Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins is taking leave from her duties as chair of the Capital Regional District to focus on running in the provincial election.
Desjardins is the Liberal candidate in the Esquimalt-Metchosin riding.
The leave took effect Thursday.
CRD vice-chair Dave Howe, director for South Gulf Islands Electoral Area, will assume board chair duties in Desjardins’ absence.
The provincial election is May 9.