On behalf of CUPE BC:
Legislative Update – November 27, 2020
Final Results: Following a judicial recount, the West Vancouver-Sea to Sky riding was determined to have been won by incumbent BC Liberal Jordan Sturdy by 60 votes. This reduces the BC Green seat count to two, but following changes in a previous legislative session, they will retain official party status.
New Provincial Orders: Effective November 19, 2020, all indoor or outdoor events are prohibited, with limited exceptions. Social gatherings at residences are limited to only those who reside there. All businesses and worksites must conduct active daily screening of all on-site workers. Workers and customers must wear masks in common indoor spaces. Employers should support work from home options wherever possible. More information can be found here.
NDP Caucus Sworn In: The 57 BC NDP Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), including Premier Horgan, were sworn in as members of the NDP caucus. With 29 women, this is the first governing caucus in Canadian history to have a majority of women and is also the most diverse caucus.
New Interim Liberal Party Leader: Following the resignation of Andrew Wilkinson, Prince George – Valemount MLA Shirley Bond has been elected interim party leader for the BC Liberals. First elected in 2001 she has previously served in a number of ministerial roles including Deputy Premier.
New Cabinet: Premier John Horgan announced the new cabinet which includes 20 ministers and four ministers of state. Gender representation remains balanced. The cabinet is supported in its work by 13 parliamentary secretaries, with portfolios including Rural Development, Anti-Racism, and Technology and Innovation. You can find their bios and mandate letters here 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
Legislative Session: The next legislative session will begin with a Throne Speech on December 7.