Adrian Dix

MLA for Vancouver Kingsway

Leader of the Official Opposition

Adrian Dix was elected as the MLA for Vancouver Kingsway on May 17, 2005 and re-elected on May 12, 2009. On April 17, 2011, Adrian was elected Leader of the BC New Democratic Party.

Adrian Dix is one of BC's leading figures in politics, public policy and social justice.

Elected to represent Vancouver Kingsway in 2005, Adrian quickly earned the reputation as the most effective, tireless official opposition critic and MLA in the legislature. He has forced issues onto the agenda and achieved results for British Columbians.

For example, Adrian was instrumental in establishing BC's Representative for Children and Youth after uncovering how BC Liberal cuts were harming vulnerable children. The crisis in seniors' care he helped expose is now being investigated by BC's ombudsperson. This past fall, Adrian played a leading role in a coalition that saved important neighborhood schools from being closed in East Vancouver.

His commitment to quality public education is also known across the province. Prior to becoming a MLA, Adrian was the executive director for Canadian Parents for French, BC-Yukon Branch, a non-profit organization promoting language education. During his tenure he increased its profile, influence and capacity.

Adrian's dedication to improving the circumstances of his constituents and helping people across the province is unmatched. His seven days a week work schedule entails raising issues in the Legislature, travelling across the province as an advocate, and meeting with Vancouver Kingsway constituents, including on their doorsteps, to address their concerns.

Adrian's work in progressive politics started shortly after he graduated from the University of British Columbia, when left his hometown of Vancouver to work at the House of Commons. He returned to serve as a Ministerial Assistant to the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Employment and Investment in the NDP government of Premier Mike Harcourt. He worked as Chief of Staff to Premier Glen Clark. The Clark government negotiated the landmark the Nisga'a Treaty, improved labour standards, created a competitive tax structure for small business, and established the Columbia Basin Trust.

Between 2001-2005, Adrian was a sought-after political commentator and journalist, writing a column for the Victoria Times Colonist and the Source, a prominent multicultural newspaper in Vancouver. He also was a contributor to the Tyee and CBC.

Adrian was raised in Vancouver. Growing up he learnt first hand the challenges that small businesses face: his parents supported a growing family as sole proprietors.

Adrian is the second of three children, and is married to writer and arts advocate Renée Saklikar.

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