Okanagan, Kamloops Liberal MLAs given high-profile critic roles

With COVID-19 being the key focus of the B.C. government, the health portfolio is one of the most visible in government.

Interim Liberal leader Shirley Bond named Kelowna-Mission MLA Renee Merrifield as Health critic today, Dec. 1.

“Combatting COVID-19 is a central focus of government right now, and I am looking forward to getting involved in that important work in my new role as Health Critic,” Merrifield said in a news release. “While the health minister continues his work to keep British Columbians safe and healthy, I am ready to hold him accountable and ensure that he is looking out for the needs of this entire province.”

Merrifield replaces Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick in that role. Letnick was highly praised by NDP health minister Adrian Dix for his cooperative efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. Letnick was named assistant deputy speaker.

The Central Okanagan’s third Liberal MLA Ben Stewart, who represents the riding of Kelowna South, was named the Housing critic. Dan Ashton, the Liberal MLA for the Penticton riding, was named Municipal Affairs critic.

Both Kamloops MLAs were also given critic roles with Todd Stone (Kamloops-North Thompson) given the job of Economic Recovery and Reconciliation critic while Peter Milobar (Kamloops-North Thompson) was named critic for Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.

Bond gave positions to all but one of her Liberal caucus members. Only outgoing party leader Andrew Wilkinson is not identified as having any additional duties.

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