WEST Vancouver-Capilano MLA Ralph Sultan has joined cabinet after a decade as a Liberal backbencher.
Sultan, 79, was appointed as Minister of State for Seniors Wednesday morning as B.C. Premier Christy Clark announced a cabinet shuffle.
In addition to the junior cabinet post, Sultan will also sit on several cabinet committees including one on open government and engagement, another on families first as well as the legislative review committee.
Its the first time the veteran West Vancouver MLA has been appointed to the inner circle, despite an impressive academic record as a professor at Harvard and a private sector career in finance.
Sultans seat in West Vancouver is considered a safe one for the Liberals. In past elections, Sultan has consistently topped the polls on the North Shore, earning 66 per cent of the popular vote in the last election.
North Vancouver-Lonsdale MLA Naomi Yamamoto was also named to a new position in the cabinet. Yamamoto, who has served one term as MLA, moves to Minister of State for Small Business from her previous post as Minister of Advanced Education. In that role, Yamamoto will also sit on the cabinet committee on jobs and skills training.
North Vancouver-Seymour MLA Jane Thornthwaite has been appointed parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Education, overseeing student support and parent engagement. Prior to entering provincial politics in 2009, Thornthwaite was chair of the North Vancouver Board of Education.
Sultan, Yamamoto and Thornthwaite have all said they plan to run again in the next provincial election.
West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Joan McIntyre announced Tuesday she will not seek re-election.
More to come
