Brenda Bailey

Brenda Bailey (born 1966 or 1967) is a Canadian businesswoman and politician who currently serves as a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of British Columbia, representing the electoral district of Vancouver-False Creek from 2020 to 2024, and Vancouver-South Granville since 2024. A member of the British Columbia New Democratic Party, she has been a cabinet minister under Premier David Eby since 2022.

Life and early career Born and raised in Nanaimo, and holds a degree in social work from University of Victoria. She had worked in the non-profit sector, including as regional manager for the Canadian Cancer Society, prior to entering the video game industry. and served as chief executive officer (CEO). She also co-founded Women in Games Vancouver to support more women entering the sector. before being named executive director of DigiBC, the Interactive and Digital Media Industry Association of British Columbia in February 2018.

Bailey was married to environmental economist Basil Stumborg, with whom she has three children. Her current spouse is Bijan Sanii, CEO of BC fintech company INETCO.

Political career She was elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia for the riding of Vancouver-False Creek in the 2020 election, defeating the incumbent BC Liberal candidate and former Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan. She was named Parliamentary Secretary for Technology and Innovation by Premier John Horgan on November 26, 2020. She was then appointed Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation by Premier David Eby on December 7, 2022.

With the False Creek riding dissolved and redistributed ahead of the 2024 provincial election, she ran in the newly established riding of Vancouver-South Granville, where she was re-elected MLA. She was subsequently named Minister of Finance in November 2024. The government's 2026 provincial budget forecasted a record deficit of over $13 billion and implemented public sector job cuts over three years.

In 2026, she was diagnosed with cancer, with Josie Osborne taking the Finance portfolio. Bailey was appointed Jobs and Economic Growth minister during her treatment.

Electoral record