Opposition leader Rich Coleman today released critic roles for the BC Liberal caucus.
“We have an incredibly strong and experienced team in place to hold the NDP to account,” said Coleman, in a press release. “We will take every measure available to ensure that the NDP-Green alliance does not recklessly spend away our future and write cheques that British Columbians will have to pay with increased taxes.”
Both Prince George MLAs were named to the shadow cabinet with former jobs minister Shirley Bond now becoming the finance critic, along with Tracy Redies. Former Solicitor General and Public Safety Minister Mike Morris will now become critic for the portfolio. John Rustad, who was indigenous affairs and reconciliation minister and who had forestry added when Steve Thomson became speaker, is now the forestry critic.
Coleman also announced that Mike de Jong will continue as the BC Liberal House Leader. Jackie Tegart has been elected Caucus Chair and Eric Foster and Linda Larson will serve as Whip and Deputy Whip, respectively.
The BC Liberal critics are comprised of MLAs representing every corner of the province, ensuring that the voices of all British Columbians will be heard in the Legislature.
“Two glaring omissions from the NDP cabinet are small business and the rural economy. Both heavily contribute to the backbone of our province’s economy so our shadow cabinet features critics who will ensure these issues are front and centre,” said Coleman. “We will make the NDP remember the importance of small business and the economy to all British Columbians.”
Other critics:
Advanced Education – Stephanie Cadieux and Simon Gibson
Agriculture – Norm Letnick and Ian Paton
Attorney General – Andrew Wilkinson
Liquor, Gaming and ICBC – John Yap
Children and Family Development – Laurie Throness
Childcare – Linda Larson
Citizens’ Services – Steve Thomson
Education – Mary Polak and Dan Davies
Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
Energy and Mines – Tom Shypitka
BC Hydro – Darryl Plecas
Natural Gas and Petroleum Resources – Ellis Ross
Environment and Climate Change – Peter Milobar
Rural Development – Donna Barnett
Health – Mike Bernier and Joan Isaacs
Indigenous Relations – Dan Ashton
Jobs, Trade and Technology – Greg Kyllo and Jas Johal
Trade – Teresa Wat and Steve Thomson
Labour – John Martin
Mental Health and Addictions – Jane Thornthwaite
Municipal Affairs and Housing
Municipal Affairs – Todd Stone
Housing – Sam Sullivan
Social Development and Poverty Reduction – Marvin Hunt
Tourism, Arts and Culture – Michelle Stilwell and Doug Clovechok
Transportation and Infrastructure – Jordan Sturdy and Michael Lee
Small Business – Coralee Oakes
Caucus Chair – Jackie Tegart
House Leader – Mike de Jong
Whip – Eric Foster
Deputy Whip – Linda Larson