View source for Linda Reid

{{Short description|Canadian politician}}
{{for|Scottish singer of same name|Sister Vanilla}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=September 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{BLP sources|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| image               = LindaReid2016.jpg
| imagesize           = 
| honorific-prefix    = 
| name                = Linda Reid
| honorific-suffix    = 
| caption             =
| birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|1959|6|27}}
| birth_place         = [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]]<ref name="CPG">{{Cite web |title=Reid, Hon. Linda, B.Ed., M.A. (Richmond East) Minister of State for Early Childhood Development |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/international/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/reid-hon-linda-bed-ma-richmond-east-minister-state-early-childhood-development |publisher=Canadian Parliamentary Guide |accessdate=2024-05-22}}</ref>
| residence           = [[Richmond, British Columbia]]
| office              = 37th [[Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia]]
| term_start          = June 26, 2013
| term_end            = June 22, 2017
| predecessor         = [[Bill Barisoff]]
| successor           = [[Steve Thomson (politician)|Steve Thomson]]
| assembly1           = British Columbia Legislative
| constituency_AM1    = [[Richmond South Centre]]<br><small>[[Richmond East]] (1991-2017)</small>
| term_start1         = October 17, 1991
| term_end1           = November 24, 2020
| predecessor1        = ''Riding established''
| successor1          = [[Henry Yao]]
| party               = [[British Columbia Liberal Party|Liberal]]
| spouse              = {{marriage|Sheldon Friesen|October 5, 1997}}
| alma_mater          = [[University of British Columbia]]
| occupation          = Teacher
}}

'''Linda Reid''' (born June 27, 1959) is a [[Canadians|Canadian]] politician who served as a [[member of the Legislative Assembly]] (MLA) of [[British Columbia]], representing [[Richmond East]] from 1991 to 2017, and [[Richmond South Centre]] from 2017 to 2020. A caucus member of the [[British Columbia Liberal Party]], she served in the [[Executive Council of British Columbia|cabinets]] of [[Premier of British Columbia|premiers]] [[Gordon Campbell (Canadian politician)|Gordon Campbell]] and [[Christy Clark]] as Minister of State for Early Childhood Development from 2001 to 2005, Minister of State for Childcare from 2005 to 2009, and Minister of Advanced Education in 2017. She was also the 37th [[Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia]] from 2013 to 2017.

== Early life ==
Reid was born in [[Vancouver]], [[British Columbia]] in 1959.<ref name="CPG"/><ref name="google">{{cite book|title=The Canadian Parliamentary Guide|author=Normandin, P.G.|date=1996|publisher=P. G. Normandin|isbn=9781896413143|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EKZDAQAAIAAJ|accessdate=2015-04-14}}</ref> She graduated from the [[University of British Columbia]] with a Bachelor of Education degree in 1982, before proceeding with graduate studies at the same institution specializing in education, exceptional learners, language acquisition, and public administration, receiving her Master of Arts degree in 1987.<ref name="BCLeg39">{{cite web|url=https://www.leg.bc.ca/pages/bclass-legacy.aspx#/content/legacy/web/mla/39thparl/reidl.htm|title=Linda Reid &#124; Members at dissolution of 39th Parliament &#124; Members of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia|publisher=leg.bc.ca|accessdate=2024-05-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/pdfs/chronicle/AL_CHRON_1991_3.pdf|title=The UBC Caucus|work=UBC Alumni Chronicle, Volume 45, Number 3|publisher=UBC Alumni Association|accessdate=2024-05-23}}</ref> She worked for the [[Richmond School District]] as a language therapist, teacher and school administrator prior to entering politics.<ref name="BCLeg39"/>

== Politics ==
Running as a [[British Columbia Liberal Party|BC Liberal]] candidate, she was first elected MLA for [[Richmond East]] in the [[1991 British Columbia general election|1991 provincial election]], and was re-elected in that riding in [[1996 British Columbia general election|1996]], [[2001 British Columbia general election|2001]], [[2005 British Columbia general election|2005]], [[2009 British Columbia general election|2009]] and [[2013 British Columbia general election|2013]].<ref name="BCLeg39"/><ref name="CBC191024">{{Cite news |title=Longtime Liberal MLA Linda Reid won't run in next B.C. election |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/linda-reid-stepping-down-2019-1.5334452 |publisher=[[CBC News]] |date=2019-10-24 |accessdate=2024-05-22}}</ref> While the Liberals were the [[Official Opposition]], she served in various critic roles, including children and families, health, attorney general, municipal affairs, and science, technology and research.<ref name="BCLeg39"/> She was also the Opposition Caucus Chair from 1991 to 1992.<ref name="lindareidmla">{{cite web|url=http://www.lindareidmla.bc.ca|title=Home - MLA Linda Reid|publisher=lindareidmla.bc.ca|accessdate=2015-04-14}}</ref><ref name="RN201114">{{Cite news |title=Longest-serving female MLA reflects on 29 years representing Richmond |url=https://www.richmond-news.com/local-news/longest-serving-female-mla-reflects-on-29-years-representing-richmond-3144826 |publisher=Richmond News |first=Maria |last=Rantanen |date=2020-11-14 |accessdate=2024-05-22}}</ref> She contested the [[British Columbia United leadership elections#1993 leadership challenge|1993 Liberal leadership election]] and finished in fourth place.<ref>{{cite book |last=Courtney |first=John C. |date=1995 |title=Do Conventions Matter?: Choosing National Party Leaders in Canada |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jdIPs9zun7AC&dq=%22linda+reid%22+%22allan+warnke%22&pg=PA369 |location= |publisher=McGill-Queen's Press |page=369 |isbn=0773565698}}</ref>

With the Liberals gaining power in 2001, Reid was appointed to the cabinet that June by Premier [[Gordon Campbell (Canadian politician)|Gordon Campbell]] to serve as Minister of State for Early Childhood Development; the position was modified to Minister of State for Childcare in June 2005.<ref name="CampbellCabinet">{{cite web|title=Campbell Cabinet: 37th Parliament 2001-2005, 38th Parliament 2005-2009, 39th Parliament 2009-2011 |url=https://www.llbc.leg.bc.ca/public/reference/campbell_cabinet.pdf|publisher=[[Legislative Assembly of British Columbia]]|accessdate=2024-05-22}}</ref> In that time, she oversaw the creation of 6,000 new childcare spaces in British Columbia.<ref name="RR111018"/> In 2002, Reid created an individualized funding model for children with [[autism spectrum disorder]] which takes into account the individual needs of each child and is provided on a monthly basis.<ref>http://www.lindareidmla.bc.ca/EN/2804/29287?PHPSESSID=1f84b3e1a11b973be518c73d1af29c6a{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Also in 2002, Reid announced the creation of the BC Early Childhood Development Legacy Fund, which supports community initiatives to support children under the age of 6.<ref name="gov">{{cite web|url=http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/early_childhood/pdf/ecd_action_plan_revised_june02.pdf|date=3 June 2002|title=British Columbia Early Childhood Development Action Plan: A Work in Progress|accessdate=2015-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512215352/http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/early_childhood/pdf/ecd_action_plan_revised_june02.pdf|archive-date=12 May 2013|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> She also oversaw the Boost BC program in 2007, which distributed free booster seats to low-income families to coincide with the passing of new requirements that children between 20–40&nbsp;lbs use a booster seat in vehicles.<ref name="gov2">{{cite web|url=http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2007CFD0020-000621.htm|title=NEW RULES BOOST CHILDREN'S SAFETY|author=Ministry of Children and Family Development, Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General|publisher=www2.news.gov.bc.ca|accessdate=2015-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903065300/http://www2.news.gov.bc.ca/news_releases_2005-2009/2007CFD0020-000621.htm|archive-date=2010-09-03|url-status=dead}}</ref> Opposition [[British Columbia New Democratic Party|New Democratic Party]] (NDP) MLAs were not given the opportunity to distribute the car seats like their Liberal counterparts, although Reid stated that the car seats went to families across the province, including those in NDP-held ridings.<ref>{{Cite news |title=B.C. Liberals are playing politics with booster seats, NDP says |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-liberals-are-playing-politics-with-booster-seats-ndp-says-1.670107 |publisher=[[CBC News]] |date=2007-10-24 |accessdate=2024-05-22}}</ref>

Following her re-election in 2009, she was named Deputy Speaker of the [[Legislative Assembly of British Columbia|Legislative Assembly]].<ref name="BCLeg39"/> She celebrated the 20th anniversary of her first election to the legislature on October 17, 2011;<ref name="RR111018">{{cite web|url=http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/132103823.html|title=Linda Reid celebrates 20 years as MLA|first=Don |last=Fennell|publisher=Richmond Review|date=2011-10-18|accessdate=2015-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923183124/http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/132103823.html|archive-date=2015-09-23|url-status=dead}}</ref> she was one of the longest serving MLAs in British Columbia and the only one to have served consecutive terms for over 20 years.<ref name="leg2">{{cite journal
 |url=http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/39th4th/H1017pm-08.pdf
 |date=25 October 2011
 |title=Official report of Debates of the Legislative Assembly (Hansard) Monday, October 17, 2011 Afternoon Sitting Volume 25, Number 8
 |journal=Official Report of Debates of the Legislative Assembly (Hansard)
 |issn=0709-1281
 |accessdate=2015-04-14
 |url-status=dead
 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822080342/http://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard/39th4th/H1017pm-08.pdf
 |archivedate=22 August 2012
}}</ref> She supported the Nelson Road Interchange project, which included the construction of ramps between Nelson Road and [[British Columbia Highway 91]] in order to reduce the volume of heavy trucks on Westminster Highway; the project was completed in 2011.<ref name="RR111018"/><ref name="infrastructure">{{cite web|url=http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/media/news-nouvelles/2011/20110822richmond-eng.html|title=Nelson road opening helps truckers, farmers and drivers|publisher=Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities|date=2011-08-22 |accessdate=2015-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618002806/http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/media/news-nouvelles/2011/20110822richmond-eng.html|archive-date=2013-06-18|url-status=dead}}</ref>

She was chosen as [[Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia|Speaker of the Legislative Assembly]] after her re-election in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Christy Clark renews promise of 4 balanced budgets |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/christy-clark-renews-promise-of-4-balanced-budgets-1.1386564 |publisher=[[CBC News]] |date=2013-06-27 |accessdate=2024-05-22}}</ref> She faced scrutiny in 2014 for spending $120,000 on various items, including upgrading the speaker's desk for $48,000,<ref>{{Cite news |title=B.C. House Speaker Linda Reid under fire for expenses |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-house-speaker-linda-reid-under-fire-for-expenses-1.2559463 |publisher=[[CBC News]] |date=2014-03-04 |accessdate=2024-05-22}}</ref> and for charging taxpayers for her husband's business class airfare to South Africa when he accompanied her to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.<ref>{{Cite news |title=B.C. MLA Linda Reid apologizes for husband's $5,500 airfare |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/b-c-mla-linda-reid-apologizes-for-husband-s-5-500-airfare-1.2586158 |publisher=[[CBC News]] |date=2014-03-26 |accessdate=2024-05-22}}</ref>

With the Richmond East riding dissolved ahead of the [[2017 British Columbia general election|2017 election]], she ran in the newly established [[Richmond South Centre]] and was elected there.<ref>{{Cite news |title=B.C. Votes 2017: Richmond South Centre riding profile |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/british-columbia-2017-election-richmond-south-centre-1.3827548 |publisher=[[CBC News]] |date=2017-04-17 |accessdate=2024-05-22}}</ref> She returned to the cabinet that June as Minister of Advanced Education under Premier [[Christy Clark]]<ref>{{cite news |date=2017-06-12 |title=B.C. Premier Christy Clark and cabinet sworn in |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/liberal-cabinet-picks-1.4157148 |access-date=2023-11-28 |publisher=[[CBC News]]}}</ref> but only served until that July,<ref name="ClarkCabinet">{{cite web|title=Christy Clark Cabinet 2011-2017 |url=https://www.llbc.leg.bc.ca/public/reference/christyclarkcabinet.pdf |publisher=Legislative Library of British Columbia |date=2018-01-24 |access-date=2023-11-28}}</ref> following the Liberal [[minority government]]'s defeat in a confidence vote on June 29.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-liberals-fall-non-confidence-1.4185005|title=B.C. Liberal government loses confidence vote 44-42, sparking either NDP government or election|date=June 29, 2017 | access-date=September 23, 2020 |publisher=CBC News}}</ref> She then became Assistant Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in September 2017, serving until February 2019.<ref name="BCLeg41">{{cite web|url=https://www4.leg.bc.ca/members/41st-Parliament/Reid-Linda |title=MLA: Linda Reid |publisher=[[Legislative Assembly of British Columbia]] |accessdate=2024-05-22}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Linda Reid replaced as Assistant Deputy Speaker |url=https://bc.ctvnews.ca/linda-reid-replaced-as-assistant-deputy-speaker-1.4294298 |publisher=[[CTV News]] |date=2019-02-12 |accessdate=2024-05-22}}</ref> In October 2019 she announced her decision not to contest the [[2020 British Columbia general election|next provincial election]];<ref name="CBC191024"/> she is the province's longest-serving female MLA.<ref name="RN201114"/><ref name="BCLeg41"/>

Reid has served on Treasury Board, and on the Select Standing Committee to Appoint a Child, Youth and Family Advocate, the Select Standing Committee to Appoint a Police Complaints Commissioner, the Select Standing Committee on Transportation, Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations.<ref name="BCLeg39"/>

==Electoral record==
{{2017 British Columbia general election/Richmond South Centre}}
{{2013 British Columbia general election/Richmond East}}

== Personal life ==
Reid married her husband Sheldon Friesen in 1997;<ref name="CPG"/> they have two children together.<ref name="BCLeg39"/>

Reid is a longtime supporter and member of the [[Girl Guides of Canada]]; she advocated for the creation of an endowment fund for the Guides to protect against changes in the property tax exemption status on Camp Olave, a Guiding camp property on British Columbia's [[Sunshine Coast (British Columbia)|Sunshine Coast]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://victoriafoundation.bc.ca/supporting-young-women-to-do-their-best/|title=Supporting young women to do their best - Victoria Foundation|date=2012-06-28|work=Victoria Foundation|access-date=2018-12-01}}</ref><ref name="blogspot">{{cite web|url=http://reidonrichmond.blogspot.com/2011/09/camp-olave.html|title=Reid On Richmond: CAMP OLAVE|date=September 27, 2011 |publisher=reidonrichmond.blogspot.com|accessdate=2015-04-14}}</ref>

In 2008, Reid was instrumental in the implementation of the [[Roots of Empathy]] program in BC. This program aims to reduce bullying by fostering empathy.<ref name="bclocalnews2">{{cite web|url=http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/123954114.html|title=BCLocalNews.com - Provincial anti-bullying programs to expand|author=Staff Writer|publisher=bclocalnews.com|accessdate=2015-04-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923183058/http://www.bclocalnews.com/news/123954114.html|archive-date=2015-09-23|url-status=dead}}</ref> Reid was the 2004–2005 chair of the Canada Northwest Fetal Alcohol Partnership,<ref>http://www.lindareidmla.bc.ca/EN/1963/68792?PHPSESSID=563e8887b5b11c39004f4fe68cc0db4a{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> which aims to develop an inter provincial approach to preventing [[FASD]].

In January 2012, Reid traveled to [[New Mexico]] for the opening of their 50th legislative session. Reid's trip to New Mexico stemmed from a friendship agreement between the legislative assemblies of British Columbia and New Mexico. This friendship agreement allows for exchanges of information and traditions between the two.

Reid is an avid supporter of Richmond's agricultural community. She frequents local farms and markets to purchase vegetables and fruits and encourages her constituents to do the same.<ref>http://www.lindareidmla.bc.ca/EN/local_look/march_2011/?&PHPSESSID=6847be388b83c1534b1cb3e854156b89{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Reid has advocated for better drainage in Richmond and for the Nelson Road Interchange project, both of which have had positive effects on the agricultural community.<ref name="richmond-news">{{cite web|url=http://www.richmond-news.com/Richmond+metal+recyclers+poised+take+advantage+province+gateway+initiatives+Reid/5502316/story.html|title=Richmond's metal recyclers poised to take advantage of province's 'gateway' initiatives: Reid|author=Eve Edmonds|publisher=richmond-news.com|accessdate=2015-04-14}}</ref>

On March 9, 2012, Reid was announced as the winner of the Ethel Tibbits Award in the category of community, in recognition of her two decades of work as a political and community leader. The awards, known as the Ethels, are run by the Richmond Review newspaper.<ref name="richmondreview2">{{cite web|url=http://www.richmondreview.com/news/142073413.html|title=Two pioneer winners highlight 19th Ethels - Richmond Review|author=Martin van den Hemel|publisher=richmondreview.com|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130201082413/http://www.richmondreview.com/news/142073413.html|archivedate=2013-02-01|url-status=dead|accessdate=2015-04-14}}</ref>

Reid continues to serve as an honorary co-chair of the Annual Women's Campaign School, which aims to get more women involved in the democratic process.<ref>http://www.lindareidmla.bc.ca/EN/2804/29276?PHPSESSID=0efc7a6c0be593500c5c4534cf6c22db{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Reid was the BC chair for the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind and a director of the Garden City Hospice Society.<ref name="RR111018"/> She has been active in the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the Asia-Pacific Business Association, and the Canadian Council for Exceptional Children and the Family Court Committee of Richmond. She was a founding member of the Richmond Chinatown [[Lions Club]] and was chair of the [[British Columbia Youth Parliament]] board from 1986 to 1991.<ref name="CPG"/> In 2012, the British Columbia Youth Parliament honoured Reid with the first ever award for Outstanding Leadership.<ref name="BCLeg41"/>

== Cabinet positions ==
{{s-start}}
{{Canadian federal ministry navigational box header |ministry=Christy_Clark}}
{{ministry box cabinet posts
| post1preceded = [[Andrew Wilkinson]]
| post1         = Minister of Advanced Education
| post1years    = June 12, 2017–July 18, 2017
| post1note     = 
| post1followed = [[Melanie Mark]]
}}
{{Canadian federal ministry navigational box header |ministry=Gordon_Campbell}}
{{ministry box cabinet posts
| post1preceded = Ministry Established
| post1         = Minister of State for Childcare<ref>From June 5, 2001 until June 16, 2005 the position was known as "Minister of State for Early Childhood Development"</ref>
| post1years    = June 5, 2001–June 10, 2009
| post1note     = 
| post1followed = [[Mary Polak]]
}}
{{s-end}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Christy Clark Ministry}}
{{Gordon Campbell Ministry}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Reid, Linda}}
[[Category:1959 births]]
[[Category:20th-century members of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia]]
[[Category:21st-century members of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia]]
[[Category:20th-century Canadian women politicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Canadian women politicians]]
[[Category:Autism activists]]
[[Category:BC United MLAs]]
[[Category:Canadian schoolteachers]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Members of the Executive Council of British Columbia]]
[[Category:People from Richmond, British Columbia]]
[[Category:Politicians from Vancouver]]
[[Category:Speakers of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia]]
[[Category:University of British Columbia Faculty of Education alumni]]
[[Category:Women government ministers of Canada]]
[[Category:Women legislative speakers]]
[[Category:Women MLAs in British Columbia]]