One of B.C.'s most powerful politicians has been dealt a serious health challenge.

Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Carole James issued a statement today that she's been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

It's a progressive and incurable neurological disease in which symptoms develop over time.

"Last summer, I noticed that I had developed a slight hand tremor and had a few moments when I had trouble with my balance," James said. "I attributed it to fatigue."

James's family physician referred her to a neurologist, which led to the diagnosis.

"I'm sharing this news now because I believe it's important to be open about what I am facing," James said. "Between 10,000 and 13,000 people in B.C. live with Parkinson's.

"Many of those people worry about stigma and what will happen if they reach out for support," she continued. "If sharing my story can help others, that's a good thing. As the symptoms of this very visible disease do surface, there is no need to hide them."

https://twitter.com/carolejames/status/1235679639214764032

James, a cancer survivor, described her hand tremor as "manageable" and stated that she hasn't noticed any other symptoms. She also disclosed that she's not on medication.

"I will continue in my role as B.C.'s Finance Minister, as long as I am able to give 100% to the job, and at the Premier's discretion, of course," James said. "Next week I will continue the Budget 2020 tour throughout the province.

"I will serve out my term as member of the legislative assembly for Victoria–Beacon Hill. But I will not be running for reelection."

People often think of Parkinson's as a disease that only affects movement, balance, and speech. But other symptoms can arise—including depression, chewing and eating problems, and sleep disorders—as a result of the brain losing neurons that produce the chemical messenger dopamine.

April is Parkinson Awareness Month in Canada. (For more information, visit Parkinson Society British Columbia.)

Some famous people who've developed Parkinson's disease include Michael J. Fox, Muhammad Ali, Neil Diamond, Ozzy Osbourne, and Rev. Jesse Jackson.

James, a former president of the B.C. School Trustees Association, was elected NDP leader in 2003 and was elected to the legislature in 2005. 

She helped rebuild the party's presence in the legislature through the 2005 and 2009 elections, but fell short of dethroning Gordon Campbell as premier.

Following a caucus revolt, she resigned as leader in 2011 but has remained an influential MLA. Premier John Horgan named her deputy premier and finance minister following the 2017 election.

The announcement of her disease came four days before International Women's Day.