Kamloops’ two MLAs have been given critic portfolios as part of the Official Opposition B.C. Liberal Party.
While the Liberals finished second in the Oct. 24 provincial election — their 28 seats ahead of the Greens’ two seats, but behind the NDP’s majority-making 57 seats — Peter Milobar (Kamloops-North Thompson) and Todd Stone (Kamloops-South Thompson) were re-elected.
Stone a former transportation minister in the Christy Clark Liberal government, has been named the party’s critic for jobs, economic recovery and innovation, which will see Stone shadowing minister Ravi Khalon.
Milobar has been named the party’s house leader — the person responsible for co-ordinating the party’s day-to-day business in the legislature — and critic for Indigenous relations and reconciliation, which will see him shadowing minister Murray Rankin.
In a release, both Stone and Milobar said they will hold the John Horgan NDP government to account.
“I will push John Horgan and the NDP for action to create jobs and leverage innovation to rebuild the economy, to help British Columbia emerge stronger than before,” Stone said. “We need this government to keep our province competitive on the global stage at this critical time.”
Added Milobar: “It’s vital that we ensure the government takes seriously the physical and economic health of everyone who calls this land home, especially our First Nations communities, who are at significant risk from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Milobar and Stone were sworn in as MLAs during a virtual ceremony on Nov. 27.
Andrew Wilkinson stepped down as B.C. Liberal Party leader following the election and a leadership race will be held at a yet-to-be determined date. In the meantime, Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond has been chosen by caucus to be interim leader.
