VanPopta's Dual Roles Under Scrutiny as Bill Passes Second Reading

In a move that could significantly impact local politics in Langley and across British Columbia, Bill M202, known as the Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act, passed its second reading in the provincial legislature on March 3, 2025.

The bill, if enacted into law, would require Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to resign from any other elected positions they hold, a development that has caught the attention of many Langley residents.

The proposed legislation directly affects Langley-Walnut Grove MLA Misty vanPopta, who currently serves both as an MLA and as a councillor for the Township of Langley.

As a Township councillor, vanPopta earns an annual salary of $70,321, while her position as a provincial MLA adds another $119,532.72 to her income, bringing her combined public salary to nearly $190,000 per year.

VanPopta, a member of the Conservative Party of BC, was elected to the provincial legislature in October 2024 but has thus far refused to step down from her municipal role, sparking controversy and concern among her constituents.

The situation in Langley mirrors a broader issue across the province. Following the October 2024 election, 13 newly elected MLAs held local elected offices. While most resigned from their municipal positions, only vanPopta and fellow Conservative Abbotsford West MLA Korky Neufeld chose to retain both roles.

This decision has not sat well with many Langley residents.

A group of concerned citizens has even filed a petition with the courts, calling for vanPopta to step down from her role as a Township of Langley councillor. The petition reflects growing frustration among locals who feel their interests may not be fully represented by an MLA juggling multiple offices.

Carson Binda, B.C. Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, strongly supports the bill. "MLAs shouldn't be double dipping by collecting two paycheques to represent the same taxpayer," Binda stated. "If a school board trustee or city councillor decides to run for higher office, they should resign so they aren't billing taxpayers twice to represent the same community."

The issue of double-dipping resonates particularly in Langley, where many working-class families are struggling with the rising cost of living. The idea of a single individual drawing two public salaries totaling almost $190,000 for potentially overlapping responsibilities has struck a chord with voters concerned about efficient use of tax dollars.

Supporters of the bill argue that it's not just about money, but about the quality of representation. They contend that holding multiple offices could lead to conflicts of interest or prevent MLAs from dedicating sufficient time and energy to either role. This concern is especially pertinent in rapidly growing communities like Langley, where complex issues of urban development, transportation, and public services require focused attention from elected officials.

However, the bill is not without its critics. Some argue that forcing immediate resignations could lead to costly by-elections. Abbotsford West MLA Korky Neufeld, who also holds a position as a school board trustee, has cited this concern. "If I stepped down as a school board trustee, the cost of a by-election for my replacement would be more than $200,000," Neufeld told The Abbotsford News. "Given that the by-election wouldn't conclude until mid to late spring, the newly elected trustee would serve only one school year at a significant cost."

Despite these objections, the bill seems to be gaining momentum. Its passage through second reading indicates strong support in the legislature, and many political observers expect it to become law in the coming months.

For Langley residents, the progression of this bill represents more than just a procedural change in Victoria. It symbolizes a potential shift in how their community is represented at different levels of government.

Many are watching closely to see how vanPopta will respond if the bill becomes law, and whether she will choose to give up her $70,321 councillor salary or her $119,532.72 MLA position.

As the bill moves to the committee stage for detailed examination, its implications continue to reverberate through Langley's political landscape. Whether it ultimately becomes law or not, the Eligibility to Hold Public Office Act has already succeeded in bringing important questions about political representation and accountability to the forefront of public discourse in Langley and beyond.

The coming months will be crucial as the bill progresses through the remaining stages of the legislative process.

For now, Langley residents, along with citizens across British Columbia, will be watching closely to see how this potential change in law might reshape their political representation and the responsibilities of those they elect to serve them.