VICTORIA – Nine Vancouver New Democrat MLAs were sworn into the legislature virtually today following an historic election. Brenda Bailey, Niki Sharma, Spencer Chandra Herbert, George Chow, Adrian Dix, David Eby, Mable Elmore, George Heyman and Melanie Mark joined the largest BC New Democrat caucus ever elected.
The 57 new BC NDP members were sworn in as part of part of British Columbia’s 42nd Parliament, all focused on supporting people through the COVID-19 pandemic and delivering on their commitments to British Columbians.
“I am incredibly honoured and grateful to the people of my community who voted to elect me as their new MLA. Thanks to them, British Columbians will continue to have a government that works for people and is charting our recovery through the pandemic,” said new MLA for Vancouver-False Creek, Brenda Bailey. “I look forward to working on behalf of the riding to ensure my constituents have a voice at the table and to deliver needed community infrastructure like the new school in Olympic Village. As part of the John Horgan BC NDP team, we will strengthen important supports and services like addictions treatment facilities, housing, and expanded $10/day childcare.”
“After years of working as a community builder and lawyer, I am looking forward to helping build a recovery that makes life better for people,” said new MLA for Vancouver-Hastings, Niki Sharma. “Building on the achievements of our government’s previous term, I am ready to get to work to create a cleaner, stronger future for everyone.”
The election of this New Democrat caucus features a number of notable milestones, including:
- First majority-women governing caucus in Canadian history
- Largest BC NDP caucus in history
- Highest number of IBPOC MLAs ever in a caucus in B.C.
British Columbians put their trust in New Democrats to lead the province’s pandemic recovery, and this diverse team will ensure no one gets left behind as we move forward.
Quotes:
Spencer Chandra Herbert – MLA for Vancouver-West End:
“Serving my community as MLA is an incredible privilege and responsibility that I take very seriously, and deeply cherish. I thank my constituents for the trust they have shown in me by giving me the opportunity to work for them once more. Over the years we have made many important changes together, changes to better protect renters, to fight discrimination by adding gender identity to B.C.’s Human Rights Code and introducing a Human Rights Commission, increasing supports for B.C.’s artists and creative economy, and helping thousands of people off of the streets into homes to name but a few. There is much, much more to do, and I can’t wait to get at it with a new government committed to making life better for people all across B.C.”
George Chow – MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview:
“I want to thank my community for putting their trust in me once again to advocate on their behalf in the legislature. Together we’ve made great progress improving transit, creating child care spaces, and building housing, and we aren’t slowing down. I look forward to continuing to work with small businesses, local organizations and community partners to build B.C. back better.”
Adrian Dix – MLA for Vancouver-Kingsway:
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the people of my riding for their confidence and support. For many years we have worked together to create a more inclusive and vibrant community, and I am honoured to once again be their advocate in the legislature.”
David Eby – MLA for Vancouver-Point Grey:
“Since being elected MLA in 2013, I have been proud to represent the priorities of my constituents and people across our province. So far we have made progress towards restoring balance to our housing market, fighting money laundering and increasing access to justice, but there is still much more to do. With the responsibility of this strong new mandate we can continue this critical work to make a positive difference for British Columbians. I am so honoured my community re-elected me, allowing me the privilege of representing them in the legislature for the third time. I look forward to working with my neighbours over the next four years on the issues that matter most to them.”
Mable Elmore – MLA for Vancouver-Kensington:
“Since first being elected in 2009, I have worked hard every day to make life better for the people and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve a fourth term as MLA for my vibrant and diverse riding. Thanks to the support of my constituents, our BC NDP government will be able to build on the foundation we created in our first term and continue to put workers and their families at the forefront of our economic recovery.”
George Heyman – MLA for Vancouver-Fairview:
“I am very thankful to the people of my community for trusting me to serve as their representative for a third term. I look forward to what our new government will be able to achieve on the biggest challenges that face us as – making life more affordable, building a COVID-19 recovery that works for everyone, and increasing measures that combat climate change in a low-carbon economy.”
Melanie Mark – MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant:
“T’ooyaksim’ N’iisim’ (thank you) from the bottom of my heart to my community for electing me and allowing me to stand as your MLA for our beautiful constituency once again. It is an honour to be the first female First Nations MLA and Cabinet Minister in B.C. and I am grateful for the continued opportunity to serve people through a progressive government that works for everyone. Alongside my BC NDP colleagues, I am eager to get to work and make change.”
Link to downloadable MLA headshots: https://bcndpcaucus.ca/the-team/