In a significant change of tone, Lake Melville MHA Perry Trimper has resigned from the Liberal Party and says he intends to run in the next provincial election as an independent—citing what he calls the “character assassination campaign” against him by political opponents.

In a statement released on his Facebook page, Trimper acknowledges that there are “serious and complicated issues” facing his district. He says while some progress has been made, he feels he will be more effective in representing the district as an independent.

Trimper offers his appreciation for the opportunity to work with the Liberal Party, but says he has made the decision to stand as an independent.

Previously, Trimper indicated that his political career would come to an end with the next provincial election.

He becomes the third independent MHA, joining Eddie Joyce and Paul Lane who both won back their seats as independents in 2019 after being removed from the Liberal caucus.

Meanwhile, the Premier acknowledges Trimper’s decision to sit as an independent.

In a statement to VOCM News, Premier Andrew Furey reiterated that he was troubled by the MHA’s recent comments.

In October, Trimper apologized and withdrew from some of his governmental duties after he suggested that some marginalized members of society “choose” risky lifestyles. That, after video emerged showing the violent arrest of an Inuk man in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The Innu Nation called for Trimper’s immediate resignation as an MHA and expressed disappointment when the Premier didn’t remove him from caucus.

Premier Furey says he just returned from meetings with the Innu Nation, Nunatsiavut Government, and NunatuKavut Community Council, and looks forward to continuing work towards reconciliation.