Carole James

Carole James
Name	Carole James
Birth date	1957
Birth place	Belfast
Nationality	Canadian
Occupation	Politician; public servant; educator
Party	British Columbia New Democratic Party
Alma mater	University of British Columbia; Simon Fraser University
Offices	34th Leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party; Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia

Carole James is a Canadian politician and public servant who served as leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party (BC NDP) and as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. She has held senior roles in provincial administration, non-profit governance, and Indigenous and community relations. Her career spans teaching, social policy development, provincial politics, and public appointments in British Columbia.

Early life and education

Born in Belfast, she emigrated to Canada and was raised in Vancouver, where she attended schools that prepared her for post-secondary study. She completed undergraduate and graduate studies at Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia, focusing on social policy, administration, and community development. During this period she engaged with organizations such as United Way of the Lower Mainland, BC Federation of Labour, Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, and local community groups in Richmond, British Columbia and Surrey, British Columbia.

Teaching and early career

She worked as an educator in public schools and as a community outreach coordinator, interacting with institutions including the Vancouver School Board, BC Teachers' Federation, Ministry of Health (British Columbia), and regional health authorities like Vancouver Coastal Health. Her early employment connected her with agencies such as BC Hydro, WorkSafeBC, Community Living BC, and the BC Council for Families. She contributed to policy initiatives alongside organizations like Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform, Local Government Association of British Columbia, First Nations Summit, and non-profits including Pacific Community Resources Society and Family Services of Greater Vancouver.

Entry into politics

Her entry into provincial politics saw election to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia where she served constituencies that put her in contact with groups such as the BC Teachers' Federation, Canadian Labour Congress, UNIFOR, and community stakeholders in Vancouver, Victoria, Kamloops, and the Okanagan. She worked with caucus colleagues and opponents from parties like the British Columbia Liberal Party, Green Party of British Columbia, Conservative Party of Canada, and federal counterparts including New Democratic Party of Canada. Her legislative work involved committees and collaborations with bodies such as the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, BC Utilities Commission, Auditor General of British Columbia, and the Office of the Premier (British Columbia).

Leadership of the British Columbia New Democratic Party

Elected leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party, she led the party through electoral cycles confronting leaders of the BC Liberal Party and premiers such as Gordon Campbell, Christy Clark, and later John Horgan. Her leadership period intersected with provincial debates over projects like the Site C dam, the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, and issues involving British Columbia Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health (British Columbia), Ministry of Education (British Columbia), and resource ministries. She engaged with labour organizations including the Canadian Union of Public Employees, British Columbia Government and Service Employees' Union, Hospital Employees' Union, and community advocates such as David Suzuki Foundation and Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Campaigns under her leadership addressed relations with Indigenous governments including the First Nations Summit, Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs, and treaties under the purview of the British Columbia Treaty Commission.

Post-leadership career and public service

After stepping down as party leader, she accepted roles in provincial public service and non-profit governance, including senior positions at the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and agencies like BC Housing and Vancouver Foundation. She served on boards and advisory councils with institutions such as the BC Public Service Agency, BC Human Rights Tribunal, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (regional advisory), and academic institutions including Simon Fraser University and the University of Victoria. Her portfolio connected with federal agencies and Crown corporations such as Indigenous Services Canada, Canada Revenue Agency (regional liaison), and Crown utilities like BC Ferries and BC Lottery Corporation on policy matters.

Personal life and recognition

Her personal life includes family ties in Vancouver and community involvement with organizations like United Way Centraide Canada, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, YWCA, and faith communities including local Anglican Church of Canada congregations. She has been recognized by civic and labour organizations, receiving honours and acknowledgements from groups such as the British Columbia Achievement Foundation, City of Vancouver, BC Civil Liberties Association, and universities including Simon Fraser University and University of British Columbia for public service and leadership. Her work has been discussed in media outlets like The Globe and Mail, National Post, Vancouver Sun, The Province (newspaper), and on broadcast networks including CBC Television, CTV Television Network, and Global Television Network.

Category:Canadian politicians Category:People from Vancouver Category:British Columbia New Democratic Party politicians