Welcoming BC’s New Cabinet: Opportunities for Collaboration and Social Policy Progress

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Dear Members,

Today, November 18, Premier David Eby welcomed his new cabinet in a swearing-in ceremony at Government House, which featured returning ministers and new faces in new roles. The Federation of Community Social Services of BC looks forward to working closely with this team of government ministers to advance the priorities of our sector and the people we serve.

Grace Lore has been re-appointed as Minister for Children and Family Development in significant news for our members. The prior Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions is now contained within the Health portfolio and no longer has its own appointed Minister, though it has a Parliamentary Secretary. Children and Youth with Support Needs now have a dedicated Minister of State, with details of that implementation to be announced/clarified in upcoming mandate letters.

A full list of new ministers and parliamentary secretaries has now been published online. Those leading ministries that interact with the Federation, our members, and our work include: 

  • Children and Family Development – Grace Lore (re-appointment) 
  • Health – Josie Osborne (new appointment) 
  • Social Development and Poverty Reduction – Sheila Malcolmson (re-appointment) 
  • Education and Child Care – Lisa Beare (new appointment) 
  • Child Care and Children and Youth with Support Needs (Minister of State within the Ministry of Education and Child Care) – Jodie Wickens (new appointment) 
  • Housing – Ravi Kahlon (re-appointment) 
  • Finance – Brenda Bailey (new appointment) 
  • Community Safety and Integrated Services (Minister of State within the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General) – Terry Yung (new appointment) 
  • Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation – Christine Boyle (new appointment) 
  • Deputy Premier and Attorney General – Niki Sharma (re-appointment as AG, new appointment as Deputy Premier) 

Supporting the ministers is a roster of MLAs appointed as parliamentary secretaries, including roles focused on Anti-racism, Gender Equity, Rural Development, Rural Health, Seniors’ Services and Long-Term Care, Mental Health and Addictions, International Credentials, Accessibility, Community Development and Non-Profits, and other responsibilities. 

The new ministers will be offered basic ‘appointment letters’ to help them get started in their roles, but finalized mandate letters, with lists of exact priorities to deliver upon, are not anticipated until 2025. This has been suggested as a necessary delay as the NDP government, elected by a very slim margin, finalizes its terms of cooperation with the Green caucus and the policy priorities they may share. Several ministerial responsibilities have also been re-organized, potentially necessitating more thought about the machineries of government and who holds accountability for which functions. The Federation will continue to monitor these developments to identify mutual priorities. 

As takes place around every election, significant turnover of staff and MLAs is underway within both government and opposition teams. Today also brought news of a new chief of staff to the premier – Jim Rutkowski – and other changes are in the works as the NDP decides how best to advance its plan for a new term in government. New MLAs were sworn in last week and are in the process of establishing their new offices, going through orientation activities, and preparing to serve their communities. 

Our upcoming Social Policy Forum, February 12-14, 2025, in Victoria, will feature participation by senior government officials, The Representative for Children and Youth, Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, Community Living BC board chair Shane Simpson, and others in or around government with insight to share about public policy priorities and opportunities for social service agencies to collaborate with the province. Registration is now open, with special discounts for members and further options available for organizations who have not yet joined the Federation. 

For more information about our planned interactions with decision-makers or tailored guidance to help you engage with the government, please reach out to Diamond Isinger, director of policy, at diamond@fcssbc.ca