Campbell rolls out new B.C. cabinet

One of the biggest changes was to combine the forestry and mining ministries into a single portfolio run by veteran cabinet minister Pat Bell.

The premier also created an entirely new ministry called Natural Resource Operations as a one-stop-shop for permits in B.C., covering everything from large independent power projects to one-day hunting licences.

Campbell said the aim is to streamline access to B.C.'s natural resources.

"The drive has always been to try and increase more investment in the province, to increase our export opportunities," said Campbell.

Among the other significant cabinet changes: George Abbot will replace Margaret MacDiarmid in the Education portfolio, Barry Penner moves from Environment to Aboriginal Relations, and Rich Coleman is the new solicitor general.

New HST position

John Les has also been appointed as Parliamentary secretary for HST information, a new and likely important position as the Liberal government prepares to defend the unpopular tax in a referendum next year.

The cabinet shuffle comes as Campbell struggles to boost his plummeting popularity. He also plans a televised speech to B.C. residents on Wednesday evening.

Inside his own office, Campbell replaced his right hand man Martyn Brown — an often-controversial figure who has been at his side since his days in opposition — with Paul Taylor, the former head of ICBC.

Brown becomes deputy minister of tourism, which Campbell said is not a demotion.

"Well, obviously, for me it's going to be very challenging not to have someone of Martyn's talent and ability beside me every day," Campbell said.

Opposition Leader Carole James said the same people occupy the key portfolios, and that's a problem.

"[The premier] basically shuffled the deck, that's all you saw today," James said. "Same old people who brought you the HST. Same old players who haven't done anything about child poverty or the challenges in rural British Columbia. He basically just moved them around and didn't do anything that shows that he understands the issues."

In total, Campbell made 17 changes to his cabinet:

• Minister of aboriginal relations and reconciliation — Barry Penner.
• Minister of agriculture — Ben Stewart.
• Minister of state for building code renewal — Naomi Yamamoto.
• Minister of community, sport and cultural development — Stephanie Cadieux.
• Minister of education — George Abbott.
• Minister of energy — Bill Bennett.
• Minister of environment — Murray Coell.
• Minister of finance (minister responsible for small business) — Colin Hansen.
• Minister of forests, mines and lands — Pat Bell.
• Minister of health services — Kevin Falcon.
• Minister of labour — Iain Black.
• Minister of natural resource operations — Steve Thomson.
• Minister of public safety and solicitor general (minister responsible for housing) — Rich Coleman.
• Minister of regional economic and skills development — Moira Stilwell.
• Minister of science and universities — Ida Chong.
• Minister of social development — Kevin Krueger.
• Minister of tourism, trade and investment (minister responsible for the intergovernmental relations secretariat) — Margaret MacDiarmid.

Six ministers retained their existing portfolios:

• Attorney general — Mike de Jong.
• Minister of children and family development — Mary Polak.
• Minister of citizens' services — Mary McNeil.
• Minister of state for climate action — John Yap.
• Minister of state for mining — Randy Hawes.
• Minister of transportation and infrastructure — Shirley Bond.