NEWS RELEASE

BC Cabinet Shuffle Focuses on Jobs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Victoria, September 5, 2012 – The BC Chamber of Commerce today welcomed the BC Cabinet shuffle and its greater focus on jobs, skill development and small business interests.

“This new Cabinet will promote investment and job creation through additional focus on the BC Jobs Plan,” said John Winter, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “The addition of Minister de Jong into the Finance portfolio will also ensure that BC remains committed to its successful fiscal policy.”

There were a number of key responsibility shifts today, notably:

  • Hon. Pat Bell with a changed portfolio to Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour,
  • Hon. Mike de Jong becoming Minister of Finance and House Leader,
  • Hon. Mary Polak becoming Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure,
  • Hon. Steve Thomson as Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations,
  • Hon. Naomi Yamamoto becoming Minister of State for Small Business.

“The added responsibility of labour into Minister Bell’s portfolio is important,” continued Winter. “By including issues such as the labour code and employment standards into his existing ministry, Minister Bell will be able to factor these issues into planning for job creation.”

“Also of note is the added focus on small business interests with the appointment of a Minister of State for Small Business.”

The BC Chamber is the largest and most broadly based business organization in the province.  Representing over 120 Chambers of Commerce and 32,000 businesses of every size, sector and region of the province the BC Chamber of Commerce is “The Voice of Business in BC.”

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For further details contact:

John Winter                                         T 604.638.8110

President & CEO                                C 604.376.3577
BC Chamber of Commerce                E jwinter@bcchamber.org