At least four MLAs have connections to agriculture and food
British Columbians elected members of the province’s ag and food community during the 2026 election.
At least four MLAs will bring experience working on farms or in B.C.’s food sector once the Legislative Assembly sits again.
In Nechako Lakes, for example, rancher Diane Black with Little Valley Farms in Vanderhoof won the riding for the Conservatives with almost 64 per cent of voter support.
“Diane is a 3rd generation rancher with a deep respect for the generations who have gone before,” her party bio says. “She carries forward the grit, stewardship, and community commitment that built the region.”
In addition, Black is an accountant and previously served as the assistant VP of finance and administration at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology.
She’s looking to bring a pragmatic approach for her constituents to the legislature.
“I feel like the North needs representation that’s stable and just a common sense approach to government,” she told The Northern View. “I can only control things within my control.”
In Delta South, about 60 per cent of the electorate chose Ian Paton to be the Conservative MLA for the riding.
Paton, who served as the party’s agriculture critic, brings decades of experience running a dairy farm and farm auction business.
In a pre-election interview with the Delta Optimist, Paton supported increased authority for the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC).
“The ALC must be properly funded and staffed to investigate complaints, conduct inspections, and enforce compliance,” he said. “Stop-work orders, penalties for illegal dumping, and ramifications for non-farm use activities are only effective if there are consequences for ignoring them.
“Agricultural land is a limited resource, and those who disregard the rules must not be allowed to treat penalties as simply the cost of doing business.”
Conservative Donegal Wilson received just over 52 per cent of support in Boundary-Similkameen to win that riding.
She “grew up on a cattle ranch near Thynne Lake, where she learned the value of hard work, self-reliance, and a deep respect for the land,” her website says. “That rural foundation continues to shape her work today.”
Wilson outlined her four priorities for agriculture, food security, and producers prior to the election.
They are protecting ag water and storage, reducing barriers for producers, buying local products with public dollars, and supporting local wine, beer, spirits and cannabis.
“There is important work ahead. I am honoured to continue it—with my boots on the ground and our communities at the heart of every decision,” she said in a Facebook post following her victory.
And in Saanich South, Conservative Cathie Ounsted received just over 39 per cent of support to win the riding previously held by ag minister Lana Popham who didn’t run in this election.
Ounsted’s professional experience includes owning and operating the Red Barn Market, a specialty grocery store that focuses on offering local goods. She was also the director of operations for Thrifty Foods.
She’s ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
“I know I have a great deal to learn, and I approach this role with humility, an open mind, and a determination to work hard every single day,” she said in a Facebook post following her election win. “I will listen, learn, ask questions, work collaboratively where we can, and stand firm where it matters.”
British Columbians voted overwhelmingly for change on Oct. 24 as the Conservatives led by Premier-Designate Lorne Doerkson won 63 seats – 16 more than the 47 required for a majority.
Doerkson won his riding of Cariboo-Chilcotin with 77 per cent of support.
Former Premier David Eby won his riding of Vancouver-Point Grey but resigned as NDP leader after conceding the election.