Centring Jobs and the Economy: Premier Eby Refreshes Cabinet
As global geopolitical tensions intensify, Premier David Eby made a targeted refresh to his cabinet team, aligning ministers’ skills with the province’s most pressing challenges. Framed as a strategic shuffle rather than a wholesale change, the move emphasizes jobs, economic growth, and resilience in the face of the US – Canada trade war and broader uncertainty.
Premier Eby noted that this is about “meeting the current moment” – bringing together seasoned leadership and fresh perspectives to grow the economy, strengthen essential services, and make B.C. less dependent on the United States.
Two New Members of Cabinet
- Nina Krieger (Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General) – Krieger’s appointment reflects the government’s renewed focus on communication and community engagement as urban public safety remains a key priority.
- Jessie Sunner (Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills) – A young, talented lawyer from Surrey, Sunner has shown a strong record in stakeholder relations and brings fresh energy to preparing the next generation of British Columbians to build the province.
Changing Portfolios
- Christine Boyle (Minister for Housing and Municipal Affairs) – With deep experience as a former Vancouver city councillor, Boyle will drive the government’s ambitious housing plans while working closely with federal and local governments.
- Spencer Chandra Herbert (Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation) – Known for his strong stakeholder relations skills, Chandra Herbert will lead this sensitive and vital portfolio as the province navigates evolving Indigenous consultation frameworks.
- Anne Kang (Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport) – Kang continues to bring her experience to cabinet, supporting the tourism and cultural sectors as they diversify and grow B.C.’s economy.
- Ravi Kahlon (Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth) – Kahlon now leads a rebranded ministry focused on the future of work in an era of disruptive technologies, while steering B.C. through the ongoing trade dispute with the United States.
- Diana Gibson (Minister of Citizens’ Services) – As the trade war continues to affect businesses across B.C., Gibson takes on Citizens’ Services to strengthen digital and service delivery infrastructure. Her shift is a reallocation of talent at a critical moment, enabling Ravi Kahlon to lead a renewed economic agenda.
- Rick Glumac (Minister of State for AI and New Technologies) – Glumac’s tech background signals B.C.’s commitment to embracing innovation and digital transformation to stay competitive.
Parliamentary Secretaries
Several experienced MLAs are taking on new Parliamentary Secretary roles, maintaining important connections to government priorities:
- Amna Shah – Anti-Racism Initiatives, Mental Health and Addictions
- Gary Begg – Surrey Infrastructure
- George Chow – Downtown Eastside and Chinatown
- Paul Choi – Trade
Chow and Begg will remain influential within caucus, leveraging their relationships in key communities while focusing on regional priorities.
What this means
This cabinet shuffle reinforces the Premier’s focus on jobs, economic growth, and resilience in a rapidly changing global landscape. By strategically matching caucus members with the files where they can have the greatest impact, Premier Eby is positioning B.C. to seize new opportunities, diversify its economy, and deliver for British Columbians.
For organizations looking to re-engage government, cabinet refreshes create natural opportunities to build new relationships and refine advocacy strategies. As B.C. navigates the economic challenges of a global trade war, Counsel Public Affairs’ team of multipartisan consultants is ready to help you sharpen your approach and ensure your priorities resonate with decision-makers.
