BC First Nations Issue Questions to BC Leadership Candidates

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First Nations Leaders Ask Leadership Candidates "What Will You Do?"

VANCOUVER, BC, NEWS RELEASE

Feb. 8, 2011

The BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs is publicly releasing a joint letter to the leadership candidates of the BC Liberal Party and the BC New Democratic Party.

A copy of the letter is attached and it is anticipated that the candidates will formally reply with their written response.

February 8, 2011

[Leadership Candidate]

Dear [Leadership Candidate]

In 2005, the Government of British Columbia and the First Nations of British Columbia as represented by the First Nations Summit, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and the BC Assembly of First Nations working together as the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), achieved significant and historic milestones in First Nations-Crown relations in British Columbia in agreeing to the New Relationship vision and action items, and to bringing about the tripartite Transformative Change Accord with Prime Minister Martin. In these political accords we committed to close the socio-economic gap between First Nations and other British Columbians, reconcile Aboriginal Title and Rights and establish a new relationship based on mutual respect and recognition.

Negotiating the New Relationship and Transformative Change Accord was the easy part of our joint work. The hard part is fulfilling the mutual commitments we made and truly changing the course of First Nation-Crown relations in BC in a way that empowers our Nations and results in real, concrete change to our children, families and communities.

We acknowledge that the Province has completed several agreements with First Nations on the basis of the New Relationship and the Transformative Change Accord however significant progress with all First Nations has not been achieved. Direct negotiation with First Nations is necessary and consistent with the commitment to "recognition of the need to preserve each First Nations' decision-making authority." The FNLC supports First Nations in their negotiation of agreements with the Province as autonomous Nations and this work needs to be accelerated.

In this regard, we ask you as a leadership candidate for your party, what will you do to revitalize the government's work to implement the commitments made in the New Relationship document?

Specifically, we ask you the following:

* Please provide your perspective on how First Nations can meaningfully provide input into provincial legislative initiatives and provincial program and policy development that begins to reconcile their respective Aboriginal Title and Rights?

* What will you do to maximize First Nations involvement in the economy and building governance capacity?

* What is your view on how the provincial government can better assist First Nations in engaging industry, investors and other third parties to support the New Relationship vision to close the socio-economic gap based on mutual respect and recognition?

* What will you do as Premier to strengthen BC Consultation Policies in a manner that fully respects our Aboriginal Title & Rights in order to prevent resource development conflicts such as the Prosperity Mine issue?

We look forward to your written response via fax (604) 684-5726.

Sincerely,

On behalf of the BC ASSEMBLY OF FIRST NATIONS:

[Original Signed]

Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould

On behalf of the FIRST NATIONS SUMMIT:

[Original Signed]

Grand Chief Edward John
Chief Douglas White III Kwulasultun
Dan Smith

On behalf of the UNION OF BC INDIAN CHIEFS

[Original Signed]

Grand Chief Stewart Phillip
Chief Robert Chamberlin
Chief Marilyn Baptiste
/For further information: Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould, BC Assembly of First Nations (778) 772-8681; Grand Chief Ed John, First Nations Summit (778) 772-8218 or (604) 926-9903; Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs (250) 490-5314/

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PRESS RELEASE

Christy Clark’s blinkered pro-Taseko pledge is divisive and disastrous

Williams Lake BC. February 11, 2011: Liberal Leadership candidate Christy Clark’s pledge to
give priority to reviving Taseko Mines Ltd’s dead and discredited Prosperity project would
plunge BC into a costly, wasteful, divisive and destructive battle, the Tsilhqot’in National
Government said today.

In statements made in Burnaby this week, Ms. Clark said that if she becomes premier, she would
use her first meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper to demand that his government reverse
its decision last Nov. 2 to reject the mine.

“This pledge might have the backing of those in the well-financed mining industry in BC who
believe they have the right to treat the province as their own personal staking grounds, but it
demonstrates that Ms. Clark is living in the past and favours conflict over co-operation in BC,”
said TNG Tribal Chair Joe Alphonse.

“Ms Clark’s comments also demonstrate that she is prepared to steamroll over First Nations
rights and environmental protection to help Taseko Mines Ltd get its way. If this is her idea of
leadership, we believe it places her completely out of step with most British Columbians,” Chief
Alphonse said.

Xeni Gwet’in Chief Marilyn Baptiste, whose First Nation would be most directly impacted by
the destruction of Teztan Biny (Fish Lake) and the ecosystems and lands that this dead project
would have caused, said: “Ms. Clark has clearly not bothered to pay any attention to the facts –
as evidenced by her statement that she will persuade Mr. Harper to reverse the decision by
arguing it would mean votes in BC.

“I am sure Mr. Harper is fully aware that support for his party in BC was not harmed by rejecting
this mine proposal, and has indeed risen since. It was the Provincial Liberals who suffered by so
blatantly trying the help Taseko Mines Ltd. get its devastating project approved at any cost.”

Ms. Clark demonstrates further lack of knowledge by repeating the myth that the federal decision
was based on misinformation and false allegations.

The 60 days of public hearings by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Review
Panel heard overwhelming community opposition to the mine and legal and environmentally
scientific evidence as to why it should not proceed.

“The panel’s report was the most damning the CEAA has ever released against a proposal. It
highlighted in detail the extensive violation of First Nations rights that would occur and the
devastating impact that this lake- and ecosystem-killing open-pit mine would cause with its
massive 35 sq. km, footprint on a pristine wilderness area,” Chief Alphonse said.
In rejecting the mine, then Environment Minister Jim Prentice, speaking on behalf of his
government, called the report “scathing” and the “most condemning” he had ever read.

This ruling should have come as no surprise to Taseko and the province as they had been told for
17 years by federal officials that it was unacceptable and a waste of their time and money.
Indeed, the fact that the province and Taseko chose to not proceed with a joint review with the
federal government indicates that that they knew full well that the project was a bad one.

As many commentators have since noted, the fact that Mr. Harper’s Conservative and pro
industry government was compelled to reject this mine demonstrates how weak and industry
biased the provincial review process really is.

“If, like our Tsilhqot’in and other First Nations in BC, Ms. Clark wants responsible mining that
respects the land, water and rights, then she should show leadership and focus on ways to reform
the mining process in BC to ensure that we can all focus on projects that can actually pass this
test,” said Chief Baptiste.

“If Ms. Clark really wants jobs and quality of life for all, then the reality that she should be
embracing is that it is mining reform, not bullying, that will create jobs.”
Chief Alphonse added: “Unfortunately, her comments this week suggest one of Ms. Clark’s main
reasons for wanting to become premier is to help the mining industry treat BC as its own domain
and exploit our resources as and where it sees fit. This is a vision that British Columbians
simply cannot afford.”

Media contacts:
Chief Joe Alphonse, Tribal Chair, TNG: 250.305.8282 or 250.394.4212
Chief Marilyn Baptiste, Xeni Gwet’in: 250.394.7023 x. 202 or 250.267.1401

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Responses From Liberal and NDP Leadership Candidates "What will you do?"

(Coast Salish Territory / Vancouver – February 25, 2011)

The BC Assembly of First Nations, First Nations Summit and Union of BC Indian Chiefs is publicly releasing a joint letter to the leadership candidates of the BC Liberal Party and the BC New Democratic Party.

It is with much disappointment to report that only two leadership candidates of the BC Liberal Party and one leadership candidate of the BC New Democratic Party have responded.
---

Christy Clark, Candidate for the BC Liberal Party Leadership Response
February 22, 2011
First Nations Leadership Council
Dear Chiefs:
Thank you for your letter and the opportunity to respond to your questions.

A primary focus of my government will be to create lasting relationships with Aboriginal people in the
province. Enhancing these relationships means building on the key initiatives and successes of the past
few years – successes such as the New Relationship and the Transformative Change Accord. My
government is committed to building relationships and partnerships that reduce the socio-economic gap
that still exists so that real concrete change can happen for our children, families and communities.

I will be focused on ensuring that Aboriginal people become meaningful partners in BC’s economy in a
way that will support and create opportunities to benefit Aboriginal people, their communities as well as
industry and investors, and will build on the learnings of the past decade. To achieve this, it is my plan to
want to support and create an Aboriginal advantage to investors by working with Aboriginal communities
to identify and expand opportunities across the province in every sector.

Specific to your questions, I offer you the following:
• My government will establish a Premier’s Aboriginal Business/Investment Council whose focus
will be to set objectives, identify business opportunities, identify barriers, and provide
recommendations to myself and government on potential solutions for attracting investment. This
will provide direct access to the Premier’s office and government for Aboriginal people, charged
with ensuring that we are taking advantage of every opportunity and keeping Aboriginal issues at
the forefront
• I will establish a Council that brings together both Federal and Provincial governments to work
with Aboriginal Leaders to streamline initiatives, leverage resources and opportunities, and create
a climate of cooperation. Making the systems we have work more effectively will immediately
provide direct benefits to the people each of us represents at the community level.
• I will have regular meetings with the First Nations Leadership of BC so that they will have direct
access to the Premier’s Office and that I hear first-hand their issues and concerns.
• Further, I will make it a priority to develop initiatives that run parallel to the Treaty process, and
provide better short term results as a way to incrementally support First Nation’s community
involvement in economic activities in their traditional territories.
• Finally, as part of supporting Aboriginal participation in the mainstream economy, I will be
exploring public and private financial alternatives to assist Aboriginal groups to capitalize on their
business and investment opportunities.

I have made it very clear that my first priority is putting families at the centre of all Government decision
making. I am firmly convinced that the success of the Province of British Columbia and Aboriginal
people is firmly inter-connected. We are in an interesting time - never in the history of the province have
we had the range and scope of economic opportunities in front of us that we do today.

Collectively we have an opportunity that all of us must seize, that will result in real, concrete change for
all of our children, families and communities across the Province.

Thank you again for the opportunity to respond and I look forward to meeting with each of you again to
continue this conversation as Premier.
Yours truly,
Christy Clark, Candidate for the BC Liberal Party leadership

- - -

Kevin Falcon, Candidate for the BC Liberal Party Leadership Response
Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, leadership campaigns are substantially different than full
elections, and we do not have the resources to respond to questionnaires. However, we are looking at all
correspondence submitted to us and will endeavour to answer as many as time permits during the
campaign.
Best regards,
Team Kevin Falcon for Leadership
Listening-Learning-Leading
kevinfalcon.com
twitter.com/kevinfalcon

- - -

Mike Farnworth, Candidate for the BC New Democratic Party Leadership
Response
Dear Chiefs of the First Nation Leadership Council:

Thank you for the opportunity to respond as a leadership candidate for the BC NDP to the questions and
concerns outlined in your Feb. 8 letter.

Key components of your questions deal with meaningful input into legislation and policy initiatives,
maximizing economic involvement and governance capacity, assistance to engage industry, investors
and 3rd party interests to help close the socioeconomic gap, and strengthening consultation policies to
help resolve natural resource development disagreements. These are extremely important topics and
progress must be made on all of them if First Nations, and non-First Nations alike, are to not only fully
benefit from the rich resources we have in BC, but are also able to contribute in creating a better place
for all to live.

I will address the key components you have outlined in a holistic approach. If you have additional
questions or want to discuss aspects in further detail, please do not hesitate to contact me.

There are a number of existing avenues in government structures that can provide opportunities for
meaningful First Nations input that begins to reconcile their respective aboriginal title and rights with
government legislation and policy development. But these avenues need to be reinvigorated, and we
need to build trust in government, which is one of the focal points of my campaign. Specifically in
connection to meaningful First Nations input, we need to reestablish the Select Standing Committee on
Aboriginal Affairs which has not met under the BC Liberals for eight years. This is a bipartisan legislative
committee which is ideally suited for the type of meaningful input you describe if the right terms of
reference are implemented. I also believe integrity needs to be restored in the process of passing Bills
into law. This legislative process is set up to provide checks and balances so that a thorough discussion
of the planned legislation can occur through first and second readings, the committee stage and the third
reading. Unfortunately, the practice of the BC Liberals includes sometimes allotting only two days for this
entire process or jamming 10 or more Bills into the last two weeks of a legislative sitting and then using
their majority to vote in favour of all them on the last day, no matter how little debate has occurred. This
is not a productive, sound or honorable way to make the law of the province.

My plan is to restore the
integrity of this process and provide meaningful input to legislation, especially during the committee stage
where MLAs could take the contents of a Bill to First Nations in their constituencies to improve the final
outcome in the legislation. I also want to ensure each MLA plays a more prominent role in the legislative
process which will entail productive dialogue with First Nations to receive meaningful input while a Bill is
still in the drafting stage. Of course in legislation and policies that involve an overall provincial approach
to all First Nations, organizations such as the First Nations Leadership Council will be critical to providing
input and analysis in the drafting and committee stages of legislative endeavors.

The socio-economic gap you describe that exists between First Nations and non-First Nation populations
in this province is a direct result of Crown policies since contact and is a disgrace for a country and
province that prides itself on the principles of justice and fairness. There are many initiatives on the
social and economic side that can make a difference in closing this gap.

My education platform calls for
a provincial commission on education to ensure BC has the best possible education system for the 21st
Century. That commission will address topics like how best to prepare students for the realities of
modern life and careers. It would be able to make recommendations, for instance, to correct the fact that
a 49% school completion rate for First Nation students, 30 percentage points lower than the remainder of
the population in BC, is unacceptable and needs action quickly.

My poverty reduction platform includes
appointing a Cabinet minister with the authority and responsibility to set and achieve legislated poverty
reduction targets. One element of this multi-faceted platform is protecting children-at-risk through
immediate investments in child protection services and enhancing support for the transition to First
Nations’ aboriginal child welfare. This will go a long way to address the fact that 15 of 21 children under
the age of two who died in BC between 2007-2009 while in care were aboriginal as detailed in a report
last month by BC Representative for Child and Youth Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond.

And properly resourcing
organizations like the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres will provide much needed, target
support for the rapidly growing urban First Nation demographic.

Education and training are at the basis of increased First Nations participation in the economy yet current
provincial government approaches to economic development on traditional territories has reduced
opportunities especially in natural resource-related initiatives. We have witnessed a lack of investment
due to uncertainty regarding title and conflicts that have arisen due to inadequate consultative
processes. A part of this is the failure of the BC Liberals to ensure companies have the ‘social license’ to
develop and operate a project. Currently the government absolves itself of responsibility in this area and
advises companies to undertake social license related negotiations with the impacted First Nation. This
is a total abdication of what is a legitimate role of a responsible government – something the Haida case
properly pointed out.

A provincial government under my leadership would provide the support and
resources to the relevant Ministries to ensure the framework for the social license discussion is well
constructed so that the province, First Nations and companies enter into this area of negotiation with a
clear understanding of the rules and final objectives.

My platform also calls for a revamped
environmental assessment process that is independent, fully-funded and utilizes a triple bottom line
to assess the full spectrum of economic, social and environmental considerations and the
cumulative impacts of project proposals. As such the environmental assessment would fulfill its
role as a technical process which could usefully serve as the first stage in consultation with First
Nations by collecting and evaluating relevant information so that an accurate picture of a
project’s impact and potential mitigation measures can be developed. But consultation with a view
to reaching an accommodation is very much a political, not a technical, process which must be attempted
through a formally established, and mutually agreed upon, government-to-government process. One
reason we have seen failures of the EA process recently is due to the fact that the provincial
government’s approach is leaving a technical process to also primarily deal with consultation and
accommodation as well and the results have been poor in all topic areas.

There are bilateral and treaty table mechanisms that can assist in defining successful
accommodation and consultation as well as addressing the certainty issue around aboriginal
title. These mechanisms need more attention and support from the provincial government. At
the basis of my approach is respect, recognition and accommodation of aboriginal title and
rights in developing government agreements and treaties, ending court actions by government
that have sought to deny such title and rights and broadening the range of tools available to
include legislation and resources.

As Premier I would immediately strike a reconciliation
committee in caucus to review recognition legislation with the goal of introducing
recommendations into the legislature within one year of forming government.

Once again, thank you for the opportunity to respond to your questions. I look forward to more detailed
discussions in the future.

Yours truly,
Mike Farnworth

Responses are online at:
http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/files/FNLCReleas ... 022511.pdf

A copy of the joint letter to leadership candidates is online at:
http://www.ubcic.bc.ca/News_Releases/UB ... 81101.html

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First Nations Leadership Council Statement regarding election of Christy Clark as Premier-designate

(Coast Salish Territory / Vancouver – February 28, 2011)

The First Nations Leadership Council is taking a wait and see approach following the election of Christy Clark as the new Leader of the BC Liberal Party and Premier-designate of British Columbia.

"We congratulate Ms. Clark on her election as the Premier–designate of British Columbia”, said Chief Douglas White of the First Nations Summit Political Executive. “First Nations across this province will now be looking to the new Premier for her commitment to work with First Nations to address the horrible reality of too many of our children who are born into chronic and grinding poverty and to close the socio-economic gaps faced by our communities, to work to implement existing treaties between First Nations and the Crown and to reinvigorate BC's approach to reconciliation of our Aboriginal Title and Rights through treaty negotiations, and continue our joint efforts to implement the principles of the New Relationship based on mutual respect and recognition.”

"We congratulate Christy Clark and we are extremely interested in her 'families first' campaign message. First Nations deeply resent the disgraceful levels of inter-generational child poverty within our communities while many resource-based companies prosper from our territories,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, President of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs. "Governments and big business must recognize our constitutionally-enshrined, judicially-recognized and internationally declared Aboriginal Title, Rights and Treaty Rights through true revenue-sharing and shared decision-making to ensure all of our children enjoy a safe, healthy and prosperous future."

"Congratulations to the BC Liberals on selecting their new leader, Christy Clark, soon to be BC’s second female premier. Much progress has been made over the past 10 years under the leadership of Premier Gordon Campbell whom we send our best wishes”, said Regional Chief Jody Wilson Raybould of the BC Assembly of First Nations, “Ms. Clark has the opportunity to continue along the same path as her predecessor towards reconciliation with our Nations through the full recognition of our Title and Rights. While our communities face many challenges, we are having success and can continue to make progress where there is understanding and a willingness to cooperate. We look forward to working with Ms. Clark."

The First Nations Leadership Council will be seeking an early meeting with Premier-designate Clark to discuss how her government will work with First Nations to revitalize work to implement the commitments made in the New Relationship and continue towards a new era of co-operation where Aboriginal Title and Rights are recognized; where each other’s laws and responsibilities are respected and where both Aboriginal and Crown titles and jurisdictions are reconciled.

-30-
For more information and further comment:
Regional Chief Jody Wilson-Raybould, BC Assembly of First Nations (778) 772-8681
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, Union of BC Indian Chiefs (250) 490-5314
Chief Douglas White, First Nations Summit (604) 910-8853

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Turtle Island Native Network notes the new Premier of British Columbia
has appointed the former Minister of Children and Families as the new Minister of Aboriginal Relations . . .

Mark Polak (previously with MCFD) now is the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation . . .

Here's the complete rundown of the new provincial government - Ministers, Committees, Deputies, etc . . .
- - -

March 14, 2011

Office of the Premier

Premier Christy Clark announces cabinet

VICTORIA - Premier Christy Clark today announced a new, smaller cabinet
focused on putting families first, creating jobs and changing the way
British Columbians engage with their government.

"Our new cabinet will reflect the priorities of British Columbians and
put families at the centre of all our decision-making," said Premier
Clark. "Together, we will focus on creating jobs and building a strong
economy because that is the single most important thing we can do to
support families and ensure we can invest in critical services like
health and education. This is a team that will work hard to ensure that
prosperity and opportunity extend to every region of our province."

The new cabinet is made up of 17 ministers plus the premier, reduced
from the previous total of 24. This includes the new Ministry of Jobs,
Tourism and Innovation, which will bring together many of the functions
in government focused on job creation under a single ministry. As well,
three new cabinet committees reflect the priorities of government - the
Committee on Families First; the Committee on Jobs and Economic Growth;
and the Committee on Open Government and Engagement.

Responsibility for colleges and universities has been recombined under
the Ministry of Advanced Education; responsibility for mining has been
returned to the Ministry of Energy and Mines; Labour and Citizen
Services have been combined; and Forests and Lands has been combined
with Natural Resource Operations.

The new cabinet appointed and sworn into office by the Lieutenant-
Governor in a ceremony today is:
* Premier - Hon. Christy Clark
* Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance - Hon. Kevin Falcon
* Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation - Hon. Mary Polak
* Minister of Advanced Education - Hon. Naomi Yamamoto
* Minister of Agriculture - Hon. Don McRae
* Attorney General - Hon. Barry Penner
* Minister of Children and Family Development - Hon. Mary McNeil
* Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development - Hon. Ida
Chong
* Minister of Education - Hon. George Abbott
* Minister of Energy and Mines (minister responsible for Housing) -
Hon. Rich Coleman
* Minister of Environment - Hon. Terry Lake
* Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations - Hon.
Steve Thomson
* Minister of Health - Hon. Michael de Jong
* Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation - Hon. Pat Bell
* Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government - Hon.
Stephanie Cadieux
* Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General - Hon. Shirley Bond
* Minister of Social Development (minister responsible for
multiculturalism) - Hon. Harry Bloy
* Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure - Hon. Blair Lekstrom

Additionally, 10 MLAs have been named as parliamentary secretaries, and
will work with ministers to focus on key initiatives of government.

Rich Coleman will serve as the Government House Leader and Terry Lake
will be the deputy Government House Leader. Ben Stewart will be the
Government whip.

"We want British Columbians to have the opportunity to be more engaged
with government decision-making," said Premier Clark. "We will work
with citizens to find solutions to problems, set priorities openly and
explain why we make the decisions we do. British Columbia is starting
from a position of strength. It is up to us to build on this strength
for the betterment of families across our province."

Contact:

Shane Mills
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
250 661-1015

Six Backgrounders are attached

BACKGROUNDER
Members of the Executive Council

Premier - Hon. Christy Clark
Finance and Deputy Premier - Hon. Kevin Falcon
Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation - Hon. Mary Polak
Advanced Education - Hon. Naomi Yamamoto
Agriculture - Hon. Don McRae
Attorney General - Hon. Barry Penner
Children and Family Development - Hon. Mary McNeil
Community, Sport and Cultural Development - Hon. Ida Chong
Education - Hon. George Abbott
Energy and Mines (Minister Responsible for Housing) - Hon. Rich Coleman
Environment - Hon. Terry Lake
Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations - Hon. Steve Thomson
Health - Hon. Michael de Jong
Jobs, Tourism and Innovation - Hon. Pat Bell
Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government - Hon. Stephanie Cadieux
Public Safety and Solicitor General - Hon. Shirley Bond
Social Development (Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism) - Hon.
Harry Bloy
Transportation and Infrastructure - Hon. Blair Lekstrom

The following members of the legislative assembly are appointed as
parliamentary secretaries:
Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier - John Les
Parliamentary Secretary for Natural Gas to the Minister of Energy and
Mines - Pat Pimm
Parliamentary Secretary for Clean Technology to the Minister of Energy
and Mines - John Yap
Parliamentary Secretary for Natural Resource Operations Review to the
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations - Randy
Hawes
Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors to the Minister of Health -
Margaret MacDiarmid
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Economic Development to the
Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation - Donna Barnett
Parliamentary Secretary for Industry, Research and Innovation to the
Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation - Moira Stilwell
Parliamentary Secretary for Non-profit Partnerships to the Minister of
Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government - Gordon Hogg
Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism to the Minister of Social
Development - Richard Lee
Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transportation to the Minister of
Transportation and Infrastructure - Iain Black

Contact:

Shane Mills
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
250 661-1015

BACKGROUNDER
Cabinet Committees

Priorities and Planning Committee
Premier Christy Clark (Chair)
Rich Coleman (Vice Chair)
George Abbott
Pat Bell
Stephanie Cadieux
Michael de Jong
Kevin Falcon
John Les
Ben Stewart

Treasury Board
Kevin Falcon (Chair)
Shirley Bond (Vice-Chair)
Harry Bloy
Ida Chong
Colin Hansen
Randy Hawes
Terry Lake
John Les
Mary McNeil
Barry Penner

Cabinet Committee on Families First
Mary McNeil (Chair)
Margaret MacDiarmid (Vice Chair)
George Abbott
Harry Bloy
Marc Dalton
Michael de Jong
Dave Hayer
Gordon Hogg
Joan McIntyre
Jane Thornthwaite
Naomi Yamamoto

Cabinet Committee on Jobs and Economic Growth
Pat Bell (Chair)
Moira Stilwell (Vice Chair)
Donna Barnett
Iain Black
Shirley Bond
Rich Coleman
Blair Lekstrom
Mary Polak
Ralph Sultan
Steve Thomson
John van Dongen

Environment and Land Use Committee
Steve Thomson (Chair)
Terry Lake (Vice Chair)
Murray Coell
Rich Coleman
Eric Foster
Randy Hawes
Kash Heed
Don McRae
Pat Pimm
Mary Polak

Cabinet Committee on Open Government and Engagement
Stephanie Cadieux (Chair)
Blair Lekstrom (Vice Chair)
Ida Chong
Gordon Hogg
Kevin Krueger
Richard Lee
Don McRae
John Slater
Naomi Yamamoto

Legislative Review Committee
Barry Penner (Chair)
Rich Coleman (Vice Chair)
Ida Chong
Michael de Jong
Douglas Horne
Blair Lekstrom
Norm Letnick
John Rustad
Ben Stewart
Ralph Sultan

Contact:

Shane Mills
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
250 661-1015

BACKGROUNDER
Summary of ministry responsibilities

OFFICE OF THE PREMIER
General Responsibilities
Cabinet operations
Corporate planning
Strategic policy and legislative priorities
Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat
Board Resourcing and Development Office

MINISTRY OF ABORIGINAL RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION
General Responsibilities
Aboriginal policy and coordination
Negotiation and implementation of treaty and non-treaty agreements
Consultation and accommodation policy
Crown/First Nations relationships
Partnerships and Community Renewal
First Citizens' Fund

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
BC Treaty Commission
First Peoples' Heritage, Language and Culture Council
Native Economic Development Advisory Board

MINISTRY OF ADVANCED EDUCATION
General Responsibilities
Universities
Colleges
Post-secondary financing
Post-secondary policy and accountability
Student financial assistance

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
University Boards of Governors
Colleges and institutes
Private Career Training Institutions Agency
BC College and Institute Boards
British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfers
Degree Quality Assessment Board

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
General Responsibilities
Agriculture, aquaculture and food industry development
Animal health and crop/plant protection
Food safety and quality
Commercial fisheries and fish processing
Marine fisheries and seafood industry development
Crop insurance
Grazing and range stewardship policy

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
Agricultural Land Commission
BC Farm Industry Review Board
BC Wine Institute

MINISTRY OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
General Responsibilities
Criminal justice and family law
Administrative law policy
Court administration
Legal aid and public legal education
Alternate dispute resolution
Family maintenance
Legal services to government

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
Legal Services Society
BC Utilities Commission
BC Human Rights Tribunal
BC Law Institute
BC Review Board
Environmental Appeal Board
Forest Appeals Commission
Oil and Gas Appeal Tribunal

MINISTRY OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT
General Responsibilities
Adoption and reunion services
Child protection and family development
Foster care
Child care
Children and youth with special needs
Child and youth mental health
Youth justice programs

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
BC College of Social Workers
Provincial Child Care Council

MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY, SPORT AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
General Responsibilities
Community Charter
Local government
Vancouver Urban Development Agreement
University Endowment Lands
Property assessment
Sports and recreation
Film policy and classification
Arts and culture programs
Community gaming grant eligibility

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
Board of Examiners
BC Assessment Authority
BC Games Society
BC Arts Council
Property Assessment Appeal Board
Islands Trust Fund Board
Provincial Capital Commission
Royal BC Museum Corporation

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
General Responsibilities
K-12 standards and accountability
K-12 funding
Independent schools
Community schools
Action Schools! BC programs
Early childhood development
Literacy
Libraries
Early Learning Agency
StrongStart BC Centres

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
Education Advisory Council
BC College of Teachers
Learning Roundtable

MINISTRY OF ENERGY AND MINES (Minister Responsible for Housing)
General Responsibilities
Electricity and alternative energy policy
Oil and gas policy
Offshore oil and gas policy
Energy efficiency
Renewable energy development
Innovative Clean Energy Fund
Mines and minerals policy
Permitting and inspections of major mining projects
Geological Survey Service
Housing and homeless policy
Transition houses
Building policy
Safety standards and inspections
Landlord-tenant dispute resolution

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
BC Hydro and Power Authority
Columbia Power Corporation
Oil and Gas Commission
BC Housing Management Commission
Building Code Appeal Board
Homeowner Protection Office
Building Policy Advisory Committee
Safety Standards Appeal Board
Safety Authority of BC
Provincial Rental Housing Corporation

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT
General Responsibilities
Parks, wilderness and protected areas
Air, land and water quality standards
Pollution prevention and waste management
Conservation Framework and Species-at-Risk policy
Species and ecosystem protection policy
Oceans protection and sustainability
Water protection and water sustainability policy
Water and air monitoring and reporting
Conservation and resource management enforcement
Climate Action Secretariat
Environmental Assessment Office
State of Environment reporting
Environmental monitoring
Flood Management
Environmental Emergency Response

MINISTRY OF FINANCE
General Responsibilities
Treasury Board
Office of the Comptroller General
Provincial treasury
Economic and financial analysis
Financial institutions regulation
Fiscal planning and tax policy
Tax collection including property, income and consumer
Forestry, mines, oil and gas revenue
Collection and loan management
Homeowner Grants
Capital Planning Secretariat
Crown Agencies Resourcing Office
BC Public Service Agency
BC Olympic Games Secretariat
International Financial Centre
Smart regulation
Regulatory reform
Economic and sector analysis
Renaissance Capital fund
BC Venture Capital program
Investment Capital
Planning and Partnership Development

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
BC Securities Commission
Partnerships BC
Insurance Council of BC
Real Estate Council of BC
Mineral Tax Review Board
Pacific Carbon Trust
BC Immigrant Investment Fund

MINISTRY OF FORESTS, LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCE OPERATIONS
General Responsibilities
Forest stewardship policy
Timber supply, inventory and tree improvement
Pest and disease management policy
Forest investment
BC Timber Sales
Tenures and pricing
Resource roads and bridges policy
Crown land administration policy
Crown land allocation and authorizations
Forests and range authorizations
Roads/bridges/engineering
Independent power production
Mineral and coal titles
Mines and minerals permitting and inspections except for major mining
projects
Aquaculture licensing and regulation
Water use planning and authorizations
Aboriginal consultation and coordination - natural resource operations
Resorts and alpine ski developments
Licensing and permitting for angling, hunting and trapping
GeoBC and information management
FrontCounter BC
Provincial hatchery and stocking program
Watershed restoration
Fish, wildlife and habitat management
Drought management
Dam and dyke safety and regulation
Flood plain management
Pests, disease, invasive plants and species
Public backcountry and commercial recreation
Recreation sites and trails
Archaeology and Heritage Conservation policy and permitting
Resource management compliance
Crown land restoration
Forest investment operations
Wildfire management

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
Forest Practices Board
Timber Export Advisory Committee
Muskwa-Kechika Advisory Board
Mediation and Arbitration Board
Assayers Certification Board of Examiners

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
General Responsibilities
Leadership and support for the health service delivery system
Health promotion and protection
Aboriginal health promotion
Public health planning
Provincial Health Officer
Performance management of the health authorities
Health human resource planning
Health regulation and licensing
Health information systems and e-health
Women and seniors
End of life and palliative care
Community and home support services
Assisted living and residential care
Community care licensing
Mental health and addictions services
Communicable diseases prevention and addictions services promotion
Healthy living/chronic disease prevention
Medical Services Plan
ActNow BC
HealthLinkBC
BC Bedline
PharmaCare
Vital Statistics
BC Ambulance Service

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
Health Authorities
Medical Services Commission
BC Patient Safety & Quality Council
Patient Care Quality Review Boards
Hospital Appeal Board
Community Care and Assisted Living Appeal Board

MINISTRY OF JOBS, TOURISM AND INNOVATION
General Responsibilities
Tourism strategy
Aboriginal tourism
Recreational fish and wildlife promotion
B.C. brand designations
International and internal trade policy
Export market development
Trade, Investment, and Labour Mobility Agreement
Research, innovation and technology
Year of Science
Small Business Roundtable
Canada-BC Business Service Centre
Immigration policy
Labour market policy
Provincial Nominee Program
WorkBC
BladeRunners
Industry training
Community adjustment
Community Development Trust
Community Business Loans Program
Land use planning
Regional economic and rural development
Economic development policy
Mountain pine beetle
Columbia Basin Trust
Rural BC Secretariat
Asia Pacific Trade and Investment
International Marketing Secretariat
Trade initiatives
Pacific Coast Collaborative

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
Pavilion Corporation of BC
Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd.
Leading Edge Endowment Fund Board
BC Innovation Council
Premier's Technology Council
Northern Development Initiative Trust
North Island Coast Development Initiative Trust
Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust
Nechako-Kitimaat Development Fund Society
BC-Alcan Northern Development Fund
Industry Training Authority

MINISTRY OF LABOUR, CITIZENS' SERVICES AND OPEN GOVERNMENT
General Responsibilities
Citizen service delivery
* Government agents
* BC Stats
* BCOnLine
* Enquiry BC
* Online Channel Office
* Business and personal property registries services
* Citizen engagement
Queen's Printer
Chief Information Officer
Information and privacy policy
Workforce planning
Employee engagement
Public Affairs Bureau
Volunteer and non-profit support
Shared Services BC
* Accommodation and Real Estate Services
* Workplace Technology Services
* Alternative Service Delivery
* Procurement and Supply Services
* Corporate Accounting Services
* Telecommunications infrastructure
* Solutions BC
Labour relations
Employment standards
Occupational health and safety
Workers Compensation Act

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
Knowledge Network Corporation
BC Labour Relations Board
Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal
Employment Standards Tribunal

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOLICITOR GENERAL
General Responsibilities
Police and correctional services
Provincial emergency management
Emergency social services
Crime prevention programs
Criminal record check and protection order registry
Victim assistance
Consumer services
Superintendent of Motor Vehicles
Office of the Fire Commissioner
Liquor control and licensing
Liquor Distribution Branch
Gaming policy and enforcement
Responsible Gambling Strategy
Coroners Service of BC
Public Sector Employers' Council Secretariat

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
Police boards
BC Lottery Corporation
BC Pension Corporation

MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (Minister Responsible for
Multiculturalism)
General Responsibilities
Income assistance
Disability assistance
Delivery of employment programs
Provincial Disability Strategy
Adult community living services
Mental health and addictions services coordination
Multiculturalism

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
Community Living BC
Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal
Multicultural Advisory Council

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
General Responsibilities
Transportation planning and policy
Highway construction and maintenance
Commercial vehicle safety and inspections
Port and airport development
Infrastructure grants
Major capital project management

Major Agencies, Boards and Commissions
BC Rail
Passenger Transportation Board
BC Transit
BC Transportation Financing Authority
Rapid Transit 2000 Project

Contact:

Shane Mills
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
250 661-1015

BACKGROUNDER
Deputy minister list

Office of the Premier
John Dyble, Deputy Minister to the Premier, Cabinet Secretary and Head
of the Public Service
Pierrette Maranda, Associate Deputy Minister, Intergovernmental
Relations

Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation
Steve Munro, Deputy Minister

Ministry of Advanced Education
Philip Steenkamp, Deputy Minister

Ministry of Agriculture
Wes Shoemaker, Deputy Minister

Ministry of Attorney General
David Loukidelis, Deputy Attorney General

Ministry of Children and Family Development
Stephen Brown, Deputy Minister

Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
Don Fast, Deputy Minister

Ministry of Education
James Gorman, Deputy Minister

Ministry of Energy and Mines
Steve Carr, Deputy Minister

Ministry of Environment
Cairine MacDonald, Deputy Minister

Ministry of Finance
Peter Milburn, Deputy Minister
Lynda Tarras, Head, BC Public Service Agency

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
Doug Konkin, Deputy Minister

Ministry of Health
Graham Whitmarsh, Deputy Minister

Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
Dana Hayden, Deputy Minister

Ministry of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government
Kim Henderson, Deputy Minister, Citizens' Services and Open Government
Rob Lapper, Deputy Minister, Labour
Neil Sweeney, Deputy Minister, Public Affairs Bureau

Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
Lori Wanamaker, Deputy Minister
Paul Straszak, President and CEO, Public Sector Employers' Council

Ministry of Social Development
Mark Sieben, Deputy Minister

Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
Grant Main, Deputy Minister

Contact:

Shane Mills
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
250 661-1015

BACKGROUNDER
Office of the Premier staff (Victoria)

Mike McDonald, Chief of Staff

Dimitri Pantazopoulos, Principal Secretary (Effective April 4)

Kim Haakstad, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations

Chris Olsen, Press Secretary

Shane Mills, Director of Communications

Doug Brown, Manager, Communications & Issues Management

Trevor Halford, Senior Communications Coordinator

Rebecca Scott, Communications Officer and Deputy Press Secretary

Stacie Dley, Communications Coordinator

Jessica Hodge, Executive Assistant to the Premier

Jennifer Chalmers, Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff

Antoinette De Wit, Managing Director, Correspondence

Judy McCallum, Executive Scheduling Co-ordinator

Contact:

Shane Mills
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
250 661-1015

BACKGROUNDER
Premier and Minister Biographies
PREMIER CHRISTY CLARK

Christy Clark was sworn in as British Columbia's 35th Premier on March
14, 2011.

She previously served as the MLA for Port Moody-Burnaby Mountain (1996-
2001) and Port Moody-Westwood (2001-2005). She has served as Deputy
Premier, Minister of Education, Minister of Children and Family
Development and vice-chair of Treasury Board. During her first term,
she sat on the Select Standing Committee on Environment and Tourism and
on the Official Opposition Caucus Committee for Children.

She took a break from government in 2005 to spend more time with her
family. She worked in the media during her time from government,
including as a columnist and commentator and host of the "Christy Clark
Show" on CKNW.

Premier Clark brought the anti-bullying "Pink Shirt Campaign" to
British Columbia to raise awareness of issues related to bullying in
our schools, workplace and communities.

She has received several awards including the YWCA Woman of Distinction
Award and the 2009 Woman of the Year in BC by the Consumer Choice
Awards.

She attended Simon Fraser University (SFU), the Sorbonne (France) and
the University of Edinburgh (Scotland, UK), studying Political Science
and Religious Studies. She was born and raised in Burnaby and graduated
from Burnaby Senior Secondary.

HON. GEORGE ABBOTT
MINISTER OF EDUCATION

George Abbott was appointed Minister of Education on March 14, 2011.
First elected as MLA in 1996 to represent the riding of Shuswap, George
was re-elected for a fourth time in 2009.

George has previously served as Minister of Aboriginal Relations and
Reconciliation, Minister of Health, Minister of Community, Aboriginal
and Women's Services and Minister of Sustainable Resource Management.

Before his election to the Legislative Assembly, George was a political
science instructor at Okanagan University College.

HON. PAT BELL
MINISTER OF JOBS, TOURISM AND INNOVATION

Pat Bell was appointed Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation on
March 14, 2011. He was re-elected for a third term as MLA for Prince
George-Mackenzie in 2009.

Pat has previously served as Minister of Forests, Mines and Lands,
Minister of Forests and Range, Minister of Agriculture and Lands and as
Minister of State for Mining.

He has served on the Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources
and B.C. Task Force on Mining, and as chair of the Small Scale Salvage
Review Committee. Pat has also served on the Legislative Select
Standing Committees on Education and Crown Corporations.

Prior to becoming an MLA, Pat owned a trucking company and co-owned a
logging company.

HON. SHIRLEY BOND
MINISTER OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOLICITOR GENERAL

Shirley Bond was appointed Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor
General on March 14, 2011.

She was re-elected for a third term as MLA for Prince George-Valemount
in 2009.

Shirley has previously served as Minister of Transportation and
Infrastructure, Minister of Education and Minister responsible for
Early Learning and Literacy and Deputy Premier, Minister of Advanced
Education and Minister of Health Services. She also served as Vice-
Chair of the Treasury Board, chaired the Cabinet Committee on New
Relationship Coordination, and sat as a member of the Cabinet climate
Action Committee.

Before being elected to the Legislative Assembly, she served three
terms on the Prince George School Board.

HON. HARRY BLOY
MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR
MULTICULTURALISM

Harry Bloy was appointed Minister of Social Development and Minister
Responsible for Multiculturalism on March 14, 2011. He was first
elected in the riding of Burquitlam in 2001. He was re-elected for a
third time in 2009 in the new riding of Burnaby-Lougheed.

Harry served on the Government Caucus Committee for Natural Resources
and Economy and various other committees including Finance and
Government Services, Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing
Orders and Private Bills, Legislative Initiatives, Crown Corporations,
Public Accounts, Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information
and Protection of Privacy Act. In addition, he also served as Deputy
Chair of Committee of the Whole.

Prior to being an MLA, Harry was the President of a local
telecommunications company.

HON. STEPHANIE CADIEUX
MINISTER OF LABOUR, CITIZENS' SERVICES AND OPEN GOVERNMENT

Stephanie Cadieux was appointed Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services
and Open Government on March 14, 2011. Stephanie was elected MLA for
Surrey-Panorama in the 2009 general provincial election.

Stephanie previously served as Minister of Community, Sport and
Cultural Development. She also was chair of the Special Committee to
Appoint an Information and Privacy Commissioner, and was a member of
the Select Standing Committees on Health and on Children and Youth and
the Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act.

Living with a spinal cord injury since a car accident at the age of 18,
she became a strong community advocate for programs to assist people
with physical disabilities to achieve their goals and regain
independence. In 2007, Stephanie worked with 2010 Legacies Now to
develop an Accessible Tourism Plan for BC.

Stephanie worked with the BC Paraplegic Association for eight years,
most recently as director of marketing and development.

HON. IDA CHONG
MINISTER OF COMMUNITY, SPORT AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Ida Chong was appointed Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural
Development on March 14, 2011. She was re-elected for a fourth term as
MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head in the 2009 election.

Ida's previous cabinet portfolios include Minister of Science and
Universities, Minister of Regional Economic and Skills Development,
Minister of Healthy Living Sport, Minister of Small Business,
Technology and Economic Development, Minister Responsible for the Asia-
Pacific Initiative, Minister of Community Services, Minister of
Advanced Education and Minister of State for Women's and Seniors'
Services. In addition to her role as Minister, she also served on the
Cabinet Committee for Climate Action and Treasury Board.

Ida has been involved in her community for years - volunteering for a
number of not-for-profit groups and serving as municipal councillor for
the District of Saanich, from 1993-1996.

HON. RICH COLEMAN
MINISTER OF ENERGY AND MINES AND MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR HOUSING

Rich Coleman was appointed Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister
Responsible for Housing on March 14, 2011. He was re-elected for a
fourth term as MLA for Fort Langley-Aldergrove in the 2009 general
election.

Rich's previous cabinet positions include Minister of Public Safety and
Solicitor General and Minister Responsible for Housing, Minister of
Housing and Social Development and Minister of Forests and Range.

Before entering public life, Rich was governor of the BC Kinsmen,
president of the Aldergrove Chamber of Commerce, and a director of
several volunteer boards.

HON. MICHAEL de JONG
MINISTER OF HEALTH

Michael de Jong was named Minister of Health on March 14, 2011. He was
re-elected in 2009 as the MLA for the newly named constituency of
Abbotsford West, an area he has represented since first being elected
to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in a 1994 by-election.

The five-term MLA previously served as Attorney General, Minister of
Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Minister of Labour and
Citizens' Services, and Minister of Forests. In addition he also served
as Government House Leader.

Before his election as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 1994,
Mike served two terms as an elected School Trustee for Abbotsford
School District 34, and was a practicing lawyer with his own Abbotsford
firm. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University in
Ottawa and a law degree from the University of Alberta.

HON. KEVIN FALCON
MINISTER OF FINANCE AND DEPUTY PREMIER

Kevin Falcon was appointed Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier on
March 14, 2011. He was first elected in 2001 to represent the riding of
Surrey-Cloverdale, and was re-elected in 2005 and 2009.

Kevin previously served as Minister of Health Services, Minister of
Transportation and Minister of State for De-regulation.

Before being elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2001, Kevin was
president of Access Group, a corporate communications firm he founded
in 1998. He has also worked in the real estate development industry and
was vice-president of Northwest Investment Properties.

HON. TERRY LAKE
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT

Dr. Terry Lake was appointed Minister of Environment on March 14, 2011.
He was first elected in 2009 as MLA for the riding of Kamloops-North
Thompson.

Terry served as the Parliamentary Secretary for Health Promotion to the
Minister of Health Services. Previous to that Terry served as
Parliamentary Secretary for the Ranching Task Force to the Minister of
Agriculture and Lands. He also sat as a member of the Selecting
Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, on Health, and on Legislative
Initiatives and was a member of the Early Childhood Education
Innovations Committee.

A veterinarian by profession, Terry served as the Mayor of the City of
Kamloops from 2005-2008 and as a city councillor from 2002-2005.

HON. BLAIR LEKSTROM
MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Blair Lekstrom was appointed Minister of Transportation and
Infrastructure on March 14, 2011.

Blair was first elected in the riding of Peace River South in 2001. He
was re-elected for a third time in 2009.

Blair has previously served as Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum
Resources and Minister of Community Development.

Previously, Blair chaired the Legislative Select Standing Committee on
Finance and Government Services (2001, 2002, 2005 and 2006) and served
on the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Agriculture
Policy Development Committee, the Legislative Review Committee and the
Government Caucus Committee on the Economy.

Before becoming an MLA, Blair served as Mayor of the City of Dawson
Creek. He was first elected mayor in 1996, after serving for three
years as a councillor.

HON. DON McRAE
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE

Don McRae was appointed Minister of Agriculture on March 14, 2011. He
was first elected in 2009 as MLA for the riding of Comox Valley.

Don served as Convener of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal
Affairs and was a member of the Select Standing Committee on Health and
Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services.

Don was born and raised in the Comox Valley. For 14 years he taught at
GP Vanier Secondary School in Courtenay. Don also served as a Courtenay
City Councillor from 2002-2009.

HON. MARY McNEIL
MINISTER OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT

Mary McNeil was appointed Minister of Children and Family Development
on March 14, 2011. She was first elected as MLA for Vancouver-False
Creek in the 2009 election.

Mary previously served as Minister for Citizen Services, Minister of
State for the Olympics and ActNow BC.

Before becoming an MLA, she served as president and CEO of the BC
Cancer Foundation for eight years. Mary also served on the Vancouver
Police Board for four years.

HON. BARRY PENNER Q.C.
ATTORNEY GENERAL

Barry Penner, Q.C. was appointed Attorney General on December 1, 2010.
He was re-elected for a fourth term as MLA in the riding of Chilliwack-
Hope in 2009.

Barry previously served as Minister of Aboriginal Relations and
Reconciliation, and Minister of Environment.

Barry has also chaired the Legislative Standing Committee on
Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private
Bills, and served as a member of the Legislative Select Standing
Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, and the Cabinet Committee for
Legislative Review.

HON. MARY POLAK
MINISTER OF ABORIGINAL RELATIONS AND RECONCILIATION

Mary Polak was appointed Minister of Aboriginal Relations and
Reconciliation on March 14, 2011. She was re-elected to the B.C.
Legislature in 2009, having represented the constituents of Langley
since 2005.

Prior to her new Cabinet post, Mary served as the Minister of Children
and Family Development and Minister Responsible for Child Care,
Minister of Healthy Living and Sport and Parliamentary Secretary to the
Minister of Health for the Conversation on Health.

Mary previously sat on the Cabinet Committee on New Relationship
Coordination and the Government Caucus Committee on Social Development
as well as on the Government Caucus Committee for Natural Resources and
the Economy, the Select Standing Committees for Children and Youth,
Education and Public Accounts, the Cabinet Committee on Agenda
Development and the Special Committee to Review the Personal
Information Protection Act.

Before being elected to the Legislative Assembly, Mary served as a
trustee and former chair of the Surrey School Board.

HON. STEVE THOMSON
MINISTER OF FORESTS, LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCE OPERATIONS

Steve Thomson was appointed Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural
Resource Operations on March 14, 2011. He was elected to represent the
riding of Kelowna-Mission in 2009.

Steve previously served as Minister of Natural Resource Operations and
Minister of Energy, and Minister of Agriculture and Lands.

Steve is the former executive director of the BC Agriculture Council
and has developed his career and experience working on behalf of
British Columbia farmers and ranchers. He has served as General Manager
of the BC Fruit Growers Association and the BC Milk Producers
Association.

He has also served as a director of the Kelowna Museum, the Okanagan
Innovation Fund and the BC BioEnergy Network.

HON. NAOMI YAMAMOTO
MINISTER OF ADVANCED EDUCATION

Naomi Yamamoto was appointed Minister of Advanced Education on March
14, 2011. She was elected as MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale in 2009.

Naomi previously served as Minister of State for Building Code Renewal
and Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations.

Naomi was the president and owner of Tora Design Group in North
Vancouver for 21 years. She also enjoyed working with the business
community as the president and general manager of the North Vancouver
Chamber of Commerce.

She served on the board of the North Shore Credit Union and the
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and was president of the Gordon and
Marion Smith Foundation.