The BC Liberals have selected Shirley Bond as its interim leader.
The six-term Prince George-Valemount MLA replaces Andrew Wilkinson who resigned over the weekend.
Bond told MyPGNow.com party members need to start asking themselves what they need to do to become relevant again in Victoria.
“There needs to be a lot of conversation, those are the questions we are going to ask, I don’t know all of the answers as to the changes that are necessary but we are looking to British Columbians, our members and supporters about what direction we need to take.”
“I think that is going to be an exciting opportunity for us to talk about free enterprise, what does a successful party need to look like four years from now.”
Bond also touched on the significance of being from the north and how that can impact important issues in the Legislature.
“I think it’s important that we see our entire province reflected in government. I couldn’t be more honoured to be the MLA for Prince George-Valemount – I am grateful for the support I receive and I would not be in this position today if I had not been elected as the MLA for my riding. I am enormously proud of my constituency, our region and I just love where we live.”
Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad added this is part of a long process to help regain former glory.
“There is a lot of work to be done quite frankly, a lot of listening, but for party members and especially those who aren’t comfortable being in the BC Liberal tent these days, which we saw in the last election so I think there is a lot of work that needs to be done there.”
“I know that Shirley has worked extremely hard for her riding and in all of the tasks that she has been asked to do and I know she will add diligence to this job.”
He is confident Bond will bring the same passion as interim leader as she does for her riding.
“Primarily, the initial job for Shirley is to get our team in place and set critic roles once we know when that is going to be and to get us ready for the early session coming up in December.”
Bond was first elected to the BC Legislature in 2001 and was the first woman to be named Attorney General in 2011.
She has overseen several portfolios during her tenure in Victoria while working under former premiers Christy Clark and Gordon Campbell including:
- Minister of Advanced Education (2001-2004)
- Minister of Health Services (2004-2005)
- Minister of Education (2005-2009)
- 10th Deputy Premier of British Columbia (2004-2009)
- Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure (2009-2011)
- Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General (2011-2012)
- Attorney General (2011-2013)
- Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training (2013-2017)
In addition, the Liberals also appointed Stephanie Cadieux as the new Caucus Chair.
BREAKING – Shirley Bond has been selected as the interim leader of the B.C. Liberals. She was chosen in a vote between the 28 Liberal caucus members. #bcpoli
— Richard Zussman (@richardzussman) November 23, 2020