What to Expect
Last week saw the creation of a new ministry for Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship, which will have implications for resource development. The government’s reasoning is that greater integration in natural resource sector governance, strategies, legislation, and policy will better meet the province’s needs around reconciliation, economic benefit, and environmental sustainability goals.
The government will also continue with its budget rollout focusing this week on childcare, healthcare jobs and health innovation. Additionally, members of the B.C. Legislature will be electing committee chairs this week.
The Week That Was
B.C. residents aged 70 and older now have access to free COVID-19 rapid antigen testing kits, effective February 25 at participating pharmacies.
The creation of the new Ministry of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship has resulted in a minor cabinet shakeup. Josie Osborne is now the Minister of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship and Minister Responsible for Fisheries, while Nathan Cullen takes over her previous role of Minister of Municipal Affairs.
DBRS Morningstar maintained the province’s AA credit rating following the 2022 budget released last week.
NDP MLA Doug Routley is now Parliamentary Secretary for Forests. His chief task will be to support Forests Minister Katrine Conroy’s efforts “to modernize forestry” in B.C.
Orders in Council
OIC 100/2022 – Makes the following appointments:
James Mack as the Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship;
Sonja Caroline Martins as the Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship;
David Muter as the Deputy Minister, Ministry of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship; and
Ranbir Parmar as the Assistant Deputy Minister, Ministry of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship.
OIC 101/2022 – Appoints Roari Richardson as Senior Ministerial Advisor for the Minister of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship and appoints Hung-Yu Tseng as Senior Ministerial Advisor for the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation.
