A new chief electoral officer is set to take on the role, beginning Nov. 12.
Shipra Verma was unanimously recommended by a parliamentary committee, made up of members of the government and opposition causcuses, following a search to fill the position, according to a news release Wednesday (Oct. 22).
Verma will begin her term Nov. 12 after she is officially appointed by the lieutenant governor.
Anton Boegman has been in the role since June 1, 2018. Elections B.C. says the appointment of the chief electoral officer is a fixed term for two elections plus one year.
Parliamentary committee chair Janet Routledge, the Burnaby North MLA, said Verma’s experience as chief electoral officer of Manitoba “will bring new perspectives and leadership to the administration” of elections in B.C.
Routledge added the parliamentary members were also impressed by Verma’s dedication to promoting voter participation.
A backgrounder from the provincial government says Verma is a chartered professional accountant with more than 25 years of experience, spanning election administration, public accounting and professional services.
She was first appointed chief electoral officer in Manitoba in 2013, and led the province through a multi-year modernization of its election administration. It adds that under her guidance, Elections Manitoba adopted “innovative approaches to election delivery, prioritizing accessibility, service excellence and democratic engagement.”