The BC Liberals have unveiled their latest Shadow Cabinet with new roles for MLAs in the Kamloops area.
Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Peter Milobar will serve as the Liberals House Leader in addition to the critic for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. Todd Stone, the MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson will serve as the critic for Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.
“I want to thank the people of Kamloops-North Thompson for once again giving me the responsibility to represent them in Victoria and providing me with the opportunity to take on these important new roles,” said Milobar.
“It’s vital that we ensure the government takes seriously the physical and economic health of everyone who calls this land home, especially our First Nations communities who are at significant risk from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Added Stone, “I will push John Horgan and the NDP for action to create jobs and leverage innovation to rebuild the economy, to help British Columbia emerge stronger than before. We need this government to keep our province competitive on the global stage at this critical time.”
The NDP unveiled its latest cabinet last Thursday with Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA Murray Rankin the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation while Delta-North MLA Ravi Kahlon will serve as the Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.
Prior to the October election, Milobar was the Labour critic while Stone was the Municipal Affairs and Housing critic.
“I’m confident that Peter and Todd will ask tough questions and bring bold ideas forward to reinvigorate the economy, as far too many families and businesses are still struggling from the impact of this pandemic,” added Interim Leader Shirley Bond.
“Our BC Liberal caucus is ready to get to work as we hold John Horgan and the NDP accountable for the promises they made to the people of Kamloops, and all British Columbians, and push for the important actions needed during these unprecedented times.”
Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart will be the Education critic after having previously served as the critic for Economic Development and Small Business as well as the Caucus Chair.
Bond put herself in a critic role – as she will speak for Seniors Services and Long-Term Care.
“We have a smaller number in our caucus, and I think it’s important to reflect that all of us are going to have to work hard to do our jobs effectively and well,” she added.
“I have a great deal of passion for working on seniors issues in the province. And long-term care is one of the critical files that we will need to make sure the government is taking bold action on.”
Of note, in the smaller BC Liberal Shadow Cabinet, only former leader Andrew Wilkinson was not given a critic or Caucus Officer role.
Full BC Liberals Shadow Cabinet is below:
Advanced Education, Skills Training & Sport – Coralee Oakes
Agriculture & Food – Ian Paton
Attorney General – Mike de Jong
Citizens’ Services – Bruce Banman
Children, Family Development & Childcare – Karin Kirkpatrick
Columbia Basin Initiatives – Doug Clovechok
Energy, Mines & Low Carbon Innovation – Tom Shypitka
Education – Jackie Tegart
Environment & Climate Change Strategy – Ellis Ross
Finance – Mike Bernier
Fisheries, Aquaculture & BC Ferries – Jordan Sturdy
Forests, Lands, & Natural Resources – John Rustad
Gender Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion – Stephanie Cadieux
Health – Renee Merrifield
Housing – Ben Stewart
Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation – Peter Milobar
Jobs, Economic Recovery & Innovation – Todd Stone
Labour – Greg Kyllo
Mental Health & Addictions – Trevor Halford
Municipal Affairs – Dan Ashton
Public Safety & Solicitor General – Mike Morris
Rural Development – Lorne Doerksen
Seniors Services & Long Term Care – Shirley Bond
Social Development & Poverty Reduction – Dan Davies
Tourism, Arts & Culture, & Anti-Racism Initiatives – Teresa Wat
Transportation, Infrastructure & TransLink – Michael Lee
Caucus Officers:
Interim Leader – Shirley Bond
House Leader – Peter Milobar
Caucus Chair – Stephanie Cadieux
Caucus Whip – Doug Clovechok
Deputy Caucus Whip – Greg Kyllo
Assistant Deputy Speaker – Norm Letnick