Linda Reid, MLA, Richmond East and deputy speaker of the Legislative Assembly, was a 31-year-old elementary school teacher when she first ran for public office.
I was teaching special needs children at Woodward elementary and I had a strong conviction, which I still hold today, that we could do a better job in education and in the health of our children, said Reid, of the reason why she chose to run.
That was 20 years ago.
In 1991, Reid successfully ran in her inaugural bid for office. Since then, Reid has been re-elected four times, making the seasoned politician the longest serving MLA in the house.
Over two decades, the 51-year-old mother of two has worn many political hats, including Minister of State for Childcare, Minister of State for Early Childhood Development, and Opposition Caucus Chair.
Some of the local issues Reid has championed include funding for the Salvation Army Rotary Hospice House, the Canada Line, scholarships for each of the high schools in her riding, and flood protection. She has also worked to improved patient access to medical care at Richmond Hospital, the Nelson Road interchange project to free up Westminster Highway for residents and farm traffic, and support for agriculture and Richmond farmers.
When asked about one of her highlights of her two-decade political career, Reid said: When I received the keys to the front door of the Legislative Assembly of B.C. It was an awe inspiring moment.
To this day, Reid said she still gets an adrenaline rush from being part of the provincial political system.
Politics is always about moving forward and getting things done it never gets tired, she added.
She has lived in Richmond for 32 years with her husband of 14 years, Sheldon Friesen, and children Will, seven, and 11-year-old Olivia.
Sheldon has been my staunchest supporter, hes as steady as a rock, said Reid. My whole family has been incredibly supportive.
To celebrate her 20th anniversary of public service, a party is being planned for next month.
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