A Coquitlam MLA is temporarily taking over a ministerial position while the incumbent is treated and recovers from cancer.
Last week, Premier David Eby named MLA Jodie Wickens (Coquitlam–Burke Mountain) to step in for Victoria–Beacon Hill MLA Grace Lore in her role of Children and Family Development minister.
On social media, on Dec. 5, Lore wrote she had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer and will be scaling back her provincial duties.
The ministerial file “is so important and requires the full attention of someone to make the changes we need because kids need us to get it right,” Lore wrote on X. “By stepping back, I will be able to focus solely on my treatment and recovery, so I can get back to doing this work as soon as possible.”
Lore said she plans to return to the Legislature for important votes.
After the Oct. 19 election, Wickens was named the minister of state for Child Care and Children and Youth with Support Needs.
Eby also appointed Port Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth as House Leader and Minister for Transportation and Transit while he picked New Westminster–Coquitlam MLA Jennifer Whiteside as labour minister and Port Moody–Burquitlam MLA Rick Glumac as minister of state for trade.
The Tri-Cities’ fifth MLA, former Coquitlam school trustee Jennifer Blatherwick, has the parliamentary secretary role on gender equity.
A byelection to replace Blatherwick will take place on Feb. 22, 2025.
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