Premier Christy Clark has shuffled what is left of her cabinet, following the announcement that some key players in her government will not seek re-election.
In recent days, key cabinet ministers like Kevin Falcon, minister and deputy premier, George Abbott (education), Mary McNeil (ministry of children) and Blair Lekstrom (transportation) have announced they will not seek re-election in May.
Clark named Rich Coleman deputy premier and he keeps a bulging portfolio that includes energy, mines, natural gas, liquor and housing.
Mike de Jong was named Minister of Finance and House Leader. Other cabinet appointments include:
- Mike de Jong, Minister of Finance and House Leader:
- Ida Chong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation;
- John Yap, Minister of Advanced Education, Innovation and Technology and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism;
- Norm Letnick, Minister of Agriculture;
- Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development;
- Ben Stewart, Minister of Citizens' Services and Open Government;
- Bill Bennett, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development;
- Don McRae, Minister of Education;
- Terry Lake, Minister of Environment;
- Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations;
- Margaret MacDiarmid, Minister of Health;
- Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour;
- Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Attorney General;
- Moira Stilwell, Minister of Social Development;
- Mary Polak, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure;
- Ralph Sultan, Minister of State for Seniors; and
- Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Small Business.
"This new cabinet brings a renewed commitment to our priorities," Clark said. "That means staying focused on jobs and fiscal discipline and continuing our efforts to make life more affordable for B.C. families. I have directed each minister to stay focused on these priorities."
There are 16 ministers and two ministers of state in Clark's new cabinet.
Clark has made some minor changed to the some portfolios, including Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, which now includes Labour and Skills Training.
"This reorganization is in recognition of the dynamic labour needs that vary across our
province, because ensuring British Columbians have the right skills for the right job is integral to maintaining a strong economy," Clark said.
The Ministry for Advanced Education is now also responsible for Innovation and Technology.
