hope, but it is with difficulty and disappointment that I announce I must leave the race.”
It was unclear at the posting of this story whether Campbell would now be acclaimed. But Noormohamed said Campbell will likely become Vision’s mayoral candidate “and have the opportunity to be Vancouver’s first Indigenous mayor.”
Michael Haack, a Vision spokesperson, said the Vision board will meet over the next couple of days to determine "next steps in the nomination process." Haack said it was unlikely the party would open up the race to another candidate to challenge Campbell.
"This is very recent news for all of us today, and right now are focus is on Taleeb and his health," Haack said.
Noormohamed did not provide further details on the health emergency but said he was “not able to give the campaign the full effort that it requires and that my supporters and volunteers deserve.” He had previously run unsuccessfully in the 2011 federal election with the Liberals as the party’s candidate on the North Shore.
“I continue to believe Vancouver needs to bring forward world class solutions for housing and infrastructure that build strong, intergenerational communities; that we need to build strong support for arts and culture; that we embrace and support innovation and sustainability, and that we continue to work hard to support those who need a hand up to achieve their dreams, and that we never forget that what makes us great is the diversity and potential of our people.”
He concluded his statement by thanking volunteers, supporters, donors and advisors.
“I am ever grateful for your support, and for the trust and confidence you placed in me. Our work does not stop here, and I look forward to continuing to do my part to make this city one of the best in the world for all of us.”
@Howellings
