--- title: "Darlene Rotchford: candidate for MLA in Esquimalt-Colwood, BC provincial 2026 | voche.me" canonical_url: "https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/darlene-rotchford" last_updated: "2026-10-10T04:03:44.154Z" meta: description: "Darlene Rotchford was elected MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood in 2024. The government named her Parliamentary Secretary for Armed Forces Development and Veterans..." "og:description": "Darlene Rotchford was elected MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood in 2024. The government named her Parliamentary Secretary for Armed Forces Development and Veterans..." "og:title": "Darlene Rotchford: candidate for MLA in Esquimalt-Colwood, BC provincial 2026" "twitter:description": "Darlene Rotchford was elected MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood in 2024. The government named her Parliamentary Secretary for Armed Forces Development and Veterans..." "twitter:title": "Darlene Rotchford: candidate for MLA in Esquimalt-Colwood, BC provincial 2026" --- ** MLA in Esquimalt-Colwood · BC provincial 2026 # Darlene Rotchford Parliamentary Secretary for Armed Forces Development and Veterans Affairs, running again for the BC NDP in Esquimalt-Colwood. Darlene Rotchford was elected MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood in 2024. The government named her Parliamentary Secretary for Armed Forces Development and Veterans Affairs in November 2025. In the legislature in 2026 she spoke for government bills on the budget, labour, forestry, safe access zones and local government conduct. Explore the record Public schedule Researched by voche.me · Not a campaign-authored page BC NDP2026 ![Darlene Rotchford, from her BC NDP campaign page.](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/images/candidates/darlene-rotchford-640.webp) *Darlene RotchfordMLAv.* [Image: BC NDP campaign](https://darlenerotchford.bcndp.ca/) Candidate research / September 30, 2026 A researched record of Darlene Rotchford's 22 commitments, 13 dated actions and 10 public statements from 2026, with 4 news items. Most come from the legislature record and government releases. **22**Commitments **13**Programs **4**News articles **40**Sources Public schedule / Through election day ## Where can you hear Darlene Rotchford? No campaign event for Darlene Rotchford was confirmed by an organizer on 2026-09-30. The dates below are voting days. Checked September 30, 2026 · All event times are Pacific time. Recheck the organizer before travelling. - [2026 provincial general election: key dates](https://elections.bc.ca/2026-provincial-election/)Official record · Elections BC

View every date through Oct 24

1. Oct 9No appearance confirmed 2. Oct 10No appearance confirmed 3. Oct 11No appearance confirmed 4. Oct 12No appearance confirmed 5. Oct 13No appearance confirmed 6. Oct 14No appearance confirmed 7. Oct 15No appearance confirmed 8. Oct 16Voting day 9. Oct 17No appearance confirmed 10. Oct 18No appearance confirmed 11. Oct 19No appearance confirmed 12. Oct 20No appearance confirmed 13. Oct 21No appearance confirmed 14. Oct 22No appearance confirmed 15. Oct 23No appearance confirmed 16. Oct 24Voting day

### Voting dates - Oct 16Advance voting begins - Oct 24General voting day At official British Columbia voting places. These dates apply to every voter and are not candidate appearances. [Find your voting place](https://elections.bc.ca/2026-provincial-election/where-to-vote/) - [2026 provincial general election: key dates](https://elections.bc.ca/2026-provincial-election/)Official record · Elections BC On dates without a confirmed appearance the public schedule is unknown; the candidate may still have activities that day. This static page changes only when its research is updated. 01 / Introduction ## About Darlene Rotchford Darlene Rotchford is the BC NDP candidate in Esquimalt-Colwood on Elections BC's list for the general election of October 24, 2026. She won the district in 2024 with 15,238 votes, 51.47% of the valid vote, according to the Elections BC statement of votes. The legislature record lists 2024 as her only election year. The government's page for her role says she was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Armed Forces Development and Veterans Affairs in November 2025 and is the government's Military Liaison. The Times Colonist reported that she earlier served as parliamentary secretary for labour. The same government page says she sat on Esquimalt council from 2022 to 2024, was President of the Victoria Labour Council from 2020 to 2023, and worked for more than 18 years in mental health and addictions in Greater Victoria. voche.me did not check these points against Township of Esquimalt or Labour Council records. In the legislature in 2026 she spoke for the budget and for bills on trade, employment standards, freedom of information, safe access zones, forestry and a code of conduct for local councils. She spoke against opposition bills on long-term care wait-lists, construction procurement and car insurance. Government releases in March and September 2026 quote her on job help for military families and longer leave for reservists. Her campaign page says she fought for homes as a councillor and for good wages as Labour Council president. Those are the campaign's own statements. Read the sources Promises / Commitments and evidence ## Commitments and the available evidence. Published positions and selected commitments, separated by election cycle. Status labels describe the evidence reviewed, not a numerical score or a complete audit of the platform. Council approval is different from delivery. 22 commitments shown · Checked Sep 30 2026 · Public servicesIn progress ### Western Communities long-term care home in Colwood In the budget debate on February 24, 2026, Rotchford said the Province is building the Western Communities long-term care project in Colwood, with a hospice unit, adult day care and child care spaces.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: Her speech gives $258 million, room for 298 patients and completion of construction in 2029. voche.me did not open a ministry or health authority page for the project.
What still needs checking: Does construction finish in 2029 at the cost she gave?

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): budget debate speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · Public servicesCampaign pledge ### Opposed a bill to publish long-term care wait-list positions On March 2, 2026, Rotchford spoke against Bill M232, an opposition bill on long-term care access. She said a fixed place on a wait-list can mislead families, because a person's care needs change.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: A position in debate. It names no measure of her own.
What still needs checking: Does the government change how it reports long-term care wait times?

- [Debates of March 2, 2026 (morning): Bill M232 on long-term care](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260302am-Hansard-n128.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · TransportationIn progress ### Highway 1 bus-on-the-shoulder project In the budget debate on February 24, 2026, Rotchford said the capital plan includes a Highway 1 bus-on-the-shoulder project between the McKenzie interchange and the Colwood exchange, with a new bridge for people on foot and bike at Craigflower Creek.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: Her speech gives $68 million from the Province toward $95 million in projects and completion in 2027. voche.me did not open a ministry page for the project.
What still needs checking: Is the project finished in 2027?

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): budget debate speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · EconomyCampaign pledge ### Win more federal defence ship contracts for B.C. In the budget debate on February 24, 2026, Rotchford said the government's Look West plan sets a goal to win 35 percent of federal defence vessels contracted for B.C. by 2035.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: A goal stated in debate. It gives no cost.
What still needs checking: What share of federal defence ship contracts goes to B.C. yards each year?

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): budget debate speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · EconomyIn progress ### More money for skilled trades training In the budget debate on February 24, 2026, Rotchford spoke for the $241 million in Budget 2026 to strengthen trades training. On March 30, 2026 she repeated the figure in a statement on Construction and Skilled Trades Month.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: The speech gives the cost and the years 2028-2029. It gives no count of new training seats.
What still needs checking: How many new trades training seats exist by 2028-2029?

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): budget debate speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of March 30, 2026 (morning): Construction and Skilled Trades Month](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260330am-Hansard-n142.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · EconomyIn progress ### B.C. Strategic Investment Fund Rotchford spoke for Bill 3 on February 26, 2026, which sets up a $400 million fund for the Province to invest in companies. In a signed column in Victoria News on March 17, 2026, she said the fund could bring defence and shipbuilding investment to Esquimalt and Colwood.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: The vote index records her Yea at second reading on February 26 and third reading on March 5, 2026. voche.me did not open a record of the fund's first investments.
What still needs checking: What has the fund invested in, and how many jobs are tied to it?

- [Debates of February 26, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 5 and Bill 3 debates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260226pm-Hansard-n127.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [MLA REPORT: Budget amplifies shipbuilding investment in Esquimalt-Colwood](https://vicnews.com/2026/03/17/mla-report-budget-amplifies-shipbuilding-investment-in-esquimalt-colwood/)Campaign · Victoria News · column by Darlene Rotchford - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · EconomyCampaign pledge ### Keep project labour and community benefit agreements On April 13, 2026, Rotchford spoke against Bill M233, an opposition bill that would stop the Province from using project labour agreements and community benefit agreements on public building projects. The vote index records her Nay at second reading on April 20, 2026.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: A position in debate. The figures she gave describe past projects and set no new target.
What still needs checking: Does the Province keep using these agreements on new public projects?

- [Debates of April 13, 2026 (morning): Bill M233 on construction procurement](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260413am-Hansard-n149.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · EconomyApproved ### Longer job-protected leave for military reservists A government release on September 4, 2026 quotes Rotchford on a change to the Reservists' Leave Regulation that lets reservists take up to 24 months of leave in a 60-month period for training and deployment.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: The release says the change came into force on August 6, 2026. It names no public cost.
What still needs checking: How many reservists use the longer leave in its first year?

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: The release gives no cost. The Goldstream News Gazette reports the minister saying the change could help as many as 1,000 people this year.
What still needs checking: How many military family members used WorkBC under the new rule?

- [Helping military families connect to work sooner](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026SDPR0002-000224)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction - [Announcement in Esquimalt sees B.C. clear red tape for military families](https://goldstreamgazette.com/2026/03/09/b-c-to-clear-red-tape-for-military-families-looking-for-employment/)Reporting · Goldstream News Gazette · Bailey Seymour 2026 · EconomyNot established ### Faster handling of unpaid wage complaints On March 10, 2026, Rotchford spoke for Bill 10, which changes how the employment standards branch handles complaints. She said employers who appeal an order to pay wages would first have to put the amount owed in trust.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: A position in debate. The bill does not appear in her entries in the vote index, so voche.me did not find a recorded vote.
What still needs checking: Did Bill 10 become law, and do complaints close faster?

- [Debates of March 10, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 10 on employment standards](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260310pm-Hansard-n138.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · EconomyIn progress ### More timber for mills through B.C. Timber Sales On April 16, 2026, Rotchford spoke for Bill 14, which widens the kinds of timber sale licences B.C. Timber Sales can offer and makes salvage of burned timber easier. The vote index records her Yea at third reading on April 21, 2026.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: A position in debate. She gave no volume of timber, cost or date.
What still needs checking: How much more timber reaches mills after Bill 14?

- [Debates of April 16, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 14 on B.C. Timber Sales](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260416pm-Hansard-n155.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · GovernanceCampaign pledge ### Partnerships with First Nations in forestry In the Bill 14 debate on April 16, 2026, Rotchford answered earlier comments in the debate about repealing UNDRIP, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, by saying forestry work depends on partnership with First Nations.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: A statement of approach. It names no measure, number or date.
What still needs checking: Does she state a measure on reconciliation during the campaign?

- [Debates of April 16, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 14 on B.C. Timber Sales](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260416pm-Hansard-n155.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · GovernanceNot established ### One code of conduct for all local councils On May 20, 2026, Rotchford spoke for Bill 17, which lets the Province set one code of conduct for local elected officials, with complaints sent to an independent investigator. She adjourned the debate at the end of her speech.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: The bill does not appear in her entries in the vote index. voche.me did not open a record that shows whether the bill passed.
What still needs checking: Is the provincewide code in place for councils elected on October 17, 2026?

- [Debates of May 20, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 17 on local government codes of conduct](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260520pm-Hansard-n179.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · GovernanceIn progress ### Changes to freedom of information law On March 4, 2026, Rotchford spoke for Bill 9, which changes the freedom of information law and allows information sharing between government programs with a person's permission. The vote index records her Yea at second reading on May 6 and third reading on May 28, 2026.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: She gave no cost or date. voche.me did not open a record of royal assent.
What still needs checking: How do response times for information requests change after Bill 9?

- [Debates of March 4, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 6 and Bill 9 debates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260304pm-Hansard-n132.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · EducationIn progress ### Keep safe access zones around schools On March 30, 2026, Rotchford spoke for Bill 12, which extends the safe access zones around schools that limit blocking and intimidation near school grounds. The vote index records her Yea at third reading on April 1, 2026.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: Her speech gives the end date of July 1, 2028. It gives no cost.
What still needs checking: How many disruptions near schools are reported while the zones last?

- [Debates of March 30, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 12 on safe access to schools](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260330pm-Hansard-n143.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · Public safetyNot established ### Safe access zones at places of worship On March 31, 2026, Rotchford spoke for Bill 13, which lets places of worship set up a zone where blocking entry, intimidation and disrupting services are banned.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: Her speech gives the size of a zone. The bill does not appear in her entries in the vote index.
What still needs checking: Did Bill 13 become law, and how many places of worship post a zone?

- [Debates of March 31, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 13 on places of worship](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260331pm-Hansard-n145.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · Public safetyNot established ### Faster civil forfeiture cases On March 3, 2026, Rotchford spoke for Bill 8, which speeds up uncontested civil forfeiture cases and allows earlier sale of seized vehicles. She said half of forfeiture money goes back to community safety grants.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: The bill does not appear in her entries in the vote index.
What still needs checking: Does more forfeiture money reach community grants after Bill 8?

- [Debates of March 3, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 8 on civil forfeiture](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260303pm-Hansard-n131.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · HousingNot established ### Let local governments waive development cost charges On April 20, 2026, Rotchford spoke for Bill 16, which gives local governments the power to reduce or waive development cost charges for more kinds of housing projects.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: A position in debate. She gave no count of homes, cost or date.
What still needs checking: How many local governments use the new power?

- [Debates of April 20, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 16, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260420pm-Hansard-n157.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · ClimateNot established ### Lower the 2035 zero-emission vehicle sales target In the Bill 16 debate on April 20, 2026, Rotchford supported changes to the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act that lower the 2035 target for new zero-emission vehicle sales from 100 percent to 75 percent.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: She gave no cost.
What still needs checking: What share of new car sales are zero-emission each year to 2035?

- [Debates of April 20, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 16, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260420pm-Hansard-n157.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · HousingCampaign pledge ### Send car insurance changes to the review committee On April 20, 2026, Rotchford spoke against Bill M237, an opposition bill on car insurance. She said its ideas belong in the special committee reviewing the Insurance (Vehicle) Act.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: A position in debate. It names no rate or date of her own.
What still needs checking: What does the committee recommend, and is it acted on?

- [Debates of April 20, 2026 (morning): Month of the Military Child and Bill M237](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260420am-Hansard-n156.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · GovernanceCampaign pledge ### Reduce the deficit over time In the budget debate on February 24, 2026, Rotchford said Budget 2026 protects health care and education, keeps taxes low for working families and reduces the deficit over time. The vote index records her Yea on the budget motion on February 26 and on the Supply Act on May 28, 2026.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: A statement of approach. It gives no deficit figure or year.
What still needs checking: What deficit does the next budget show?

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): budget debate speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · HousingCampaign pledge ### BC NDP housing plan The BC NDP platform page says the party is delivering 80,000 homes now, with 300,000 more expected over ten years. The page does not name Rotchford.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: Party text.
What still needs checking: Does Rotchford speak on housing supply during the campaign?

- [BC NDP platform page, Fighting for You and Your Family](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)Campaign · BC NDP City programs / Scope and delivery ## Policies, budgets & programs Recorded votes and government programs where an official source names her. A government program is the government's; it is listed here only where the release quotes her. Feb 18Report presented and adopted ### Presented the Public Interest Disclosure Act review Rotchford presented the report of the Special Committee to Review the Public Interest Disclosure Act, the law that protects public sector workers who report wrongdoing. She said the committee made 30 recommendations.

Scope, limits and sources

The transcript records the motion to adopt the report as approved.

- [Debates of February 18, 2026 (afternoon): Public Interest Disclosure Act committee report](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260218pm-Hansard-n118.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Feb 26Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes on the budget motion The recorded vote index lists Rotchford voting yes on the Budget 2026 motion.

Scope, limits and sources

The vote index names each member who voted.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Mar 5Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes at third reading of Bill 3 The vote index lists Rotchford voting yes at second reading on February 26 and third reading on March 5, 2026 of the Budget Measures Implementation Act (No. 2), which sets up the strategic investment fund.

Scope, limits and sources

Third reading is the final vote in the House before royal assent.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of February 26, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 5 and Bill 3 debates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260226pm-Hansard-n127.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 1Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes at third reading of Bill 12 The vote index lists Rotchford voting yes at third reading of the Safe Access to Schools Amendment Act.

Scope, limits and sources

She spoke for the bill on March 30, 2026.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of March 30, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 12 on safe access to schools](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260330pm-Hansard-n143.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 20Recorded vote, no ### Voted no on Bill M233 The vote index lists Rotchford voting no at second reading of the Public Sector Construction Projects Procurement Act.

Scope, limits and sources

She spoke against the bill on April 13, 2026.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of April 13, 2026 (morning): Bill M233 on construction procurement](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260413am-Hansard-n149.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 21Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes at third reading of Bill 14 The vote index lists Rotchford voting yes at third reading of the Forests Statutes Amendment Act.

Scope, limits and sources

She spoke for the bill on April 16, 2026.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of April 16, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 14 on B.C. Timber Sales](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260416pm-Hansard-n155.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 22Recorded vote, no ### Voted no on first reading of a bill to repeal DRIPA The vote index lists Rotchford voting no at first reading of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Repeal Act.

Scope, limits and sources

First reading is the vote to introduce a bill for debate.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 28Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes at third reading of the K'ómoks Treaty Act The vote index lists Rotchford voting no on an amendment at second reading, yes at second reading on May 20, and yes at third reading on May 28, 2026.

Scope, limits and sources

The treaty act gives effect to a treaty with the K'ómoks First Nation.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 28Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes at third reading of Bill 9 The vote index lists Rotchford voting yes at third reading of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act.

Scope, limits and sources

She spoke for the bill on March 4, 2026.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of March 4, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 6 and Bill 9 debates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260304pm-Hansard-n132.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 28Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes at third reading of the Supply Act The vote index lists Rotchford voting yes at third reading of the Supply Act, 2026-2027, which approves government spending for the year.

Scope, limits and sources

The vote index names each member who voted.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 25Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes on a motion for an MLA orientation course The vote index lists Rotchford voting yes on Motion M205, on a mandatory orientation course for MLAs. She spoke in the debate on April 27, 2026.

Scope, limits and sources

The vote index names each member who voted.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Darlene Rotchford](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of April 27, 2026 (morning): motion on an orientation course for MLAs](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260427am-Hansard-n163.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Mar 6In effect ### WorkBC opened to military families before residency The Province let spouses and adult children of Canadian Armed Forces members use WorkBC services before they become B.C. residents. The release quotes Rotchford.

Scope, limits and sources

The Goldstream News Gazette reports that she spoke at the announcement at CFB Esquimalt.

- [Helping military families connect to work sooner](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026SDPR0002-000224)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction - [Announcement in Esquimalt sees B.C. clear red tape for military families](https://goldstreamgazette.com/2026/03/09/b-c-to-clear-red-tape-for-military-families-looking-for-employment/)Reporting · Goldstream News Gazette · Bailey Seymour Aug 6In force ### Longer reservists' leave in force A change to the Reservists' Leave Regulation came into force, allowing up to 24 months of leave in a 60-month period. The government release of September 4, 2026 quotes Rotchford.

Scope, limits and sources

The release is the government's own account.

- [Making it easier for reservists to train and serve, while keeping their jobs secure](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0027-001029)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour - [B.C. reservists' leave increased for training, deployment](https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/bc-reservists-leave-from-day-jobs-increased-for-training-deployment-12746290)Reporting · Times Colonist Recent appearances / Read and watch ## Talks, interviews & statements Read original statements and reporting, or open the publisher’s video. A summary of a speech is labelled separately from a full recording. Feb 24Speech ### Budget debate speech Rotchford spoke for Budget 2026: health and long-term care spending, the Highway 1 bus project, trades training and the Look West plan for shipbuilding and defence work. - [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): budget debate speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Feb 26Speech ### Speech on the Trade Recognition Act Rotchford spoke for Bill 5, which lets goods and services sold in other provinces be sold in B.C. without more approval. - [Debates of February 26, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 5 and Bill 3 debates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260226pm-Hansard-n127.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Mar 6Press conference ### WorkBC announcement at CFB Esquimalt Rotchford spoke to reporters with the minister about WorkBC access for military families. She said a Seamless Canada committee found 60 percent of spouses moving to B.C. were unemployed, according to the Gazette. - [Announcement in Esquimalt sees B.C. clear red tape for military families](https://goldstreamgazette.com/2026/03/09/b-c-to-clear-red-tape-for-military-families-looking-for-employment/)Reporting · Goldstream News Gazette · Bailey Seymour Mar 10Speech ### Speech on employment standards Rotchford spoke for Bill 10 and described her years with the Victoria Labour Council. - [Debates of March 10, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 10 on employment standards](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260310pm-Hansard-n138.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Mar 17Statement ### Column on the strategic investment fund A column signed by Rotchford in Victoria News on the $400 million B.C. Strategic Investment Fund and defence and shipbuilding jobs. - [MLA REPORT: Budget amplifies shipbuilding investment in Esquimalt-Colwood](https://vicnews.com/2026/03/17/mla-report-budget-amplifies-shipbuilding-investment-in-esquimalt-colwood/)Campaign · Victoria News · column by Darlene Rotchford Apr 13Speech ### Speech against Bill M233 Rotchford spoke against an opposition bill to ban project labour agreements on public projects. - [Debates of April 13, 2026 (morning): Bill M233 on construction procurement](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260413am-Hansard-n149.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 16Speech ### Speech on B.C. Timber Sales Rotchford spoke for Bill 14 on timber supply for mills and salvage of burned timber. - [Debates of April 16, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 14 on B.C. Timber Sales](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260416pm-Hansard-n155.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 20Speech ### Speech on the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act Rotchford spoke for Bill 16, including development cost charges, the zero-emission vehicle target and corrections oversight. - [Debates of April 20, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 16, Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260420pm-Hansard-n157.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 20Speech ### Speech on local government codes of conduct Rotchford spoke for Bill 17 and described her time on Esquimalt council. - [Debates of May 20, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 17 on local government codes of conduct](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260520pm-Hansard-n179.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 25Statement ### Statement on Canadian Armed Forces Day and RIMPAC Rotchford spoke about the Pacific fleet at CFB Esquimalt taking part in the RIMPAC naval exercise. - [Debates of May 25, 2026 (morning): RIMPAC statement and liquor in theatres motion](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260525am-Hansard-n182.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Accountability / Findings, disputes and responses ## Controversies & public scrutiny Records are labelled by type, including official findings, civil proceedings and political disputes where applicable. Each entry identifies the response found in the sources and the latest status verified for this page. No reviewed entries have been added to this section yet. This is a research gap, not a finding about the candidate. News coverage / Original publishers ## Read the reporting A dated reading list from independent publishers. The headings below are voche.me summaries; follow each link for the original article, context and any corrections. November 26, 2025Reporting Times Colonist ### Named parliamentary secretary for armed forces development Reports that the Premier named Rotchford parliamentary secretary for armed forces development and veterans affairs in the Jobs and Economic Growth Ministry, and that she had served as parliamentary secretary for labour. - [Two Island MLAs appointed parliamentary secretaries](https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/two-island-mlas-appointed-parliamentary-secretaries-11542705)Reporting · Times Colonist March 9, 2026Reporting Goldstream News Gazette ### WorkBC change for military families Reports the WorkBC change announced at CFB Esquimalt and quotes Rotchford. - [Announcement in Esquimalt sees B.C. clear red tape for military families](https://goldstreamgazette.com/2026/03/09/b-c-to-clear-red-tape-for-military-families-looking-for-employment/)Reporting · Goldstream News Gazette · Bailey Seymour March 23, 2026Reporting Goldstream News Gazette ### Community gaming grants for Greater Victoria non-profits Quotes Rotchford from a government release on provincial grants to local non-profits. - [Greater Victoria non-profits receive provincial funding for capital projects](https://goldstreamgazette.com/2026/03/23/greater-victoria-non-profits-receive-provincial-funding-for-capital-projects/)Reporting · Goldstream News Gazette September 4, 2026Reporting Times Colonist ### Reservists' leave increased Reports the longer leave for reservists and Rotchford's comments at HMCS Malahat. - [B.C. reservists' leave increased for training, deployment](https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/bc-reservists-leave-from-day-jobs-increased-for-training-deployment-12746290)Reporting · Times Colonist Research / 40 linked sources ## Check the evidence Sources checked September 30, 2026. Official records establish decisions; campaign material establishes stated positions; reporting adds investigation and context. None alone establishes every claim.

Official record 32 sources

Campaign 4 sources

- MLA REPORT: Budget amplifies shipbuilding investment in Esquimalt-Colwood Victoria News · column by Darlene Rotchford · March 17, 2026 - Darlene Rotchford campaign page BC NDP - BC NDP platform page, Fighting for You and Your Family BC NDP - Darlene Rotchford on X, public profile page X

Reporting 4 sources

- Two Island MLAs appointed parliamentary secretaries Times Colonist · November 26, 2025 - Announcement in Esquimalt sees B.C. clear red tape for military families Goldstream News Gazette · Bailey Seymour · March 9, 2026 - Greater Victoria non-profits receive provincial funding for capital projects Goldstream News Gazette · March 23, 2026 - B.C. reservists' leave increased for training, deployment Times Colonist · September 4, 2026

The BC NDP caucus page for her answered HTTP 503 and was not read. Her campaign page lists no events and no platform of her own, and its Latest link opens the party home page. Her Facebook and Instagram pages showed no readable posts to a direct read; her X page showed four recent posts and nothing older. Bills 10, 13, 16 and 17 do not appear in her vote index entries, and voche.me did not open a record of whether they passed or received royal assent. Transcripts of the recorded votes were not opened; votes come from the vote index. No ministry page was opened for the Colwood long-term care project or the Highway 1 bus project, so their costs and dates are as she gave them in debate. Her years on Esquimalt council (2022 to 2024), her Labour Council presidency and her work history come from the government page and were not checked with the Township or the Labour Council; Township council minutes were not searched. Start and end dates of her earlier role as parliamentary secretary for labour were not found in an official record. Her 2025 Hansard was not read. No 2026 all-candidates meeting for Esquimalt-Colwood was found. Campaign finances and endorsements were not reviewed. The questionnaire has not been sent. Research status ## What voche.me has checked Evidence reviewed on 2026-09-30: the Elections BC candidate list and 2024 statement of votes, the government page for her parliamentary secretary role, the legislature's 2026 speech and vote indexes, 24 transcripts where she spoke, two government releases that quote her, her campaign page and public X page, the BC NDP platform page, and news reports from November 2025 to September 2026. Her commitments on this page come from what she said in the legislature, in a signed column and in government releases in 2026. Her campaign page states no measures of its own. Sections with no entry record that voche.me found nothing on this date. [Hansard members index, 2026](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Index/43rd2nd/2026-members-indexmhds.htm) [Recorded votes index, 2026](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesr.htm) 03 / Background ## Experience & community November 2025 to present ### Parliamentary Secretary for Armed Forces Development and Veterans Affairs Appointed in November 2025, according to the government page for the role. The legislature data file used by voche.me lists no role for her. [Government of British Columbia](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/cabinet/cabinet-ministers/parliamentary-secretary-armed-forces-development-and-veterans-affairs) 2024 to present ### MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood Elected in 2024 with 15,238 votes, 51.47% of the valid vote. [Elections BC statement of votes, 2024](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2024-provincial-election.pdf) Before November 2025 ### Parliamentary secretary for labour Reported by the Times Colonist; start and end dates were not found in an official record. [Times Colonist, November 26, 2025](https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/two-island-mlas-appointed-parliamentary-secretaries-11542705) 2022 to 2024 ### Councillor, Township of Esquimalt Dates from the government page for her role. Not checked against Township records. [Government of British Columbia](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/cabinet/cabinet-ministers/parliamentary-secretary-armed-forces-development-and-veterans-affairs) 2020 to 2023 ### President, Victoria Labour Council Dates from the government page for her role. Not checked against Labour Council records. [Government of British Columbia](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/cabinet/cabinet-ministers/parliamentary-secretary-armed-forces-development-and-veterans-affairs) 04 / Questions & answers ## Questions for the candidate Proposed questions for a future interview. They have not been sent to the candidate, and no answers have been supplied. No questions and answers have been supplied. ### Have your own question? Ask Darlene Rotchford directly. We send it to the campaign, and publish the reply here if we get one. 05 / About this page ## Questions about this page Facts voche.me can state about Darlene Rotchford's page itself, answered directly rather than left blank.

Is this an official page for Darlene Rotchford?

No. This page is researched by voche.me from public sources, listed below, and is separate from Darlene Rotchford's own campaign.

What party is Darlene Rotchford running with?

Darlene Rotchford is running for MLA with BC NDP.

Does Darlene Rotchford currently hold public office?

Yes. Darlene Rotchford currently serves as Parliamentary Secretary for Armed Forces Development and Veterans Affairs; MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood.

How many sources does this Darlene Rotchford profile cite?

This profile lists 5 sourced references, each with the date voche.me checked it, in the Sources section below.

Why do some questions on Darlene Rotchford's page show no answer?

The "Questions & answers" section on this page lists questions voche.me would put to Darlene Rotchford in a future interview. They have not been sent yet, so the page says plainly that no answer has been supplied instead of leaving the section blank.

When is the election Darlene Rotchford is running in?

The 2026 British Columbia election, including the MLA race, is decided on October 24, 2026.

06 / Candidate contributions ## Space for campaign updates ### No campaign updates yet Announcements, event details and messages can be added here, with their source and publication date. No campaign submission has been added. ## Sources & transparency - [Elections BC · provincial candidate list ](https://www.elections.bc.ca/docs/fin/GE-2026-10-24-Candidate-Website-Report.PDF)Checked September 30, 2026 - [Elections BC · statement of votes, 2024 ](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2024-provincial-election.pdf)Checked September 30, 2026 - [Government of B.C. · parliamentary secretary page ](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/cabinet/cabinet-ministers/parliamentary-secretary-armed-forces-development-and-veterans-affairs)Checked September 30, 2026 - [Hansard members index, 2026 ](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Index/43rd2nd/2026-members-indexmhds.htm)Checked September 30, 2026 - [Campaign page ](https://darlenerotchford.bcndp.ca/)Checked September 30, 2026 Missing information does not imply a candidate’s position. [Read our editorial standards.](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/about) Campaign contact ## Campaign links & contact. Find the candidate’s website, social accounts and contact information. [Campaign page](https://darlenerotchford.bcndp.ca/) ## View more candidates. [All candidate spaces ](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/candidates) [MLA**A'aliya Warbus**](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/a-aliya-warbus) [MLA**Abraham Nordine**](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/abraham-nordine) Candidate Q&A ## Ask Darlene Rotchford a question. Give your name, email and question. We send it to the campaign, and publish their answer here if we get one. ## Sitemap See the full [sitemap](/bc/provincial-2026/sitemap.md) for all pages.