The two Cariboo MLA’s remain in Christy Clark’s cabinet.
Cariboo/Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett is the Minister of State for Rural Development and Cariboo North MLA Coralee Oakes hangs on to the Small Business and Red Tape Reduction portfolio and is still the Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch.
And while it could be short lived, with the government expected to fall after the legislature is recalled later this month, Oakes says it is still quite an honour…
“The ceremony also reminds us what a true privilege it is to serve, no matter what capacity, last week having the official swearing in as an MLA but today going to the Lieutenant Governor’s house and just being a part of the history and it really reminds us to the importance, from a constitutional point of view, that we are part of something that goes back a lot longer.”
Oakes says it is even more special for her given that it’s Canada’s 150th birthday this year.
We asked her if if today’s appointment was in any way bitter sweet since it appears that her government will fall later this month…
“I think for us everything is, for all of us, I think the sooner we get back to some certainty the better, no matter what role that is. Speaking as the MLA we’ve got huge files to move forward, I am looking forward to working with the different organizations and different groups to see those files move forward, I am confident with those files and for me i am just excited to officially, you know last week was the big one. Officially being sworn in as an MLA, gives me that latitude to go out now and work on those files we’ve worked so diligently on over the last 4 years.”
Oakes says they haven’t talked about who would have any of the critics roles should the Liberal Government fall.