B.C. NDP MLA Darlene Rotchford has introduced new legislation to ensure that MLAs are fully committed to serving British Columbians.

The Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act, which will be debated in the legislature at 10:30 this morning, would prevent MLAs from continuing to serve in local elected offices, such as city councils and school boards.

“British Columbians deserve elected representatives who are solely focused on their provincial responsibilities and not collecting two salaries and balancing conflicting duties at multiple levels of government,” said Rotchford. “Being an MLA is not a part-time job and holding multiple elected roles ultimately shortchanges the people we serve. I made the choice to step down from my municipal role because I know the responsibility of being an MLA requires my full attention.”

At the time of their election in October 2024, 13 new MLAs had been serving in various local government positions. 11 of those stepped down from the local positions, including six B.C. NDP MLAs and five B.C. Conservatives. But two B.C. Conservative MLAs—Misty Van Popta and Korky Neufeld—have announced their intent to remain in both roles.

Van Popta’s base pay as an MLA is $119,532 but she also earns $70,321 as a Langley Township Councillor. Her combined salary is $189,853, putting her above every provincial cabinet minister except the Premier. Langley residents are petitioning in court to force her to step down from council.

Neufeld’s school board salary is $32,128, making his combined salary $151,660.72.

Under the proposed legislation, MLAs would be disqualified from holding these local positions once their election to the legislature is finalized. The bill would bring B.C. into line with other Canadian jurisdictions, including Ontario and Quebec.