VICTORIA – Five more BC NDP MLAs representing Southern Vancouver Island will seek re-election, standing with Premier David Eby and the BC NDP to protect the province as the trade war escalates.

Diana Gibson will run in Oak Bay–Gordon Head, Grace Lore will run in Victoria–Beacon Hill, Nina Krieger will run in Victoria–Swan Lake, Darlene Rotchford will run in Esquimalt–Colwood and Ravi Parmar will run in Langford-Highlands.

David Eby and the BC NDP team have a plan to stand up to Trump, protect B.C. workers and families, and build an economy that is less dependent on the U.S. That means opening new markets, creating good-paying jobs and strengthening health care and housing so British Columbians can build a good life.

"I’m proud to have such strong voices running again on Southern Vancouver Island," said David Eby, leader of the BC NDP. "They’re ready to keep delivering on the issues that matter most to people – making life more affordable, bringing down the cost of housing, improving access to health, especially during this trade war."

While the Conservatives would cut healthcare, hike costs on working people and cozy up to Trump, the BC NDP will support workers and businesses facing tariffs, bring down costs for working families, and strengthen the healthcare British Columbians rely on.

QUOTES

Diana Gibson, BC NDP candidate for Oak Bay–Gordon Head –

“People in Oak Bay Gordon Head want a government that will invest in the services they rely on and stand up for them in uncertain times. I'm proud to be a part of the BC NDP running with a team committed to strengthening our economy and diversifying our trade while investing in the infrastructure and services we need to grow our communities. I'm looking forward to hearing from you over the coming weeks and delivering on the work that matters to you."

Grace Lore, BC NDP candidate for Victoria-Beacon Hill –
“People in Victoria–Beacon Hill want a government that delivers on the things that matter most: homes people can afford, strong healthcare, affordable childcare and support for families,” said Grace Lore. “I’m proud of what our BC NDP government has accomplished for people in our community and across B.C., and there is so much more work to do. I'm ready to keep pushing forward for people in Victoria and proud to be running again as part of David Eby’s team. At a time of growing economic uncertainty, we need to strengthen our economy and community and keep putting people first.”

Nina Krieger, BC NDP candidate for Victoria-Swan Lake –

“People in Victoria-Swan Lake are working hard to build a good life, and they deserve a government that is focused on making life more affordable and creating opportunities for families to get ahead. I’m proud to be running again with David Eby and the BC NDP, and to be part of a team that is focused on putting more money back in people’s pockets, strengthening our economy and standing up for B.C. in the face of uncertainty. I’m ready to keep working for the people of Victoria-Swan Lake and delivering the practical progress they expect from their government.”

Darlene Rotchford, BC NDP candidate for Esquimalt-Colwood –

“With economic uncertainty putting pressure on families and communities, we need a government that understands the challenges people are facing and is focused on making life more affordable, supporting good jobs and standing up for B.C. I’ve spent my career working alongside people to make our communities stronger, and I’m ready to keep bringing that experience to the work we’re doing for people across B.C. as part of David Eby’s team.”

Ravi Parmar, BC NDP candidate for Langford-Highlands –

“Langford–Highlands is home, and I’m proud to be running again for the community that helped shape who I am,” said Ravi Parmar. “I’ve seen firsthand what we can accomplish when we invest in people, build strong communities and make sure families have the opportunities they need to succeed. At a time of economic uncertainty and growing pressure from Donald Trump, I’m proud to be part of David Eby’s BC NDP team, standing up for B.C., protecting good jobs and keeping our focus on making life more affordable for families.”

BIOGRAPHIES

Diana Gibson (Headshot)

First elected to represent Oak Bay–Gordon Head in 2024, Diana served as the Minister of Citizens’ Services and Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. An award-winning community leader and entrepreneur, she led Greater Victoria’s Community Social Planning Council and co-founded the Firelight Groups – now Canada’s largest Indigenous-owned consulting firm.

Grace Lore (Headshot)

First elected as the MLA for Victoria–Beacon Hill in 2020, Grace has served as Parliamentary Secretary Gender Equity Minister of State for Childcare, and the Minister of Children and Family Development. Grace is committed to to the work our BC NDP government has been leading to support people in our community and across the province, from building more homes and supportive housing, and protecting affordable rentals, to hiring more doctor and expanding affordable childcare. She is dedicated to building services and support for our community’s most vulnerable members. Before Grace was elected, she was a dedicated anti-violence advocate, academic instructor and researcher, and an advocate for her community.

Nina Krieger (Headshot)

Nina Krieger is a community leader dedicated to advancing justice, strong public services and a brighter future for everyone in British Columbia. As Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Nina expanded training opportunities for law enforcement and innovative programs to tackle crime, break cycles of violence and support victims and vulnerable communities. In her role as Parliamentary Secretary for Arts and Film, Nina advanced opportunities for the South Island's film sector and championed arts and culture in our province. Before running for public office in 2024, Nina served as Executive Director of Western Canada's leading Holocaust museum, advancing anti-racism education nationally and internationally. As newcomers to Canada, her grandparents embodied resilience and gratitude to be living in beautiful British Columbia. Nina lives with her family in Victoria and is grateful to live near her parents and raise her son in such a vibrant community.

Darlene Rotchford (Headshot)

Darlene was first elected as the MLA for Esquimalt–Colwood in 2024. She served as Parliamentary Secretary for Armed Forces Development and Veterans Affairs and as the government’s Military Liaison, building relationships with military organizations and helping align B.C.’s workforce and skills training with emerging national defence needs. In this role, she helped advance the government’s Look West strategy, supporting opportunities in defence, shipbuilding, aerospace, marine and emerging technologies, and working to ensure B.C. workers and businesses benefit from growing national defence investment. Darlene previously sat as a councillor for the Township of Esquimalt from 2022 to 2024. She has a background of active involvement and leadership in the labour movement, including serving as President of the Victoria Labour Council. Darlene is a military wife to her husband Joey and a mother to two daughters.

Ravi Parmar (Headshot)

Ravi Parmar was elected as an MLA in 2023, and was the youngest representative in the 43rd Legislative Assembly. He has a long record of standing up for people, and getting big things done. In government, he was given one of the toughest files of our time, to serve as minister of forests. As minister, he stood up for BC’s forest workers against Trump’s attack on their livelihoods. He was also responsible for the B.C. Wildfire Service through two extremely challenging fire seasons. Prior to provincial politics, he got his start as a student activist. He was then Chair of the Sooke School District, where he worked with John Horgan to deliver the largest expansion of public education in the region’s history.