Longest serving woman in the Legislative Assembly (1991 - 2020)
Linda Reid was born in Vancouver, British Columbia. She obtained an education degree and Master of Arts from the University of British Columbia, specializing in education, exceptional learners, language acquisition and public administration.
Before her election to the Legislative Assembly, Reid worked as a language therapist, teacher and school administrator for the Richmond School District. She was a founding member of the Richmond Chinatown Lions Club and Chair of the British Columbia Youth Parliament Board of Directors, among other community and volunteer roles.
In the 1991 provincial election, Reid ran successfully as the B.C. Liberal Party candidate for the riding of Richmond East. She was re-elected in 1996, 2001, 2005, 2009, 2013 and 2017. Reid is the longest serving woman in the Legislative Assembly.
During her 29 years in office, Reid has gained experience on both the Government and Opposition sides of the House. From 1991-2001, she held a number of critic roles, including children and families, health, attorney general, municipal affairs, and science, technology and research.
In 2001, Reid was appointed Minister of State for Early Childhood Development and later served as Minister of State for Childcare, bringing her professional experience to bear in these critical areas of public policy.
In 2013, Reid was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, having served as Deputy Speaker since 2009. She was appointed to Cabinet after the 2017 provincial general election. Following the change of government in July 2017, Reid served as an Opposition member.
From 2014, Reid has served as Chair of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, Canadian Region - a role that spoke to her many years of advocating on behalf of women in public life and her efforts to ensure that the Legislative Assembly is a supportive and inclusive space for all.