Five more BC NDP MLAs seeking re-election to continue delivering for their communities

VICTORIA – Five BC NDP MLAs are seeking re-election, joining David Eby and the BC NDP team in standing up for British Columbians, strengthening B.C.’s economy and protecting people from the uncertainty created by Donald Trump and U.S. tariffs.

Sheila Malcolmson will run in Nanaimo–Gabriola Island, George Anderson will run in Nanaimo–Lantzville, Stephanie Higginson will run in Ladysmith–Oceanside, Anne Kang will run in Burnaby Centre, and Lisa Beare will run in Maple Ridge–Pitt Meadows.

“These candidates have fought for people in their communities and delivered results,” said David Eby, Leader of the BC NDP. “During difficult times, we need these strong local voices who will help build a stronger, more resilient economy here at home.”

Together, these candidates bring experience from government and their communities to the BC NDP team’s plan to free B.C.’s economy from dependence on the United States, support workers and businesses facing tariffs, bring down costs for families and recruit more doctors, nurses and other health-care workers.

Meanwhile, the BC Conservatives would roll over for Donald Trump. Their candidates have called for B.C. to “comply” with Trump and pushed to lift restrictions on American liquor as a “gesture of good faith.”

QUOTES

Sheila Malcolmson, BC NDP candidate for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island –

“I’ve been so grateful to represent people in Nanaimo for more than a decade, from the Islands Trust to federal Parliament and now in the B.C. legislature,” said Sheila Malcolmson. “I’m running again because the work of standing up for people and communities is more important than ever. As we face uncertainty from the south and pressure on families at home, we need to protect the people who are counting on us and the place we love. I’m proud to keep putting Nanaimo–Gabriola Island first and fighting for the community I’m so fortunate to call home.”

George Anderson, BC NDP candidate for Nanaimo-Lantzville –

“Nanaimo-Lantzville is a place where neighbours look out for one another, and it’s been an honour of a lifetime to serve as the MLA. From city hall to the Legislature, my approach has always been the same: listen to people, focus on what matters in their daily lives, and get to work. Today, that means protecting B.C. jobs and businesses from Donald Trump’s tariffs while creating new opportunities here at home. I’m ready to keep standing up for Nanaimo-Lantzville and working for a stronger B.C.”

Stephanie Higginson BC NDP candidate for Ladysmith-Oceanside –

“I’ve spent my career working with families and communities, and I’ve seen firsthand how much strong public services matter to people’s everyday lives. As a teacher, school trustee and now MLA, I’ve always believed that when we invest in people, we strengthen our whole community. I’m running again because Ladysmith-Oceanside deserves a strong voice as we navigate the uncertainty ahead: protecting good jobs, supporting families and making sure people can count on the healthcare and services they need.”

Anne Kang, BC NDP candidate for Burnaby Centre -

“This is a critical time in British Columbia, and we need a government that is ready to meet the moment. David Eby and the NDP have a plan to see us through: stand up for BC and for Canada, protect the services that matter to people, support people who need it, and build a stronger economy. I’m proud to be a part of this team.”

Lisa Beare, BC NDP candidate for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows –

“Our BC NDP team has been delivering the investments that people in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows rely on, like building new schools and hiring more doctors and nurses. The conservative parties would make cuts to key services and hike up everyday costs - people simply can’t afford that risk.”

BIOGRAPHIES

Sheila Malcolmson (Headshot)

Sheila was first elected as the MLA for Nanaimo (now Nanaimo–Gabriola Island) in 2019 after four years of serving as the Member of Parliament for Nanaimo–Ladysmith. Prior to that, she was elected four times to the Islands Trust Council, serving six of those years as chair. She has served as B.C.’s Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. Before entering public life, Sheila worked in ecology, tourism and small business.

George Anderson (Headshot)

George Anderson was first elected MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville in 2024. Following his election, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Transit in November 2024 and served as Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole. In June 2026, he was named Parliamentary Secretary for Energy and Climate Solutions.Before being elected to the Legislature, George practised commercial law at one of Canada’s largest law firms. He has built a record of service in the community previously serving as a Nanaimo city councillor and as a director of the Regional District of Nanaimo. His continuous community service has earned him a Citizenship Distinction from the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and in 2016 he received the B.C. Community Achievement Award.

Stephanie Higginson (Headshot)

Stephanie was elected MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside in 2024 and served as Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Care Access. She previously served as Government Caucus Chair. Prior, she served two terms on the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Board of Education and as president of the BC School Trustees’ Association, where she helped guide B.C.’s public education system through the COVID-19 pandemic. A former secondary school teacher, Stephanie understands firsthand the importance of strong public services and the difference they make in people’s everyday lives. Stephanie and her husband live on a small farm in Cedar with their two teenage children.

Anne Kang (Headshot)
Anne Kang has called Burnaby home for more than 40 years, and serving her community has always been at the heart of what she does. A former Burnaby teacher and three-term Burnaby City Councillor, Anne has spent her career empowering citizens, listening and collaborating with people, bringing their concerns forward, and making government more accessible and responsive. As MLA for Burnaby Centre since 2017, Anne has worked to protect the services that people rely on, whether that’s strengthening public health care and education, expanding opportunity, or supporting seniors and families. She understands that behind every policy is real people who want to be heard, treated fairly, and given a chance to thrive.

Lisa Beare (Headshot)
Lisa Beare was first elected as the MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows in 2017. Lisa has served in many cabinet portfolios, most recently as Minister of Education and Child Care. A former school trustee in SD 42, Lisa grew up and attended local schools in Maple Ridge and is now raising her own family in the community.