In case you haven’t heard, there was a cabinet shuffle earlier this week that will likely impact the work we do, and perhaps, the future of employment programs in BC.

Political

The Honourable Andrew Mercier, formerly the Minister of State for Workforce Development and Future Skills, has transitioned to the role of Minister of State for Sustainable Forestry Innovation. He has shifted his support from the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills to the Minister of Forestry. This move is a loss for us, considering Mercier's substantial contributions to the international credential recognition file, which informed new legislation.

In response to these changes, the Minister of State position in Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills has been eliminated and replaced with the role of Parliamentary Secretary for International Credentials, now occupied by MLA George Chow. This has resulted in new mandate letters for both Minister Robinson and the parliamentary secretary, and I've requested a meeting with them on your behalf.

Public Service

Within the public service, a notable shuffle has occurred among top bureaucrats. David Galbraith, a highly regarded Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Children and Family Development. In his place, Allison Bond, a former Assistant Deputy Minister and often regarded as the architect of the Employment Program of BC, has taken over the Deputy Minister role at the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

Future of the Social Services Sector Roundtable

Turning our attention to the Social Services Sector Roundtable (SSSRT), initiated by former SDPR Minister Shane Simpson in May 2019, there are concerns about potential disruptions due to these changes. However, there's a silver lining as David Galbraith, a key collaborator within the roundtable who has been actively addressing issues may continue in his new role with the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Or, because the roundtable is led by SDPR, Deputy Minister Allison Bond may take over. Given the diverse stakeholders at the roundtable, spanning various ministries, we remain optimistic that the crucial work of the SSSRT will continue despite the shuffle. I will keep you posted.

Janet Morris-Reade, CEO
ASPECT BC