Ladysmith-Oceanside MLA Stephanie Higginson, seen here speaking in February 2021, is the new parliamentary secretary for primary care access, under the Ministry of Health portfolio. (BC Government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

new job

Ladysmith-Oceanside MLA moving into healthcare role with provincial government

Nov 25, 2025 | 12:07 PM

NANAIMO — A first-term MLA is moving into a high-profile ministry.

Ladysmith-Oceanside MLA Stephanie Higginson was named the new parliamentary secretary for primary care access, under the Ministry of Health and Mid-Island Pacific Rim MLA Josie Osborne.

Higginson’s mandate, announced Tuesday, Nov. 25, includes increasing primary care access throughout British Columbia “through community health centres and team-based care”, specifically in rural and remote communities.

“I know that people in my riding and across B.C. care deeply about reliable access to primary care, and I’m eager and ready to work with Minister Osborne on this crucial part of our health-care system.”

After her election in October 2024, Higginson was named the NDP’s caucus chair. Prior to venturing into provincial politics, Higginson was a trustee with School District 68.

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Higginson adds to the strong representation in the BC NDP government from central Vancouver Island.

In addition to Osborne, Nanaimo-Lantzville’s George Anderson was named parliamentary secretary for transit in November 2024, while Nanaimo-Gabriola’s Sheila Malcolmson kept her pre-election portfolio of Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

Premier David Eby also announced Tuesday Esquimalt-Colwood MLA Darlene Rotchford would take on a parliamentary secretary role for armed forces development and veterans affairs, working under the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth.

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