“I had done a lot of critical work in my portfolio as a minister and that work has to go on with a full minister in charge,” Sims told DESIBUZZCanada. “John consulted me on it and we both agreed that it is the right thing to do. In fact, I would have liked it that it was sooner. It’s not about me – it’s about doing people’s work.”

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

VICTORIA - Premier John Horgan has made minor changes to BC cabinet that the government said reflects their commitment to a strong, sustainable and innovative economy that benefits people and communities throughout British Columbia but it also sidelines permanently former citizens’ services minister Jinny Sims, who has been replaced by Anne Kang.

"These ministers will work hard every day to deliver sustainable economic growth that provides good jobs, a better quality of life and a stronger province for people in every region. I am confident they will put their knowledge and energy to work for people, as we focus on building an economy that works for everyone," Premier Horgan said.

Sims got into hot water with a disgruntled office staff who released damaging office information to the media and the Opposition BC Liberals, which led to an RCMP investigation that is still ongoing with no conclusion or findings announced yet. Sims faced accusations of taking money for writing letters for Pakistani officials, which she has categorically denied. She has in fact denied any wrongdoing and is confident that the investigation will also conclude the same.

“I had done a lot of critical work in my portfolio as a minister and that work has to go on with a full minister in charge,” Sims told DESIBUZZCanada. “John consulted me on it and we both agreed that it is the right thing to do. In fact, I would have liked it that it was sooner. It’s not about me – it’s about doing people’s work.”

Kang will connect more rural, remote and Indigenous communities with high-speed internet, creating jobs and opportunities for people and businesses, the work Sims had started. She will continue the work to modernize government procurement, so that more local, small and medium-sized companies can do business with government more efficiently.

Michelle Mungall has been appointed as Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness, formerly the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology. Mungall will continue to promote B.C.'s tech sector, economic growth in communities around the province and support business competitiveness. Mungall will be responsible for trade, and engage with industry associations and major sectors on government's approach to quality economic growth.

Bruce Ralston has been appointed Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. Key priorities include implementation of ministry initiatives supporting CleanBC - government's plan for climate action - and in so doing, support innovation and development in the clean technology sector, including renewable energy and carbon capture and storage. Ralston will also oversee BC Hydro and make sure B.C.'s wealth of clean, renewable electricity powers the province into the future. Ralston will continue to serve as lead minister for consular affairs.

"British Columbia has tremendous advantages," Premier Horgan said. "We have rich, natural resources, innovative technologies, skilled entrepreneurs and a competitive business environment. Our government has shown that investing in services people need and making life more affordable grows our economy and helps B.C. remain resilient. We're going to keep working for people and make sure our economy works for everyone, in every region."

With these appointments, B.C.'s cabinet remains gender balanced.

See full list of the Executive Council below:

Executive Council of the B.C. government

John Horgan, Premier

Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training

Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture

David Eby, Attorney General

Katrine Conroy, Minister of Children and Family Development

Katrina Chen, Minister of State for Child Care

Anne Kang, Minister of Citizens' Services

Rob Fleming, Minister of Education

Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Carole James, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier

Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development

Adrian Dix, Minister of Health

Scott Fraser, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Michelle Mungall, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness

George Chow, Minister of State for Trade

Harry Bains, Minister of Labour

Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Shane Simpson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction

Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture

Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure