---
title: "Jennifer Whiteside: candidate for MLA in New Westminster-Coquitlam, BC provincial 2026 | voche.me"
canonical_url: "https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/jennifer-whiteside"
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  description: "Jennifer Whiteside has been an MLA since 2020 and Minister of Labour since November 2024. In 2026 she introduced Bill 10, which changed how the employment..."
  "og:description": "Jennifer Whiteside has been an MLA since 2020 and Minister of Labour since November 2024. In 2026 she introduced Bill 10, which changed how the employment..."
  "og:title": "Jennifer Whiteside: candidate for MLA in New Westminster-Coquitlam, BC provincial 2026"
  "twitter:description": "Jennifer Whiteside has been an MLA since 2020 and Minister of Labour since November 2024. In 2026 she introduced Bill 10, which changed how the employment..."
  "twitter:title": "Jennifer Whiteside: candidate for MLA in New Westminster-Coquitlam, BC provincial 2026"
---

**

MLA in New Westminster-Coquitlam · BC provincial 2026

# Jennifer Whiteside

Minister of Labour, running again for the BC NDP in New Westminster-Coquitlam.

Jennifer Whiteside has been an MLA since 2020 and Minister of Labour since November 2024. In 2026 she introduced Bill 10, which changed how the employment standards branch handles complaints about unpaid wages, announced a licensing program for cranes, and spoke for a minimum wage of $18.25 an hour from June 1, 2026.

Explore the record  Public schedule 

Researched by voche.me · Not a campaign-authored page

BC NDP2026

![Jennifer Whiteside, from her BC NDP campaign page.](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/images/candidates/jennifer-whiteside-640.webp)

*Jennifer WhitesideMLAv.*

[Image: BC NDP campaign](https://jenniferwhiteside.bcndp.ca/)

Candidate research / October 1, 2026

A researched record of Jennifer Whiteside’s 18 commitments, 14 dated actions and 11 public statements, with 2 news items. Most come from the legislature record and government releases of 2026.

**18**Commitments **14**Programs **2**News articles **45**Sources

Public schedule / Through election day

## Where can you hear Jennifer Whiteside?

No campaign event for Jennifer Whiteside was confirmed by an organizer on 2026-10-01. The dates below are voting days.

Checked October 1, 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

<details>

<summary>View every date through Oct 24

</summary>

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 16<a href="#event-advance-voting">Voting day </a>
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 24<a href="#event-election-day">Voting day </a>

</details>

### 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 Jennifer Whiteside

Jennifer Whiteside is the BC NDP candidate in New Westminster-Coquitlam on the Elections BC list for the general election of October 24, 2026. She won the district in 2024 with 12,757 votes, 59.13% of the valid vote, according to the Elections BC statement of votes. The statement marks her as the sitting member at that election.

She first won a seat in New Westminster in 2020 with 15,903 votes, 60.25% of the valid vote, according to the Elections BC statement of votes for 2020. The legislature record lists her election years as 2020 and 2024.

The legislature record shows her as Minister of Labour from November 18, 2024. Government releases name her Minister of Education in the cabinet of November 26, 2020 and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions in the cabinet of December 7, 2022.

Her biography on the legislature and government sites says she was chief spokesperson and lead negotiator for the Hospital Employees’ Union and led a campaign for a living wage. That biography describes her own career. voche.me did not check it with the union.

In the legislature in 2026 she introduced Bill 10, the Labour Statutes Amendment Act, 2026, on March 4. The transcript of April 2 records that the bill passed third reading, and a government release says the changes took effect on August 1, 2026. She answered for the Ministry of Labour budget on April 30, May 4 and May 5, and answered questions on WorkSafeBC, temporary foreign workers and a hospital project.

Her campaign page says she has spent her career fighting for the rights of working people. That is a statement by her campaign.

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.

18 commitments shown · Checked Oct 1

2026 · EconomyApproved

### Faster handling of wage complaints (Bill 10)

At first reading on March 4, 2026, Whiteside said Bill 10 changes the Employment Standards Act and the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act so that complaints are settled sooner. On March 9 she named five changes, among them required meetings to settle complaints and a deposit of owed wages before an employer can appeal. The transcript of April 2 records that the bill passed third reading.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>A government release of July 31, 2026 says the changes took effect on August 1, 2026. She gave no target for how fast complaints will be settled. On April 30 she said 43 percent of complaints were settled within 180 days in 2025.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>What share of complaints does the branch settle within 180 days in 2026?</dd></dl></details>



- [Debates of March 4, 2026 (afternoon): first reading of Bill 10](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260304pm-Hansard-n132.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Debates of March 9, 2026 (afternoon): second reading of Bill 10](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260309pm-Hansard-n136.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Debates of April 2, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 10 in committee and third reading](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260402pm-Hansard-n148.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Debates of April 30, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Labour estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260430pm-Hansard-n169.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Improvements to complaint process for workers, employers in effect Aug. 1](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0025-000900)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour

2026 · EconomyIn progress

### Licences and permits for crane work

A government release of March 3, 2026 that quotes Whiteside says the Province will bring in a WorkSafeBC licensing and permitting program for crane work, after seven workers died in crane incidents in five years. In the budget debate of May 4 she said she hoped the law would be introduced and passed in the fall.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>The release names the program. It gives no cost and no number of licences. voche.me found no crane bill in the 2026 members index read on 2026-10-01. The Tyee reported that the BC Crane Safety Association disputed her description of the current training for crane operators.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Is a crane licensing bill introduced, and when does the program start?</dd></dl></details>



- [Better crane safety protections coming for workers](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0004-000211)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour
- [Debates of May 4, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Labour estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260504pm-Hansard-n171.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [BC Government Wants Stronger Crane Operating Requirements](https://thetyee.ca/News/2026/03/12/BC-Stronger-Crane-Operating-Requirements/)Reporting · The Tyee

2026 · HousingApproved

### Minimum wage of $18.25 an hour

A government release of February 26, 2026 that quotes Whiteside says the general minimum wage rises from $17.85 to $18.25 an hour on June 1, 2026. The release says a 2024 law ties each yearly rise to the inflation rate of the year before.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>The release gives the new rate and the date. The rise follows the inflation rule, so it needs no new decision.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>What is the minimum wage set for June 1, 2027?</dd></dl></details>



- [Minimum wage increasing to $18.25 in 2026](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0002-000191)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour

2026 · EconomyNot established

### Eight more cancers covered for firefighters

A government release of March 3, 2026 that quotes Whiteside says the Province is changing a regulation so that eight more cancers are presumed to come from firefighting work. A firefighter with one of them can then receive workers’ compensation without proving the link. The release also lowers the years of work needed for esophageal cancer from 20 to 15.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>The release names the regulation and the cancers. It says the change comes into force once cabinet approves it, with no date and no cost. voche.me did not open a record showing the change in force.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Is the changed regulation in force, and how many firefighter claims does it add?</dd></dl></details>



- [Expanding cancer coverage for firefighters](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0003-000208)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour

2026 · EconomyNot established

### Review the rules for ride-hail and delivery workers

In her budget speech on February 24, 2026, Whiteside said the government is checking whether its rules for app-based ride-hail and delivery workers do what was intended. On May 4 she said a consultation with drivers and companies was under way and that a report on what was heard would be made public.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>She named no change to the rules, no number and no date for a decision.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does the ministry publish its report and change the rules for these workers?</dd></dl></details>



- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): her budget speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Debates of May 4, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Labour estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260504pm-Hansard-n171.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

2026 · EconomyNot established

### Decide on the Labour Relations Code review

In the budget debate of May 4, 2026, Whiteside said the advice received on the report of the panel that reviewed the Labour Relations Code, the law on unions and bargaining, is under consideration, and that decisions on next steps would come in the short to medium term.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>She named no change, no bill and no date.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does the government bring a bill to change the Labour Relations Code?</dd></dl></details>



- [Debates of May 4, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Labour estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260504pm-Hansard-n171.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

2026 · EconomyCampaign pledge

### Protect temporary foreign workers

In question period on April 20, 2026, Whiteside said the Province requires employers to be certified before they apply to hire temporary foreign workers, and that the government asks the federal government for pathways to citizenship for people on temporary work permits.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Pathways to citizenship are a federal decision, so this is advocacy to another government. She named no number and no date.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does the Province change its certification rules for employers of temporary foreign workers?</dd></dl></details>



- [Debates of April 20, 2026 (afternoon): question period on temporary foreign workers](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260420pm-Hansard-n157.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Debates of April 30, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Labour estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260430pm-Hansard-n169.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

2026 · EconomyIn progress

### More seats for skilled trades training

In an opinion piece signed by her and published on September 7, 2026, Whiteside wrote that the government is doubling trades training funding to create 28,000 seats. In her budget speech on February 24 she said Budget 2026 puts $241 million into SkilledTradesBC.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Trades training belongs to the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. She gave no date for reaching 28,000 seats.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>How many trades training seats are funded in 2027?</dd></dl></details>



- [OPINION: Celebrating B.C.’s workers on Labour Day, by Jennifer Whiteside](https://northislandgazette.com/2026/09/07/opinion-celebrating-b-c-s-workers-on-labour-day/)Interview · North Island Gazette (Black Press)
- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): her budget speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

2026 · Public servicesIn progress

### One agreement for long-term care workers

In her budget speech on February 24, 2026, Whiteside said Budget 2026 puts $185 million into seniors care, and that this brings 5,000 care workers in long-term care homes back into a collective agreement bargained by the Health Employers Association. In the budget debate of May 4 she said bargaining for these workers will continue.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>She gives the money and the number of workers. She gave no date for the change.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Are the 5,000 workers covered by the agreement, and from what date?</dd></dl></details>



- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): her budget speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Debates of May 4, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Labour estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260504pm-Hansard-n171.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

2026 · Public servicesIn progress

### Money for mental health and addictions treatment

In her budget speech on February 24, 2026, Whiteside said Budget 2026 has $131 million for mental health and addictions treatment, and that 829 treatment beds were added since 2017.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>The 829 beds describe work already done, so they earn no target point. She named no new bed count and no date.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>How many treatment beds open in 2027?</dd></dl></details>



- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): her budget speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

2026 · EducationIn progress

### More money for K to 12 schools

In her budget speech on February 24, 2026, Whiteside said Budget 2026 adds $634 million over three years for K to 12 schools, with $167 million for a fund that pays for more teachers, special education teachers, psychologists and counsellors.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>She gives the money and the period. She gave no number of new staff.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>How many teachers and counsellors does the fund pay for in 2026-27?</dd></dl></details>



- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): her budget speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

2026 · ChildcareIn progress

### Keep lowering child care fees

In her budget speech on February 24, 2026, Whiteside said Budget 2026 has $330 million over three years for child care and lower fees for families.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>She gives the money and the period. She named no new fee level and no number of new spaces.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>What is the average daily child care fee in 2027?</dd></dl></details>



- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): her budget speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

2026 · HousingIn progress

### Renters tax credit

In her budget speech on February 24, 2026, Whiteside said the renters tax credit is expected to return $232 million to renters in 2026-27, and that New Westminster has a higher share of renters than Metro Vancouver.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>She gives the amount and the year. The credit is an existing program.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>How much did renters receive through the credit in 2026-27?</dd></dl></details>



- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): her budget speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

2026 · Public safetyIn progress

### More police training seats

In her budget speech on February 24, 2026, Whiteside said Budget 2026 gives the Justice Institute in New Westminster 50 percent more funding for police training seats.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>She gives the share of new funding. She named no number of seats and no dollar figure.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>How many police training seats does the Justice Institute offer in 2027?</dd></dl></details>



- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): her budget 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

### Back the $400 million strategic investment fund

In her budget speech on February 24, 2026, Whiteside said the government is setting up a $400 million strategic investment fund for major projects, with the federal government.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>She names the fund and its size. She named no project and no date. The fund belongs to the budget as a whole.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Which projects received money from the fund in 2026?</dd></dl></details>



- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): her budget speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

2026 · HousingCampaign pledge

### BC NDP housing position

The BC NDP platform page says local zoning changes are paving the way for 300,000 more homes and that the Speculation and Vacancy Tax helped turn 20,000 empty units into homes in Metro Vancouver. The page does not name Whiteside.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Party text.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does Whiteside state a housing measure for the district during the campaign?</dd></dl></details>



- [BC NDP platform page, Fighting for You and Your Family](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)Campaign · BC NDP

2026 · ClimateCampaign pledge

### BC NDP climate position

The BC NDP platform page and her campaign page list protecting people from climate impacts as one of six headings. Neither page gives a measure in her name.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Party text. voche.me found no 2026 statement by Whiteside on climate.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does Whiteside name a climate measure during the campaign?</dd></dl></details>



- [BC NDP platform page, Fighting for You and Your Family](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)Campaign · BC NDP
- [Jennifer Whiteside campaign page](https://jenniferwhiteside.bcndp.ca/)Campaign · BC NDP

2026 · Public safetyCampaign pledge

### BC NDP public safety position

The BC NDP platform page says the government hired more than 250 RCMP officers and added 240 police training seats. The page does not name Whiteside.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Party text.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does Whiteside speak on policing or courts during the campaign?</dd></dl></details>



- [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 or names her.

Sep 4In force August 6, 2026

### Longer job-protected training leave for military reservists

A changed regulation lets reservists take as much as 24 months of leave in 60 months for military training, up from 20 days a year. The government release quotes Whiteside.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The release is the government’s own account.

</details>

- [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

Jul 31In force August 1, 2026

### Bill 10 changes to the complaint process take effect

The government release says the changes to the Employment Standards Act and the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act are in effect from August 1, 2026.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

This release does not quote her. She introduced the bill, as the transcripts show.

</details>

- [Improvements to complaint process for workers, employers in effect Aug. 1](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0025-000900)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour
- [Debates of April 2, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 10 in committee and third reading](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260402pm-Hansard-n148.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Jul 10Recommendations accepted; pay issues sent to binding arbitration

### Special mediators appointed in the nurses’ dispute

Whiteside appointed Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers as special mediators between the BC Nurses’ Union and the health employers. CBC News reported on July 24 that the nurses’ bargaining association accepted the mediators’ recommendations and ended its job action.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

CBC News reported that issues on pay were expected to go to binding arbitration in the fall.

</details>

- [Special mediators appointed in HEABC-BCNU dispute](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0024-000814)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour
- [B.C. nurses to end job action after accepting mediators’ recommendations](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bcnu-job-action-to-end-9.7283219)Reporting · CBC News

Jun 6Mediator appointed

### Special mediator appointed in the emergency call-taker dispute

Whiteside appointed Vince Ready as special mediator between CUPE Local 8911 and Emergency Communications for British Columbia, at the request of both parties, according to her statement.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

voche.me did not open a record of the outcome.

</details>

- [Minister’s statement about the Emergency Communications Professionals dispute](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0023-000668)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour

Apr 2Passed third reading

### Bill 10, the Labour Statutes Amendment Act, 2026, passed third reading

Whiteside introduced the bill on March 4, 2026 and led it through committee. The transcript of April 2 records that the bill passed third reading.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The vote index lists no standing vote on this bill, so no member’s vote is recorded by name.

</details>

- [Debates of March 4, 2026 (afternoon): first reading of Bill 10](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260304pm-Hansard-n132.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Debates of April 2, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 10 in committee and third reading](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260402pm-Hansard-n148.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Mar 3Announced; in force once cabinet approves

### Firefighter cancer coverage expanded

The government release announced eight more cancers presumed to come from firefighting work. It quotes Whiteside.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

voche.me did not open a record showing the change in force.

</details>

- [Expanding cancer coverage for firefighters](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0003-000208)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour

Mar 3Announced; law not found in the 2026 index

### Crane licensing and permitting program announced

The government release announced a WorkSafeBC program to license and permit crane work. It quotes Whiteside and the Premier.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The release says she set up the Crane Safety Table in June 2025.

</details>

- [Better crane safety protections coming for workers](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0004-000211)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour
- [BC Government Wants Stronger Crane Operating Requirements](https://thetyee.ca/News/2026/03/12/BC-Stronger-Crane-Operating-Requirements/)Reporting · The Tyee

Feb 26Announced; in effect June 1, 2026

### Minimum wage set at $18.25 from June 1, 2026

The government release announced the new rate under the rule that ties it to inflation. It quotes Whiteside.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The rate follows a 2024 law, according to the release.

</details>

- [Minimum wage increasing to $18.25 in 2026](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0002-000191)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour

Feb 19Appointment made

### New chair of the WorkSafeBC board appointed

Whiteside appointed William Laird Cronk as chair of the WorkSafeBC board for three years from February 26, 2026, according to the government release.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The opposition questioned the appointment in the legislature on February 24, 2026. See the accountability section.

</details>

- [WorkSafeBC welcomes newly appointed board chair](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0001-000171)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour

Feb 26Recorded vote, yes

### Voted yes on the 2026 budget motion

The recorded vote index lists Whiteside voting yes on the budget motion.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The index records her vote. voche.me did not open the transcript of the vote.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Jennifer Whiteside](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesw.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

May 28Recorded vote, yes

### Voted yes on third reading of the K’ómoks Treaty Act (Bill 20)

The recorded vote index lists Whiteside voting yes at second and third reading, and no on an amendment at second reading.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The index records her vote. It lists no speech by her on the bill.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Jennifer Whiteside](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesw.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

May 28Recorded vote, yes

### Voted yes on third reading of the freedom of information bill (Bill 9)

The recorded vote index lists Whiteside voting yes at second and third reading of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act, 2026.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

voche.me did not read the bill, so its content is left out here.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Jennifer Whiteside](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesw.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Apr 22Recorded vote, no

### Voted no on first reading of a bill to repeal DRIPA

The recorded vote index lists Whiteside voting no at first reading of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Repeal Act.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

First reading is the vote to introduce a bill for debate. DRIPA is the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Jennifer Whiteside](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesw.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Apr 20Recorded vote, no

### Voted no at second reading of the Public Sector Construction Projects Procurement Act (Bill M233)

The recorded vote index lists Whiteside voting no at second reading of this member’s bill.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

voche.me did not read the bill or the debate, so its content is left out here.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Jennifer Whiteside](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesw.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

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.

Sep 7Statement

### Labour Day opinion piece

In a piece signed by her, Whiteside wrote about the minimum wage, trades training, gig work and new United States tariffs.

- [OPINION: Celebrating B.C.’s workers on Labour Day, by Jennifer Whiteside](https://northislandgazette.com/2026/09/07/opinion-celebrating-b-c-s-workers-on-labour-day/)Interview · North Island Gazette (Black Press)
- [Premier’s, minister’s statements on Labour Day](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026PREM0034-001001)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier

May 28Speech

### Tribute to Chief Rhonda Larrabee

Whiteside paid tribute to Chief Rhonda Larrabee of the qiqéyt First Nation, who died on April 4, 2026, and to her work for reconciliation in New Westminster.

- [Debates of May 28, 2026 (afternoon): her tribute to Rhonda Larrabee](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260528pm-Hansard-n188.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Apr 30Debate coverage

### Ministry of Labour budget debate

Over three sittings Whiteside answered questions on the employment standards branch, sick notes, temporary foreign workers, ride-hail workers, long-term care workers, crane safety and WorkSafeBC premiums.

- [Debates of April 30, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Labour estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260430pm-Hansard-n169.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Debates of May 4, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Labour estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260504pm-Hansard-n171.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Debates of May 5, 2026 (morning): Ministry of Labour estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260505am-Hansard-n172.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Debates of May 5, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Labour estimates](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260505pm-Hansard-n173.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Apr 28Statement

### Statement on the National Day of Mourning

Whiteside said B.C. workplaces must be the safest in Canada, in a statement released with the Premier’s.

- [Premier’s, minister’s statements on National Day of Mourning](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0020-000452)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour

Apr 20Debate coverage

### Question period on temporary foreign workers

Asked by Green MLA Jeremy Valeriote about workers on closed permits, Whiteside described the employer certification rule and said the Province asks Ottawa for pathways to citizenship.

- [Debates of April 20, 2026 (afternoon): question period on temporary foreign workers](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260420pm-Hansard-n157.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Apr 13Debate coverage

### Question period on the Cowichan hospital project

Asked by Conservative MLA Bruce Banman about temporary foreign workers on the Cowichan hospital project, Whiteside spoke about local workers on the new bridge in New Westminster before the Speaker ended her answer.

- [Debates of April 13, 2026 (afternoon): question period on the Cowichan hospital project](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260413pm-Hansard-n150.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Mar 31Speech

### Speech on Bill 13, safe access to places of worship

Whiteside spoke for the bill and compared it to the earlier Access to Abortion Services Act.

- [Debates of March 31, 2026 (afternoon): her speech on Bill 13](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260331pm-Hansard-n145.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Mar 12Interview

### Interview on crane safety

Whiteside told The Tyee that seven deaths in five years were unacceptable and that she plans to bring crane licensing to the legislature in the fall.

- [BC Government Wants Stronger Crane Operating Requirements](https://thetyee.ca/News/2026/03/12/BC-Stronger-Crane-Operating-Requirements/)Reporting · The Tyee

Mar 9Speech

### Second reading speech on Bill 10

Whiteside said complaints to the employment standards branch rose 95 percent from 2018 to 2025 and set out five changes in the bill.

- [Debates of March 9, 2026 (afternoon): second reading of Bill 10](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260309pm-Hansard-n136.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Mar 4Speech

### Introduction of Bill 10

Whiteside introduced changes to the Employment Standards Act and the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act.

- [Debates of March 4, 2026 (afternoon): first reading of Bill 10](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260304pm-Hansard-n132.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Feb 24Speech

### Budget speech

Whiteside spoke on long-term care workers, child care, trades training, the employment standards branch, workplace deaths and projects in New Westminster.

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): her budget speech](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.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.

Policy disputeFebruary 24, 2026

### Appointment of the WorkSafeBC board chair

In question period on February 24, 2026, Conservative MLA Kiel Giddens said the government relies on labour leaders and party friends for appointments, and named Laird Cronk, a former president of the B.C. Federation of Labour, appointed chair of the WorkSafeBC board by the Minister of Labour. He called this political patronage. This is the opposition’s claim.

#### Candidate or party response

Whiteside said Cronk is a Red Seal electrician with decades of work in the skilled trades and that suggesting he is not suited to lead the board is absurd.

#### Verified status and limits

voche.me found no ruling or independent review of this appointment on 2026-10-01.

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): question period on the WorkSafeBC board chair](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [WorkSafeBC welcomes newly appointed board chair](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0001-000171)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour

Policy disputeMarch 12, 2026

### Description of crane operator training

The Tyee reported that Whiteside said the current program for crane operators requires only a basic online course. The BC Crane Safety Association disputed this and said operators must pass a proctored exam and a practical assessment and log thousands of hours.

#### Candidate or party response

voche.me found no reply from her to the association in the article.

#### Verified status and limits

The Tyee corrected its article on March 24, 2026 to say crane operation is a Red Seal trade.

- [BC Government Wants Stronger Crane Operating Requirements](https://thetyee.ca/News/2026/03/12/BC-Stronger-Crane-Operating-Requirements/)Reporting · The Tyee

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.

July 24, 2026Reporting

CBC News

### Nurses end job action after mediators’ recommendations

Reports that the nurses’ bargaining association accepted the recommendations of the mediators Whiteside appointed on July 10.

- [B.C. nurses to end job action after accepting mediators’ recommendations](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bcnu-job-action-to-end-9.7283219)Reporting · CBC News

March 12, 2026Interview

The Tyee

### Stronger crane operating requirements

Reports her plans for crane licensing, with her own remarks and a dispute from the BC Crane Safety Association.

- [BC Government Wants Stronger Crane Operating Requirements](https://thetyee.ca/News/2026/03/12/BC-Stronger-Crane-Operating-Requirements/)Reporting · The Tyee

Research / 45 linked sources

## Check the evidence

Sources checked October 1, 2026. Official records establish decisions; campaign material establishes stated positions; reporting adds investigation and context. None alone establishes every claim.

<details>

<summary>Official record 38 sources

</summary>

- <a href="https://www.elections.bc.ca/docs/fin/GE-2026-10-24-Candidate-Website-Report.PDF">Provincial candidate list, 2026 general election </a>

  Elections BC
- <a href="https://elections.bc.ca/2026-provincial-election/">2026 provincial general election: key dates </a>

  Elections BC
- <a href="https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2024-provincial-election.pdf">Statement of votes, 2024 provincial general election </a>

  Elections BC
- <a href="https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2020-provincial-general-election.pdf">Statement of votes, 2020 provincial general election </a>

  Elections BC
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/members/executive-council">Executive Council, members and roles </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Index/43rd2nd/2026-members-indexmhds.htm">Members index to debates, 2026, entry for Jennifer Whiteside </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- <a href="https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesw.htm">Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Jennifer Whiteside </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html">Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): question period on the WorkSafeBC board chair </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · February 24, 2026
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html">Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): her budget speech </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · February 24, 2026
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260304pm-Hansard-n132.html">Debates of March 4, 2026 (afternoon): first reading of Bill 10 </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · March 4, 2026
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260309pm-Hansard-n136.html">Debates of March 9, 2026 (afternoon): second reading of Bill 10 </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · March 9, 2026
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260331pm-Hansard-n145.html">Debates of March 31, 2026 (afternoon): her speech on Bill 13 </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · March 31, 2026
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260401pm-Hansard-n146.html">Debates of April 1, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 10 in committee </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 1, 2026
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260402pm-Hansard-n148.html">Debates of April 2, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 10 in committee and third reading </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 2, 2026
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260413pm-Hansard-n150.html">Debates of April 13, 2026 (afternoon): question period on the Cowichan hospital project </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 13, 2026
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260420pm-Hansard-n157.html">Debates of April 20, 2026 (afternoon): question period on temporary foreign workers </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 20, 2026
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260430pm-Hansard-n169.html">Debates of April 30, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Labour estimates </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 30, 2026
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260504pm-Hansard-n171.html">Debates of May 4, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Labour estimates </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · May 4, 2026
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260505am-Hansard-n172.html">Debates of May 5, 2026 (morning): Ministry of Labour estimates </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · May 5, 2026
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260505pm-Hansard-n173.html">Debates of May 5, 2026 (afternoon): Ministry of Labour estimates </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · May 5, 2026
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260528am-Hansard-n187.html">Debates of May 28, 2026 (morning): WorkSafeBC annual report tabled </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · May 28, 2026
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260528pm-Hansard-n188.html">Debates of May 28, 2026 (afternoon): her tribute to Rhonda Larrabee </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · May 28, 2026
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0001-000171">WorkSafeBC welcomes newly appointed board chair </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour · February 19, 2026
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0002-000191">Minimum wage increasing to $18.25 in 2026 </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour · February 26, 2026
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0003-000208">Expanding cancer coverage for firefighters </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour · March 3, 2026
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0004-000211">Better crane safety protections coming for workers </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour · March 3, 2026
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0005-000220">Improving complaint process for employers, workers </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour · March 4, 2026
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0020-000452">Premier’s, minister’s statements on National Day of Mourning </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour · April 28, 2026
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026PREM0020-000467">Premier’s, minister’s statements on International Workers’ Day </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier · May 1, 2026
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0023-000668">Minister’s statement about the Emergency Communications Professionals dispute </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour · June 6, 2026
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0024-000814">Special mediators appointed in HEABC-BCNU dispute </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour · July 10, 2026
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0025-000900">Improvements to complaint process for workers, employers in effect Aug. 1 </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour · July 31, 2026
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026LBR0027-001029">Making it easier for reservists to train and serve, while keeping their jobs secure </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Labour · September 4, 2026
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026PREM0034-001001">Premier’s, minister’s statements on Labour Day </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier · September 7, 2026
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024PREM0067-001590">New cabinet ready to deliver on the priorities of British Columbians </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier · November 18, 2024
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022PREM0097-001863">New cabinet ready to take action on cost of living, health care, housing, climate </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier · December 7, 2022
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0102-001966">New cabinet focuses on keeping people safe, fighting COVID-19 </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier · November 26, 2020
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/labour/biography">Honourable Jennifer Whiteside, ministry biography </a>

  Government of British Columbia

</details>

<details>

<summary>Campaign 4 sources

</summary>

- <a href="https://jenniferwhiteside.bcndp.ca/">Jennifer Whiteside campaign page </a>

  BC NDP
- <a href="https://www.bcndp.ca/releases/bc-ndp-nominates-labour-leader-and-cabinet-minister-jennifer-whiteside-new-westminster">BC NDP nominates labour leader and Cabinet Minister Jennifer Whiteside in New Westminster-Coquitlam </a>

  BC NDP · May 22, 2024
- <a href="https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you">BC NDP platform page, Fighting for You and Your Family </a>

  BC NDP
- <a href="https://www.bcndp.ca/releases">BC NDP releases page </a>

  BC NDP

</details>

<details>

<summary>Reporting 2 sources

</summary>

- <a href="https://thetyee.ca/News/2026/03/12/BC-Stronger-Crane-Operating-Requirements/">BC Government Wants Stronger Crane Operating Requirements </a>

  The Tyee · March 12, 2026
- <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bcnu-job-action-to-end-9.7283219">B.C. nurses to end job action after accepting mediators’ recommendations </a>

  CBC News · July 24, 2026

</details>

<details>

<summary>Interview 1 sources

</summary>

- <a href="https://northislandgazette.com/2026/09/07/opinion-celebrating-b-c-s-workers-on-labour-day/">OPINION: Celebrating B.C.’s workers on Labour Day, by Jennifer Whiteside </a>

  North Island Gazette (Black Press) · September 7, 2026

</details>

Her campaign page lists no events and states no measure of its own. Her Facebook, Instagram and X pages returned only a page title to a direct read, so nothing from them is used. The Ministry of Labour budget debates of April 30, May 4 and May 5, 2026 and the Bill 10 committee debates of April 1 and 2 were read for her main answers and not line by line. Votes are taken from the vote index; no vote transcript was opened. voche.me did not check whether the firefighter cancer regulation is in force, and found no crane licensing bill in the 2026 members index on 2026-10-01. Figures she gave in debate, such as complaint numbers at the employment standards branch, premiums retained by employers and child care savings, are her statements and were not checked against ministry data. Her biography on the legislature and government sites describes her work for the Hospital Employees’ Union and a living wage campaign; voche.me did not check this with the union. The 2022 to 2024 period as Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and the 2020 to 2022 period as Minister of Education were confirmed from cabinet releases only; earlier-session transcripts were not read. The BC NDP caucus page for her answered HTTP 503. The party release of May 22, 2024 on her nomination belongs to the 2024 campaign and is listed as background only. voche.me found no 2026 statement by her on climate or transportation. No 2026 all-candidates meeting for New Westminster-Coquitlam 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 2026-10-01: the Elections BC candidate list, the 2024 and 2020 statements of votes, the legislature’s member data and its 2026 speech and vote indexes, 15 transcripts of 2026 sittings, 12 government releases from 2026, three cabinet releases, her ministry biography, her campaign page, the BC NDP platform and release pages, a signed opinion piece by her, and reports from The Tyee and CBC News.

Her commitments on this page come from what she said in the legislature, in government releases and in her own opinion piece in 2026. Her campaign page states no measure 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-Votesw.htm)

03 / Background

## Experience & community

2024 to present

### Minister of Labour

Start date November 18, 2024, from the legislature record. The government release of that day lists her as Minister of Labour.

[Legislative Assembly of British Columbia](https://www.leg.bc.ca/members/executive-council)

2024 to present

### MLA for New Westminster-Coquitlam

Elected in 2024 with 12,757 votes, 59.13% of the valid vote.

[Elections BC statement of votes, 2024](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2024-provincial-election.pdf)

December 2022 to November 2024

### Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

Named in the cabinet release of December 7, 2022. The cabinet release of November 18, 2024 names her Minister of Labour.

[Government release, December 7, 2022](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022PREM0097-001863)

November 2020 to December 2022

### Minister of Education

Named in the cabinet release of November 26, 2020. The cabinet release of December 7, 2022 names another member for Education and Child Care.

[Government release, November 26, 2020](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0102-001966)

2020 to 2024

### MLA for New Westminster

Elected in 2020 with 15,903 votes, 60.25% of the valid vote.

[Elections BC statement of votes, 2020](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2020-provincial-general-election.pdf)

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 Jennifer Whiteside 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 Jennifer Whiteside's page itself, answered directly rather than left blank.

<details>

<summary>Is this an official page for Jennifer Whiteside?</summary>



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

</details>

<details>

<summary>What party is Jennifer Whiteside running with?</summary>



Jennifer Whiteside is running for MLA with BC NDP.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Does Jennifer Whiteside currently hold public office?</summary>



Yes. Jennifer Whiteside currently serves as Minister of Labour; MLA for New Westminster-Coquitlam.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How many sources does this Jennifer Whiteside profile cite?</summary>



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

</details>

<details>

<summary>Why do some questions on Jennifer Whiteside's page show no answer?</summary>



The "Questions &amp; answers" section on this page lists questions voche.me would put to Jennifer Whiteside 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.

</details>

<details>

<summary>When is the election Jennifer Whiteside is running in?</summary>



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

</details>

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 October 1, 2026
- [Elections BC · statement of votes, 2024 ](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2024-provincial-election.pdf)Checked October 1, 2026
- [Elections BC · statement of votes, 2020 ](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2020-provincial-general-election.pdf)Checked October 1, 2026
- [Hansard members index, 2026 ](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Index/43rd2nd/2026-members-indexmhds.htm)Checked October 1, 2026
- [Campaign page ](https://jenniferwhiteside.bcndp.ca/)Checked October 1, 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://jenniferwhiteside.bcndp.ca/) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JenniferWhitesideNW) [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jenniferwhitesidenewwest/) [X](https://twitter.com/JM_Whiteside)

## 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

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## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](/bc/provincial-2026/sitemap.md) for all pages.