B.C. Premier Christy Clark unveils new Liberal cabinet

Premier Christy Clark unveiled her new Liberal cabinet Friday afternoon, naming eight women, including herself, and 12 men to her executive.

Among the 19 ministers announced, Clark named two newly created positions, one who will oversee liquefied natural gas and another that will head up technology and innovation.

Clark announced Rich Coleman will fill the new position as the  minister responsible for natural gas development. He was also named as deputy premier and minister of housing.

Andrew Wilkinson will head up the newly formed ministry of technology and innovation.

“My new team has the experience and the fresh perspectives that government needs, representing all regions of the province and united by a common commitment to work on behalf of every British Columbian,” said Clark.

“Together, we have the opportunity and obligation to grow the economy, control spending, and put B.C. firmly on track to a debt-free future.”

Mike de Jong was named finance minister and Clark said he will oversee the provincial budget and the BC Liberals’ commitment to grow the economy.

“We cannot burden future generations with debt… and the best way to do that is to grow our economy,” Clark said, adding that exporting  liquefied natural gas to Asia and expanding the mining industry will be a priority.

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Clark said that while her new cabinet is smaller than past executives, the team will be responsible for the big job of growing the province’s economy.

“You didn’t choose easy,” she said. “You chose to take the path that leads to a brighter future.”

First Nations leaders, mayors, representatives from the federal government, the business community, labour organizations and non-profit associations attended Friday’s event.

Guests were welcomed by Elder Mary Charles of the Musqueam Nation, led in the singing of the national anthem by 11-year-old Lisalee Campbell of Clearwater, and entertained by the award-winning Moscrop Secondary school jazz band of Burnaby.

The new team will be officially sworn in on Monday afternoon.

Full List: B.C.’s new cabinet

Minster of Natural Gas Development, Deputy Premier and Minister of Housing: Rich Coleman

Minister of Finance: Mike de Jong

Minister of Health: Terry Lake

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure: Todd Stone

Minister of Education: Peter Fassbender

Minister of Advanced Education: Amrik Virk

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources: Steve Thomson

Minister of Social Development: Don McRae

Minister of Aboriginal restoration: John Rustad

Minister of Technology and Innovation: Andrew Wilkinson

Minister of Energy and Mines and Core Review: Bill Bennett 

Minister of Children and Family Development:  Stephanie Cadieux 

Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development:  Coralee Oakes

Minister of International Trade and multi-culturalism: Teresa Wat

Minister of Justice and Attorney General: Suzanne Anton 

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour: Shirley Bond

Minister of Environment: Mary Polak 

Minister of Agriculture: Pat Pimm

Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism: Naomi Yamamoto