Maurine Karagianis was elected MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin on May 17, 2005, and re-elected to the reconfigured riding of Esquimalt-Royal Roads on May 12, 2009.

Maurine serves as opposition caucus whip.

Since being elected to the provincial legislature in 2005, Maurine has been a strong advocate for Esquimalt and the West Shore. As a trusted voice in her local community, Maurine has worked with families from all walks of life to address the challenges they face, whether it’s affordable housing, public transit, seniors care, support services for military families, or public education.

Maurine has worked with community groups, stakeholders, and other elected officials to fight for commuter rail, and as transportation critic has taken her fight for affordable public transportation province-wide.

Maurine is committed to sustainability, and has given profile to innovative transportation initiatives and green fuel alternatives. When she needs to drive, Maurine uses her electric scooter or bio-fuel beetle to get around town.

Maurine has served the community of Esquimalt for over a decade. After becoming politically involved in the 1990s, she was elected to Esquimalt Council in 1996. Serving for three terms, Maurine helped create and chaired the CRD Arts Committee, and by working to save the Matson Gary Oak meadow in the InnerHarbour and daylighting the Gorge Creek helped enrich green space and renew bird habitat in Esquimalt.

A long-standing Director of the Veins of Life Watershed Society, Maurine has worked in support of environmental stewardship for the Gorge Waterway and watershed protection in the Capital Region.

Maurine is a vocal advocate for small business, drawing on her extensive business background. She worked in the fashion industry for over 15 years, in retail, wholesale and import/export, and also spent more than a decade working in the communications industry for the tourism market and international motorcycle industry.

A firm believer in pursuing positive solutions, Maurine ran a consulting firm that worked with non-profit organisations and First Nations communities to create affordable housing. Her varied career has also included working for the provincial Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Social Services.

A proud mother and grandmother, Maurine lives with her partner in Esquimalt.