Horgan appoints new cabinet in pandemic fight

Premier John Horgan has announced a new cabinet that will focus on keeping people healthy and safe through the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic has turned the lives of British Columbians upside down,” Premier Horgan said. “We have come a long way together, but we have much further to go. This skilled, diverse team is ready to continue our fight against COVID-19 and build an economic recovery that includes everyone.”

The new cabinet members are tasked with continuing government’s cross-ministry response to the pandemic, providing better health care for people and families, delivering affordability and security in B.C.’s communities, and investing in good jobs and livelihoods in a clean-energy future.

Watch live as we announce our new cabinet focused on keeping people safe, healthy and secure through the pandemic and beyond.https://t.co/wkwzZwJz1t

— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) November 26, 2020

“I know this is a hard time for British Columbians. COVID-19 has brought challenges unlike any we’ve faced before,” Premier Horgan said. “By putting people first, investing in hospitals and diagnostics, supporting front-line workers and by everyone doing their part to fight this virus, we will make it through, together.”

The new cabinet includes 20 ministers and four ministers of state. Gender representation remains balanced. The cabinet will be supported in its work by 13 parliamentary secretaries, with portfolios including Rural Development, Anti-Racism, and Technology and Innovation.

Join Premier John Horgan, who will be available to media following the cabinet swearing-in ceremony. https://t.co/RT1ihm6nKp

— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) November 26, 2020

The cabinet and parliamentary secretaries are as follows: Premier: John Horgan

Attorney General (and Minister Responsible For Housing): David Eby

Parliamentary Secretary, Anti-Racism Initiatives: Rachna Singh

Advanced Education and Skills Training: Anne Kang

Parliamentary Secretary - Skills Training: Andrew Mercier

Agriculture, Food and Fisheries: Lana Popham

Parliamentary Secretary - Fisheries and Aquaculture: Fin Donnelly

Citizens’ Services: Lisa Beare

Children and Family Development: Mitzi Dean

Minister of State for Child Care: Katrina Chen

Education: Jennifer Whiteside

Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation (and Minister Responsible for the Consular Corps of British Columbia): Bruce Ralston

Environment and Climate Change Strategy (and Minister Responsible for Translink): George Heyman

Parliamentary Secretary - Environment: Kelly Greene

Finance: Selina Robinson

Parliamentary Secretary - Gender Equity: Grace Lore

Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development: Katrine Conroy

Minister of State for Lands, Natural Resource Operations: Nathan Cullen

Parliamentary Secretary - Rural Development: Roly Russell

Health (and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs): Adrian Dix

Parliamentary Secretary - Seniors Services and Long Term Care: Mable Elmore

Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation: Murray Rankin

Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation: Ravi Kahlon

Minister of State for Trade: George Chow

Parliamentary Secretary - Technology and Innovation: Brenda Bailey

Labour: Harry Bains

Parliamentary Secretary - New Economy: Adam Walker

Mental Health and Addictions: Sheila Malcolmson

Municipal Affairs: Josie Osborne

Public Safety and Solicitor General: Mike Farnworth

Parliamentary Secretary - Emergency Preparedness: Jennifer Rice

Social Development and Poverty Reduction: Nicholas Simons

Parliamentary Secretary - Community Development and Non-Profits: Niki Sharma

Parliamentary Secretary - Accessibility: Dan Coulter

Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport: Melanie Mark

Parliamentary Secretary - Arts and Film: Bob D'Eith

Transportation and Infrastructure: Rob Fleming

Minister of State for Infrastructure: Bowinn Ma

Horgan was with Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin at the University of Victoria for the swearing-in ceremony, while all ministers, except Eby, were sworn in virtually.

Horgan's cabinet unveiling comes after the NDP won a majority government in last month's election, capturing 57 of the 87 seats in B.C.'s legislature.

Horgan has recalled the legislature for a brief session with a throne speech Dec. 7.