New parliamentary secretary for environment, Sheila Malcolmson will work closely with BC's Minister of Environment. (Sheila Maclcolmson)

By Alex Rawnsley

PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY

Nanaimo-Ladysmith MLA Malcolmson given further environmental responsibilities

Jul 26, 2019 | 9:31 AM

Nanaimo-Ladysmith MLA Sheila Malcolmson has a new list of responsibilities with the B.C. government.

Premier John Horgan named Malcolmson the new parliamentary secretary for environment on Friday, July 26. The role serves as support to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.

Malcolmson told NanaimoNewsNOW the appointment means more government focus on environmental issues.

“The more human resources we can bring to the problem, the more conversations we can have with British Columbians, the faster we can get solutions in front of the legislature when we come back to work in Victoria.”

The new job title compliments Malcolmson’s prior education and experience serving as special advisor on marine debris protection.

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“When people abandon boats, there is an oil spill risk, a pollution backlog from all kinds of fiber glass pleasure craft choking up waterways. Ladysmith harbour was one of the most egregious examples.”

A priority highlighted by Premier Horgan during the announcement was the handling of marine-sourced plastic debris.

“Whether that’s whales or sea turtles being suffocated, or foam pollution washing up on beaches,” Malcolmson said. “Even though that’s mainly a federal responsibility, there’s lots we can do as a provincial government.”

Malcolmson is one of eight parliamentary secretaries in the province, representing different portfolios.