B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman won't seek re-election

British Columbia's longtime environment minister, George Heyman, says he's decided not to run in this fall's provincial election.

Heyman, 74, said in a social media post that serving the people of his Vancouver-Fairview riding since 2013 has been a great honour, but he won't seek re-election in October.

"I think I have one more career in me, and I'd rather start it at 75 than 79," Heyman said in Victoria on Monday.

He said he will endorse former Vancouver city councillor Andrea Reimer to seek the NDP nomination in the newly formed riding of Vancouver-Little Mountain. 

Vancouver Coun. Christine Boyle is also seeking the NDP nomination. 

Heyman is a three-term member of the legislature who introduced the NDP government's Clean B.C. climate and economic plan to reduce carbon emissions while developing a green economy.

Before being elected to the legislature, Heyman was Sierra Club of B.C. executive director and served three terms as president of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union.

Fellow former cabinet minister Selina Robinson previously announced she would also sit out the election.

Heyman told the legislature on Monday that he'd had "a great career'' representing the residents of his riding.

"I've been lucky enough to be in cabinet and bring forth policies and helped to make a difference. It just felt right,'' he said.