MLA Carole James Member for Victoria-Beacon Hill

Dearest Heavenly Father, we thank You for the dedication and heart to serve that Carole James, MLA for Victoria- Beacon Hill, has been blessed with. We thank You for the many ways she has stepped out and been willing to serve and the variety of experiences she has gained. Even now, as her path is taking another turn, may You continue to use her as You see fit, and may she sense Your guiding hand leading her to where You need her most. May she feel appreciated, encouraged and refreshed to continue on the journey before her. May Your blessing be upon her.

Carole James was elected as the MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill in May 2005, and served as the Leader of BC's Official Opposition in the BC Legislature until January 2011.

Carole served as President of the B.C. School Trustees Association for an unprecedented five terms, commencing in 1995.

She was elected to the Greater Victoria School Board from 1990 to 2001. She has also served at the national level as the Vice-President of the Canadian School Boards Association.

Carole has been appointed to numerous provincial initiatives, including the Independent B.C. Budget Review Panel, the Public Education Restructuring Consultation, the Ministry of Children and Families Secure Care Committee.

In addition to serving a two-year term as the Director of Child Care Policy for the government of British Columbia, she has served on the Greater Victoria Region Social Planning Council, the City of Victoria Parks and Recreation Committee, and the Task Force on Violence Prevention.

In recognition of her work in the area of co-operative pre-schools, she was named an Honorary Life Member of the Vancouver Island Co-operative Pre-School Association.

In 2001, Carole moved to Prince George to serve as the Director of Child and Family Services for Carrier Sekani Family Services. As part of her management responsibilities, she coordinated the planning for regionalization of child and family services from the Ministry of Children and Families to an Aboriginal Authority.

In July, 2003, just prior to becoming Leader of the New Democrats, she became Coordinator with the Northern Aboriginal Authority for Families.

Carole is the mother of two children, Alison and Evan. She was also a foster parent for 20 years, giving care to children and adults with special needs.