B.C. premier names new 24-member cabinet
Last Updated: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 | 4:26 PM PT
CBC News
B.C. Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point swears in Premier Gordon Campbell on Wednesday at Government House in Victoria. (Jonathan Hayward/Canadian Press) There are nine new faces among the 24 members of the B.C. cabinet named Wednesday afternoon by Premier Gordon Campbell, after his Liberal Party won a third majority in May.
Mike de Jong is the new attorney general, as well as government house leader, filling the position vacated by Wally Oppal, who lost to Independent candidate Vicki Huntington in the Delta-South riding after two recounts.
Newcomer Kash Heed takes on the role of solicitor general and public safety minister. John van Dongen resigned from the position in April following revelations that his driver's licence had been suspended for speeding. Van Dongen was re-relected on election night.
'We will focus on B.C.'s priorities of building the economy, creating jobs and continuing to enhance critical services like health and education.'— B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell
Colin Hansen remains as finance minister but adds deputy premier to his titles.
Kevin Falcon is the new health services minister, and his previous portfolio of transportation and infrastructure goes to Shirley Bond, who used to lead the education ministry.
George Abbott, who was responsible for the health ministry, is now the minister of aboriginal relations and reconciliation.
Barry Penner remains as environment minister, while Rich Coleman continues to head the ministry of housing and social development.
The eight new ministers, besides Heed, are Margaret MacDiarmid, Ben Stewart, Moira Stilwell, Steve Thomson, Naomi Yamamoto, Mary McNeill, John Yap and Randy Hawes.
Their new roles in the new cabinet are:
- Margaret MacDiarmid, minister of education and minister responsible for early learning and literacy.
- Ben Stewart, minister of citizens' services and minister responsible for multiculturalism and the public affairs bureau.
- Moira Stilwell, minister of advanced education and labour market development.
- Steve Thomson, minister of agriculture and lands.
- Naomi Yamamoto, minister of state for intergovernmental relations.
- Mary McNeil, minister of state for the Olympics and ActNow BC.
- John Yap, minister of state for climate action.
- Randy Hawes, minister of state for mining.
Linda Reid, Gordon Hogg, Ron Cantelon and Joan McIntyre, who previously served as ministers, are not part of the new cabinet.
The legislature is scheduled to be recalled in August.
Campbell described his new executive council members as "proven leaders."
"Together, we will focus on B.C.'s priorities of building the economy, creating jobs and continuing to enhance critical services like health and education," he said.
"In just 247 days, B.C. and Canada will welcome the world for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games … Our cabinet will work to take advantage of this opportunity and to continue building our province as Canada's gateway to the Asia Pacific."
