Provincial Secretaries & Directors

While party leaders get the public recognition that make them household names across the province, the unsung heroes of the NDP are the Provincial Secretaries (called Provincial Directors since 2015).  They are the ones responsible for membership drives, fundraising, organization and election planning. 

It has never been an easy job.  As the senior administrative officer of the party, and until recently the chief executive officer (a duty now held by the president) they manage the day-to-day affairs of BC NDP.  They are on call 24/7 and routinely give up much of their personal and family time to service of our social democratic movement.   Without them, there would be no election victories. 

Compiled for the first time, here is complete list of the women and men who have served in this key role since the founding of the BC NDP in 1961.

DATES SECRETARY RANDOM NOTES
1961-63 Jessie Mendels Joined the CCF at age 15, and served as secretary to CCF Leader Harold Winch, then as CCF and then NDP Provincial Secretary.  Cute note: Ended up eloping with Harold to Hawaii in 1981.
1963-66 Ernest Hall Went on to serve as MLA for Surrey from 1966-75 and again from 1979-83.  In Dave Barrett’s cabinet he brought full bargaining and union rights to BC government employees.
1966-67 Clive Lytle A renowned labour communicator and one-time federal candidate, advancing social justice and the feminist movement were his pillars. In his later years, Clive thrived in his role as a Thoroughbred horse owner and breeder, with over 40 visits to the winners circle.
1968-70 Wally Ross A rough and tumble Steelworkers organizer, Wally was a born story teller.  He was the first Provincial Secretary to create computerized membership records.
1970-71 Hartley Dent Went on to serve as MLA for Skeena from in the Barrett government.
1971-74 Hans Brown First of two times around for Hans. A member of the New Democratic Youth, originally from Alberta, Hans worked in Tommy Douglas’ office in Ottawa before coming to BC. As Campaign Manager he helped lead the team to victory in 1972.
1974 Beth Quaale A member of the party’s organizing staff, Beth stepped in briefly to hold the fort during the hectic mid-term days of the party’s first government.
1974-75 Joyce Nash A beloved party activist and feminist, she was the first woman to become federal NDP president.
1975-76 Cliff Scotton From Robin Sears in the Toronto Star in 2014: Cliff Scotton was to a generation of New Democrats what Keith Davey and Norm Atkins were to their tribes: a teacher, a campaign genius and a mentor. Cliff had little patience for those who complained about the quality of candidates in either a national leadership contest or the most mundane local nomination snorefest.
1976 Joyce Nash ‘Acting’ Provincial Secretary this time around.  Joyce says with a smile she liked the designation ‘Acting’ because no one would think they needed to be wary of her long-term agenda.
1976-81 Yvonne Cocke From former NDP MLA and MP, Dawn Black: When I think about Yvonne, I remember a vivacious, intelligent, caring woman. A woman in many ways ahead of her time. She made valuable contributions to our community, our province and our country.
1981 Joyce Nash Okay, seriously, this woman as committed – stepped in again in a crunch. In 1984 she married Cliff Scotton and is now known and loved as Joyce Scotton.
1981-84 Joe Denofreo A long-time CUPE organizer and former executive assistant to Norm Levi.
1984-87 Gerry Scott Is there a province left where Gerry hasn’t helped elect an NDP government?
1988-92 Hans Brown The second time around for Hans. During this era, he was Campaign Manager for the ’91 and ’96 election victories.
1992-93 Ray Whitehead A true friend to working people, Ray was a long-time representative for CUPE in many capacities, Ray was also a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Board of Directors for BC Ferries and the Board of Directors for the BC Safety Authority.
1993-94 Keith Reynolds A former National Research Representative for the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
1994-2000 Brian Gardiner Former MP for Prince George-Bulkley Valley from 1988-93.
2000 Ron Stipp From Director of Organization to Acting Provincial Secretary. Ron later became the key political action organizer for the Canadian Labour Congress in BC.
2000-03 Ed Lavalle Dedicated 44 years teaching generations of students as an instructor in the Political Studies Department and the Continuing Studies Department’s Labour Studies program at Capilano College.
2003-06 Gerry Scott In this second time around, Gerry helped lead the party back to 41.5% of the popular vote and 33 seats in the 2005 election.
2006-09 Laura Nichols Originally from Alberta, Laura was on  Premier Harcourt’s staff and worked many campaigns before taking on the role at Provincial Office.
2010-2014 Jan O’Brien A former vice-chair of the B.C. Labour Relations Board, former journalist, and a former president of the Media Union of B.C.
2014 Brian Gardiner Second time around for the BCGEU staffer.
2014-16 Michael Gardiner Played a central role in five provincial election campaigns, four leadership races, and as war room director in a federal election. Note: It was here the title was changed to Provincial Director.
2016-20 Raj Sihota Helped set the stage for the NDP’s 2017 election breakthrough and turned around the party’s finances, enabling the BC NDP to purchase its Mount Pleasant headquarters.
2020- Heather Stoutenburg Played a critical role in helping the NDP to a clear majority government in 2020, and has continued that success with a record-breaking fundraising year in 2023.