Sheila Malcolmson was appointed minister of mental health and addictions by Premier John Horgan on Thursday, Nov. 26. (BC Government)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

NEW CABINET

New NDP cabinet sworn in, Malcolmson appointed minister of mental health & addictions

Nov 26, 2020 | 2:42 PM

NANAIMO — Local MLA Sheila Malcolmson will have additional responsibilities over the next four years of NDP government.

Premier John Horgan appointed Malcolmson to the mental health and addictions portfolio during the swearing in of cabinet on Thursday, Nov. 26.

Malcolmson replaces the retiring Judy Darcy and joins cabinet for the first time since moving into provincial politics in 2018.

Parksville-Qualicum MLA Adam Walker was appointed parliamentary secretary to new economy. Former Tofino mayor Josie Osbourne was named minister of municipal affairs.

The Premier shuffled his cabinet, including several key positions, during the announcement Thursday. The 24-member group is gender balanced with 12 men and 12 women in addition to Horgan.

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The updated NDP cabinet posing for a photograph after being sworn in on Thursday, Nov. 26 in Victoria and virtually across B.C. (BC Government)

Selina Robinson was appointed as the new minister of finance, replacing Carole James who did not seek re-election.

Rookie MLA Jennifer Whiteside is the new education minister, replacing Rob Fleming who is the new minister for transportation and infrastructure.

Other key appointments included George Heyman being appointed as the minister of environment.

Five-term MLA Nicholas Simons moved into cabinet as minister of social development and poverty reduction.

Adrian Dix was returned as the minister of health as the province’s COVID-19 response team remained unchanged.

The NDP carry a 57-seat majority into the next seating of the Legislature, scheduled for next month.

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