Lela Evans says she is content with her decision to become an independent member of the House of Assembly, and is not considering joining another party at this time.

Evans announced that she was leaving the PC Party yesterday.

When asked about potentially joining the NDP caucus or making a run for the leadership of that party, Evans stated that she does support the NDP but joining them isn’t something being considered, noting that she has to be true to her district by being an independent MHA.

She uses the metaphor of standing on the edge of a cliff to describe her situation; she says she needs to be careful not to fall off, but the view is clear. Her conscience is at ease and she’s comfortable with her decision.

Meanwhile, Evans says she has been seeing the writing on the wall over the last two years, signaling her need to exit the party.

She cites the Liberal decision to remove a freight boat that delivers food to the north coast as an example. She says she has voiced her concerns about that and expected support and for something to be done to help the people in that area, but didn’t get it.

PC Leader David Brazil, on the other hand, contends that the party has always supported Evans in matters related to Labrador.

He says the party has been very cognizant of the issues in Labrador and Evans’ district. Brazil says he recently made an offer to travel with Evans to Labrador to meet with leaders and groups there.

Brazil says he is disappointed that Lela did not reach out to speak with him ahead of her decision, but respects her choice as a politician.