Horgan makes minor tweaks to cabinet
Premier John Horgan has made a few changes to his cabinet that he says reflect his government’s commitment to a strong, sustainable, and innovative economy.
“These ministers will work hard every day to deliver sustainable economic growth that provides good jobs, a better quality of life and a stronger province for people in every region. I am confident they will put their knowledge and energy to work for people, as we focus on building an economy that works for everyone,” Horgan said.
Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake, was appointed Minister of Citizens’ Services. Kang will connect more rural, remote and Indigenous communities with high-speed internet, creating jobs and opportunities for people and businesses. Kang will continue the work to modernize government procurement, so that more local, small and medium-sized companies can do business with government more efficiently.
Former Minister of Citizens’ Services MLA Jinny Sims resigned from cabinet in October following the appointment of a special prosecutor for an RCMP investigation related to her. Housing Minister Selina Robinson assumed responsibility for Sims last year and is now replaced by MLA Kang.
Michelle Mungall has been appointed as Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness, formerly the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology. Mungall will continue to promote B.C.’s tech sector, economic growth in communities around the province and support business competitiveness. Mungall will be responsible for trade, and engage with industry associations and major sectors on government’s approach to quality economic growth.
Bruce Ralston, who formerly was Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, is the new Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Mungall’s former role. Key priorities include implementation of ministry initiatives supporting CleanBC – the government’s plan for climate action – and in so doing, support innovation and development in the clean technology sector, including renewable energy and carbon capture and storage. Ralston will also oversee BC Hydro and will continue to serve as lead minister for consular affairs.
Horgan says with the appointments, B.C.’s cabinet remains gender balanced.
B.C. Green Party interim leader Adam Olsen said they welcome Ralston, Mungall and Kang to their new cabinet portfolios, and looks forward to working with them to advance British Columbia into the 2020s.
“B.C.’s economy is primed to capitalize on the opportunities that arise from the emerging economy. I hope that the removal of ‘technology’ from the name of the ministry does not reveal a lack of support for critical role innovation plays in our economy. We have a unique opportunity in this province to harness innovation to build a resilient and sustainable economy – we cannot let this pass us by,” Olsen said.
Executive Council of the B.C. government
John Horgan, Premier
Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training
Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture
David Eby, Attorney General
Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development
Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care
Anne Kang, Minister of Citizens’ Services
Rob Fleming, Minister of Education
Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Carole James, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier
Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development
Adrian Dix, Minister of Health
Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Michelle Mungall, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness
George Chow, Minister of State for Trade Harry Bains, Minister of Labour Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture
Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure