British Columbia Premier David Eby has upended his cabinet, bringing in new faces from the backbench and replacing senior cabinet ministers, including finance minister Selina Robinson.
Katrine Conroy, the former forests minister, will take over the finance portfolio, while Robinson moves to post-secondary education and future skills.
Robinson announced just last month that the government had a surplus windfall of $5.7 billion dollars, allowing Eby to spend on his priorities of housing, health care and public safety.
With tears in her eyes, Niki Sharma stepped up to sign on as the new attorney general, taking over Eby’s job.
Eby says he couldn’t be more excited about getting down to work.
He says the new cabinet represents the diversity of the province, with people who bring incredible experience to the table.
Eby says it’s a strong team that will take on big challenges.
“They’re accepting this responsibility at a time when we’re facing significant head winds. Global inflation is driving up costs of essentials for families, like groceries. Global economic uncertainty is raising anxiety, health care systems across Canada are under strain, and B.C. is no exception.”
Ravi Kahlon, who was co-chair of Eby’s leadership campaign, will take on the new Housing Ministry.
Rachna Singh, a former Parliamentary secretary, is the education minister, while Bowinn Ma has been elevated to emergency management and climate readiness.
Those keeping their jobs include Adrian Dix in health, George Heyman with environment, Mitzi Dean as the minister of children and family development, Rob Fleming in transport and Harry Bains in Labour.
