Katrine Conroy says she asked to continue her previous job as forest minister for British Columbia.
The veteran new Democrat, first elected in 2005, said he was surprised to be appointed finance minister in Eby’s new cabinet.
Conroy inherits a budget projected to deliver a surplus of $5.7 billion this year, but expects the boom to continue as private and government forecasters say B.C.’s economic growth will fall to less than 1% next year. is not expected.
“I have work to do,” Conroy said in an interview Thursday. “There are big challenges. In fact, I was like, ‘I’m very honored that he asked me to take on this portfolio.'”
Eby described his new cabinet as a mixture of seasoned politicians and energetic newcomers focused on the big issues facing the state.
The new finance minister will bring a rural perspective to her portfolio, as opposed to the city-centric views of Eby and other ministers from large communities, the prime minister said Wednesday.
He said Conroy lives on the ranch and has been known to join the family’s hunting trips.
Conroy says she’s a ‘very supportive person’
Conroy said she and her cabinet will consider how best to deal with the surplus and the challenges ahead.
“I am a very collaborative person and will make sure that I continue to do what is required.
“People want to see that we continue to do that work to ensure housing for British Columbians and to make sure things are affordable. ”
BC Speculation and Strengthening Vacancy Taxes
Eby’s power of attorney to Conroy included strengthening speculation and vacancy taxes, providing renter rebates to help reduce renters’ costs, and providing cost of living assistance to help manage global inflation and economic conditions. Some priorities have been set. uncertainty.
The NDP government introduced a speculation and vacant house tax in 2018 to discourage housing speculation and vacant houses. This tax also covers foreign owners and satellite families who have Canadian citizenship but earn income outside of Canada.
The government promised renters a $400 rebate during the 2017 election campaign, but has yet to deliver on the promise.
Conroy said he agreed with Ebbie’s description of her approach to work and life as a “country tough.”
“It is true. I am from rural British Columbia and some of my colleagues are from urban British Columbia. We need all voices at the table. There is no doubt that there is, and that is what I bring.”
Conroy Brings a Variety of Experiences to Work
Conroy, who has four children and nine grandchildren, lives on his ranch in Pass Creek, just outside Castlegar in southeastern BC.
Her late husband, Ed Conroy, also served as the region’s New Democratic MLA.
One of the state’s first female power engineers, Conroy has had a variety of careers outside of politics, including supervising, operating, and maintaining machinery and boilers.
She has also been an early childhood educator, director of a multi-service non-profit organization, college instructor, and a small business woman.
Watch | David Eby Becomes Prime Minister:
The former Attorney General and Housing Minister outlined housing, health care, public safety and climate change as top priorities.
