Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons concedes he’s a little disappointed not to be part of the first NDP cabinet in B.C. in 16 years, but he’s ready “to take full advantage to any role that’s given to me… I’ve still got important work to do.”
One role he has been given is chair of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth.
“Part of my work in the past with the Sherry Charlie [case] led to the creation of this committee and the Representative [for Children and Youth] office, so I’m happy about being able to assist in formulating the agenda for the Ministry of Children and Families,” he said. “It’s going to be a very active committee and one that will serve to bring attention to important issues around child welfare.”
Simons said he expects Powell River-Sunshine Coast constituents will be excited to see North Island MLA Claire Trevena taking over as transportation minister.
“Claire understands the issues that our coastal communities face. She understands the infrastructure needs,” said Simons. “I’ve already had a good chat with her about the Sunshine Coast – what’s coming down the pipe with the fixed link study and the demand for hourly [ferry] service.”
Simons said he’s hoping to have Trevena visit the riding soon, along with new forests minister Doug Donaldson, the MLA for Stikine.
“He represents a rural riding, and he’s eminently qualified to represent that file,” Simons said.
Premier John Horgan is expected to call the Legislature back in early September, when the NDP minority government will offer its first throne speech and face the question of choosing a speaker in an evenly split house. Cabinet ministers are not eligible to be elected speaker, but any other MLA who does not withdraw their name is in the running. Simons is not saying what his plans are.
Horgan’s key appointments include: Carole James, who will service as finance minister and deputy premier, David Eby as attorney general, Rob Fleming in education, Adrian Dix as health minister, Scott Fraser for Indigenous relations and reconciliation, Bruce Ralston as minister of jobs, trade and technology, and caucus veteran Mike Farnworth as solicitor general and minister of public safety.
