. . World News – CA – B. . C.. . The new cabinet: Rob Fleming resigns as education minister, Selina Robinson heads the finances

Prime Minister John Horgan made a major change, replacing Rob Fleming as British Columbia Secretary of Education during the swearing-in of his new cabinet on Thursday.

Jennifer Whiteside, the newly elected MLA in New Westminster, has been put on the red-hot file in his place.

Whiteside, the former executive director of the Hospital Employees ‘Union, will forge a controversial relationship with the BC Teachers’ Federation on teacher safety in schools amid COVID-19.

Whiteside will also look into questions about whether schools should close in second wave cases under a spike.

Fleming has been reassigned to Head of Transportation and is assisted by Bowinn Ma, the MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale and the new Secretary of State for Infrastructure.

Selina Robinson has been named Treasury Secretary, succeeding Carole James, who retired after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

The Coquitlam-Maillardville MLA used to be responsible for housing and community affairs and will be responsible for filing what is expected to be one of the toughest state budgets in B.. C.. . Story next year.

In September, the province expected a deficit of $ 12. 8 billion and could still skyrocket due to stimulus spending and other financial losses resulting from the pandemic.

Delta North MLA Ravi Kahlon joined the cabinet for the first time in one of its key roles.

His official title is Minister of Employment, Economic Recovery and Innovation, but his primary responsibility will be to communicate the province’s pandemic recovery plan.

Adrian Dix remains responsible for the Ministry of Health and will continue to lead B.. C.. . Public health response alongside Provincial Health Officer Dr. . Bonnie Henry.

« The pandemic has turned the lives of British Columbians upside down, » Horgan said. “We have come a long way together, but we have to go much further. This knowledgeable and diverse team is ready to continue our fight against COVID-19 and build an economic recovery where everyone is involved. ”

After the entire cabinet has been sworn in, Horgan will follow the largely virtual swearing in with its first media availability since B.. C.. . Extensive new measures to combat the second wave of COVID-19 were launched a week ago, including a requirement that masks be worn in all indoor public spaces.

The cabinet is balanced with 12 women and 12 men and shows some new faces for Vancouver Island: Sheila Malcolmson joins as Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, and former Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne is the new Minister for Municipalities Affairs.

Mike Farnworth continues to lead public safety and is now responsible for ICBC. The Crown Corporation was formerly in the realm of David Eby, who is still attorney general and takes over the apartment.

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John Horgan, New Democratic Party in British Columbia, Cabinet, Member of the Legislative Assembly