B.C. Premier David Eby announced a cabinet shuffle July 17, saying the changes are focused on growing the province’s economy and boosting public services.
In announcing the changes, Eby thanked former solicitor general Garry Begg and citizens’ services minister George Chow for their service in their roles, as they will be moving to new positions as parliamentary secretaries in Surrey, and the Downtown Eastside and Chinatown, respectively.
Begg’s role will be filled by Nina Krieger, while Chow will be replaced by Diana Gibson.
Speaking ahead of the swearing in ceremony in Victoria on July 17, Eby said many things have changed since his first cabinet was sworn in in 2022, referencing “escalating threats” from the United States and adding that B.C. has “the resources,” “the access to global markets,” and the “incredible people” to fully realize the province’s potential.
Other moves in the cabinet include Ravi Kahlon moving on from his position as housing minister to take over as minister responsible for jobs, along with Jessie Sunner becoming minister of post-secondary education and future skills, Rick Glumac taking on the role of minister of state for AI and new tech, Spencer Chandra-Herbert moving into leadership as minister of indigenous relations and reconciliation, Anne Kang as minister of tourism, arts, culture and sport, and Christine Boyle as minister of housing and municipal affairs.
In the context of the cabinet shuffle, Eby said B.C. needs to adapt to the “changing needs” of its residents by strengthening the economy, seeking out more investment, and bolstering public services. The changes come as B.C. faces a projected $10.9 billion budget deficit and is seeking to cut spending.
Eby leads B.C.’s New Democrat Party and was first elected as premier of B.C. in 2022, narrowly securing reelection in 2024. He has 27 individuals in his cabinet, supported by 15 parliamentary secretaries. This is the third time Eby’s cabinet has undergone changes since he was reelected to office around nine months ago. Eby’s previous cabinet shuffle after being reelected last year was necessitated by the fact that only 15 of his 27 cabinet ministers had won re-election.
Out of those returning as incumbents following his 2024 election, several were moved around, including the promotion of Niki Sharma to deputy premier in addition to retaining her role as B.C.’s attorney general. Adrian Dix was tapped to be minister of energy and climate solutions, Brenda Bailey became the minister of finance, and Mike Farnworth became minister of transport. In a later development, Grace Lore, who had been serving as minister of children and family development, resigned for health reasons and was replaced by Jodie Wickens.
