BC cabinet shuffle moves ICBC to new ministry
British Columbia Premier Christy Clark unveiled a new cabinet at a swearing in ceremony on September 5.
The new cabinet includes 13 existing cabinet members, three MLAs with previous cabinet experience and two cabinet newcomers.
Among the changes to the ministries, the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation has been realigned as the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, with the same minister also responsible for Labour. The Ministry for Advanced Education is now also responsible for Innovation and Technology. The Ministry of Energy and Mines is now the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas.
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), the province’s public auto insurer, now falls under the Ministry of Transportation, headed by Mary Polak.
The new cabinet in full:
- Premier – Hon. Christy Clark
- Minister of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas and Minister Responsible for Housing and Deputy Premier- Hon. Rich Coleman
- Minister of Finance and House Leader – Hon. Mike de Jong
- Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation – Hon. Ida Chong
- Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism – Hon. John Yap
- Minister of Agriculture – Hon. Norm Letnick
- Minister of Children and Family Development – Hon. Stephanie Cadieux
- Minister of Citizens’ Services and Open Government – Hon. Ben Stewart
- Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development – Hon. Bill Bennett
- Minister of Education – Hon. Don McRae
- Minister of Environment – Hon. Terry Lake
- Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations – Hon. Steve Thomson
- Minister of Health – Hon. Margaret MacDiarmid
- Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour – Hon. Pat Bell
- Minister of Justice and Attorney General – Hon. Shirley Bond
- Minister of Social Development – Hon. Moira Stilwell
- Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure – Hon. Mary Polak
- Minister of State for Seniors – Hon. Ralph Sultan
- Minister of State for Small Business – Hon. Naomi Yamamoto
Additionally, nine MLAs have been named as parliamentary secretaries, and will work with ministers to focus on key initiatives of government, such as independent schools, student support and engagement, Asia-Pacific, and forestry. Doug Horne will serve as the parliamentary secretary to the Premier.
Mike de Jong will serve as the Government House Leader and Terry Lake will be the Deputy Government House Leader. Eric Foster will be the Government Whip and Pat Pimm will be Deputy Whip.
