Longtime Global BC reporter Richard Zussman received a touching tribute from Premier David Eby on his last day at the legislature.
Zussman was covering the first session of the 43rd Parliament of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in Victoria on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
During the introduction by members, Eby stood up to recognize Zussman in the press gallery, commenting that he was a fixture of the B.C. parliament buildings for some time.
Richard Zussman/Bluesky
“[Zussman] is a person of principle and integrity,” praised Eby. “He once scaled a stairway in the legislature to avoid a protest in order to bring bagels to his colleagues in the Press Gallery. But also because he firmly believes that journalists rightly should have access to the legislature.”
The reporter recently announced that he was leaving after eight years of broadcasting with the company.
“I am deeply grateful to all of the viewers, social media followers and listeners over the years,” Zussman said on social media. “I have made the decision to take my passion and try something new.”
Eby, whom Zussman has nicknamed “The Big Cactus,” playfully predicted what the reporter’s next career move would be.
“I wish him the best of luck with his professional curling career,” said the B.C. premier to a laugh in the legislature. “I think it’s ambitious, but he’s never been short of ambition.
“He is a proud father, fiercely defensive of his kids and his family. He puts a smile on the face of everybody in the legislature when he passes by. We’re going to miss him very dearly. Thank you, Richard Zussman, for your work in this Legislature.”
Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
Peter Milobar, MLA for Kamloops Centre, also spoke in honour of Zussman’s work over the years.
“We’d like to wish Richard a fond farewell and good luck on his next journey in life, and wherever that takes him,” said Milobar. “As the premier has said, he has always shown very high journalistic standards.”
Zussman has been with Global BC since 2018 and has won multiple Jack Webster Awards, which spotlight and celebrate the best journalists and journalism in the province throughout the year.
Zussman is the co-author of A Matter of Confidence: The Inside Story of the Political Battle for BC, and previously held the role of provincial affairs reporter for CBC BC. He was also a frequent contributor to many of the talk shows at CKNW Radio.
Liza Yuzda, former CKNW and CityNews reporter, shared a clip of the premier’s tribute on Instagram.
“So proud of who Richard Zussman is, all that he has achieved, and to see what he will do in the years to come,” wrote Yuzda online.
Another commenter added, “Richard was one of the good ones. All the best in his future endeavours.”