A former Penticton city councillor’s disqualification from office is the first since the province adopted new rules for politicians charged or convicted with crimes.

James Miller was automatically removed from office this month, immediately upon his Ontario conviction for historical sex crimes against young boys.

BC changed laws governing local politicians shortly before he was elected in 2022 after pressure from municipalities. It enshrined policies that would have local officials suspended upon being criminally charged, then removed from office if they are convicted.

Miller was charged in August 2024 and local taxpayers paid him more than $60,000 while he was suspended. A month before the upcoming municipal election, he was stripped of his title as city councillor. Before the new law, some politicians resigned, like a Maple Ridge city councillor did in 2017, but local politicians were not automatically removed.

Miller isn’t the only local politician to be charged since the law came into effect, but he is the first to be convicted, iNFOnews.ca has learned.

A Maple Ridge city councillor was charged with sexual assault and firearms offences earlier this year, but the case is outstanding.

An Elections BC spokesperson told iNFOnews.ca it can disqualify local officials and oversees the candidate campaign financing laws, but cases like Miller’s are handled by the provincial government.

However, municipal affairs ministry spokesperson could not comment due to the current provincial election.

An Ontario judge found Miller guilty on five of seven criminal charges on Sept. 18. A sentencing hearing is set for November, but another judge will first deliver his verdict on a concurrent trial next week.

Miller remains on bail.