Both of Chilliwack’s BC Liberal MLAs have new roles in the latest Official Opposition shadow cabinet.
Chilliwack MLA John Martin takes on the portfolio for Advanced Education, Skills and Training, while Chilliwack-Kent MLA Laurie Throness will share the Transportation and Infrastructure critic role with MLA Mike Bernier.
BC Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson made the changes to Opposition critic roles on Thursday, citing the need to focus on “holding John Horgan and his government to account” as the NDP government struggles to respond to the challenges of COVID-19.
“Our province has been facing the realities and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic for six months now, and the NDP has yet to put forward any sort of plan to restart our struggling economy or help British Columbians who are suffering right now,” said Wilkinson.
“Our team will continue to keep pressure on the government to act on the best ideas and solutions to help make an immediate difference in people’s lives as they continue to deal with the pandemic.”
The leader says the party will undertake “a renewed focus on jobs, the economy, child care, housing, education, and mental health and addictions,” as BC Liberals concentrate on the issues “that matter most to British Columbians right now.”
“Our renewed direction has been shaped by conversations with thousands of British Columbians in every corner of the province as we developed ideas and solutions to help people, non-profits, and small businesses that are all struggling right now,” added Wilkinson.
Here is the list of Official Opposition Critics:
Leader of the Official Opposition – Andrew Wilkinson
Advanced Education, Skills, & Training – John Martin*
Agriculture & Food Security – Ian Paton
Agri-Tourism – Dan Ashton*
Arts & Culture – John Yap*
Attorney General – Mike de Jong*
BC Hydro – Jordan Sturdy*
Children & Family Development – Joan Isaacs*
Citizens’ Services – Marvin Hunt*
Education – Dan Davies
Economic Development, Competitiveness, Trade, & Technology – Jas Johal*
Economic Development, Competitiveness, Trade, & Technology: Trade Ben Stewart
Economic Development, Competitiveness, Trade, & Technology: Regional Economic Development & Small Business – Jackie Tegart*
Emergency Preparedness – Coralee Oakes*
Energy, Mines, & Petroleum Resources – Tom Shypitka
Environment & Parks – Greg Kyllo*
Finance – Shirley Bond
Forests, Lands, & Natural Resource Operations – John Rustad
Health, Long-Term Care, & Seniors – Norm Letnick
ICBC – Stephanie Cadieux*
Indigenous Relations – Michael Lee & Doug Clovechok*
Labour – Peter Milobar*
LNG, Resource Opportunities, & Responsible Development – Ellis Ross
Mental Health, Addictions, & Community Wellness – Jane Thornthwaite
Multiculturalism – Teresa Wat
Municipal Affairs & Housing – Todd Stone
Public Safety & Solicitor General – Mike Morris
Social Development & Poverty Reduction – Sam Sullivan*
Tourism, Hospitality, & Sport – Michelle Stilwell
Transportation & Infrastructure Mike Bernier & Laurie Throness*
House Roles:
House Leader – Mary Polak
Whip – Eric Foster
Deputy Whip – Greg Kyllo
Caucus Chair – Jackie Tegart
Assistant Deputy Speaker – Simon Gibson
Not Seeking Re-election: Donna Barnett; Rich Coleman; Linda Larson; Linda Reid; Ralph Sultan and Steve Thomson
* Indicates new critic role
READ MORE: MLA asked for Throness to be removed from critic role
READ MORE: Jobs could be at risk with wage hike: Martin
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: jfeinberg@theprogress.com
@CHWKjournoLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Want to support local journalism during the pandemic? Make a donation here.
