Legislative Assembly of B.C considers anti ‘double dipping’ bill

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – A provincial bill requiring MLAs to not hold any other elected office is being debated in the Legislative Assembly of B.C.

On March 3rd, Darlene Rotchford, the NDP MLA for Esquimalt-Colwood, presented Bill M 202 – 2025, to “disqualify MLAs from holding onto their local elected offices.”

In a press release, the NDP explained the bill is intended to stop MLAs from “double dipping” and benefitting from multiple tax-payer-funded salaries. 

Rotchford pointed out eleven MLAs elected in the 2024 provincial general election resigned from their posts, including Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy. 

Kealy previously held the Electoral Area B director position at the Peace River Regional District (PRRD), but stepped down after being elected to the provincial legislature. 

When addressing the legislature on March 3rd, Rotchford stated “being an MLA is not a part-time job.”

“British Columbians quite frankly deserve confidence that their elected officials are fully committed to the roles we have chosen to fulfil,” Rotchford said in her speech. 

Rotchford spoke about the importance of MLAs focusing on the issues of their constituents, and how the bill brings B.C. in line with other provinces who have similar requirements. 

In an interview with Energeticcity.ca, Kealy explained he chose to step down from his director position out of “fairness” to his constituents.

“You miss a lot if you’re not actually there in person…It’s not fair to the constituents,” Kealy said. 

Kealy explained it was his decision to step down from his role, and he would prefer that decision be left up to the individual MLAs rather than mandated by a bill.

He also raised concerns about the precedent set by such a bill, suggesting school board trustees in councillor positions could also be considered to be ‘double dipping.’ 

“If you’re capable [of doing] the job, there’s nothing against the law saying that you can’t do both,” Kealy said. 

The second reading of the bill was carried in the legislature during the first session of the B.C. assembly on March 3rd. 

In order to become law, a bill must be read three times in the legislature, and receive royal assent.