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Ever since Andrew Weaver announced he would leave the Green party caucus at the legislature, he has heard plenty of “conspiracy theories” to explain why.

Like maybe he had a falling out with his caucus colleagues. Or he wants to force an early election. Or he wants to join Premier John Horgan’s NDP cabinet.

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“Everyone’s wondering, ‘What’s Weaver thinking?’” the now-independent MLA told me. “But there’s no conspiracy theory. My attentions are required elsewhere. I’m facing a family health issue, and that’s my priority right now.”

He asked me not to go into detail about the family situation, and I will respect that. I can tell you this, though: It’s tearing him apart.

During a 25-minute interview, the former Green leader was at times emotional, choking back tears. The health crisis currently occupies his time all day, every day, at a Vancouver hospital.

Photo by CHAD HIPOLITO / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Going forward, he expects to spend one week out of every three in Vancouver dealing with the crisis.