Today is David Brazil’s final day as an elected member of the House of Assembly.

Brazil is resigning from his position as the representative for Conception Bay East-Bell Island, a role he has held since 2010, to prioritize his health. Despite stepping down, he plans to continue contributing to his party in a different capacity.

He takes pride in numerous accomplishments achieved during his political tenure: the naming of the ferries on the Portugal Cove-Bell Island route, enhancements to the highway system, and the construction of 14 schools.

Brazil recalls the time when the PCs were accused of “spending like drunken sailors” during a period of significant oil revenue. He once defended their financial decisions during a seven-hour filibuster in the House of Assembly, where he meticulously accounted for the expenditures, highlighting the new school facilities in Liberal members’ districts.

Reflecting on the personal connections he’s made, Brazil shares an amusing memory from door-knocking in the by-election that led to his initial election.

Known for his involvement in the community, including as a hockey coach on Bell Island, he assumed that everyone would know his face.

Brazil says he was surprised when a couple he approached for support declared they were voting “for the hockey coach over here.”

It took a moment of comparing his face to the one on the campaign flyer before they realized he was indeed the coach they intended to support.

It’s so very fitting for our final Caucus meeting of 2023 that we’re heading back to where it all began for David Brazil, and giving him a fine send-off right here on Bell Island, part of the district of Conception Bay East-Bell Island that he’s proudly represented in the House… pic.twitter.com/805NkldiZf

— Tony Wakeham (@TonyWakehamNL) December 13, 2023