The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia is composed of 87 elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). The composition of the Legislative Assembly reflects the diversity of British Columbia as Members from a range of ethnic and cultural groups hold seats in the Assembly.
One MLA is elected in each of the 87 constituencies across the province. A Canadian citizen who is 18 years of age or older on election day and has lived in British Columbia for at least six months may be nominated as a candidate for election as an MLA.
Potential candidates must fill out nomination forms, including the signatures of at least 75 qualified voters, stating that they are eligible for election, identifying which political party (if any) they represent, in which constituency they intend to run, and pay a $250 nomination deposit.
Typically, candidates have also been actively involved in their constituency and have already been through a political party nomination process, in accordance with their party's constitution and the Election Act, 1996.
For more information on becoming a candidate, visit the Elections B.C. website.
Did You Know?
Before 1940, B.C. candidates could run in more than one constituency. A number of people took advantage of that, including six Premiers. Those who were elected in more than one constituency were required to relinquish one of the seats. It was the MLA-elect’s choice as to which constituency they would prefer to represent if they were elected in more than one.
