Linda Reid - Politics

Politics

October 17, 2011, marked the 20th anniversary of Reid’s election to the Legislative Assembly. This makes her one of the longest serving MLAs in British Columbia at present and the only one to have served consecutive terms for 20 years.

Prior to her appointment as Deputy Speaker, Reid served as Minister of State for Early Childhood Development (2001-2005) and Minister of State for Childcare (2005-2009). As Minister for Early Childhood Development, Reid oversaw the creation of 6,000 new childcare spaces in British Columbia. In 2002, Reid created an individualized funding model for children with autism spectrum disorder which takes into account the individual needs of each child and is provided on a monthly basis. Also in 2002, Reid announced the creation of the BC Early Childhood Development Legacy Fund, which supports community initiatives to support children under the age of 6. As Minister for Childcare, Reid oversaw the Boost BC program in 2007, which distributed free booster seats to low-income families to coincide with the passing of new requirements that children between 20-40 lbs use a booster seat in vehicles.

Reid previously served in a variety of critic roles for the Official Opposition, including children and families, health, attorney general, municipal affairs, and science, technology and research. She was also the Opposition Caucus Chair from 1991 to 1992. Reid has served on Treasury Board, and on the Select Standing Committee to Appoint a Child, Youth and Family Advocate, the Select Standing Committee to Appoint a Police Complaints Commissioner, the Select Standing Committee on Transportation, Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations.