Clark unveiled a post-election cabinet Monday that is likely to be temporary, with a non-confidence vote by the NDP and Green Parties expected to defeat the B.C. Liberal government by the end of the month. She said the new priorities will be acted upon if and when the B.C. Liberals govern again.
Newcomers to the B.C. Liberal cabinet include Skeena MLA Ellis Ross, who takes over responsibility for natural gas development. A former chief of the Haisla Nation, Ross advocated liquefied natural gas export from his Kitimat-area community before running provincially.
Former TV reporter Jas Johal did a stint representing the B.C. LNG Alliance before winning the new seat of Richmond-Queensboro for the B.C. Liberals May 9. He takes over as minister of technology, innovation and citizens’ services, replacing Amrik Virk, another Metro Vancouver cabinet minister defeated by an NDP challenger May 9.
Second-term West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jordan Sturdy takes over as environment minister.
Cabinet veteran Rich Coleman moves from natural gas to energy and mines, replacing the retired Bill Bennett. Langley MLA Mary Polak moves from environment to health, replacing the retired Terry Lake, and former speaker Linda Reid goes back to cabinet in charge of advanced education.
Vancouver-Quilchena MLA Andrew Wilkinson is appointed justice minister, replacing Suzanne Anton, who was defeated by the NDP’s George Chow in Vancouver-Fraserview.
The ministers appointed today are:Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation: John Rustad, Nechako Lakes
Attorney General and Minister of Justice: Andrew Wilkinson, Vancouver-Quilchena
Minister of Agriculture: Norm Letnick, Kelowna Lake Country
Minister of Children and Family Development: Stephanie Cadieux, Surrey South
Minister of Education: Mike Bernier, Peace River South
Minister of Health: Mary Polak, Langley
Minister of Finance: Michael De Jong, Abbotsford West
Minister of Forests, Lands and National Resource Operations: Steve Thomson, Kelowna-Mission
Minister of State for Rural Economic Development: Donna Barnett, Cariboo-Chilcotin
Minister of International Trade and Minister responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism: Teresa Wat, Richmond North Centre
Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister responsible for Labour: Shirley Bond, Price George-Valemount
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General: Mike Morris, Prince-George Mackenzie
Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Minister responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch: Coralee Oakes, Cariboo North
Minister of Energy and Mines: Rich Coleman, Langley East
Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation: Michelle Stilwell, Parksville-Qualicum
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure: Todd Stone, Kamloops-South Thompson
Minister of Natural Gas Development and Minister responsible for Housing: Ellis Ross, Skeena
Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services: Jas Johal, Richmond-Queensborough
Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development: Sam Sullivan, Vancouver-False Creek
Minister of Environment: Jordan Sturdy, West Vancouver-Sea to Sky
Minister of Advanced Education: Linda Reid, Richmond South Centre.