Langley is punching well above its weight provincially, as the naming of four ministers with a strong connection to this community proves.
All four have a great deal of skill and experience, and they will be put to the test almost immediately as the provincial government gets down to business. A legislative session is expected this summer.
As predicted here last week, Rich Coleman will remain deputy premier and will be in charge of securing deals for LNG plants. The government is placing a great deal of stock in these plants, hoping that they will bring in enough revenue to pay down its debt. While that is a lofty goal, there is no doubt there is serious interest in at least some of these plants going ahead, and Coleman has already done a great deal of work on this front.
Mary Polak moves from transportation to environment. This will be a critical ministry in the next few years, given the emphasis on LNG plants, the Site C dam and two oil pipeline projects that have caused a great deal of opposition. Polak takes over from Terry Lake, who has been a strong minister and has quite successfully straddled the gap between the need for economic development and the strong environmental concerns.
Peter Fassbender becomes minister of education. He is the new MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood.
Fassbender is being named to cabinet because he took a big gamble, running in a strong NDP seat, and has been one of the most vocal supporters of the premier. He is also well-known for getting things done.
Long, long ago he was a school trustee, but his interests have been in other areas as a politician. He likely was given this job because he is a strong leader, and the premier is trying hard to usher in a period of labour peace in B.C. schools. It’s a tough assignment.
Amrik Virk, who was an inspector with Langley RCMP, is another Surrey MLA with a Langley connection. He has been named minister of advanced education. He has served on the Kwantlen Polytechnic University board, so has experience in this area.
During his campaign, he worked very closely with a large group of young people. He understands the importance of getting a good post-secondary education.
The four cabinet ministers will be playing key roles in shaping B.C. for the next four years.
