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title: "Roly Russell: candidate for MLA in Boundary-Similkameen, BC provincial 2026 | voche.me"
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---

**

MLA in Boundary-Similkameen · BC provincial 2026

# Roly Russell

MLA for Boundary-Similkameen from 2020 to 2024, running for the BC NDP in the same district.

Roly Russell is the BC NDP candidate in Boundary-Similkameen. He was the district’s MLA from 2020 to 2024 and Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development. In 2024 he lost the district to Conservative Donegal Wilson, with 10,497 votes (42.56 percent) to her 11,935 (48.39 percent). On September 25, 2026 he said he is running to protect local jobs, lower costs and give rural communities the health care and services they need.

Explore the record  Public schedule 

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

BC NDP2026

![Roly Russell, from his BC NDP campaign page.](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/images/candidates/roly-russell-640.webp)

*Roly RussellMLAv.*

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

Candidate research / September 30, 2026

A researched record of Roly Russell’s 2026 candidacy and his term as MLA for Boundary-Similkameen from 2020 to 2024: 9 commitments, 17 dated actions and 18 public statements, with 11 news items.

**9**Commitments **17**Programs **11**News articles **49**Sources

Public schedule / Through election day

## Where can you hear Roly Russell?

No campaign event for Roly Russell 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

<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 Roly Russell

Elections BC lists Roly Russell as the BC NDP candidate for MLA in Boundary-Similkameen for the general election of October 24, 2026. The party’s own candidate list also names him for the district. Castanet reported on September 24, 2026 that he had announced he would run.

He was elected MLA for Boundary-Similkameen in 2020 with 10,500 votes (49.85 percent), according to the Elections BC statement of votes. The legislature lists him as a member of the 42nd Parliament for the BC NDP. Government cabinet releases of November 26, 2020 and December 7, 2022 name him Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development.

In the 2024 election he received 10,497 votes (42.56 percent). Donegal Wilson of the Conservative Party won with 11,935 votes (48.39 percent). voche.me did not find his name in the legislature’s 2026 index of speeches or its 2026 index of recorded votes on 2026-09-30.

Before 2020 he was the director for Area D, Rural Grand Forks, on the board of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. The regional district’s board highlights, as the Castlegar Source republished them in December 2020, say he served six years, two of them as chair. His legislature biography says he has a PhD in ecology, ran an organic farm, and helped lead the response to the 2018 flood in Grand Forks. The biography is his own account, and voche.me has not checked those points with outside records.

In the legislature he spoke for a new emergency management law in 2023, and in 2024 for the budget and for motions on health care workers and on housing costs. voche.me has not contacted the 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.

9 commitments shown · Checked Sep 30

2026 · EconomyCampaign pledge

### Protect local jobs

In the BC NDP announcement of September 25, 2026, as reported by Castanet, Russell said he is running with the party to protect local jobs. His campaign page says he wants an economy that works for everyone in rural B.C.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>The statement names him as the speaker. It names no measure, no number of jobs, no cost and no date.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Which measures would he support to protect jobs in the district, and how many jobs do they cover?</dd></dl></details>



- [Four NDP candidates in Kootenay - Boundary - Columbia ridings declared](https://www.castanet.net/news/Trail/632475/Four-NDP-candidates-in-Kootenay-Boundary-Columbia-ridings-declared)Reporting · Castanet
- [Roly Russell campaign page](https://rolyrussell.bcndp.ca/)Campaign · BC NDP

2026 · HousingCampaign pledge

### Lower costs

In the same statement he said he is running to lower costs. His campaign page says he wants to lower costs for families.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>The statement names him as the speaker. It names no cost that would fall, no amount and no date.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Which costs would he lower for families in the district, and by how much?</dd></dl></details>



- [Four NDP candidates in Kootenay - Boundary - Columbia ridings declared](https://www.castanet.net/news/Trail/632475/Four-NDP-candidates-in-Kootenay-Boundary-Columbia-ridings-declared)Reporting · Castanet
- [Roly Russell campaign page](https://rolyrussell.bcndp.ca/)Campaign · BC NDP

2026 · Public servicesCampaign pledge

### Health care and services for rural communities

In the same statement he said he is running to make sure rural communities have the health care and services they need.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>The statement names him as the speaker. It names no hospital, no number of doctors or nurses, no cost and no date.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Which health services in the district would he ask the Province to add or keep open, and by when?</dd></dl></details>



- [Four NDP candidates in Kootenay - Boundary - Columbia ridings declared](https://www.castanet.net/news/Trail/632475/Four-NDP-candidates-in-Kootenay-Boundary-Columbia-ridings-declared)Reporting · Castanet

2026 · GovernanceCampaign pledge

### Argue firmly for the region and work with other parties

Castanet reported on September 24, 2026 a statement from his campaign social media account. In it he said the region needs an MLA who will argue firmly when that is needed and work with members of other parties when that gets more done, and that he has done both.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>A statement of how he would do the job. It names no measure on a scored issue, so it earns no score. voche.me read the statement only as Castanet quoted it.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Which measures would he work on with members of other parties?</dd></dl></details>



- [Report that former MLA Roly Russell is running again in Boundary-Similkameen](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/632342/Former-MLA-Roly-Russell-trying-again-to-turn-Boundary-Similkameen-back-orange)Reporting · Castanet · Chelsea Powrie

2026 · HousingCampaign pledge

### BC NDP housing plan

The BC NDP platform page says the party is delivering 80,000 homes now, with an estimated 300,000 more over the next ten years. The page does not name Russell.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Party text. voche.me found no 2026 statement by Russell on housing. In April 2024 he spoke in the legislature for a motion on housing costs; that entry is under dated actions.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does Russell name 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 · Public safetyCampaign pledge

### BC NDP public safety position

The BC NDP platform page lists keeping people safe and communities strong as one of its headings. The page does not name Russell.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Party text. voche.me found no 2026 statement by Russell on public safety.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does Russell speak on public safety 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 lists protecting people from climate impacts as one of its headings. The page does not name Russell.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Party text. voche.me found no 2026 statement by Russell with a climate, wildfire or flood measure. His 2024 answer on the subject is listed below as earlier material.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does Russell name a climate, wildfire or flood 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

Earlier term · ClimateNot established

### Reduce disaster risk and give communities more control of land and watershed planning (2024 campaign)

In written answers to Black Press in October 2024, Russell said the government had rebuilt the emergency law around preparing for, reducing, responding to and recovering from disasters, and had committed to giving communities more control of land use and watershed planning.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>This is from his 2024 campaign. No 2026 page found by voche.me repeats it. It gives no cost and no date.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does his 2026 campaign repeat these measures?</dd></dl></details>



- [Boundary-Similkameen Candidates answer questions: Roly Russell](https://similkameenspotlight.com/2024/10/10/boundary-similkameen-candidates-answer-questions-roly-russell/)Reporting · Similkameen Spotlight · Black Press

Earlier term · Public servicesNot established

### Keep and hire health care workers in the district (2024 campaign)

In the same 2024 answers he said the plan for health care staffing has four parts: keeping workers, changing how the system is organised, hiring, and training. He said the whole district was now covered by payments that reward health workers for staying in rural places.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>This is from his 2024 campaign. No 2026 page found by voche.me repeats it. A government release of August 13, 2024 says the payments were extended to Oliver, Osoyoos and Okanagan Falls.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does his 2026 campaign name a health staffing measure for the district?</dd></dl></details>



- [Boundary-Similkameen Candidates answer questions: Roly Russell](https://similkameenspotlight.com/2024/10/10/boundary-similkameen-candidates-answer-questions-roly-russell/)Reporting · Similkameen Spotlight · Black Press
- [More supports for health-care workers strengthen care in south Okanagan](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024HLTH0123-001297)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health

City programs / Scope and delivery

## Policies, budgets & programs

Election results, appointments and speeches in debate from his 2020 to 2024 term, taken from Elections BC, the legislature and government releases. A speech for a bill or a motion is listed under its issue. A government program is the government’s: it is listed here where a release quotes him, and it earns him no score.

Oct 24Elected

### Elected MLA for Boundary-Similkameen

Won the district with 10,500 votes (49.85 percent). Petra Veintimilla of the BC Liberal Party had 7,735 votes (36.72 percent).

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The 2020 general election was held on October 24, 2020. An election result earns no score.

</details>

- [Statement of votes, 2020 provincial general election](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2020-provincial-general-election.pdf)Official record · Elections BC
- [Roly Russell, member of the 42nd Parliament](https://www.leg.bc.ca/members/42nd-Parliament/Russell-Roly)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

Nov 26Appointed

### Named Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development

The cabinet release of November 26, 2020 lists him as Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development, under the ministry then responsible for forests and rural development.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

A title earns no score.

</details>

- [New cabinet focuses on keeping people safe, fighting COVID-19](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0102-001966)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier
- [NDP’s Roly Russell named secretary for rural development](https://grandforksgazette.ca/2020/11/27/ndps-roly-russell-named-secretary-for-rural-development/)Reporting · Grand Forks Gazette · Laurie Tritschler

Jun 1Spoke for the bill in the main debate (second reading)

### Spoke for the Electoral Boundaries Commission Amendment Act, 2021 (Bill 7)

He said the bill moves the decision on district boundaries from politicians to a commission that belongs to no party, and that he supported that.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The transcript names him as the speaker. voche.me did not open the record of the vote on the bill.

</details>

- [Debates of June 1, 2021 (afternoon): Bill 7 debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd2nd/20210601pm-Hansard-n81.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Members index to debates, 2021, entry for Roly Russell](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd2nd/2021-Members-Indexr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Nov 22Spoke for the bill in the main debate (second reading)

### Spoke for the Forest Amendment Act, 2021 (Bill 28)

He said the changes to forest law were meant to support forest workers and rural towns, and that clearer rules on payment for lost timber harvesting rights were an important improvement.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The transcript names him as the speaker. voche.me did not open the record of the vote on the bill.

</details>

- [Debates of November 22, 2021 (afternoon): Bill 28 debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd2nd/20211122pm-Hansard-n135.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Members index to debates, 2021, entry for Roly Russell](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd2nd/2021-Members-Indexr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Dec 7Appointed

### Named Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development again

The cabinet release of December 7, 2022, under Premier David Eby, lists him in the same post.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

A title earns no score. voche.me did not find an official record of the date the post ended.

</details>

- [New cabinet ready to take action on cost of living, health care, housing, climate](https://archive.news.gov.bc.ca/releases/news_releases_2020-2024/2022PREM0097-001863.htm)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier

Oct 5Spoke for the bill in the main debate (second reading)

### Spoke for the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (Bill 31)

He supported the bill that replaced the Emergency Program Act. He said that as chair of the regional district in the 2018 flood he had no law or guide for recovery, and he read out sections that let a local authority declare a recovery period.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The transcript names him as the speaker. voche.me did not open the record of the vote on the bill.

</details>

- [Debates of October 5, 2023 (afternoon): Bill 31 debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd4th/20231005pm-Hansard-n335.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Members index to debates, 2023, entry for Roly Russell](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd4th/2023-Members-Indexr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Feb 29Spoke for the budget

### Spoke for Budget 2024

He spoke in the budget debate and said he supported a budget that invests in services for people.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The transcript names him as the speaker. voche.me did not open the record of the budget vote.

</details>

- [Debates of February 29, 2024 (afternoon): budget debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240229pm-Hansard-n387.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Members index to debates, 2024, entry for Roly Russell](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd5th/2024-Members-Indexr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Mar 11Debate adjourned; no vote that day

### Spoke for Motion 20 on training and hiring health care workers

The motion asked the House to support the government’s work to train, recruit and retain more health care professionals. He spoke for it and listed training programs, a new medical school and a new payment model for family doctors.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The transcript names him as a speaker for the motion. Another member moved to adjourn the debate.

</details>

- [Debates of March 11, 2024 (morning): Motion 20 debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240311am-Hansard-n395.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Members index to debates, 2024, entry for Roly Russell](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd5th/2024-Members-Indexr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Mar 12Spoke for the bill in the main debate (second reading)

### Spoke for the Athlii Gwaii Legacy Trust (Winding Up) Act (Bill 8)

He supported the bill, which moves a fund on Haida Gwaii to the Gwaii Trust Society so the money can be used for community grants.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The bill deals with one community fund. It does not fall under a scored issue, so it earns no score.

</details>

- [Debates of March 12, 2024 (afternoon): Bill 8 debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240312pm-Hansard-n398.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Members index to debates, 2024, entry for Roly Russell](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd5th/2024-Members-Indexr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Apr 29Debate adjourned; no vote that day

### Spoke for Motion 5 on housing costs and real estate speculators

The motion asked the House to put people looking for a home they can afford ahead of real estate speculators and investors. He spoke for it and listed provincial housing measures, including limits on rent increases and the tax on empty homes.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The transcript names him as a speaker for the motion. Another member moved to adjourn the debate.

</details>

- [Debates of April 29, 2024 (morning): Motion 5 debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240429am-Hansard-n421.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Members index to debates, 2024, entry for Roly Russell](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd5th/2024-Members-Indexr.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

May 27Announced by the government

### Provincial money for a dike and drainage in Grand Forks

A government release quotes him as MLA and Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development as a provincial fund paid for a 714-metre dike and a 505-metre drainage system in Grand Forks.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

A government program is the government’s. The release quotes him without naming him as the person who decided the funding, so it earns no score.

</details>

- [Grand Forks getting better flood protection](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024EMCR0029-000818)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness

Jul 17Announced by the government

### Provincial money for a wood products plant in Okanagan Falls

A government release quotes him as the local MLA as the Province gave up to $7 million to Mercer Mass Timber, a maker of large wood building parts. The release says the plant supports 28 local jobs.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

A government program is the government’s. The job count is the release’s own figure. It earns no score.

</details>

- [Mass-timber manufacturing jobs coming to Okanagan Falls](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024JEDI0038-001137)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

Jul 25Announced by the government

### Temporary support for B.C. wineries after the 2024 grape loss

A government release quotes him as Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development as the Province let wineries use grapes from outside B.C. for wine made from the 2024 harvest.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

A government program is the government’s. The release quotes him without naming him as the person who decided the measure, so it earns no score.

</details>

- [Relief for B.C. wineries protects 2024 vintage, jobs](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024PSSG0065-001191)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Aug 13Announced by the government

### Payments to keep health workers in Oliver, Osoyoos and Okanagan Falls

A government release quotes him as the local MLA as the Province extended its rural payments for health workers to the three towns. The release says 200 employees could receive them, a figure it gives as an estimate.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

A government program is the government’s. It earns no score.

</details>

- [More supports for health-care workers strengthen care in south Okanagan](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024HLTH0123-001297)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health

Sep 12Announced by the government

### Support for tree fruit growers after the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative closed

A government release quotes him as the local MLA as the Province arranged for growers to be paid early for past harvests, with money the release estimates at $4 million.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

A government program is the government’s. It earns no score.

</details>

- [Government provides more support for B.C. tree fruit growers](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024AF0037-001496)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Agriculture and Food

Sep 12Announced by the government

### Provincial grant for the Penticton community safety table

A government release quotes him as the local MLA as the Province gave Penticton a $30,000 grant for a program where police, health and social service workers meet to connect people at risk with services.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

A government program is the government’s. It earns no score.

</details>

- [Early intervention program continues to keep people safe in Penticton](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024PSSG0080-001503)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Oct 19Not elected

### Lost Boundary-Similkameen in the 2024 election

Received 10,497 votes (42.56 percent). Donegal Wilson of the Conservative Party won with 11,935 votes (48.39 percent).

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

Final voting day was October 19, 2024. An election result earns no score.

</details>

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

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 24Statement

### Statement on winning the 2020 BC NDP nomination

The Grand Forks Gazette quotes a press release and reports that he named forest health, a strong economy, housing costs, climate change and support for local communities as his priorities.

- [Russell selected as B.C. NDP candidate for Boundary-Similkameen](https://grandforksgazette.ca/2020/09/24/russell-selected-as-b-c-ndp-candidate-for-boundary-similkameen/)Reporting · Grand Forks Gazette · Brennan Phillips

Nov 27Interview

### Interview on his appointment as Parliamentary Secretary

He told the Grand Forks Gazette that the government needs to look at how its programs and policy affect rural places, and that he would use his regional district work and his science training.

- [NDP’s Roly Russell named secretary for rural development](https://grandforksgazette.ca/2020/11/27/ndps-roly-russell-named-secretary-for-rural-development/)Reporting · Grand Forks Gazette · Laurie Tritschler

Jun 1Speech

### Speech for the Electoral Boundaries Commission Amendment Act (Bill 7)

He supported leaving district boundaries to a commission and spoke about how rural districts are represented.

- [Debates of June 1, 2021 (afternoon): Bill 7 debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd2nd/20210601pm-Hansard-n81.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Nov 22Speech

### Speech for the Forest Amendment Act (Bill 28)

He spoke about forest jobs, rural towns and payment rules for lost harvesting rights.

- [Debates of November 22, 2021 (afternoon): Bill 28 debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd2nd/20211122pm-Hansard-n135.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Mar 21Interview

### Interview on housing for people evacuated by the Princeton flood

He told the Similkameen Spotlight that people evacuated in the November 2021 flood would not be left homeless, and that he was working with two provincial bodies on the town’s request for temporary housing.

- [MLA Russell promises Princeton flood victims will not be homeless](https://similkameenspotlight.com/2022/03/25/mla-russell-promises-princeton-flood-victims-will-not-be-homeless/)Reporting · Similkameen Spotlight · Andrea DeMeer

Oct 5Speech

### Speech for the Emergency and Disaster Management Act (Bill 31)

He described leading flood recovery policy as regional district chair in 2018 and supported giving local authorities clear powers in recovery.

- [Debates of October 5, 2023 (afternoon): Bill 31 debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd4th/20231005pm-Hansard-n335.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Dec 8Interview

### Comments on the delayed apology to the Doukhobor community

He told the Grand Forks Gazette that the apology was delayed so that community members and the government could prepare, and that it would come in the new year.

- [Apology to Doukhobors postponed to get it right: MLA Russell](https://grandforksgazette.ca/2023/12/08/apology-to-doukhobors-postponed-to-get-it-right-mla-russell/)Reporting · Grand Forks Gazette · Karen McKinley

Feb 29Speech

### Speech for Budget 2024

He spoke for the budget and for spending on public services.

- [Debates of February 29, 2024 (afternoon): budget debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240229pm-Hansard-n387.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Mar 11Speech

### Speech for Motion 20 on health care workers

He listed training programs and a new payment model for family doctors, and spoke about adult basic education as a way into health jobs.

- [Debates of March 11, 2024 (morning): Motion 20 debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240311am-Hansard-n395.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Mar 12Speech

### Speech for the Athlii Gwaii Legacy Trust (Winding Up) Act (Bill 8)

He described a visit to Haida Gwaii and supported moving the fund to the Gwaii Trust Society.

- [Debates of March 12, 2024 (afternoon): Bill 8 debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240312pm-Hansard-n398.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Apr 29Speech

### Speech for Motion 5 on housing costs

He spoke about rental housing in small towns and listed provincial housing measures.

- [Debates of April 29, 2024 (morning): Motion 5 debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240429am-Hansard-n421.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

May 26Speech

### Remarks on accepting the 2024 nomination in Osoyoos

The Times Chronicle reports he said he was honoured to have the nomination, and spoke about support for people in farming, water and health care and about building community.

- [Report on his nomination for the 2024 election](https://www.timeschronicle.ca/russell-gets-nomination-nod-election-no-slam-dunk/)Reporting · Times Chronicle · Don Urquhart
- [MLA Roly Russell officially accepts nomination to run again](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/489445/MLA-Roly-Russell-officially-accepts-nomination-to-run-again)Reporting · Castanet · Chelsea Powrie

Oct 10Statement

### Written answers to three Black Press questions

He answered on climate and disasters, on voting when his view differs from his party’s, and on shortages of medical staff. The paper says his was the only reply received by its deadline.

- [Boundary-Similkameen Candidates answer questions: Roly Russell](https://similkameenspotlight.com/2024/10/10/boundary-similkameen-candidates-answer-questions-roly-russell/)Reporting · Similkameen Spotlight · Black Press

Oct 17Interview

### Interview with My Grand Forks Now

He described moving from science to farming and local government, and said he wanted to build a stronger sense of community.

- [Boundary-Similkameen BC NDP Candidate Roly Russell](https://www.mygrandforksnow.com/27162/news/politics/boundary-similkameen-bc-ndp-candidate-roly-russell/)Interview · My Grand Forks Now · Kate Brown

Oct 20Statement

### Statement after the 2024 election

The Grand Forks Gazette quotes a statement in which he said the result was not the one he hoped for and that the work of building communities continues.

- [B.C. Votes 2024: Conservative Donegal Wilson wins Boundary-Similkameen](https://grandforksgazette.ca/2024/10/20/bc-votes-2024-wins-boundary-similkameen-riding/)Reporting · Grand Forks Gazette · Brennan Phillips and Karen McKinley

Dec 26Interview

### Interview about his term and the 2024 election

He told Castanet he was proud of work on medical travel and on payments to keep health workers in rural places, and that he was still deciding what to do next.

- [Interview with former MLA Roly Russell on his term and the 2024 election](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/522215/Former-Boundary-Similkameen-MLA-Roly-Russell-looks-back-on-2024-an-election-year)Interview · Castanet · Sarah Crookall

Sep 24Statement

### Statement that he is running again

Castanet quotes a statement from his campaign social media account. He said the election came sooner than many expected, and that the region needs an MLA who argues firmly and also works with other parties.

- [Report that former MLA Roly Russell is running again in Boundary-Similkameen](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/632342/Former-MLA-Roly-Russell-trying-again-to-turn-Boundary-Similkameen-back-orange)Reporting · Castanet · Chelsea Powrie

Sep 25Statement

### Statement in the BC NDP candidate announcement

Castanet quotes him saying he grew up in Grand Forks, helped the community respond to the 2018 flood, and is running to protect local jobs, lower costs and give rural communities the health care and services they need.

- [Four NDP candidates in Kootenay - Boundary - Columbia ridings declared](https://www.castanet.net/news/Trail/632475/Four-NDP-candidates-in-Kootenay-Boundary-Columbia-ridings-declared)Reporting · Castanet

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.

May 1, 2019Reporting

Grand Forks Gazette

### Named president of the Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments

A submitted report says he became president after two years as vice-president, and that he was then the Area D director and chair of the regional district.

- [Grand Forks native Roly Russell named president of the AKBLG](https://grandforksgazette.ca/2019/05/01/grand-forks-native-roly-russell-named-president-of-the-akblg/)Reporting · Grand Forks Gazette

November 27, 2020Reporting

Grand Forks Gazette · Laurie Tritschler

### Named Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development

Reports the appointment and his comments on it.

- [NDP’s Roly Russell named secretary for rural development](https://grandforksgazette.ca/2020/11/27/ndps-roly-russell-named-secretary-for-rural-development/)Reporting · Grand Forks Gazette · Laurie Tritschler

March 25, 2022Reporting

Similkameen Spotlight · Andrea DeMeer

### Housing for people evacuated by the Princeton flood

Reports his statement that evacuees would not be left homeless, the Red Cross payments, and the town’s request for 100 temporary housing units.

- [MLA Russell promises Princeton flood victims will not be homeless](https://similkameenspotlight.com/2022/03/25/mla-russell-promises-princeton-flood-victims-will-not-be-homeless/)Reporting · Similkameen Spotlight · Andrea DeMeer

August 16, 2022Reporting

Grand Forks Gazette · Audrey Gunn

### Money to repair a dike on Boundary Creek

Reports $40,950 in federal and provincial money for a dike repair in Greenwood and quotes him on flood protection.

- [MLA Roly Russell says joint funding will make Boundary Creek more resilient to natural disasters](https://grandforksgazette.ca/2022/08/16/mla-roly-russell-says-joint-funding-will-make-boundary-creek-more-resilient-to-natural-disasters/)Reporting · Grand Forks Gazette · Audrey Gunn

December 8, 2023Reporting

Grand Forks Gazette · Karen McKinley

### Apology to the Doukhobor community delayed

Reports the delay of the government apology and his explanation of it.

- [Apology to Doukhobors postponed to get it right: MLA Russell](https://grandforksgazette.ca/2023/12/08/apology-to-doukhobors-postponed-to-get-it-right-mla-russell/)Reporting · Grand Forks Gazette · Karen McKinley

May 27, 2024Reporting

Times Chronicle · Don Urquhart

### Nominated again for the 2024 election

Reports that he was nominated without a contest at a meeting in Osoyoos, with remarks from the finance minister of the time.

- [Report on his nomination for the 2024 election](https://www.timeschronicle.ca/russell-gets-nomination-nod-election-no-slam-dunk/)Reporting · Times Chronicle · Don Urquhart
- [MLA Roly Russell officially accepts nomination to run again](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/489445/MLA-Roly-Russell-officially-accepts-nomination-to-run-again)Reporting · Castanet · Chelsea Powrie

October 20, 2024Reporting

Grand Forks Gazette · Brennan Phillips and Karen McKinley

### Conservative Donegal Wilson wins Boundary-Similkameen

Reports the election night count and his statement. The final counts on this page come from the Elections BC statement of votes.

- [B.C. Votes 2024: Conservative Donegal Wilson wins Boundary-Similkameen](https://grandforksgazette.ca/2024/10/20/bc-votes-2024-wins-boundary-similkameen-riding/)Reporting · Grand Forks Gazette · Brennan Phillips and Karen McKinley
- [Statement of votes, 2024 provincial general election](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2024-provincial-election.pdf)Official record · Elections BC

December 26, 2024Interview

Castanet · Sarah Crookall

### Interview about his term and the 2024 election

An interview about his term, the 2024 campaign and his plans.

- [Interview with former MLA Roly Russell on his term and the 2024 election](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/522215/Former-Boundary-Similkameen-MLA-Roly-Russell-looks-back-on-2024-an-election-year)Interview · Castanet · Sarah Crookall

January 29, 2025Reporting

Similkameen Spotlight · Brennan Phillips

### Campaign spending in the 2024 election in Boundary-Similkameen

Reports, from Elections BC filings, that his campaign spent $82,337.68 and Wilson’s spent $41,936. voche.me did not open the filings.

- [Report on 2024 campaign spending in Boundary-Similkameen](https://similkameenspotlight.com/2025/01/29/by-the-numbers-how-the-boundary-similkameens-election-was-spent/)Reporting · Similkameen Spotlight · Brennan Phillips

September 24, 2026Reporting

Castanet · Chelsea Powrie

### Announces he is running again

Reports his statement and says he will face Donegal Wilson, the member elected in 2024.

- [Report that former MLA Roly Russell is running again in Boundary-Similkameen](https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/632342/Former-MLA-Roly-Russell-trying-again-to-turn-Boundary-Similkameen-back-orange)Reporting · Castanet · Chelsea Powrie

September 25, 2026Reporting

Castanet

### BC NDP names four candidates in the Kootenay and Boundary region

Reports the party announcement and quotes each of the four candidates, including Russell.

- [Four NDP candidates in Kootenay - Boundary - Columbia ridings declared](https://www.castanet.net/news/Trail/632475/Four-NDP-candidates-in-Kootenay-Boundary-Columbia-ridings-declared)Reporting · Castanet

Research / 49 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.

<details>

<summary>Official record 26 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/42nd-Parliament/Russell-Roly">Roly Russell, member of the 42nd Parliament </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
- <a href="https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd2nd/2021-Members-Indexr.htm">Members index to debates, 2021, entry for Roly Russell </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- <a href="https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd3rd/2022-Members-Indexr.htm">Members index to debates, 2022, entry for Roly Russell </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- <a href="https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd4th/2023-Members-Indexr.htm">Members index to debates, 2023, entry for Roly Russell </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- <a href="https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd5th/2024-Members-Indexr.htm">Members index to debates, 2024, entry for Roly Russell </a>

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

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd2nd/20210601pm-Hansard-n81.html">Debates of June 1, 2021 (afternoon): Bill 7 debate </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · June 1, 2021
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd2nd/20211122pm-Hansard-n135.html">Debates of November 22, 2021 (afternoon): Bill 28 debate </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · November 22, 2021
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd4th/20231005pm-Hansard-n335.html">Debates of October 5, 2023 (afternoon): Bill 31 debate </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · October 5, 2023
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240229pm-Hansard-n387.html">Debates of February 29, 2024 (afternoon): budget debate </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · February 29, 2024
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240311am-Hansard-n395.html">Debates of March 11, 2024 (morning): Motion 20 debate </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · March 11, 2024
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240312pm-Hansard-n398.html">Debates of March 12, 2024 (afternoon): Bill 8 debate </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · March 12, 2024
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240429am-Hansard-n421.html">Debates of April 29, 2024 (morning): Motion 5 debate </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 29, 2024
- <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://archive.news.gov.bc.ca/releases/news_releases_2020-2024/2022PREM0097-001863.htm">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/2024EMCR0029-000818">Grand Forks getting better flood protection </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness · May 27, 2024
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024JEDI0038-001137">Mass-timber manufacturing jobs coming to Okanagan Falls </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation · July 17, 2024
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024PSSG0065-001191">Relief for B.C. wineries protects 2024 vintage, jobs </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General · July 25, 2024
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024HLTH0123-001297">More supports for health-care workers strengthen care in south Okanagan </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health · August 13, 2024
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024AF0037-001496">Government provides more support for B.C. tree fruit growers </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Agriculture and Food · September 12, 2024
- <a href="https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024PSSG0080-001503">Early intervention program continues to keep people safe in Penticton </a>

  Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General · September 12, 2024
- <a href="https://rdkb.civicweb.net/document/75738/">Electoral Area Services Committee agenda package, September 20, 2018, with the minutes of April 12, 2018 </a>

  Regional District of Kootenay Boundary · September 20, 2018

</details>

<details>

<summary>Campaign 4 sources

</summary>

- <a href="https://rolyrussell.bcndp.ca/">Roly Russell campaign page </a>

  BC NDP
- <a href="https://www.bcndp.ca/candidates">Our BC NDP team: candidate list </a>

  BC NDP
- <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 media centre, list of releases </a>

  BC NDP

</details>

<details>

<summary>Reporting 17 sources

</summary>

- <a href="https://thenelsondaily.com/2018/11/new-rdkb-ready-tackle-regional-issues/">Report on the first regional district board meeting after the 2018 local election </a>

  The Nelson Daily · November 19, 2018
- <a href="https://castlegarsource.com/2020/12/23/rdkb-board-highlights-fall-winter-2020/">RDKB Board Highlights, Fall and Winter 2020 </a>

  Castlegar Source · text by the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary · December 23, 2020
- <a href="https://grandforksgazette.ca/2014/10/30/candidate-roly-russell-area-d/">Candidate: Roly Russell, Area D </a>

  Grand Forks Gazette · October 30, 2014
- <a href="https://grandforksgazette.ca/2019/05/01/grand-forks-native-roly-russell-named-president-of-the-akblg/">Grand Forks native Roly Russell named president of the AKBLG </a>

  Grand Forks Gazette · May 1, 2019
- <a href="https://grandforksgazette.ca/2020/09/24/russell-selected-as-b-c-ndp-candidate-for-boundary-similkameen/">Russell selected as B.C. NDP candidate for Boundary-Similkameen </a>

  Grand Forks Gazette · Brennan Phillips · September 24, 2020
- <a href="https://grandforksgazette.ca/2020/11/27/ndps-roly-russell-named-secretary-for-rural-development/">NDP’s Roly Russell named secretary for rural development </a>

  Grand Forks Gazette · Laurie Tritschler · November 27, 2020
- <a href="https://similkameenspotlight.com/2022/03/25/mla-russell-promises-princeton-flood-victims-will-not-be-homeless/">MLA Russell promises Princeton flood victims will not be homeless </a>

  Similkameen Spotlight · Andrea DeMeer · March 25, 2022
- <a href="https://grandforksgazette.ca/2022/08/16/mla-roly-russell-says-joint-funding-will-make-boundary-creek-more-resilient-to-natural-disasters/">MLA Roly Russell says joint funding will make Boundary Creek more resilient to natural disasters </a>

  Grand Forks Gazette · Audrey Gunn · August 16, 2022
- <a href="https://grandforksgazette.ca/2023/12/08/apology-to-doukhobors-postponed-to-get-it-right-mla-russell/">Apology to Doukhobors postponed to get it right: MLA Russell </a>

  Grand Forks Gazette · Karen McKinley · December 8, 2023
- <a href="https://www.timeschronicle.ca/russell-gets-nomination-nod-election-no-slam-dunk/">Report on his nomination for the 2024 election </a>

  Times Chronicle · Don Urquhart · May 27, 2024
- <a href="https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/489445/MLA-Roly-Russell-officially-accepts-nomination-to-run-again">MLA Roly Russell officially accepts nomination to run again </a>

  Castanet · Chelsea Powrie · May 27, 2024
- <a href="https://similkameenspotlight.com/2024/10/10/boundary-similkameen-candidates-answer-questions-roly-russell/">Boundary-Similkameen Candidates answer questions: Roly Russell </a>

  Similkameen Spotlight · Black Press · October 10, 2024
- <a href="https://grandforksgazette.ca/2024/10/20/bc-votes-2024-wins-boundary-similkameen-riding/">B.C. Votes 2024: Conservative Donegal Wilson wins Boundary-Similkameen </a>

  Grand Forks Gazette · Brennan Phillips and Karen McKinley · October 20, 2024
- <a href="https://similkameenspotlight.com/2025/01/29/by-the-numbers-how-the-boundary-similkameens-election-was-spent/">Report on 2024 campaign spending in Boundary-Similkameen </a>

  Similkameen Spotlight · Brennan Phillips · January 29, 2025
- <a href="https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/632126/MLA-Donegal-Wilson-of-Boundary-Similkameen-switches-back-to-Conservatives-for-snap-election">MLA Donegal Wilson of Boundary-Similkameen switches back to Conservatives for snap election </a>

  Castanet · Chelsea Powrie · September 23, 2026
- <a href="https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/632342/Former-MLA-Roly-Russell-trying-again-to-turn-Boundary-Similkameen-back-orange">Report that former MLA Roly Russell is running again in Boundary-Similkameen </a>

  Castanet · Chelsea Powrie · September 24, 2026
- <a href="https://www.castanet.net/news/Trail/632475/Four-NDP-candidates-in-Kootenay-Boundary-Columbia-ridings-declared">Four NDP candidates in Kootenay - Boundary - Columbia ridings declared </a>

  Castanet · September 25, 2026

</details>

<details>

<summary>Interview 2 sources

</summary>

- <a href="https://www.mygrandforksnow.com/27162/news/politics/boundary-similkameen-bc-ndp-candidate-roly-russell/">Boundary-Similkameen BC NDP Candidate Roly Russell </a>

  My Grand Forks Now · Kate Brown · October 17, 2024
- <a href="https://www.castanet.net/news/Oliver-Osoyoos/522215/Former-Boundary-Similkameen-MLA-Roly-Russell-looks-back-on-2024-an-election-year">Interview with former MLA Roly Russell on his term and the 2024 election </a>

  Castanet · Sarah Crookall · December 26, 2024

</details>

Castanet refuses automated reads (HTTP 403), so its five reports used here were read as copies saved by the Internet Archive. For a sixth Castanet page, a 2024 candidate profile, voche.me found no saved copy, so it was not read. His statements of September 24 and 25, 2026 were read only as Castanet quoted them: voche.me did not find the party statement on the first page of the BC NDP releases list, and his Facebook, Instagram and X pages (rr4mla) showed a sign-in page or only a page title to a direct read, so no post from them is used. His campaign page holds a short biography written by the party and the party's six headings. It lists no events and no measures of his own. Its claims about his part in the 2018 flood recovery and the 2021 flood recovery are the campaign's. The legislature's data lists no roles for him. His post as Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development comes from the cabinet releases of November 26, 2020 and December 7, 2022, and government releases from 2024 still use the title. An official record of the date the post ended was not found. Seven transcripts from 2021 to 2024 were opened. The other speeches in the four yearly indexes, including the 2022 debates, were not read, and his recorded votes from 2021 to 2024 were not read. Whether each bill he spoke for passed was not checked. His years as a regional district director are taken from a regional district committee document of 2018 and from the district's own board highlights as two news sites republished them. The board minutes that record his election as chair were not opened. His past posts as president of the Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments, chair of the Grand Forks Credit Union board and member of the Union of BC Municipalities executive come from his legislature biography and local reporting, and were not checked with those bodies. His doctorate was not checked with the university. voche.me found no source on his work between the 2024 election and September 2026. The address rolyrussell.ca shows a page from the company that registered it, with no content of his, and rolyrussellmla.ca did not answer. On 2026-09-30 his was the only name under Boundary-Similkameen on the Elections BC list. Castanet reports that Donegal Wilson is running for the Conservative Party; nominations close at 1 p.m. on October 3, 2026. The 2024 campaign spending figures come from a news report on Elections BC filings; the filings were not opened. No 2026 all-candidates meeting, endorsement or 2026 campaign finance record was found on this date. 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 key dates page, the 2020 and 2024 statements of votes, the legislature’s member record, its speech indexes for 2021 to 2024 and its 2026 speech and vote indexes, seven transcripts from 2021 to 2024, eight government releases, a 2018 regional district committee document, his BC NDP campaign page, the party’s candidate list, releases page and platform page, and reporting from Castanet, the Grand Forks Gazette, the Similkameen Spotlight, the Times Chronicle, My Grand Forks Now, The Nelson Daily and the Castlegar Source.

His 2026 commitments come from two statements that Castanet quoted on September 24 and 25, 2026. His campaign page holds party text and no measures of his own, and his social media pages could not be read without signing in. Sections with no entry record that voche.me found nothing on this date.

[Legislative Assembly member record](https://www.leg.bc.ca/members/42nd-Parliament/Russell-Roly) [Members index to debates, 2024](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd5th/2024-Members-Indexr.htm)

03 / Background

## Experience & community

2020 to 2024

### MLA for Boundary-Similkameen

Elected in 2020 with 10,500 votes (49.85 percent). Member of the 42nd Parliament for the BC NDP.

[Legislative Assembly](https://www.leg.bc.ca/members/42nd-Parliament/Russell-Roly)

2020 to 2024

### Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development

Named on November 26, 2020 and again on December 7, 2022. Government releases from 2024 still give him the title. An official end date was not found.

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

2024

### Candidate in Boundary-Similkameen

Lost to the Conservative candidate with 10,497 votes (42.56 percent).

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

Before 2020

### Director for Area D, Regional District of Kootenay Boundary

Listed as a director in the regional district’s committee minutes of April 2018. The district’s board highlights, republished by the Castlegar Source in December 2020, say he served six years, two of them as chair.

[Regional District of Kootenay Boundary](https://rdkb.civicweb.net/document/75738/)

2019

### President, Association of Kootenay and Boundary Local Governments

Reported by the Grand Forks Gazette on May 1, 2019 in a submitted report. Not checked with the association.

[Grand Forks Gazette](https://grandforksgazette.ca/2019/05/01/grand-forks-native-roly-russell-named-president-of-the-akblg/)

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.

<details>

<summary>Which measures would you ask the government to take to protect jobs in Boundary-Similkameen, and at what cost?

</summary>

No response has been submitted.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Which costs would you lower for families in the district, and by how much?

</summary>

No response has been submitted.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Which health services in the district’s smaller towns would you ask the Province to add or keep open, and by when?

</summary>

No response has been submitted.

</details>

### Have your own question?

Ask Roly Russell 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 Roly Russell's page itself, answered directly rather than left blank.

<details>

<summary>Is this an official page for Roly Russell?</summary>



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

</details>

<details>

<summary>What party is Roly Russell running with?</summary>



Roly Russell is running for MLA with BC NDP.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Does Roly Russell currently hold public office?</summary>



Not according to this profile. voche.me has not listed a current public office for Roly Russell.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How many sources does this Roly Russell profile cite?</summary>



This profile lists 8 sourced references, each with the date voche.me checked it, in the Sources section below.

</details>

<details>

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



The "Questions &amp; answers" section on this page lists questions voche.me would put to Roly Russell 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 Roly Russell 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 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
- [Elections BC · statement of votes, 2020 ](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2020-provincial-general-election.pdf)Checked September 30, 2026
- [Legislative Assembly · member of the 42nd Parliament ](https://www.leg.bc.ca/members/42nd-Parliament/Russell-Roly)Checked September 30, 2026
- [Province of BC · cabinet release, November 26, 2020 ](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0102-001966)Checked September 30, 2026
- [Castanet · BC NDP candidates announced, September 25, 2026 ](https://www.castanet.net/news/Trail/632475/Four-NDP-candidates-in-Kootenay-Boundary-Columbia-ridings-declared)Checked September 30, 2026
- [Campaign page ](https://rolyrussell.bcndp.ca/)Checked September 30, 2026
- [BC NDP · platform page ](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)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://rolyrussell.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 Roly Russell 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.