Adrian Dix facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adrian Dix
MLA
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| Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions of British Columbia | |
| Assumed office November 18, 2024 |
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| Premier | David Eby |
| Preceded by | Josie Osborne (Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation) |
| Minister of Health of British Columbia | |
| In office July 18, 2017 – November 18, 2024 |
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| Premier | John Horgan David Eby |
| Preceded by | Mary Polak |
| Succeeded by | Josie Osborne |
| Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs of British Columbia | |
| Assumed office September 27, 2017 |
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| Premier | John Horgan David Eby |
| Member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly for Vancouver-Renfrew Vancouver-Kingsway (2005–2024) |
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| Assumed office May 17, 2005 |
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| Preceded by | Rob Nijjar |
| Leader of the Opposition in British Columbia | |
| In office April 17, 2011 – May 4, 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Dawn Black |
| Succeeded by | John Horgan |
| Leader of the British Columbia New Democratic Party |
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| In office April 17, 2011 – May 4, 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Dawn Black |
| Succeeded by | John Horgan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 20, 1964 Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Political party | New Democrat |
| Spouse | Renée Saklikar |
| Residences | Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Occupation | Politician |
Adrian Dix (born April 20, 1964) is a Canadian politician. He is currently a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Vancouver-Kingsway in British Columbia. He is part of the British Columbia New Democratic Party (BC NDP).
From 2011 to 2014, he was the leader of his party and the Leader of the Opposition in British Columbia. Since 2024, he has been the Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. He has also been the Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs since 2017. Before that, he was the Minister of Health under premiers John Horgan and David Eby.
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About Adrian Dix
Adrian Dix was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, on April 20, 1964. His parents, Ken and Hilda, moved to Canada from Ireland and Britain. They ran an insurance business in Vancouver for many years.
Adrian grew up in Vancouver and went to St. George's School and Point Grey Secondary. He later studied history and political science at the University of British Columbia. He has two siblings and lives in Vancouver with his wife, Renée Saklikar, who is a poet and writer.
When he was in his twenties, Adrian Dix was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes. He is also fluent in both English and French, having lived in France when he was younger.
His Political Journey
Starting in Politics
Adrian Dix began his career in politics working for a federal politician named Ian Waddell in Ottawa. In 1991, he moved back to British Columbia. There, he became an assistant to Glen Clark in the provincial finance ministry.
When Glen Clark became the leader of British Columbia in 1996, Adrian Dix became his chief of staff. This is a very important role, helping the leader manage their work. In 1999, he left this role after a mistake with a document. Adrian Dix has said that what he did was wrong.
After this, he worked as the executive director for Canadian Parents for French in B.C. and Yukon. This group helps encourage more schools to offer French language programs. He helped more schools start French immersion programs.
From 2001 to 2005, Adrian Dix was a political commentator. This means he wrote articles and shared his opinions on current events for newspapers like the Victoria Times-Colonist and The Source. He also contributed to The Tyee and the CBC.
Becoming an MLA
In 2005, Adrian Dix was elected as an MLA for Vancouver-Kingsway. An MLA is a Member of the Legislative Assembly, which means they represent their local area in the provincial government.
As an MLA, he first worked as an opposition critic for Children and Families. This means he would question the government's plans and suggest improvements in these areas. Later, he became the Health critic. He is proud of helping children with Type 1 diabetes get insulin pumps. He also worked to stop three schools in Vancouver-Kingsway from closing.
Leading the NDP Party
In 2011, the leader of the BC NDP, Carole James, stepped down. Adrian Dix decided to run to become the new leader. He was the last person to announce his plan to run.
His ideas for British Columbia included making things more affordable for families. He wanted to increase the minimum wage and create a provincial child care system. He also aimed to help students by restoring grants and reducing interest on student loans.
Many people supported his campaign, including former interim BC NDP leader Joy MacPhail. Adrian Dix won the leadership vote, beating his main opponent, Mike Farnworth, with 51.8% of the votes.
Before the 2013 provincial election, many surveys showed that the NDP party was far ahead of the BC Liberals. However, in a surprising result, the BC Liberals won the election. The BC NDP won 34 seats, which was one less than in the previous election.
After this election, Adrian Dix announced in September 2013 that he would step down as party leader. A new leader, John Horgan, was chosen in 2014. Adrian Dix also said he would run again to be an MLA in the next election.
Serving as a Cabinet Minister
After the 2017 election, the NDP formed the government. Adrian Dix was appointed the Minister of Health. This is a very important job, overseeing all healthcare in the province. When John Horgan stepped down as premier and David Eby took over in 2022, Adrian Dix continued to be the Minister of Health.
In 2021, Adrian Dix announced a plan to bring 4,000 housekeepers and food service workers in hospitals back under government employment. Years earlier, these jobs had been given to private companies. This meant many workers were paid less and lost their benefits. Premier John Horgan noted that these changes affected women unfairly.
As Health Minister, Adrian Dix was in charge of British Columbia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also faced challenges with the healthcare system. After the 2024 election, Premier Eby changed his role. Adrian Dix is now the Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.
See Also
- British Columbia New Democratic Party
- Leader of the Opposition (British Columbia)
- Ministry of Health (British Columbia)
Images for kids
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Adrian Dix in 2016.
