--- title: "Stephanie Higginson: candidate for MLA in Ladysmith-Oceanside, BC provincial 2026 | voche.me" canonical_url: "https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/stephanie-higginson" last_updated: "2026-10-10T04:04:02.955Z" meta: description: "Stephanie Higginson was elected MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside in 2024 and became parliamentary secretary for primary care access in November 2025. In the leg..." "og:description": "Stephanie Higginson was elected MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside in 2024 and became parliamentary secretary for primary care access in November 2025. In the leg..." "og:title": "Stephanie Higginson: candidate for MLA in Ladysmith-Oceanside, BC provincial 2026" "twitter:description": "Stephanie Higginson was elected MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside in 2024 and became parliamentary secretary for primary care access in November 2025. In the leg..." "twitter:title": "Stephanie Higginson: candidate for MLA in Ladysmith-Oceanside, BC provincial 2026" --- ** MLA in Ladysmith-Oceanside · BC provincial 2026 # Stephanie Higginson Parliamentary secretary for primary care access, running again for the BC NDP in Ladysmith-Oceanside. Stephanie Higginson was elected MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside in 2024 and became parliamentary secretary for primary care access in November 2025. In the legislature in 2026 she spoke on the budget, health care, schools in Ladysmith, forestry, freedom of information and the K’ómoks Treaty. Explore the record Public schedule Researched by voche.me · Not a campaign-authored page BC NDP2026 ![Stephanie Higginson, from her BC NDP campaign page.](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/images/candidates/stephanie-higginson-640.webp) *Stephanie HigginsonMLAv.* [Image: BC NDP campaign](https://stephaniehigginson.bcndp.ca/) Candidate research / September 30, 2026 A researched record of Stephanie Higginson’s commitments, dated actions and public statements from 2026, with local news coverage. Most come from the legislature record and government releases. **20**Commitments **14**Programs **4**News articles **38**Sources Public schedule / Through election day ## Where can you hear Stephanie Higginson? No campaign event for Stephanie Higginson was confirmed by an organizer on 2026-09-30. The dates below are voting days. Checked September 30, 2026 · All event times are Pacific time. Recheck the organizer before travelling. - [2026 provincial general election: key dates](https://elections.bc.ca/2026-provincial-election/)Official record · Elections BC

View every date through Oct 24

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

### Voting dates - Oct 16Advance voting begins - Oct 24General voting day At official British Columbia voting places. These dates apply to every voter and are not candidate appearances. [Find your voting place](https://elections.bc.ca/2026-provincial-election/where-to-vote/) - [2026 provincial general election: key dates](https://elections.bc.ca/2026-provincial-election/)Official record · Elections BC On dates without a confirmed appearance the public schedule is unknown; the candidate may still have activities that day. This static page changes only when its research is updated. 01 / Introduction ## About Stephanie Higginson Stephanie Higginson is the BC NDP candidate in Ladysmith-Oceanside on Elections BC’s list for the general election of October 24, 2026. She won the district in 2024 with 14,144 votes, 41.49% of the valid vote, according to the Elections BC statement of votes. The provincial government’s page says she was Government Caucus Chair before Premier David Eby named her parliamentary secretary for primary care access on November 25, 2025. In that role she supports the Minister of Health. The same page says she was twice elected to the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Board of Education, was president of the BC School Trustees’ Association, and taught secondary school. voche.me did not check those earlier roles with the school board or the association. In the legislature in 2026 she spoke for the budget, for Bill 9 on freedom of information, for Bill 14 on BC Timber Sales and for the K’ómoks Treaty. She is Deputy Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, as the committee Chair said in the legislature on May 6, 2026. Her campaign page describes her as a past school trustee and says she supports strong public services. Those are the campaign’s own words. 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. 20 commitments shown · Checked Sep 30 2026 · EducationIn progress ### New and expanded schools in Ladysmith In the budget debate on February 24, 2026, Higginson said she would push for school funding for Ladysmith Intermediate. On April 13 she told the legislature she had announced $52 million for a new K to 7 school and a larger Ladysmith Primary. A government release of April 8, 2026 quotes her on the projects.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: The release gives up to $52 million, 250 new seats at Ladysmith Primary, a 390-seat Ladysmith Intermediate, and construction starts in fall 2026 and spring 2027.
What still needs checking: Does construction at Ladysmith Primary start in fall 2026?

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): budget debate speech, part 1](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of April 13, 2026 (morning): private member’s statement](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260413am-Hansard-n149.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Adding new student seats in Ladysmith](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026INF0024-000382)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Infrastructure - [Province supports growing Ladysmith community with expansion and new building](https://www.sd68.bc.ca/nlps-supports-growing-ladysmith-community-with-expansion-and-new-building/)Official record · Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools 2026 · EducationApproved ### More teachers through the 2026 budget In the budget debate on February 24, 2026, Higginson said Budget 2026 adds $634 million for K to 12 schools over three years, including $167 million in the classroom enhancement fund, and that this will mean more teachers.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: She names the amounts. She gives no number of teachers and no local figure for her district. She voted yes on the budget motion on February 26, 2026.
What still needs checking: How many teaching positions does the $167 million pay for in the Nanaimo-Ladysmith and Qualicum school districts?

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: The September 16, 2026 release says one million people were connected since 2018 and 80% of the population has a provider. It gives no target date for the rest, and the figures are the government’s own.
What still needs checking: What share of people in Ladysmith-Oceanside have a family doctor or nurse practitioner?

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: The release gives 298 beds, a provincial share of $236 million toward a $350 million project, and an opening in 2029. The home is in the Nanaimo-Lantzville district, next to her own.
What still needs checking: Does the home open in 2029 with 298 beds?

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: She gives the beds and the date. voche.me did not find a government release on the Parksville centre, and did not confirm that it opened.
What still needs checking: Did the Parksville treatment centre take its first patients in fall 2026?

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): budget debate speech, part 1](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · Public safetyApproved ### Money to reduce repeat violent and property crime In the budget debate on February 24, 2026, Higginson said Budget 2026 adds $139 million over three years to reduce repeat violent offending and chronic property crime, including $16 million for a new program on chronic property offenders.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: She names the amounts. She says break and enters at local businesses fell 80% from the year before; voche.me did not check that figure. She gives no target for the new program.
What still needs checking: What results does the chronic property offender program report for Oceanside?

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): budget debate speech, part 2](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): budget debate speech, part 1](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · EconomyApproved ### Double the tax credit for volunteer firefighters and search and rescue In the budget debate on February 24, 2026, Higginson said the government doubled the provincial tax credit for volunteer first responders from $3,000 to $6,000, and said she brought the idea from her district to the provincial government.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: The change is in Budget 2026, as she describes it. Her account of where the idea came from is her own.
What still needs checking: Do local fire departments in Ladysmith-Oceanside report more volunteers after the change?

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): budget debate speech, part 2](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of February 23, 2026 (morning): Bill M231, veterans and first responders](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260223am-Hansard-n121.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · EconomyCampaign pledge ### Careful spending in uncertain times In the budget debate on February 24, 2026, Higginson said Budget 2026 protects core services while keeping spending under control, and that cutting investment in uncertain times would hurt long-term prosperity.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: A statement of approach. It names no deficit figure or date.
What still needs checking: What deficit figure would she support in a new term?

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): budget debate speech, part 1](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · ChildcareApproved ### Keep child care fees lower In the budget debate on February 24, 2026, Higginson said Budget 2026 gives $330 million more to ChildCareBC to keep lower fees and existing spaces, and $25 million for before- and after-school care on school grounds.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: She names the amounts. She gives no number of spaces and no fee level.
What still needs checking: How many before- and after-school spaces does the $25 million create in her district?

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): budget debate speech, part 1](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · EconomyApproved ### Double skilled trades training In the budget debate on February 24, 2026, Higginson said Budget 2026 puts $283 million into skills training, including $240 million to double skilled trades funding and $12 million for employer training grants, with the aim of doubling apprenticeship seats by 2028-29.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: She names the amounts and the year. She gives no number of seats.
What still needs checking: How many apprenticeship seats exist in 2028-29 compared with 2026?

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): budget debate speech, part 1](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · EconomyApproved ### Tax credit for manufacturing and a strategic investment fund In the budget debate on February 24, 2026, Higginson pointed to a temporary 15% tax credit for businesses that invest in manufacturing and processing, and to the $400 million strategic investment fund, as support for small business in her district.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: She names the credit and the fund. She gives no number of local businesses or jobs.
What still needs checking: How much of the strategic investment fund reaches businesses in Ladysmith-Oceanside?

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): budget debate speech, part 2](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · ClimateApproved ### Change how BC Timber Sales sells wood (Bill 14) On April 15, 2026, Higginson spoke for Bill 14, which changes how BC Timber Sales offers timber, including faster salvage of damaged trees and contracts for thinning and wildfire risk reduction. The vote index shows her voting yes at third reading.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: She cites a possible 800,000 additional cubic metres of wood from new salvage licences, as a figure she read. She gives no date or cost.
What still needs checking: Does BC Timber Sales report the volume from the new salvage licences?

- [Debates of April 15, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 14 second reading](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260415pm-Hansard-n153.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · ClimateCampaign pledge ### Protect watersheds and drinking water On March 9, 2026, in debate on a motion about clean water, Higginson spoke about the Province’s watershed security fund and forest planning that protects drinking water.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: She gives the $100 million that set up the fund in 2023. She names no new measure, target or date.
What still needs checking: Would a new term add money to the watershed security fund?

- [Debates of March 9, 2026 (morning): Bill M232 and Motion M201](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260309am-Hansard-n135.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · ClimateIn progress ### Protect Qualicum Beach’s water supply from river erosion Parksville Qualicum Beach News reported on May 25, 2026 that the Province gave $843,700 for erosion protection on the Little Qualicum River, and quoted Higginson on protecting the town’s water supply.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: The report gives the amount and the program. The town says work ends by the end of the year; the report names no year for that.
What still needs checking: Was the erosion work finished in 2026?

- [Funding approved for Little Qualicum River erosion project](https://pqbnews.com/2026/05/25/funding-approved-for-little-qualicum-river-erosion-project/)Reporting · Parksville Qualicum Beach News 2026 · GovernanceApproved ### Support the K’ómoks Treaty (Bill 20) On April 23, 2026, Higginson spoke in support of Bill 20, the K’ómoks Treaty Act. The vote index shows her voting yes at second and third reading, and no on an amendment moved by a Conservative member.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: The bill passed third reading on May 28, 2026, according to the vote index entry. She asked every member to build relationships with the First Nations in their district.
What still needs checking: When does the treaty take effect?

- [Debates of April 23, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 20, K’ómoks Treaty](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260423pm-Hansard-n162.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · GovernanceApproved ### Support the changes to freedom of information law (Bill 9) On March 4, 2026, Higginson spoke in support of Bill 9, which changes the freedom of information law. She said the changes do not affect the oversight of the Information and Privacy Commissioner. The vote index shows her voting yes at third reading.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: She gives the government’s figures on the rise in pages processed. Critics in the debate said the bill weakens access; voche.me did not assess that.
What still needs checking: Do request times and fees change after the law takes effect?

- [Debates of March 4, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 9 second reading](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260304pm-Hansard-n132.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · HousingCampaign pledge ### Non-market housing In the budget debate on February 24, 2026, Higginson said British Columbia is building almost half of the non-market housing in Canada.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: A statement about the record. It names no measure, number of homes or date for her district.
What still needs checking: What housing measures would she support for Ladysmith-Oceanside?

- [Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): budget debate speech, part 1](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · TransportationNot established ### Narrow the definition of commercial vehicle in the dashboard camera bill On May 4, 2026, in debate on Bill M217, a private member’s bill on dashboard cameras in commercial vehicles, Higginson said the bill’s definition of a commercial vehicle was too broad and asked that the committee review it.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: A position on one clause. The vote index shows her voting yes on reporting the bill as amended on May 4, 2026. voche.me did not find whether the bill passed.
What still needs checking: Did the bill pass, and with which definition?

- [Debates of May 4, 2026 (morning): Bill M217, dashboard cameras](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260504am-Hansard-n170.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · HousingCampaign pledge ### Send car insurance changes to the special review committee On April 20, 2026, in debate on Bill M237, a private member’s bill to change ICBC’s enhanced care rules, Higginson said the changes belong with the special committee that is reviewing the Insurance (Vehicle) Act, which reports by February 18, 2027.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: A position on process. She gives the committee’s report date. The vote index shows her voting yes on sending Bill M237 to that committee on April 22, 2026.
What still needs checking: What does the special committee recommend by February 18, 2027?

- [Debates of April 20, 2026 (morning): Bill M237](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260420am-Hansard-n156.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard 2026 · Public servicesCampaign pledge ### Why she is running again In a statement printed by NanaimoNewsNOW on September 26, 2026, Higginson said she is running again to protect jobs, support families and make sure people can count on health care and services.

Evidence & next checks

Evidence reviewed: A reason for running. It names no measure.
What still needs checking: Does her campaign publish its own commitments for the district?

- [Trio of Nanaimo & Oceanside MLAs running for re-election](https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/09/26/trio-of-nanaimo-oceanside-mlas-running-for-re-election/)Reporting · NanaimoNewsNOW 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 a release quotes her or a record shows her role. Apr 8Announced; construction due fall 2026 and spring 2027 ### Ladysmith school projects announced The Province announced up to $52 million for a new Ladysmith Intermediate and an addition at Ladysmith Primary. The school district’s page says Higginson led the announcement event, and the government release quotes her.

Scope, limits and sources

The money and dates are the government’s. The school district’s page records her role at the event.

- [Adding new student seats in Ladysmith](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026INF0024-000382)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Infrastructure - [Province supports growing Ladysmith community with expansion and new building](https://www.sd68.bc.ca/nlps-supports-growing-ladysmith-community-with-expansion-and-new-building/)Official record · Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools May 6Report presented ### Public Accounts Committee report for the first session As Deputy Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Higginson spoke when the committee’s report was presented. The Chair named her as Deputy Chair in the same debate.

Scope, limits and sources

The report is the committee’s, written with members of all parties. The committee reviews reports of the Auditor General.

- [Debates of May 6, 2026 (afternoon): Public Accounts Committee report](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260506pm-Hansard-n174.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Members index to debates, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Index/43rd2nd/2026-members-indexmhds.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Sep 16Released ### Primary care figures released as parliamentary secretary The government release on one million people connected to primary care since 2018 quotes Higginson as parliamentary secretary for primary care access. Releases in April and September 2026 on urgent and primary care centres in Surrey and Sooke and on two Indigenous community health centres also quote her in that role.

Scope, limits and sources

The figures are the government’s own. Her role, from November 2025, is to support the Minister of Health.

- [One million people connected to primary care in B.C. since 2018](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HLTH0034-001074)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health - [More than 600,000 people connected to primary care since 2023](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HLTH0018-000361)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health - [Improving access to team-based care for people in Surrey](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HLTH0036-000397)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health - [Improving access to care through Indigenous community health centres](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HLTH0039-000444)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health - [New urgent and primary care centre coming to Sooke](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026HLTH0084-001106)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health - [Premier appoints new parliamentary secretaries for armed forces, primary care](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025PREM0098-001163)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier Feb 26Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes on the 2026 budget motion The recorded vote index lists Higginson voting yes on the budget motion. She spoke for the budget on February 24.

Scope, limits and sources

The index records her vote.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): budget debate speech, part 1](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 28Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes on third reading of the Supply Act, 2026-2027 (Bill 22) The recorded vote index lists Higginson voting yes at third reading of the bill that approves the year’s spending.

Scope, limits and sources

The index records her vote.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.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 Higginson voting yes at second reading on May 20 and at third reading on May 28, 2026, and no on an amendment moved by Misty Van Popta, a Conservative member.

Scope, limits and sources

She also spoke for the bill on April 23, 2026.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of April 23, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 20, K’ómoks Treaty](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260423pm-Hansard-n162.html)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 Higginson voting yes at second and third reading, and on two amendments moved by Diana Gibson, a BC NDP member.

Scope, limits and sources

The index does not describe what each amendment changed.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of March 4, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 9 second reading](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260304pm-Hansard-n132.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 21Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes on third reading of the Forests Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 14) The recorded vote index lists Higginson voting yes at third reading.

Scope, limits and sources

She spoke for the bill on April 15, 2026.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of April 15, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 14 second reading](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260415pm-Hansard-n153.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 1Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes on third reading of the Safe Access to Schools Amendment Act (Bill 12) The recorded vote index lists Higginson voting yes at third reading.

Scope, limits and sources

The index records her vote. voche.me did not read the bill.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 1Recorded vote, yes ### Voted yes on third reading of the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act (Bill 6) The recorded vote index lists Higginson voting yes at third reading.

Scope, limits and sources

The index records her vote. voche.me did not read the bill.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.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 Higginson voting no at first reading of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Repeal Act.

Scope, limits and sources

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

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 20Recorded vote, no ### Voted no on second reading of the Public Sector Construction Projects Procurement Act (Bill M233) The recorded vote index lists Higginson voting no at second reading of this private member’s bill.

Scope, limits and sources

voche.me did not read the bill or the debate.

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Mar 5Casting votes, no ### Casting votes as Chair on two amendments to the Trade Recognition Act (Bill 5) With Higginson in the chair of a committee section, two amendments tied 5 to 5. The Chair voted against each, to keep the bill as adopted at second reading.

Scope, limits and sources

A Chair’s casting vote follows the practice of the House, so it is no position on the amendment.

- [Debates of March 5, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 5 in committee, with her in the chair](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260305pm-Hansard-n134.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Feb 13Announced; opening estimated for March 2026 ### Supportive home for people with brain injuries in Parksville A government release on a 28-bed home in Parksville quotes Higginson as the local MLA.

Scope, limits and sources

The release is from 2025. voche.me did not confirm that the home opened.

- [Supportive-living home for people with brain injuries coming to Parksville](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HLTH0007-000110)Official record · Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health Recent appearances / Read and watch ## Talks, interviews & statements Read original statements and reporting, or open the publisher’s video. A summary of a speech is labelled separately from a full recording. Feb 24Speech ### Budget debate speech Higginson spoke for Budget 2026 over two sittings: health care, schools, child care, skills training, crime, small business and the volunteer first responder tax credit, with local examples from Ladysmith-Oceanside. - [Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): budget debate speech, part 1](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224am-Hansard-n123.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): budget debate speech, part 2](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260224pm-Hansard-n124.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Mar 4Speech ### Speech for the freedom of information bill Higginson described a freedom of information request she made as a parent before she was a school trustee, and spoke for Bill 9. - [Debates of March 4, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 9 second reading](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260304pm-Hansard-n132.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Mar 9Speech ### Speech on a bill to publish long-term care wait lists (Bill M232) Higginson said she supports the aim of the bill but called its structure a problem, because the wait list changes with each person’s needs. - [Debates of March 9, 2026 (morning): Bill M232 and Motion M201](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260309am-Hansard-n135.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 15Speech ### Speech for the BC Timber Sales bill (Bill 14) Higginson spoke for changes to BC Timber Sales and on forestry jobs in her district. - [Debates of April 15, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 14 second reading](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260415pm-Hansard-n153.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 20Speech ### Speech on the ICBC enhanced care bill (Bill M237) Higginson said the changes should go to the special committee already reviewing the Insurance (Vehicle) Act. - [Debates of April 20, 2026 (morning): Bill M237](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260420am-Hansard-n156.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 23Speech ### Speech for the K’ómoks Treaty (Bill 20) Higginson spoke in support of the treaty and asked members to build relationships with First Nations in their districts. - [Debates of April 23, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 20, K’ómoks Treaty](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260423pm-Hansard-n162.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Apr 27Speech ### Speech on a mandatory economics course for new MLAs (Motion M205) Higginson questioned the wording of the motion and criticized the numbers in the opposition’s 2024 platform. The vote index shows her voting yes on the final motion on May 25. - [Debates of April 27, 2026 (morning): Motion M205](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260427am-Hansard-n163.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - [Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 6Statement ### Remarks on the Public Accounts Committee report As Deputy Chair, Higginson thanked committee members, the Auditor General and staff when the report was presented. - [Debates of May 6, 2026 (afternoon): Public Accounts Committee report](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260506pm-Hansard-n174.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard May 26Statement ### Statement for UNESCO Biosphere Region Day Higginson spoke about the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region in her district and its September 2026 international conference in Parksville. - [Debates of May 26, 2026 (morning): UNESCO Biosphere Region Day](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260526am-Hansard-n184.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard Accountability / Findings, disputes and responses ## Controversies & public scrutiny Records are labelled by type, including official findings, civil proceedings and political disputes where applicable. Each entry identifies the response found in the sources and the latest status verified for this page. No reviewed entries have been added to this section yet. This is a research gap, not a finding about the candidate. News coverage / Original publishers ## Read the reporting A dated reading list from independent publishers. The headings below are voche.me summaries; follow each link for the original article, context and any corrections. April 8, 2026Reporting Nanaimo News Bulletin ### New Ladysmith Intermediate and expanded Ladysmith Primary announced Reports the school projects and quotes Higginson from the government release. - [New Ladysmith Intermediate School and expanded Ladysmith Primary announced](https://nanaimobulletin.com/2026/04/08/new-ladysmith-intermediate-school-and-expanded-ladysmith-primary-announced/)Reporting · Nanaimo News Bulletin May 25, 2026Reporting Parksville Qualicum Beach News ### Funding approved for Little Qualicum River erosion project Reports $843,700 in provincial money for the project, with a quote from Higginson. - [Funding approved for Little Qualicum River erosion project](https://pqbnews.com/2026/05/25/funding-approved-for-little-qualicum-river-erosion-project/)Reporting · Parksville Qualicum Beach News September 24, 2026Reporting Parksville Qualicum Beach News ### Higginson to seek re-election Reports that Higginson announced in a social media video that she will run again. - [PQB area MLAs announce run in Oct. 24 provincial election](https://pqbnews.com/2026/09/24/pqb-area-mlas-announce-run-in-oct-24-provincial-election/)Reporting · Parksville Qualicum Beach News September 26, 2026Reporting NanaimoNewsNOW ### Mid-Island MLAs running for re-election Reports her candidacy with a statement from her on why she is running. - [Trio of Nanaimo & Oceanside MLAs running for re-election](https://nanaimonewsnow.com/2026/09/26/trio-of-nanaimo-oceanside-mlas-running-for-re-election/)Reporting · NanaimoNewsNOW Research / 38 linked sources ## Check the evidence Sources checked September 30, 2026. Official records establish decisions; campaign material establishes stated positions; reporting adds investigation and context. None alone establishes every claim.

Official record 31 sources

- Provincial candidate list, 2026 general election Elections BC - 2026 provincial general election: key dates Elections BC - Statement of votes, 2024 provincial general election Elections BC - Stephanie Higginson, Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Care Access Government of British Columbia - Premier appoints new parliamentary secretaries for armed forces, primary care Government of British Columbia, Office of the Premier · November 25, 2025 - Members index to debates, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, entry for Stephanie Higginson Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard - Debates of February 23, 2026 (morning): Bill M231, veterans and first responders Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · February 23, 2026 - Debates of February 24, 2026 (morning): budget debate speech, part 1 Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · February 24, 2026 - Debates of February 24, 2026 (afternoon): budget debate speech, part 2 Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · February 24, 2026 - Debates of March 4, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 9 second reading Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · March 4, 2026 - Debates of March 5, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 5 in committee, with her in the chair Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · March 5, 2026 - Debates of March 9, 2026 (morning): Bill M232 and Motion M201 Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · March 9, 2026 - Debates of April 13, 2026 (morning): private member’s statement Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 13, 2026 - Debates of April 15, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 14 second reading Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 15, 2026 - Debates of April 20, 2026 (morning): Bill M237 Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 20, 2026 - Debates of April 23, 2026 (afternoon): Bill 20, K’ómoks Treaty Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 23, 2026 - Debates of April 27, 2026 (morning): Motion M205 Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 27, 2026 - Debates of April 29, 2026 (afternoon): statement on U.S. health care workers Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 29, 2026 - Debates of May 4, 2026 (morning): Bill M217, dashboard cameras Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · May 4, 2026 - Debates of May 6, 2026 (afternoon): Public Accounts Committee report Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · May 6, 2026 - Debates of May 26, 2026 (morning): UNESCO Biosphere Region Day Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · May 26, 2026 - Adding new student seats in Ladysmith Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Infrastructure · April 8, 2026 - Province supports growing Ladysmith community with expansion and new building Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools · April 9, 2026 - More than 600,000 people connected to primary care since 2023 Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health · April 1, 2026 - Improving access to team-based care for people in Surrey Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health · April 10, 2026 - Improving access to care through Indigenous community health centres Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health · April 22, 2026 - One million people connected to primary care in B.C. since 2018 Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health · September 16, 2026 - New urgent and primary care centre coming to Sooke Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health · September 21, 2026 - Construction starting on long-term care home in Lantzville Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Infrastructure · September 21, 2026 - Supportive-living home for people with brain injuries coming to Parksville Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Health · February 13, 2025

Campaign 3 sources

- Stephanie Higginson campaign page BC NDP - BC NDP platform page, Fighting for You and Your Family BC NDP - BC NDP news releases BC NDP

Reporting 4 sources

- New Ladysmith Intermediate School and expanded Ladysmith Primary announced Nanaimo News Bulletin · April 8, 2026 - Funding approved for Little Qualicum River erosion project Parksville Qualicum Beach News · May 25, 2026 - PQB area MLAs announce run in Oct. 24 provincial election Parksville Qualicum Beach News · September 24, 2026 - Trio of Nanaimo & Oceanside MLAs running for re-election NanaimoNewsNOW · September 26, 2026

The campaign page lists no events and no platform of her own, and voche.me found no party release that names her. Her Instagram and the Ladysmith-Oceanside BC NDP Facebook page showed only a sign-in page to a direct read, so the re-election video that Parksville Qualicum Beach News describes was not seen. No 2026 all-candidates meeting for Ladysmith-Oceanside was found. The second half of her Bill 9 speech and the Bill 20 speech after its first part were not read line by line, and the transcripts of her recorded votes were not opened. Her dates as Government Caucus Chair, as a school trustee and as president of the BC School Trustees’ Association were not checked with the school board or the association. The Parksville treatment centre she described for fall 2026 was not found in a government release. Bills 6, 12 and M233 were not read. Campaign finances and endorsements were not reviewed. The questionnaire has not been sent. Research status ## What voche.me has checked Evidence reviewed on 2026-09-30: the Elections BC candidate list and 2024 statement of votes, the legislature’s 2026 speech and vote indexes, 15 transcripts where she spoke, nine government releases that quote her or record her appointment, the government’s page on her role, a school district page, four local news reports, her campaign page and the BC NDP platform and releases pages. Her commitments on this page come from what she said in the legislature and in government releases in 2026. Her campaign page states no measures of its own. Sections with no entry record that voche.me found nothing on this date. [Hansard members index, 2026](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Index/43rd2nd/2026-members-indexmhds.htm) [Recorded votes index, 2026](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesh.htm) 03 / Background ## Experience & community November 2025 to present ### Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Care Access Appointed by the Premier on November 25, 2025, to support the Minister of Health. [Government release, November 25, 2025](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025PREM0098-001163) 2026 ### Deputy Chair, Public Accounts Committee Named as Deputy Chair by the committee Chair in the legislature on May 6, 2026. [Hansard, May 6, 2026](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/43rd2nd/20260506pm-Hansard-n174.html) 2024 to present ### MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside Elected in 2024 with 14,144 votes, 41.49% of the valid vote. [Elections BC statement of votes, 2024](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2024-provincial-election.pdf) Before November 2025 ### Government Caucus Chair Stated in the government release on her appointment as parliamentary secretary. No start date is given. [Government release, November 25, 2025](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025PREM0098-001163) Before 2024 ### Nanaimo-Ladysmith school trustee The provincial government’s page says she was twice elected to the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Board of Education and was president of the BC School Trustees’ Association. voche.me did not check the dates. [Province of B.C. parliamentary secretary page](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/cabinet/cabinet-ministers/parliamentary-secretary-primary-care-access) 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 Stephanie Higginson 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 Stephanie Higginson's page itself, answered directly rather than left blank.

Is this an official page for Stephanie Higginson?

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

What party is Stephanie Higginson running with?

Stephanie Higginson is running for MLA with BC NDP.

Does Stephanie Higginson currently hold public office?

Yes. Stephanie Higginson currently serves as Parliamentary Secretary for Primary Care Access; MLA for Ladysmith-Oceanside.

How many sources does this Stephanie Higginson profile cite?

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

Why do some questions on Stephanie Higginson's page show no answer?

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

When is the election Stephanie Higginson is running in?

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

06 / Candidate contributions ## Space for campaign updates ### No campaign updates yet Announcements, event details and messages can be added here, with their source and publication date. No campaign submission has been added. ## Sources & transparency - [Elections BC · provincial candidate list ](https://www.elections.bc.ca/docs/fin/GE-2026-10-24-Candidate-Website-Report.PDF)Checked September 30, 2026 - [Elections BC · statement of votes, 2024 ](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2024-provincial-election.pdf)Checked September 30, 2026 - [Hansard members index, 2026 ](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Index/43rd2nd/2026-members-indexmhds.htm)Checked September 30, 2026 - [Province of B.C. · parliamentary secretary page ](https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/cabinet/cabinet-ministers/parliamentary-secretary-primary-care-access)Checked September 30, 2026 - [Campaign page ](https://stephaniehigginson.bcndp.ca/)Checked September 30, 2026 Missing information does not imply a candidate’s position. [Read our editorial standards.](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/about) Campaign contact ## Campaign links & contact. Find the candidate’s website, social accounts and contact information. [Campaign page](https://stephaniehigginson.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 Stephanie Higginson 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.