Lord, we give You thanks for MLA: Lana Popham, Opposition Spokesperson for Agriculture and Food. May You renew her vision, passion and strength as she readies for the upcoming Fall Legislative Session. We thank You for her commitment to improve the quality of life for her Saanich South constituents and the province of British Columbia. May You keep her encouraged as she goes about her days this Fall. Bless her husband and son, as well, and keep their whole family happy, health and together. Thank You Lord Jesus. Amen.
Lana Popham was re-elected as MLA for Saanich South in May 2013.
Lana is the Opposition Spokesperson for Agriculture and Food.
Lana was raised on Quadra Island in a do-it-yourself community, where growing food, raising animals and harvesting from the sea was a way of life.
Her interest in urban planning led her to UBC where she graduated with a degree in geography.
In 1996, Lana made her home in Saanich South where she lives with her husband, a firefighter, and their teenage son. She co-founded and operated Barking Dog Vineyard, the first certified organic vineyard on Vancouver Island. She also managed a crew of vineyard workers who took care of many vineyards on the Saanich Peninsula.
Lana served on Saanich’s Planning, Transportation and Economic Development Committee and on the Peninsula Agricultural Commission. She was also president of the Vancouver Island Grape Growers Association, chair of the Certification Committee for the Islands Organic Producers Association, and a member of the Investment Agriculture Board.
After being elected in 2009, Lana served as Opposition critic for agriculture for four years. She travelled the province extensively, meeting with farmers, agricultural associations and food advocacy groups. She has championed numerous agricultural initiatives, including the Buy BC program, improvements to meat regulations and increased institutional procurement of local food.
As the MLA for Saanich South, Lana actively supports her constituents and has organized over a dozen community meetings, gatherings, rallies and marches. She has also spearheaded successful initiatives such as safety improvements to the intersection of Pat Bay Highway and Sayward Road.
Lana entered politics to improve the quality of life in Saanich, promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen the provincial response to climate change.
