Just because the election is underway and Pat Bell isn't running again doesn't mean the veteran Prince George-Mackenzie MLA and jobs minister is finished yet.
While the 85 MLAs elected in 2009 are officially done, Bell, his other cabinet colleagues, including Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, the premier and the Speaker retain their positions until the new government is sworn in.
"We're only there in case of an emergency," said Bell, adding that only routine - not major - ministerial decisions will be made during this time.
Bell's constituency office is also closed, with any constituent issues being directed to the Service B.C. office at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Queensway. Justice Minister Shirley Bond's constituency office remains open.
After 12 years of public service, Bell is in line for a pension worth more than $1 million, according to a calculation from a tax watchdog.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation, a not-for-profit citizen's group, lists the amounts Bell and 20 other retiring MLAs are expected to collect at age 65. His years as a cabinet minister help push Bell's annual estimate to $63,109.
His personal contribution to the pension plan was likely more than $200,000, Bell said.
"We do make significant contributions to our pension funds and of course the money is tied up over a long period of time," he said, noting MLA pensions are always going to be a topic of interest.
"I think the best test of this is this is not something that is for one party or another party disagrees with," Bell said. "It's important to have compensation set at a level that is appropriate, so that quality people can be attracted into the political arena."
Bell announced in February he would not be running for re-election due to his diagnosis of a rare pulmonary aneurysm.
For those MLAs leaving office, like Bell who are not yet 65, they are eligible for up to 15 months of salary until they find new work.