British Columbia makes history with a female-majority legislature
In short: For the first time in Canadian history, a provincial legislature has been formed where women hold the majority of seats. This shift marks a significant milestone in democratic representation, reflecting a fundamental change in the composition of British Columbia's 43rd Parliament.
The 43rd Parliament of British Columbia, which convened on February 18, 2025, represents a landmark moment for gender representation in Canadian politics. At its formation following the 2024 general election, women constituted 52% of the membership. Out of the 93 total members elected, 49 were women, making it the first and currently only legislature in Canada to achieve this majority.
The political landscape of this session is defined by a narrow margin of power. The incumbent New Democratic Party (NDP) ministry, led by Premier David Eby, secured a bare majority in the legislature. This slim lead was further complicated by the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Raj Chouhan, who was re-elected to the chair. Because Chouhan is an NDP member, his role as presiding officer resulted in an equal number of seats on both sides of the aisle.
The session also saw a major shift in the opposition dynamics. By winning 44 seats, the Conservative Party regained its role as primary NDP opponent and official opposition. Following a hiatus from electing members since 1979, this era marks the first time the Conservatives held political weight again after the 1952 Boss Johnson coalition ministry fell.
Premier Eby requested that Lieutenant Governor Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia end Parliament on 22 September 2026, finishing the legislative cycle. This move triggered a general election scheduled for October 24, ending a legislative term that saw significant leadership transitions across both the government and opposition caucuses.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 43rd Parliament of British Columbia
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